Secondary formation and source analysis of carbonaceous components in PM1 in a typical city, Southwest of China

Carbonaceous components are major components of PM1, which have a significant impact on climate change, air quality and human health. However, the secondary formation and source analysis of carbonaceous components in PM1 are still unclear. Therefore, in order to study the secondary formation and sources of carbonaceous components in PM1, PM1 samples were collected in Chengdu, a typical city located in southwest of China, from 2018 to 2019. The concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and isotopic compositions of carbon (δ13C) in PM1 were determined using a thermal/optical carbon analyzer and elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometer. In addition, the δ13C values from relevant potential sources (C3 plants, C4 plants, vehicle exhaust and coal) were also determined. The results showed that the annual average concentrations of OC and EC in PM1 in Chengdu were 6.43 ± 3.30 μg·m−3 and 1.99 ± 0.98 μg·m−3, accounting for 13.83% and 4.28% of the PM1 mass concentration, respectively. The concentrations of OC in PM1 ranked in the order of winter > summer > spring > autumn, while the concentrations of EC varied in the order of winter > spring > autumn > summer. The concentrations of OC and EC in PM1 reached the maximum in winter, mainly due to the special meteorological conditions and significantly higher pollutant emissions. The correlations of OC and EC were higher in spring, autumn and winter, and lower in summer. It showed that OC and EC might have the same sources in spring, autumn and winter, while the sources of OC and EC were relatively complex in summer. The annual average concentration of secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM1 was 2.23 ± 1.22 μg·m−3. The concentrations of SOC were higher in autumn and winter and lower in spring and summer. The special meteorological conditions and significantly higher pollutant emissions are important reasons for the higher SOC concentrations in winter. On the other hand, the low temperature in winter can also promote the formation of SOC. The results of carbon isotopic compositions indicated that the carbonaceous components in PM1 were mainly derived from vehicle exhaust (52.4%), C3 plants combustion (26.2%), coal burning (16.2%) and C4 plants combustion (5.2%). The findings help to deepen the understanding of the secondary formation and sources of carbonaceous components in PM1 and provide theoretical guidance for environmental management.