Effect of the air pollution on atmospheric visibility in Beijing-Tianjin area

Simultaneous measurements of air pollutant concentrations and atmospheric visibility were made in Beijing and Tianjin areas in 1983-1985. The relationship between air pollution and visibility was studied. It was found that atmospheric particulates have the most high contribution to visibility decreasing. The percentages of contributions of sulfates and soot are 52-58% and 22-29% respectively. According to the results, we suggest that the emission of SO2 and particulates must be controlled in order to improve the atmospheric visibility.