This study investigated the effect of May 31, 2022 Miryang wildfire on fine particle concentrations in Busan and Gimhae, which are neighboring urban areas. In addition, fine particle characteristics and air pollution concentrations were investigated in Miryang, where haze occurred. The Miryang city wildfire that occurred on May 31, 2022, at 0925 LST, was driven by strong north winds and increased fine particle concentrations in Dongsangdong and Jangyoodong, Gimhae City, which are approximately 35 km to the southeast and south, respectively, of the wildfire occurrence site. Furthermore, the fine particle concentration in Myeongjidong, which is approximately 50 km south-southeast of the wildfire site, exhibited a temporary increase at 1400 LST owing to the effects of wildfire smoke. On the morning of June 1, the day after the fire, the Miryang area had very bad visibility because of the smoke from the fire. Therefore the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Naeildong, 3 km south of the wildfire site, were 276 μg/㎥ and 222 μg/㎥, respectively, at 1200 LST. In addition, the gases O3, CO, and SO2 showed high concentrations at the time of haze generation. This study provides insights into policy making in response to the rapid increase in fine dust when wildfire occurs near cities.

This study investigated the effect of volcanic materials that erupted from the Nishinoshima volcano, Japan, 1,300 km southeast of the Busan area at the end of July 2020, on the fine particle concentration in the Busan area. Backward trajectory analysis from the HYSPLIT model showed that the air parcel from the Nishinoshima volcano turned clockwise along the edge of the North Pacific high pressure and reached the Busan area. From August 4 to August 5, 2020, the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 in Busan started to increase rapidly from 1000 LST on August 4, and showed a high concentration for approximately 13 hours until 2400 LST. The PM2.5/PM10 ratio showed a relatively high value of 0.7 or more, and the SO2 concentration also showed a high value at the time when the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were relatively high. The SO4 2- concentration in PM2.5 in Busan showed a similar trend to the change in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations. It rose sharply from 1300 LST on August 4, at the time where it was expected to have been affected by the Nishinoshima Volcano. This study has shown that the occurrence of high concentration fine particle in Busan in summer has the potential to affect Korea not only due to anthropogenic factors but also from natural causes such as volcanic eruptions in Japan.

This study investigated the weather conditions, fine particle concentration, and ion components in PM2.5 when two cold fronts passed through Busan in succession on February 1 and 2, 2021. A analysis of the surface weather chart, AWS, and backward trajectory revealed that the first cold front passed through the Busan at 0900 LST on February 1, 2021, with the second cold front arriving at 0100 LST on February 2, 2021. According to the PM10 concentration of the KMA, the timing of the cold front passage had a close relationship with the occurrence of the highest concentration of fine particles. The transport time of the cold front from Baengnyeongdo to Mt. Gudeok was approximately 11 hours . The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Busan started to increase after the first cold front had passed, and the maximum concentration occurred two hours after the second cold front passed. The SO4 2-, NO3 -, and NH4 + concentration in PM2.5 started to increase from 1100 to 1200 LST on February 1, after the first cold front passed, and peaked at 0100 LST to 0300 LST on February 2. However, the highest Ca2+ concentration was recorded 2-3 hours after the second cold front had passed.

This study investigated characteristics of meteorological parameters and ionic components of PM2.5 during Asian dust events on November 28 and 30, 2018 at Busan, Korea. The seasonal occurrence frequencies of Asian dust during 1960∼2019 (60 years) were 81.7% in spring, 12.2% in winter, and 6.1% in autumn. Recently, autumn Asian dust occurrence in Busan has shown an increasing trend. The result of AWS (automatic weather station), surface weather chart, and backward trajectory analyses showed that the first Asian dust of Nov. 28, 2018, in Busan came with rapid speed through inner China and Bohai Bay from Mongolia. The second Asian dust of Nov. 30, 2018, in Busan seems to have resulted from advection and deposition of proximal residual materials. These results indicated that understanding the characteristics of meteorological parameters and ionic components of PM2.5 during Asian dust events could provide insights into establishing a control strategy for urban air quality.

