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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2022, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (8): 63-75.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20220807

• Research papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Simulation of the Spatiotemporal Process of PM2.5 Emission from Prescribed Burning of Forest and Its Impacts on Air Quality

Guojun Cao1,Jiaxin Li1,Fengjun Zhao2,Lifu Shu2,Jiangxia Ye1,*   

  1. 1. Southwest Forestry University Kunming 650224
    2. Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, CAF Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Beijing 100091
  • Received:2021-07-10 Online:2022-08-25 Published:2022-12-19
  • Contact: Jiangxia Ye

Abstract:

Objective: The forest of Pinus yunnanensis undergone prescribed burning in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province was investigated by survey of sample plots, load assessment, smoke emission calculation and the spatiotemporal diffusion process simulation, in order to understand the quantitative relationship between the simulated diffusion of PM2.5 in downwind city and the ground measurements, and to reveal the impacts of the smoke by the prescribed burning on air quality, therefore providing a theoretical basis for appropriate prescribed burning and smoke management practice. Methods: Sample plots in size of 10 m × 10 m were set up in the forest stand of P. yunnanensis undergone prescribed burning in central Yunnan. Fuel loads were estimated by drying in the laboratory, and the PM2.5 emission of smoke was calculated by BlueSky, the spatiotemporal pattern of diffusion was analyzed quantitatively with the aid of HYSPLIT forward trajectory model, and the reliability of the results was verified by comparing with the GF-4 satellite image, finally, the relationship between the simulated and the ground measurements of PM2.5 in Kunming City in the downwind direction of the emission was conducted. Result: The diffusion pattern of the smoke of prescribed burning simulated by HYSPLIT is consistent with the smoke area by visual detection from GF-4 satellite imagery synchronously, the PM2.5 emission is positively correlated with fuel load and prescribed burning area, the thicker the humus, the higher the combustible load, and the more the smoke emitted. The PM2.5 concentration of the city located in the downwind showed a significant increase trend subsequently, and the pattern of ground measurements was consistent and positively correlated (R2=0.787 43) with the simulated values of diffusion, and the air quality was degraded from 'excellence' to 'good' or even 'slightly polluted'. Conclusion: The smoke emission of prescribed burning is correlated with the fuel load, the burning area, and the thickness of humus. The smoke generated by the prescribed burning has a significant impact on urban air quality in downwind direction of the diffusion channel with a time lag. The quantitative assessment and early warning of smoke pollution before prescribed burning can effectively alleviate the damage by the smoke of prescribed burning.

Key words: prescribed burning, PM2.5, HYSPLIT, air quality

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