Korean and Chinese Ultrafine Dust Components Similar... Chinese Organic Matter 1.5 Times Higher Than Korea's

Expansion of Korea-China Joint Research... Expansion of Ground Observation Analysis Items and Promotion of Three-Dimensional Observations, etc.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] An analysis of the fine dust components in Seoul and Beijing, China, revealed that while the fine dust components are similar, the proportion of organic matter from fossil fuels is higher in Beijing.

The Korea National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and the China-Korea joint air quality research team announced the first phase of their joint study comparing the characteristics of fine dust in both countries on the 22nd.

According to the announcement, the fine dust components in Beijing and Seoul were similar, consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and organic matter. However, the ammonium sulfate composition ratio in Beijing was 11%, about half that of Seoul, while the organic matter was 44%, approximately 1.5 times higher than in Seoul.

Ammonium nitrate accounted for 22% in Beijing and 25% in Seoul, showing similar proportions in both cities. However, during high-concentration fine dust events in 2017, Beijing saw an increase of more than 10%, while Seoul experienced a larger increase of 22%.

The joint research team analyzed that the decrease in the proportion of nitrogen and ammonium sulfate in Beijing is due to the Chinese government's energy restructuring policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel use.

However, since the proportion of organic matter increases during winter when the use of fossil fuels such as coal rises, continuous reduction policies are deemed necessary.

Furthermore, the increase in ammonium nitrate proportion during high-concentration events in both cities is attributed to increased emissions from the transportation sector. Future studies will include local emission surveys and the establishment of emission inventories to derive more detailed results.

The Korea National Institute of Environmental Research has established and operated the joint research team locally in China to build a system capable of responding promptly to high-concentration fine dust occurrences in major Chinese cities.

By analyzing real-time data on high-concentration fine dust alerts and warnings from major regions in China and disseminating this information to related agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, it is utilized for emergency reduction measures and responses to high fine dust concentrations.

Additionally, by analyzing China's "Autumn-Winter Seasonal Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan," which is similar to Korea's "Seasonal Management System" implemented since December last year, information applicable to domestic policies is being provided.

This year, under the Blue Sky Plan, there are plans to expand joint research through the expansion of ground observation analysis items and the promotion of three-dimensional observations.

Kim Young-woo, head of the Climate and Air Research Division at the Korea National Institute of Environmental Research, stated, "Through the Korea-China joint air quality research, we will strive to provide scientific data necessary for establishing fine dust reduction policies in both countries, thereby laying the foundation for advancing Korea-China environmental cooperation to the next level."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.