Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO concentrations declined at annual rates of 1.5–4.0 μg·m−3·a−1 from 2018 to 2024, indicating successful coal substitution and industrial emission controls, but O3 increased at 1.3–3.2 μg·m−3·a−1, revealing a critical gap in VOCs management. • • Dushanzi District's petrochemical industry is the primary source of SO2 and O3 precursors (NOx and VOCs), with PSCF analysis showing high potential source areas concentrated locally, necessitating targeted VOCs reduction to mitigate ozone pollution. • • PM10 pollution in the region is dominated by southwest transport of dust from bare surfaces and construction, as indicated by PSCF high-value areas confined to the southwest, requiring regional dust control measures. • • Seasonal variations show PM and CO peak in winter (heating and inversions) and O3 peaks in summer (photochemical reactions), while NO2 peaks in winter due to heating and industrial activity, demanding season-specific control strategies.
Abstract
This study analyzes the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and driving mechanisms of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO in the Kuytun-Dushanzi-Wusu (Kui-Du-Wu) region of Xinjiang, based on monitoring data from 2018 to 2024. Results indicate that urban sites (e.g., Kuytun Laoganju Station) are influenced by traffic emissions, leading to elevated PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations. Dushanzi District, with petrochemical industry emissions, exhibits notable SO2 and O3 pollution. Agricultural areas (e.g., Kuytun Huaxin Tomato Company) show significant PM10 and CO levels affected by dust and diesel machinery. Over the study period, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO concentrations generally declined at annual rates of 1.5–4.0 μg·m−3·a−1, reflecting the effectiveness of coal substitution, industrial upgrades, and vehicle emission controls. Conversely, O3 concentrations increased consistently at rates of 1.3–3.2 μg·m−3·a−1, highlighting shortcomings in volatile organic compound (VOCs) control. Seasonal patterns show PM and CO peaking in winter due to heating combustion and temperature inversions, and reaching minima in summer due to enhanced diffusion and precipitation. O3 peaks in summer driven by photochemical reactions, contrasting with NO2 winter highs from heating and industrial activities. The findings underscore the need for coordinated control of VOCs and NOx, optimized dust management, and differentiated emission controls for industrial, traffic, and agricultural sources.
1. Introduction
The Kui-Du-Wu region, encompassing Kuytun City, Dushanzi District, and Wusu City, is a critical industrial hub in Xinjiang, hosting significant petrochemical and agricultural activities. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to severe air pollution, with PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO exceeding national standards. Previous control measures, primarily targeting primary pollutants, have achieved some success, but ozone pollution has emerged as a persistent challenge, indicating the limitations of single-pollutant strategies. The complex emission sources, including industrial stacks, traffic, and agricultural dust, necessitate a comprehensive understanding of their spatiotemporal variations and driving mechanisms.
This study addresses the gap by analyzing six years of monitoring data (2018–2024) to elucidate the temporal trends and source contributions. By employing concentration-weighted trajectory (PSCF) analysis, we identify the dominant source regions and transport pathways for each pollutant. The findings reveal that while PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO have declined due to effective controls, O3 has increased, driven by inadequate VOCs management. The study underscores the need for coordinated control of VOCs and NOx, and provides actionable insights for differentiated regional air quality management.
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LIN Weiyan, YANG Haoran, LUO Liang, LUO Dan, NIU Ting, ZHU Jie, TIAN Shili (2026). Temporal Variation Characteristics of Air Pollutants in the Kui-Du-Wu Region of Xinjiang from 2018 to 2024. Environmental Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025091205
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific annual reduction rates for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO, and what control measures contributed to these declines?
The annual reduction rates for PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 μg·m−3·a−1 over 2018–2024. These declines are attributed to coal substitution, industrial ultra-low emission upgrades, and vehicle emission controls, as implemented in the region.
Why has O3 concentration increased despite reductions in other pollutants, and what are the implications for control strategies?
O3 increased at rates of 1.3–3.2 μg·m−3·a−1, primarily due to insufficient control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are key precursors. The petrochemical industry in Dushanzi is a major source of VOCs, and without targeted VOCs reduction, ozone formation continues to rise. This necessitates a shift towards coordinated control of VOCs and NOx.
What are the dominant source regions for PM10 in the Kui-Du-Wu region, and how does this influence mitigation approaches?
PSCF analysis indicates that PM10 high potential source areas are mainly confined to the southwest direction, suggesting that regional transport of dust from bare surfaces and construction activities dominates PM10 pollution. Local sources contribute less, so mitigation should focus on regional dust control measures, such as vegetation restoration and construction site management.
How do seasonal variations in pollutant concentrations affect the design of air quality management strategies?
PM and CO peak in winter due to heating combustion and temperature inversions, while O3 peaks in summer due to photochemical reactions. NO2 shows winter highs from heating and industrial activities. Therefore, winter strategies should emphasize strict supervision of coal-fired boilers and emergency emission reductions, while summer strategies should focus on reducing industrial VOCs and vehicle NOx to mitigate ozone pollution.
What are the key recommendations for regional joint prevention and control of air pollution in the Kui-Du-Wu area?
Recommendations include establishing a joint prevention and control mechanism with unified industrial access and emission standards, promoting deep treatment experiences from Dushanzi, deploying VOCs online monitoring and precise source tracing, and optimizing agricultural machinery energy structure (e.g., electric farm equipment) to reduce CO and PM10 emissions.
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