Analysis and interpretation of the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations at the subway stations in Beijing, China

•The concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 were monitored in real-time at subway stations in Beijing.•The characteristics were analysed using General linear model (GLM) and correlation approaches.•The average overall PM concentration ratio inside subway station is about 68.7%, lower than that in outdoor condition.•In the station hall and platform, the real-time PM concentrations varied periodically.•Outdoor environment is mutually correlated with PM concentrations.