This research investigated the effect of the eruption of Japan Sakurajima volcano on the concentration of ultrafine particle when the north Pacific high pressure exists in the Busan in summer. As a result of analyzing the forward trajectory using the HYSPLIT model, the air parcel from Sakurajima volcano passed through the sea in front of Busan at 1500 LST on July 17, 24 hours after the volcanic eruption. As a result of analyzing the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the Busan for two days from July 16 to 17, 2018, the Sakurajima eruption in Japan, it can be seen that there was a high increase in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations compared to the previous day. As a result of analyzing the backward trajectory, the air mass that reached Busan at 1300 LST on July 17, 2018 has moved near the Sakurajima volcano at 1,500 m, 2,000 m, and 3,000 m. The concentration of SO4 2- in PM2.5, the concentration of all three stations in Busan showed a sharp increase from 1000 LST on July 17th. Looking at the NH4 + concentration in PM2.5, it shows a very similar variation trend to SO4 2-, and the correlation coefficient between the two components is 0.96 for Jangrimdong and Yeonsandong, and 0.85 for Busan New Port. Looking at the NO3 - concentration in PM2.5, the same high concentrations as SO4 2- and NH4 + were not observed in the afternoon of July 17th.

This research investigated the characteristics of fine particles during cold front passage in Busan, on March 19, 2020. The cold front speed was 17.4 m/s (about 63k km/hr), moving from the northwest to the southeast, and with a width of about 64 km. The backward trajectory analysis showed that a southern sea air parcel flowed into Busan before the cold front passage, carrying continental materials from China transported into Busan after cold front passage. The PM10 concentration in Busan showed a rapid increase after passing through the cold front, with PM2.5 showing a high concentration during cold front passage. The PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.10 - 0.30. When the cold front passed, SO4 2-, NO3 -, Ca2+, NH4 +, Na+, and K+ in PM2.5 showed a rapid increase, with SO4 2- showing the most significant increase. These results indicated that understanding the characteristics of fine particles during cold front passage in Busan could provide insight into establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This research investigated the characteristics of fine particle concentration and ionic elements of PM2.5 during sea breeze occurrences during summertime in Busan. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations of summertime sea breeze occurrence days in Busan were 46.5 ㎍/㎥ and 34.9 ㎍/㎥, respectively. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations of summertime non-sea breeze occurrence days in Busan were 25.3 ㎍/㎥ and 14.3 ㎍/㎥, respectively. The PM2.5/PM10 ratios of sea breeze occurrence days and non-sea breeze occurrence days were 0.74 and 0.55, respectively. The SO4 2-, NH4 +, and NO3 - concentrations in PM2.5 of sea breeze occurrence days were 9.20 ㎍/㎥, 4.26 ㎍/㎥, and 3.18 ㎍/㎥ respectively. The sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) and nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) of sea breeze occurrence days were 0.33 and 0.05, respectively. These results indicated that understanding the fine particle concentration and ionic elements of PM2.5 during sea breeze summertime conditions can provide insights useful for establishing a control strategy of urban air quality.

