Spatio-temporal characteristics of pm2.5, pm10, and aod over canal head taocha station, Henan Province

In this study, spatio-temporal characteristics of particulate matter (PMx; x = 2.5 and 10) mass concentrations and aerosol optical properties were analyzed over the water source area of the South–North Water Diversion Central Line. For this purpose, PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations were collected at the Taocha(TC) station from October 2018 to September 2019, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) was obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol LiDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite from 2007 to 2019. The monthly, seasonal, and daily statistical analyses and related comparisons were conducted in the present study. The results showed that the PM10 concentrations meet China’s ambient air secondary quality standard (100 μg/m³ annual mean), whereas PM2.5 did not meet China’s ambient air secondary quality standard (35 μg/m³ annual mean) at the TC station, no obvious seasonal and diurnal variations are observed, and these particulates are caused by local emissions and outside sources. A significant positive correlation of PM2.5 and PM10 was observed with relative humidity and temperature, whereas no relationship was found with wind direction. The results also showed low (~0.1) AOD in spring, autumn, and winter, whereas slightly higher AOD (~0.3) was observed in summer. This may be caused by straw burning from long-distance transportation. This study may provide new data support for comprehensive ecological measures such as strengthening the ecological environment and water quality protection in the Middle Route Project of the South–North Water Diversion.