Source apportionment of PM_2.5 using dispersion normalized positive matrix factorization (DN-PMF) in Beijing and...

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) samples were collected in two neighboring cities, Beijing and Baoding, China. High-concentration events of PM_2.5 in which the average mass concentration exceeded 75 µg/m³ were frequently observed during the heating season. Dispersion Normalized Positive Matrix Factorization was applied for the source apportionment of PM_2.5 as minimize the dilution effects of meteorology and better reflect the source strengths in these two cities. Secondary nitrate had the highest contribution for Beijing (37.3 %), and residential heating/biomass burning was the largest for Baoding (27.1 %). Secondary nitrate, mobile, biomass burning, district heating, oil combustion, aged sea salt sources showed significant differences between the heating and non-heating seasons in Beijing for same period (2019.01.10-2019.08.22) (Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test P < 0.05). In case of Baoding, soil, residential heating/biomass burning, incinerator, coal combustion, oil combustion sources showed significant differences. The results of Pearson correlation analysis for the common sources between the two cities showed that long-range transported sources and some sources with seasonal patterns such as oil combustion and soil had high correlation coefficients. Conditional Bivariate Probability Function (CBPF) was used to identify the inflow directions for the sources, and joint-PSCF (Potential Source Contribution Function) was performed to determine the common potential source areas for sources affecting both cities. These models facilitated a more precise verification of city-specific influences on PM_2.5 sources. The results of this study will aid in prioritizing air pollution mitigation strategies during the heating season and strengthening air quality management to reduce the impact of downwind neighboring cities.