Characteristic analysis on PM_2.5 pollution and heavy metal content in ambient air of Hongkou District of Shanghai

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of the PM_2.5 pollution and heavy metal content in the atmosphere of Hongkou District of Shanghai.

MethodsFrom 2015 to 2016, PM_2.5 mass concentration was monitored by membrane gravimetric method on the roof of a building in Hongkou District of Shanghai.Air samples were continuously taken for 24 h each time thus to calculate the daily average mass concentration and the heavy metal content.The data obtained were used to analyze seasonal characteristics.

ResultsThe atmospheric PM_2.5mass concentration was in the range from 0.008 mg/m³ to 0.246 mg/m³, with the average being 0.052 mg/m³ and the exceeding-limit ratio reaching 25%.The PM_2.5mass concentration in winter was the highest, with spring, summer and autumn in decreasing sequence, and was found to be higher in 2015 than in 2016.The average mass concentration of heavy metals in atmosphere were K>Fe>Ca>Zn>Al>Pb>Mn>Cu>V.

ConclusionThe PM_2.5 pollution at the sampling spot in Hongkou District of Shanghai is quite serious with higher rate of exceeding the PM_2.5 standard value.And its mass concentration variation has seasonal regular patterns, it is obviously higher in winter and spring than in summer and fall.