This research investigated the meteorologically relevant characteristics of high PM2.5 episodes in Busan. The number of days when daily mean PM10 concentration exceeded 100 ㎍/m3 and the PM2.5 concentration exceeded 50 ㎍/m3 over the last four years in Busan were 24 and 58, respectively. Haze occurrence frequency was 37.6% in winter, 27.4% in spring, 18.6% in fall, and 16.4% in summer. Asian dust occurrence frequency was 81.8% in spring, 9.1% in fall and winter, and 0% in summer. During summer in Busan, high PM2.5 episode occurred under the following meteorological conditions. 1) Daytime sea breeze. 2) Mist and haze present throuout the day. 3) Anti-cyclone located around the Korean peninsula. 4) Stable layer formed in the lower atmosphere. 5) Air parcel reached Busan by local transport rather than by long-range transport. These results indicate that understanding the meteorological relevance of high PM2.5 episodes could provide insight for establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This study investigates the characteristics of diurnal, seasonal, and weekly roadside and residential concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in Busan, as well as relationship with meteorological phenomenon. Annual mean PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Busan were 44.2 ㎍/m3 and 25.3 ㎍/m3, respectively. The PM2.5/PM10 concentration ratio was 0.58. Diurnal variations of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Busan were categorized into three types, depending on the number of peaks and times at which the peaks occurred. Roadside PM10 concentration was highest on Saturday and lowest on Friday. Residential PM10 concentration was highest on Monday and lowest on Friday. Residential PM2.5 concentration was highest on Monday and Tuesday and lowest on Friday. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were highest on Asian dust and haze, respectively. The results indicate that understanding the spaciotemporal variation of fine particles could provide insights into establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This research investigated the characteristics of CO, CO2, and NO2 concentrations at main subway stations in Busan. The annual mean CO concentrations at the Suyeong and Nampo stations were 0.75 ppm and 0.48 ppm, respectively. Annual CO2 concentration at the Seomyeon 1- platform was 649 ppm. The NO2 concentrations at the Seomyeon 2- waiting room and the Yeonsan station were 0.048 ppm and 0.037 ppm, respectively. CO concentration was highest at two times of the day, and was proportional to the number of passengers commuting to and from work. The CO and CO2 concentrations were highest in winter, but NO2 concentration was highest in spring. CO and CO2 concentrations were highest on Saturday and lowest on Sunday. The correlation of CO and NO2 concentrations measured at the subway stations with those at the ambient air quality station were highest at the Seomyeon 1 and 2- waiting room and Jeonpodong. The correlation was lowest at the Yeonsan and Yeonsandong station. The number of days when CO2 concentration exceeded 700 ppm over the last three years at the Seomyeon 1- platform was 174. The findings of this research are expected to deepen understanding of the fine particle characteristics at subway stations in Busan and be useful for developing a strategy for controlling urban indoor air quality.

This research investigated the characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations at the main subway stations in Busan. Annual mean PM10 concentrations at the Seomyeon 1- waiting room and platform were 51.3 ㎍/㎥ and 47.5 ㎍/㎥ , respectively, and the annual PM2.5 concentration at the Seomyeon 1- platform was 28.8 ㎍/㎥ . PM2.5/PM10 ratio at Seomyeon 1-platform and Dongnae station were 0.58 and 0.53, respectively. Diurnal variation of PM10 concentration at subway stations in Busan was categorized into four types, depending on the number of peaks and the times at which the peaks occurred. Unlike the areas outside of the subway stations which reported maximum PM10 concentration mostly in spring across the entire locations, the interiors of the subway stations reported the maximum PM10 concentration in spring, winter, and even summer, depending on their location. PM10 concentration was highest on Saturday and lowest on Sunday. The numbers of days when PM10 concentration exceeded 100 ㎍/㎥ and 80 ㎍/㎥ per day over the last three years at the subway stations in Busan were 36 and 239, respectively. The findings of this research are expected to enhace the understanding of the fine particle characteristics at subway stations in Busan and be useful for developing a strategy for controlling urban indoor air quality.

