Temporal and spatial variation characteristics of atmospheric emissions of Cd, Cr, and Pb from coal in China

► Atmospheric emission inventories of Cd, Cr, and Pb from coal in China are established. ► Cd, Cr, and Pb emissions are mainly concentrated in the Northern and Eastern region. ► Industrial coal burning contributes the largest proportion of Cd, Cr, and Pb emission. ► Monthly emission profiles for different sectors by regions show remarkable variation. ► Uncertainties in the inventory are quantified by bootstrap and Monte Carlo simulation.