To investigate the variation characteristics and the sources of carbonaceous aerosols in PM₁₀ over outskirts of Lanzhou during spring, samples were collected during 17-26 May, 2012. Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were measured by thermal/optical method using DRI-2001A. The results showed that the average mass concentrations of OC, EC and TC were 2.71, 11.26 and 13.97 μg/m³, respectively. The dust aerosols played a dominant role in increasing the concentrations of OC and EC. Further analysis showed that the local source had a significant effect on the pollution of carbon aerosol during dust storm in Lanzhou. The correlation coefficient of OC and EC was 0.94, indicating the same emission source. The ratio of OC/EC (5.05) suggested a secondary pollution of carbonaceous aerosol in PM₁₀. The concentration of SOC was 3.37μg/m³, accounting for 29.9% of total OC. Factor analysis on 8 components of carbonaceous indicated that coal combustion and vehicle emissions were the major sources of carbonaceous aerosol.

PM₁₀  /  organic carbon  /  elemental carbon  /  secondary organic carbon  /  factor analysis