This research investigated the characteristics of NO and NO2 concentration at roadside (Choryangdong) and residential (Sujeongdong) locations in Busan. The NO concentration at roadside and residential were 34.7 and 8.0 ppb, respectively, and NO2 at roadside and residential were 31.6 and 18.0 ppb ㎍/㎥ , respectively. The NO concentration was the highest in winter at roadside at 37.1 ppb, followed by 35.0 ppb and 34.0 ppb in summer and fall, respectively. NO2 concentration was the highest in spring at roadside at 39.6 ppb, followed by 30.4 ppb and 28.3 ppb in fall and winter, respectively. Number of exceedances per year of 1 hr limit value (0.10 ppm) for NO2 at roadside and residential were 3,585 and 3 hours, respectively. Number of exceedances per year of 24 hr limit value (0.06 ppm) for NO2 at roadside and residential were 32 and 1 days, respectively. Number of exceedances per year of 1 hr limit value (0.1 ppm) for O3 at roadside and residential were 1 and 14 days, respectively. These results indicated that understanding the relationship between roadside and residential could provide insight into establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This research investigated the characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration at roadside (Choryangdong) and residential (Sujeongdong) locations in Busan. The PM10 concentration at roadside and residential locations were 50.5 and 42.9 ㎍/m3, respectively, and PM2.5 at roadside and residential were 28.1 and 23.9 ㎍/m3, respectively. The roadside/residential ratio of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration were 1.18, and the PM2.5/PM10 ratio at roadside and residential were 0.55 and 0.56, respectively. The PM10 concentration in spring at roadside were 64.6 ㎍/m3, and were the highest, followed by 48.0 ㎍/m3 and 45.2 ㎍/m3 in winter and summer. Number of exceedances per year of the daily limit value for PM10 at roadside and residential were 66 and 39 days, respectively. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentration, and PM2.5/PM10 ratio at roadside were 53.0 ㎍/m3, 29.0 ㎍/m3 and 0.55 for day, and 45.5 ㎍/m3, 26.7 ㎍/m3 and 0.59 for night, respectively. These results indicate that understanding the relationship between roadside and residential could provide insight into establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This research investigates the characteristics of metallic and ionic elements in PM10 and PM2.5 on haze day and non-haze day in Busan. PM10 concentration on haze day and non-haze day were 85.75 and 33.52 ㎍/m³ , respectively, and PM2.5 on haze day and non-haze day were 68.24 and 23.86 ㎍/m³ , respectively. Contribution rate of total inorganic water-soluble ion to PM10 mass on haze day and non haze day were 58.2% and 61.5%, respectively, and contribution rate of total water-soluble ion to PM2.5 mass on haze day and non haze day were 58.7% and 64.7%, respectively. Also, contribution rate of secondary ion to PM10 mass on haze day and non haze day were 52.1% and 47.5%, respectively, and contribution rate of secondary ion to PM2.5 mass on haze day and non haze day were 54.4% and 53.6%, respectively. AC (anion equivalents)/CE (cation equivalents) ratio of PM10 mass on haze day and non haze day were 1.09 and 1.0, respectively, and AC/CE ratios of PM2.5 mass on haze day and non haze day were 1.12 and 1.04, respectively. Also, SOR (Sulfur Oxidation Ratio) of PM10 mass on haze day and non haze day were 0.32 and 0.17, respectively, and SOR of PM2.5 on haze day and non haze day were 0.30 and 0.15, respectively. Lastly, NOR (Nitrogen Oxidation Ratio) of PM10 on haze day and non haze day were 0.17 and 0.08, respectively, and NOR of PM2.5 on haze day and non haze day were 0.13 and 0.06, respectively.

This research investigates the characteristics of meteorological variation and fine particles (PM10 and PM2.5) for case related to the haze occurrence (Asian dust, long range transport, stationary) in Busan. Haze occurrence day was 559 days for 20 years (from 1996 to 2015), haze occurrence frequency was 82 days (14.7%) in March, followed by 67 days (12.0%) in February and 56 days (10.0%) in May. Asian dust occurred most frequently in spring and least in winter, whereas haze occurrence frequency was 31.5% in spring, 29.7% in winter, 21.1% in fall, and 17.7% in summer. PM10 concentration was highest in the occurrence of Asian dust, followed by haze and haze + mist, whereas PM2.5 concentration was highest in the occurrence of haze. These results indicate that understanding the relation between meteorological phenomena and fine particle concentration can provide insight into establishing a strategy to control urban air quality.

