Soil Fugitive Dust Pollution in Bole City Near Sayram Lake

Soil fugitive dust significantly degrades air quality in arid regions like Bole City, China. To address methodological limitations causing Particulate matter (PM) overestimation, this study aimed to: (a) Develop a refined 2021 inventory for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 soil dust emissions in Bole City by integrating localized particle size data and the critical TSP proportion coefficient; (b) Analyze emission spatial patterns; and (c) Assess sensitivity to climate parameters. Methods were used to combine on-site sampling, localized coefficients, the TSP coefficient, meteorological data, and remote sensing. Results showed annual emissions of 422.60 t PM₁₀ and 166.91 t PM_2.5. Grassland was the dominant source 153.03 t PM₁₀ and 58.67 t PM_2.5, while bare land contributed least 2.39 t PM₁₀ and 1.05 t PM_2.5. Emission intensities were 0.07 t/km² PM₁₀ and 0.03 t/km² PM_2.5. Emissions peaked sharply in April (214.70 t PM₁₀; 66.55 t PM_2.5) and were lowest in May (2.82 t PM₁₀; 2.16 t PM_2.5). Spatially, emissions were low northeast and high southwest. Precipitation was the most sensitive climate factor, followed by temperature and wind speed. In conclusion, this study provides Bole City's first localized inventory incorporating the TSP coefficient, correcting prior overestimation. It identifies grassland as the key source, highlights April's peak emissions and the distinct southwest-increasing spatial pattern, and demonstrates precipitation's paramount sensitivity. These findings offer a crucial quantitative basis for targeted soil fugitive dust control strategies in Bole City and similar arid zones.