Assessing the Effect of Open-Pit Mining Activities and Urbanization on Fine Particulate Matter Concentration by Using Remote Sensing Imagery: A Case Study in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, PM2.5 monitoring on a large scale is a significant concern. The study aims to estimate the PM2.5 concentrations and assess the effect of open-pit mining and urbanization on PM2.5 concentrations by using satellite observations and ground-based stations over Binh Duong province, Vietnam. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and hourly data of PM2.5 concentrations, temperature, and relative humidity at ground-based stations in 2020 (May–December) are matched to establish the relationship between AOD and PM2.5. Linear regression and multiple linear regression methods show a good correlation with R = 0.806 and R = 0.817, respectively. The study applies both regression models to estimate the spatial distribution of monthly PM2.5 concentrations over Binh Duong province and validate with ground-based stations data (R = 0.878; RMSE = 6.62 µg/m3). The results show that the annual PM2.5 concentrations are high in the southern districts where it is densely populated and tend to decrease in the northern districts of which the highest are found in Di An (18.76 µg/m3) and Thuan An (18.76 µg/m3), the lowest is in Phu Giao (14.20 µg/m3). The study demonstrates that the development of urban built-up density and population density increases the contribution of fine particles. At the same time, open-pit mine areas are the main contribution of coarse particles.