Pollution characteristics of black carbon based on MERRA-2 reanalysis data in core city of Central Plains Economic Zone, China: Historical trend and potential sources

Black carbon (BC) is one of the main factors in global climate change and human health. Based on reanalysis data from Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2), historical trends variation BC affecting this were investigated core city Central Plains Economic Zone China-Zhengzhou. correlation analysis with ground measurements concentration, it was determined that MERRA-2 could be used to reveal variations ground-level concentrations. According concentration 1980–2020 typical fossil fuel consumption 2008–2017, two periods rapidly increasing identified 1980–1989 1999–2006. The increase then slowed 2007. Since 2012, due adjustment Zhengzhou strategy implementation an emission control throughout Henan Province, coal coke decreased by 4% every year, resulting a downward trend total emissions. However, still Zhengzhou. contribution transportation has been particularly important since 2016. seasonal revealed highest winter, mainly industry residential Additionally, based local regional inventories combined potential source function (PSCF), weighted trajectory (CWT), study sources regions types Zhengzhou, found intensification energy emissions surrounding Province might reasons high loading through transport.