Analysis of Pollution Characteristics and Contributions of Firework Burnings in Nanchang during the Spring Festival

This study investigates the impact of fireworks on air quality during the Spring Festival in Nanchang City, utilizing high-resolution monitoring data from February 7th to 15th, 2021. Significant variations in K⁺ concentrations were observed, indicating severe air quality impacts. During the most intense discharge event A, K⁺ concentrations were 20.7 times higher than background levels, with PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ levels rising to 3.63 and 3.32 times above the background, respectively. The contribution of fireworks to PM_2.5 was determined to be 72.5 ± 25.6%. Sulfate (SO₄ ^2-) and nitrate (NO₃ ^-) concentrations also increased significantly, with Δ[SO₄ ^2- ] and Δ[NO₃ ^- ] accounting for 15.4 ± 18.7% and 10.9 ± 12.3% of PM_2.5, respectively. The study highlights the necessity for effective emission control strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of fireworks on urban air quality and public health. Future research should focus on the detailed chemical pathways and long-term impacts of these episodic emissions.