Quantification of global primary emissions of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP from combustion and industrial process sources

Abstract

Emission quantification of primary particulate matter (PM) is essential for assessment of its related climate and health impacts. To reduce uncertainty associated with global emissions of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP, we compiled data with high spatial (0.1° × 0.1°) and sectorial (77 primary sources) resolutions for 2007 based on a newly released global fuel data product (PKU-FUEL-2007) and an emission factor database. Our estimates for developing countries are higher than those previously reported. Spatial bias associated with large countries could be reduced by using subnational fuel consumption data. Additionally, we looked at temporal trends from 1960 to 2009 at country-scale resolution. Although total emissions are still increasing in developing countries, their intensities in terms of gross domestic production or energy consumption have decreased. PM emitted in developed countries is finer owing to a larger contribution from nonindustrial sources and use of abatement technologies. In contrast, countries like China, with strong industry emissions and limited abatement facilities, emit coarser PM. The health impacts of PM are intensified in hotspots and cities owing to covariance of sources and receptors. Although urbanization reduces the per person emission, overall health impacts related to these emissions are heightened because of aggregation effects.