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Industrial Condensable Particulate Matter: A Missing Source in PM2.5 Source Apportionment Driving Winter Pollution in
Yi Su1, Xiwen Song1, Di Wu1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Air Quality and Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Industrial condensable particulate matter (CPM) significantly contributes to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in China. Ignoring CPM in source apportionment models may overestimate secondary aerosols, highlighting the need for targeted industrial emission controls.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from industrial sources is a significant health concern.
- Current emission controls and source apportionment models often overlook condensable particulate matter (CPM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify nationwide industrial CPM contributions to atmospheric PM2.5 in China.
- To assess the impact of CPM on traditional source apportionment models.
Main Methods:
- Integrated framework of field measurements, receptor modeling, and chemical transport simulations.
- Analysis of CPM chemical profiles and seasonal variations.
- Long-term trend analysis of CPM contributions from specific industrial sectors.
Main Results:
- Industrial CPM contributes a median of 3.6% to urban PM2.5, peaking at 9.5% in winter.
- The iron and steel sector is a dominant CPM source, with increasing contributions.
- CPM omission may lead to an overestimation of secondary inorganic aerosols by 5.6%-16.6%.
Conclusions:
- Industrial CPM is a critical, overlooked component of PM2.5 pollution in China.
- Current source apportionment methods may misattribute CPM, necessitating their revision.
- Prioritizing control of industrial CPM emissions is crucial for effective air quality management.
