Spatio-temporal distribution of six pollutants and potential sources in the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China

Particulate matter (PM) concentrations are affected by anthropogenic emissions and sand transport jointly; however, the relative contributions from those two aspects are usually unknown. In our work, statistical analysis and back trajectories model were used to identify the dominant source in such area, by taking Yumen City as an example. We come to the conclusion that local emissions dominate the concentration of airborne pollutants, while sand transport plays a significant role on PM concentration. The conclusions were supported by the following results. (1) PM monthly mean concentrations at the two air quality stations, which are 70 km far away from each other, have the similar levels and variation trend; furthermore, a regression analysis of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ daily concentrations between both stations indicated a significant correlation, suggesting that PM at both locations was influenced by the same emission sources; (2) statistical analysis results revealed that PM concentration has a positive correlation with wind speed, indicating the wind-blown dust and sand contribute mainly on PM concentration; (3) back-trajectory clustering analysis indicates that long-distance transport particulates from dust sources and their pathways had a significant impact on local PM concentrations.