Spatiotemporal Trend Analysis of PM2.5 Concentration in China, 1999–2016

Jianghua Zhao,Hongqing Song,Yuanchun Zhou,Yi Du,Xuezhi Wang,Wenjuan Cui

doi:10.3390/atmos10080461

Abstract

China is experiencing severe PM 2 . 5 (fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 μ g or smaller) pollution problem. Little is known, however, about how the increasing concentration trend is spatially distributed, nor whether there are some areas that experience a stable or decreasing concentration trend. Managers and policymakers require such information to make strategic decisions and monitor progress towards management objectives. Here, we present a pixel-based linear trend analysis of annual PM 2 . 5 concentration variation in China during the period 1999–2016, and our results provide guidance about where to prioritize management efforts and affirm the importance of controlling coal energy consumption. We show that 87.9% of the whole China area had an increasing trend. The drastic increasing trends of PM 2 . 5 concentration during the last 18 years in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Shandong province, and the Three Northeastern Provinces are discussed. Furthermore, by exploring regional PM 2 . 5 pollution, we find that Tarim Basin endures a high PM 2 . 5 concentration, and this should have some relationship with oil exploration. The relationship between PM 2 . 5 pollution and energy consumption is also discussed. Not only energy structure reconstruction should be repeatedly emphasized, the amount of coal burned should be strictly controlled.

Highlights

Fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 μg or smaller (PM2.5 ) contain toxic substances which affect the respiratory and circulatory systems
The PM2.5 datasets we use in this paper were inversed by van Donkelaar et al based on multiple satellite data (MISR, MODIS and SeaWiFS), simulation model (GEOS-Chem) and ground-based sun photometer (AERONET) observations
For the 18-year study period, the PM2.5 levels in China have increased by 48%, and area percentage with PM2.5 < 10 μg/m3 decreased from 56.4% to 39.4% (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

Fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 μg or smaller (PM2.5 ) contain toxic substances which affect the respiratory and circulatory systems. PM2.5 leads to a sharp decrease in visibility, which indirectly affects economic activities [2]. In addition to weather conditions, human activities can play the most important factors for PM2.5 [4,5,6]. Increasing populations, local economic growth, and urban expansion are the three main driving forces impacting PM2.5 concentrations [7,8,9], and major sources include road traffic, dust, industry, biomass burning, coal combustion and so on [3,10,11]. In China, economic development is prioritized to reduce poverty, one of the global tasks on sustainable development, and is heavily dependent on energy-intensive industries [12]. China is experiencing a severe PM2.5 pollution problem [13]

Methods

Results

Conclusion