Insights into source-specific PM_2.5 mass, light extinction, and health risks in heavily polluted urban and suburban areas, northwestern China

To investigate the source apportionments of PM_2.5 mass, light extinction, and health risk in a typical polluted Chinese city (Xianyang), urban and suburban PM_2.5 samples were collected during the heating season (HS) and the non-heating season (NHS), respectively. Heightened levels of PM_2.5 and chemical components were observed during the HS, particularly in urban areas. The urban and suburban PM_2.5 concentrations were 132.1 ± 56.8 μg m⁻³ and 91.8 ± 42.5 μg m⁻³ during the HS, which were 2.8 and 2.3 times higher than the NHS levels, respectively. High levels of urban nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) during the HS and suburban sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) during the NHS were obtained. Organic matter and secondary inorganic aerosols (SNA: SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and NH₄⁺) were the predominant components of PM_2.5. Compared to the HS, increased SNA and geological material were observed in the NHS. NH₄NO₃ was the dominant contributor to the light extinction coefficient (b_ext). The results indicated that PM_2.5 mass, health risks from heavy metals, and b_ext were primarily attributed to biomass burning, industrial emissions, and secondary aerosols, respectively. Enhanced emission abatement of major primary sources and reducing the precursors of secondary aerosols could effectively improve visibility in the areas.