[Characteristics and sources of trace elements in ambient PM2.5 in Beijing]

To understand concentration levels and sources of trace elements in PM2.5(particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 microns) concentration and composition in the ambient air of Beijing, weekly samples were simultaneously collected for one year in Chegongzhuang and Qinghuayuan. Trace elements exhibited similar significant weekly variations. The strongest weekly shift occurred in winter, which reached as high as a factor of 1.6 for two consecutive weeks. No obvious seasonal pattern was found for trace elements except for that their average concentrations were much higher in winter. The EFs of trace elements were lowest in spring, probably due to frequent dust storms resulting in reduced contribution of anthropogenic sources and increased contribution of soil dust. The ambient concentrations of Se, Br, and Pb were about 1000-8000 times higher than those expected from the crustal soil in Beijing. Se was most enriched in PM2.5, reflecting the characteristics of fine particles from coal burning in Beijing. The annual mean concentration of Pb of 0.31 microgram.m-3 did not exceeded the WHO annual standard, but was at very high level compared to those measured in Los Angles and Brisbane. Comparison analysis of Pb with Br and Se shows that coal burning is probably another major source of Pb in PM2.5 other than vehicle emission.