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PM2.5 accumulation mechanism and health risks in basin-type cities: a case study of Linfen, China.

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Title: PM2.5 accumulation mechanism and health risks in basin-type cities: a case study of Linfen, China.
Authors: Tang, Jiadun1,2 (AUTHOR) tjdofstudy@163.com, Zhang, Zhijuan1,2 (AUTHOR) zhangzhijuan@tyut.edu.cn, Sun, Jianghui3 (AUTHOR) Jianghui.Sun22@student.xjtlu.edu.cn, Ye, Cuiping1,2 (AUTHOR) yecuiping@tyut.edu.cn, Chen, Xi1,2 (AUTHOR) chenxi2@tyut.edu.cn, Liang, Meisheng1,2 (AUTHOR) liangms88888@163.com
Source: Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. May2026, Vol. 198 Issue 5, p1-14. 14p.
Subject Terms: *Particulate matter, *Public health, *Valleys, *Cities & towns, *Atmospheric deposition, *Air pollution, Boundary layer equations, Topography
Geographic Terms: China
Company/Entity: World Health Organization
Abstract: Severe PM2.5 pollution in basin-type cities arises from the combined effects of intensive emissions, complex terrain, and adverse meteorology. However, the accumulation mechanisms and associated health impacts in basin-type cities are still not fully characterized at high spatial resolution. This study integrates the WRF–CMAQ modeling system with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended Air Quality Plus (AirQ+) tool to investigate PM2.5 accumulation and related health risks in Linfen, a coal-based basin city in northern China. High-resolution simulations for January and July 2020, validated against ground observations, are used to explore the roles of valley-controlled winds, planetary boundary layer dynamics, and dry–wet deposition processes. The results show that wintertime PM2.5 levels are two to four times higher than those observed in summer, driven by shallow boundary layers (200–400 m), frequent temperature inversions, and weak winds that trap pollutants along the central valley corridor, leading to persistent high-concentration zones. Diurnal analyses at valley, hilly, and mountainous sites reveal terrain-dependent accumulation patterns, with pronounced morning peaks under winter inversions in valley areas and weaker, circulation-driven variability in mountainous regions. Deposition diagnostics indicate that dry deposition dominates in winter, while strong convective mixing and precipitation enhance wet deposition in summer, promoting more efficient removal. Population-weighted exposure fields coupled with AirQ+ show that winter-related fractions for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality substantially exceed national averages, with the most-exposed 20% of residents bearing a disproportionately high health burden. This study clarifies how emissions, complex terrain, and boundary-layer processes jointly control PM2.5 accumulation in basin environments. It also provides an integrated framework for evaluating health risks and supporting equity-oriented air-quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract:Severe PM2.5 pollution in basin-type cities arises from the combined effects of intensive emissions, complex terrain, and adverse meteorology. However, the accumulation mechanisms and associated health impacts in basin-type cities are still not fully characterized at high spatial resolution. This study integrates the WRF–CMAQ modeling system with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended Air Quality Plus (AirQ+) tool to investigate PM2.5 accumulation and related health risks in Linfen, a coal-based basin city in northern China. High-resolution simulations for January and July 2020, validated against ground observations, are used to explore the roles of valley-controlled winds, planetary boundary layer dynamics, and dry–wet deposition processes. The results show that wintertime PM2.5 levels are two to four times higher than those observed in summer, driven by shallow boundary layers (200–400 m), frequent temperature inversions, and weak winds that trap pollutants along the central valley corridor, leading to persistent high-concentration zones. Diurnal analyses at valley, hilly, and mountainous sites reveal terrain-dependent accumulation patterns, with pronounced morning peaks under winter inversions in valley areas and weaker, circulation-driven variability in mountainous regions. Deposition diagnostics indicate that dry deposition dominates in winter, while strong convective mixing and precipitation enhance wet deposition in summer, promoting more efficient removal. Population-weighted exposure fields coupled with AirQ+ show that winter-related fractions for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality substantially exceed national averages, with the most-exposed 20% of residents bearing a disproportionately high health burden. This study clarifies how emissions, complex terrain, and boundary-layer processes jointly control PM2.5 accumulation in basin environments. It also provides an integrated framework for evaluating health risks and supporting equity-oriented air-quality management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:01676369
DOI:10.1007/s10661-026-15337-7