AN ANALYSIS OF WINDS AFFECTING AIR-POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS IN HONG-KONG

A study of concentrations of SO2 and TSP has been performed in Hong Ko ng. The results were discussed from the standpoint of seasonal, monthl y, and weekly variations and wind effects. The monthly mean SO2 concen trations were in the range of 16.6-43.7 mu g m(-3) and showed regular seasonal variations with the highest concentrations in summer and the lowest in autumn. On the other hand, the monthly TSP concentrations re ached the highest (117.7 mu g m(-3))in December and the lowest(72.9 mu g m-3) in June. The procedure was able to identify that the high SO2 concentrations were generally associated with the southwesterly and we sterly winds, while the high TSP concentrations were usually related t o the northerly and westerly winds. From 1983 to 1992, 85% of the tota l high and severe SO2 concentration days were observed when there were the SSW-WNW winds over Hong Kong; and 70% of the total severe TSP con centration days occurred in the days with the W-ENE winds. Finally, th e proportion of the total SO2 concentrations contributed by each of th e source regions was quantitatively estimated. On an average the power stations, industry, and automobiles, etc., are responsible For 40, 35 , and 25% of the total SO2 concentrations in the urban air of Hong Kon g, respectively. (C) 1988 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.