[Aerosol Optical Characteristics with Ground-based Measurements via Sun Photometer and Its Relationship with PM...

The simultaneous quantitative investigation of aerosol ground observation data and particle concentration data is important for a better understanding of the vertical distribution characteristics of air pollution and formulating reasonable air pollution control measures in Chang'an, Xi'an. CE-318 measurements from October 2018 to April 2021 were systematically analyzed to reveal the seasonal and yearly variations in atmospheric aerosols in Chang'an. Then, the relationship between AOD and particle concentration in different seasons and different pollution degrees was explored. The obtained results were as follows:① the seasonal variation in AOD in Chang'an was determined, whereby autumn (1.02)>winter (1.00)>summer (0.63)>spring (0.47). Distinct monthly and inter-annual differences in AOD were observed, showing that the annual average of AOD in 2019 was higher than that in 2020. ② Obvious seasonal and monthly differences in aerosol main control modes were observed; the dominant mode of aerosols gradually changed from coarse mode to fine mode from spring to winter. The seasonal variation in the main control mode of aerosols in 2019 was similar to that in the whole observation period. The seasonal aerosol Angstrom wavelength index (Angstrom) was evenly distributed in 2020, and aerosol particles existed in coarse mode form. Generally speaking, the aerosol type in Chang'an was mostly mixed aerosol throughout the whole observation period. ③ Significant seasonal variations in the relationship between AOD and Angstrom was shown, in which the air pollution in spring was dominated by coarse mode aerosol particles. The local pollution in summer was caused by coarse and fine mode aerosol particles, and the fine mode particles were dominant when the pollution was obvious. The characteristic distribution of Angstrom in autumn and winter was similar; in case of local pollution, the coarse mode aerosol particles were dominant, and in case of obvious pollution, the fine mode aerosol particles were dominant. ④ The monthly concentration variation trend of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in Chang'an consistent with the maximum and minimum values appeared in January and summer, respectively. Seasonal variation in the concentration of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ was apparent, with the highest values in winter. ⑤ A positive correlation between AOD and particulate matter concentration in different seasons and pollution levels was obtained during the observation periods, but the correlation coefficient differed. The specific characteristics were as follows:the correlation between AOD and PM_2.5 concentration was greater than that with PM₁₀ concentration; the correlation between AOD and particle concentration in autumn and winter was greater than that in spring and summer; and the correlation between AOD and particulate matter concentration was greater in polluted weather. Particle concentration was the most important determinant of AOD change, followed by relative humidity, which was the meteorological factor with the highest interpretation rate of AOD change in Chang'an. This indicates that a higher correlation between AOD and particle concentration would benefit from a reasonable humidity correction of AOD.