Analysis of the Impact of Straw Burning on Air Quality in Huangshi City.

This study discussed the influence of the open straw burning on the air quality in Huangshi City in 2019. The fire spots data of open straw burning of the city in 2019, as well as the air quality and meteorological data in the corresponding period were used. In addition, the correlation analysis and gas mass backward trajectory model were applied. The results showed that the fire spots during the rice harvest period were significantly higher than those during wheat harvest period. The air quality index, concentrations of characteristic pollutants (e.g., PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and CO) and O₃ of straw burning, and the characteristic indexes (e.g., PM_2.5/PM₁₀ and PM₁₀/SO₂) increased rapidly within 2~7 days after open straw burning, which further resulted in air pollution in each urban area. Moreover, the correlation coefficients between PM2.5 and PM10 increased after straw burning. CO was positively correlated with PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with visibility (P<0.05). These results indicated that the air pollution in Huangshi was related to the local open straw burning. The results of the causes analysis of the air pollution, based on the backward trajectory model, further indicated that open burning straw, unfavorable meteorological conditions and transregional transport of pollutants were the main factors resulting in the aggravation of air pollution in 2019. The results provide a scientific basis for Huangshi to win the Blue Sky Defense War and synergistically control air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]