title: GIS-based multielement source analysis of dustfall in Beijing: A study of 40 major and trace elements.
abstract: Dust, as an important carrier of inorganic and organic pollutants, daily exposes to human without any protection. It affects our health adversely, especially its chemical elements and ions. In this research, we investigated the chemical characteristics of dustfall in Beijing, specifically in terms of 40 major and trace elements, and presented semi-quantitative evaluations of the relative local and remote contributions. In total, 58 samples were collected in Beijing and nearby cities during 2013-2014 "the winter heating period". Using multiple statistical methods and GIS techniques, we obtained the relative similarities among certain elements and identified their pollution sources (from local or nearby cities). And more interestingly, the relative contributions of nearby cities can be calculated by the Hysplit4 backward-trajectory model. In addition, the correlation analysis for the 40 elements in dust and soil indicated that traffic restricted interchange between them; the city center, with the heaviest traffic, had the most significant influence. Finally, the resulting source apportionment was examined and modified using land use data and terrain information. We hope it can provide a strong basis for the environmental protection and risk assessment.
authors.affiliation: College of Resource Environment and Tourism, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China; Department of Geography, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182-4493, USA.
authors.forename: Nana
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182-4493, USA.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182-4493, USA.
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nara
authors.affiliation: College of Resource Environment and Tourism, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China; Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Xing
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.affiliation: College of Resource Environment and Tourism, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: zhwenji1215@163.com.
authors.forename: Wenji
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000068476:Beijing; D002947:Cities; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D012621:Seasons; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D004391:Dust; D012987:Soil; D014131:Trace Elements
keywords: Backward-trajectory model; Dust; GIS; Trace elements