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Arid Land Geography ›› 2025, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (3): 405-420.doi: 10.12118/j.issn.1000-6060.2024.249

• Climatology and Hydrology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Spatiotemporal variations and potential sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in the “Urumqi-Changji-Shihezi” urban agglomeration from 2015 to 2023

YAN Jinye(), MA Zhengquan, SUN Xuanxuan, Alim ABBAS, Palida YAHEFU()   

  1. College of Resources and Environment, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, Xinjiang, China
  • Received:2024-04-21 Revised:2024-05-28 Online:2025-03-25 Published:2025-03-14
  • Contact: Palida YAHEFU E-mail:yanjinye1126@163.com;paridayakup@163.com

Abstract:

Using the HYSPLIT model and other methods, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations and sources of PM2.5 and PM10 in the Urumqi, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Shihezi urban agglomeration from 2015 to 2023. The results indicate the following: (1) Spatial scale: From 2019 to 2022, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher in the central and northwestern parts of the urban agglomeration. PM10 concentrations showed an inverse relationship with elevation. (2) Temporal scale: From 2015 to 2023, on an interannual scale, the annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in Urumqi City and Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture showed an overall downward trend. In contrast, Shihezi City and Wujiaqu City experienced significant decreases in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations only in 2023. On a seasonal scale, the average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 generally declined, with the largest relative reduction in spring, followed by summer and autumn, and the smallest reduction in winter. On a monthly scale, the average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 displayed a “U-shaped” distribution, with a significant reduction in January. On a weekly scale, heavy weekday traffic congestion led to a “negative weekend effect” for PM2.5 concentrations across all four cities, while PM10 concentrations exhibited a “positive weekend effect” only in Urumqi City. On a daily scale, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in winter were significantly higher than in other seasons. PM2.5 concentrations decreased overall, with fewer high-concentration days, while PM10 concentrations fluctuated more due to dust events. (3) Pollution sources (2019—2021): In 2019, pollution was predominantly from local sources, resulting in widespread and high concentrations. In 2020, pandemic-related restrictions reduced local emissions, shifting pollution sources toward Central Asia. In 2021, pollution sources expanded again, returning to domestic regions. This study provides essential data for air pollution control and environmental policy optimization in the Urumqi, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Shihezi urban agglomeration, contributing to regional ecological protection and sustainable economic development.

Key words: PM2.5 and PM10, Urumqi, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and Shihezi urban agglomeration, spatiotemporal variations, potential source apportionment