This study investigates the characteristics of metallic and ionic elements concentration, concentration according to transport path, and factor analysis in PM10 at Guducsan in Busan in the springtime of 2015. PM10 concentration in Guducsan and Gwaebeopdong were 59.5± 9.04 ㎍/㎥ and 87.5±20.2 ㎍/㎥, respectively. Contribution rate of water-soluble ions and secondary ion in PM10 concentration in Guducsan were 37.0% and 27.8% respectively. [NO3 -/SO4 2-] ratio and contribution rate of sea salt of PM10 in Guducsan and Gwaebeopdong were 0.91 and 1.12, 7.0% and 5.3%, respectively. The results of the backward trajectory analysis indicates that PM10 concentration, total inorganic water-soluble ions and total secondary ions were high when the air parcels moved from Sandong region in China than non-Sandong and northen China to Busan area. The results of the factor analysis at Guducsan indicates that factor 1 was anthropogenic source effects such as automobile emissions and industrial combustion processes, factor 2 was marine sources such as sea salts from sea, and factor 3 was soil component sources.

This study investigates the concentration sudden rise in fine particle according to resuspended dust from paved roads after sudden heavy rain in Busan on August 25, 2015. The localized torrential rainfall in Busan area occurred as tropical airmass flow from the south and polar airmass flow from north merged. Orographic effect of Mt. Geumjeong enforced rainfall and it amounted to maximum 80 ㎜/hr at Dongrae and Geumjeong region in Busan. This heavy rain induced flood and landslide in Busan and the nearby areas. The sudden heavy rain moved soil and gravel from mountainous region, which deposited on paved roads and near roadside. These matters on road suspended by an automobile transit, and increased fine particle concentration of air. In addition outdoor fine particle of high concentration flowed in indoor by shoes, cloths and air circulation.

The study investigates the characteristics of PM10 concentration in Guducsan air quality observatory and in particular, analyzes the relationship between sudden increase of PM10 concentration in the morning of spring 2014 and meteorological parameters. PM10 concentration in April was 46.9 ㎍/㎥, the highest, followed by 45.5 ㎍/㎥ and 44.6 ㎍/㎥ in March and May, and 21.9 ㎍/㎥ in August. The low concentration in the early morning appeared on 0800 LST in spring, summer, and fall, whereas it emerged on 0900 LST in winter. High concentration in daytime lasted from 1200 LST to 1500 LST in spring and fall, whereas it continued from 1300 LST to 1600 LST in winter. The findings of PM10 concentration and change of meteorological parameters in Guducsan from April 20th to 27th in 2014 are as follows. The low concentration at dawn and in the morning decreased due to strong land breeze. Also, the sudden increase of PM10 concentration in the morning was attributable to low wind speed. Lastly, the sudden decrease of PM10 concentration in the afternoon was attributed to diffusion by strong sea breeze.

This study investigates weekday/weekend characteristics of PM10 concentration and chemical composition of water-soluble ions in Busan in the spring of 2013. Contribution rate of water-soluble ions to PM10 concentration in weekday/weekend were 41.5% and 38.5%, respectively. Contribution rate of SO4 2- to total ion mass in weekday/weekend were 30.4% and 33.8%, respectively. Contribution rate of total inorganic water-soluble ions in PM10 in weekday/weekend were 42.2% and 39.1% (mean 41.4%), respectively. [NO3 -/SO4 2-] ratio in weekday/weekend were 1.01 and 0.97(mean 0.99), respectively, which indicated that weekday ratio was higher. Contribution rate of sea salts and Cl-/Na+ ratio in PM10 in weekday/weekend were 8.1% and 7.6%, 0.37% and 0.41%, respectively. This research will help understand chemical composition of water-soluble ions during the weekday/weekend and will be able to measure the contribution level of artificial anthropogenic source on urban air.

This study investigates weekday/weekend characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 concentration and metallic elements in Busan in the springtime of 2013. PM10 concentration on weekday/weekend were 77.54 and 67.28 ㎍/㎥, respectively. And PM2.5 concentration on weekday/weekend were 57.81 and 43.83 ㎍/㎥, respectively. Also, PM2.5/PM10 concentration ratio on weekdays/weekend was 0.75 and 0.65, respectively. The contribution rates of Na to total metallic elements in PM10 on weekday/weekend were 38.3% and 38.9%, respectively. It would be useful in control effectively with management of urban fine particle to understand characteristics of fine particle concentration on weekday/weekend.