LAUSR

This study explored the interdecadal variations and their horizontal and vertical light extinction performances of atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 μm (PM10), and total suspended particulates (TSPs) in Beijing from 1980 to 2015, using data available from historical publications. Prominent declines of PM2.5, PM10, and TSPs were detected with long-term linear trends of -6.7, -4.3, and -1.9 μg m-3 yr-1, respectively. Generally, on the annual scale during the studied period, it was found that PM2.5 displayed negative correlation (R2 = 0.38, p < 0.01) with visibility and positive correlation (R2 = 0.41, p < 0.01) with aerosol optical depth (AOD). Comparably, PM10 exhibited robust negative correlation (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.01) with visibility and positive correlation (R2 = 0.82, p < 0.01) with AOD. The complicated interdecadal variations and light extinction performances of PM2.5 were found, suggesting the changes on particle composition and vertical distribution of PM2.5 in the atmosphere.