Characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 at Mount Wutai Buddhism Scenic Spot, Shanxi, China.

A survey was conducted to effectively investigate the characteristics of airborne particulate pollutants PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 during the peak tourist season at Mount Wutai Buddhism scenic spot, Shanxi, China. Characteristics of the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in Wu Ye Temple (core incense burners), Manjusri Temple (a traffic hub), Yang Bai Lin Village (a residential district), and Nan Shan Temple (located in a primitive forest district), were determined. The results showed that the PM₁₀ concentration was more than 1.01-1.14 times higher than the threshold (50 μg/m³) of World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (2005), and the PM_2.5 concentration was 1.75-2.70 times higher than the above standard (25 μg/m³). Particle size analysis indicated that the distribution of fine particulate matter in Wu Ye Temple ranged from 0 to 3.30 μm. In other sampling points, the fine particulate was mainly distributed in the range of 0-5.90 μm. The particulates in Wu Ye Temple were mainly characterized by spherical, rod-like, and irregular soot aggregates (PM₁₀) and spherical particles of dust (PM_2.5). Manjusri Temple and Yang Bai Lin Village predominantly exhibited irregular soil mineral particulate matter (PM₁₀), and amorphous ultrafine soot particulate matter (PM_2.5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]