Atmospheric heavy metals and Arsenic in China: Situation, sources and control policies

• Atmospheric heavy metals of 44 cities in China were reviewed, the pollution of Cr, As and Cd were rather serious.
• Research on emission characteristics and sources of atmospheric heavy metals in China were reviewed.
• Coal burning, iron and steel industry and vehicle emission are important sources in China.
• Control policies and effects in China were reviewed, and further works for atmospheric heavy metals control were suggested.

In recent years, heavy metal pollution accidents were reported frequently in China. The atmospheric heavy metal pollution is drawing all aspects of attention. This paper summarizes the recent research results from our studies and previous studies in recent years in China. The level, temporal variation, seasonal variation and size distribution of the heavy metals of atmospheric Lead(Pb), Vanadium(V), Manganese(Mn), Nickel(Ni), Chromium(Cr), Cadmium(Cd), Copper(Cu), Zinc(Zn) and Arsenic(As) were characterized in China. The emission characteristics and sources of atmospheric heavy metals and As in China were reviewed. Coal burning, iron and steel industry and vehicle emission are important sources in China. Control policies and effects in China were reviewed including emission standards, ambient air quality standards, phase out of leaded gasoline and so on, and further works for atmospheric heavy metals control were suggested. The comprehensive heavy metals pollution control measures and suggestions were put forward based on the summarization of the development and experience of the atmospheric heavy metal pollution control abroad.