Trends in atmospheric particles and their light extinction performance between 1980 and 2015 in Beijing, China.

This study explored the interdecadal variations and their horizontal and vertical light extinction performances of atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 μm (PM), and total suspended particulates (TSPs) in Beijing from 1980 to 2015, using data available from historical publications. Prominent declines of PM, PM, and TSPs were detected with long-term linear trends of -6.7, -4.3, and -1.9 μg m yr, respectively. Generally, on the annual scale during the studied period, it was found that PM displayed negative correlation (R = 0.38, p < 0.01) with visibility and positive correlation (R = 0.41, p < 0.01) with aerosol optical depth (AOD). Comparably, PM exhibited robust negative correlation (R = 0.61, p < 0.01) with visibility and positive correlation (R = 0.82, p < 0.01) with AOD. The complicated interdecadal variations and light extinction performances of PM were found, suggesting the changes on particle composition and vertical distribution of PM in the atmosphere.