Impacts of meteorological conditions on PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in Zhengzhou, China

Meteorological conditions play an important role in aerosol pollution. In this study, the relationships between wind, temperature, relative humidity, and aerosol concentrations (PM2.5 and PM10) in Zhengzhou from January 2016 to December 2017 were analysed. Backward trajectory model was also used to investigate the relationship between meteorological parameters and regional transport of pollutants. Significant seasonal variations can be observed in the time series of pollutants and wind, temperature and relative humidity. The simulation of backward trajectories indicated that pollutants from southeast is critical to the air quality in Zhengzhou, in addition to local emissions of pollutants. To improve the air quality in Zhengzhou, joint efforts to reduce emissions in both Zhengzhou and its southeast adjacent regions should be considered.