Source apportionment and health risk assessment of air pollution particles in eastern district of Chengdu

This paper systematically studied the mass concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 and obtained the morphological characteristics and components of the particles through scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX) and discussed the sources of the particles. Meanwhile, the health risk was evaluated according to the mass concentration of particulate matter. The results showed that the average annual PM2.5 and PM10 in the eastern part of Chengdu were 101.99 μg/m3 and 168.89 μg/m3, respectively, exceeding the national second-level average annual air quality standard (GB3095-2012). Both of them were the highest in winter and the lowest in summer and had a significant positive correlation. The atmospheric particles in the study area were mainly composed of fly ash particles, soot aggregates, mineral particles (sulfate mineral particles, carbonate mineral particles, etc.), which mainly came from coal burning, dust, automobile exhaust and secondary products. The results of the health risk assessment showed that the mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 in the atmosphere of the eastern part of Chengdu exceeded the IT-1 target. The average annual air quality index was 185.84, and the air quality index was level 4, classified as medium pollution. PM10 and PM2.5 were both excessive pollutants, and PM10 was the primary pollutant. Relevant measures should be taken to control particulate matter sources to some extent.