Air pollution in heavy industrial cities along the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang: characteristics, meteorological influence, and sources

The spatiotemporal characteristics, relationship with meteorological factors, and source distribution of air pollutants (January 2017–December 2021) were analyzed to better understand the air pollutants on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (NSTM) in Xinjiang, a heavily polluted urban agglomeration of heavy industries. The results showed that the annual mean concentrations of SO(2), NO(2), CO, O(3), PM(2.5), and PM(10) were 8.61–13.76 μg m(−3), 26.53–36.06 μg m(−3), 0.79–1.31 mg m(−3), 82.24–87.62 μg m(−3), 37.98–51.10 μg m(−3), and 84.15–97.47 μg m(−3). The concentrations of air pollutants (except O(3)) showed a decreasing trend. The highest concentrations were in winter, and in Wujiaqu, Shihezi, Changji, Urumqi, and Turpan, the concentrations of particulate matter exceeded the NAAQS Grade II during winter. The west wind and the spread of local pollutants both substantially impacted the high concentrations. According to the analysis of the backward trajectory in winter, the air masses were mainly from eastern Kazakhstan and local emission sources, and PM(10) in the airflow had a more significant impact on Turpan; the rest of the cities were more affected by PM(2.5). Potential sources included Urumqi–Changj–Shihezi, Turpan, the northern Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, and eastern Kazakhstan. Consequently, the emphasis on improving air quality should be on reducing local emissions, strengthening regional cooperation, and researching transboundary transport of air pollutants. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-023-25757-4.