Robustness of the aerosol weekly cycle over Southeastern China

► PM10 weekly cycle is distinct, with maximum on Thu. and minimum on Sat. and Sun. ► Applied Kruskal-Wallis test, Monte-Carlo test and comparison with 6 & 8-day cycles. ► Weekly cycles of NO2, SO2 and meteorological factors correspond with that of PM10. ► The semi-direct aerosol effect may play a leading role on weekly time-scale.