Reduce Air Pollutant Emissions Research Articles

Accelerating zero emission truck adoption in urban applications: Beijing analysis and recommendations

With the complete phase out of national new energy vehicle purchase subsidies, Chinese cities need to explore more policy instruments to simulate the adoption new energy trucks (NETs). The study takes Beijing as an example and aims to address: how Chinese cities can craft policies to further promote NETs, considering different NET models operating in divergent duty cycles by different sizes of operators would have different obstacles with vehicle technologies and costs, to achieve its carbon and air pollutant emission reduction goal, while maintaining the livelihood of small and medium carrier in the freight industry. Based on NET technical performance analysis and surveys WRI conducted on carriers in Beijing, we analyze the technological readiness of NETs and the gaps in total costs of ownership (TCOs) between NETs and ICE trucks for each duty cycle category. The study further identifies the policies that are effective to fill the current (2022—2024) technological and cost gaps of NETs, based on literature review and quantitative analysis.

Air quality and heath co-benefits of low carbon transition policies in electricity system: the case of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region

Low carbon transition strategies of power plants are crucial to meet China’s ‘Dual Carbon’ targets. While the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, the ‘capital economic circles’ of China, is suffering from serious air pollution, air quality co-benefits of low carbon transition policies in electricity system in BTH area remain unclear. Here, we estimate the impacts of low carbon transition policies, including one BAU, six single and five combined scenarios, in electricity system in BTH area on installed power capacity, CO2 emissions, air quality and human health through 2060 based on open source energy modeling system and extend response surface model ERSM models. Results show that the total installed capacity under single and combined scenarios (except RE and Tech single scenarios) fluctuates around the BAU level of 310.5 GW in 2060. While all single and combined scenarios would generally achieve ‘carbon peak’ in BTH electricity system before 2030, only S4 (combining technological progress, renewable energy development and CCUS) and S5 (in additional to S4, including gas-fired power generation instead of coal-fired power generation) scenarios have the potential to realize carbon neutrality by 2060. The magnitude of reductions in air pollutant emissions and improvement in air quality in BTH area from the BAU level in 2060 under combined scenarios, especially S4 and S5, generally exceed that of six single scenarios. Importantly, S5 in 2060 contributes to about 8528 avoided premature mortalities in BTH area, which are more effective than any other scenarios. The results suggest that S5 is a promising low carbon transition policy to achieve environmental improvement and produce health benefits.

Challenges and perspectives of air pollution control in China

Air pollution is one of the most challenging environmental issues in the world. China has achieved remarkable success in improving air quality in last decade as a result of aggressive air pollution control policies. However, the average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration in China is still about six times of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) and causing significant human health risks. Extreme emission reductions of multiple air pollutants are required for China to achieve the AQG. Here we identify the major challenges in future air quality improvement and propose corresponding control strategies. The main challenges include the persistently high health risk attributed to PM2.5 pollution, the excessively loose air quality standards, and coordinated control of air pollution, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and emerging pollutants. To further improve air quality and protect human health, a health-oriented air pollution control strategy shall be implemented by tightening the air quality standards as well as optimizing emission reduction pathways based on the health risks of various sources. In the meantime, an “one-atmosphere” concept shall be adopted to strengthen the synergistic control of air pollutants and GHGs and the control of non-combustion sources and emerging pollutants shall be enhanced.

Investigating the impact of control strategies on the sulfur dioxide emissions of South Korean industrial facilities using an aircraft mass balance approach

We present top-down SO2 emission estimates from four large point sources, including two power plants, a steel mill, and a petrochemical industrial facility in Taean, South Korea. The airborne observations were conducted over two years, with three intensive observations in Fall 2019, Fall 2020, and Spring 2021. During this period, an active policy implementation to reduce air pollutant emissions from large industrial point sources in the region had been exercised, in addition to activity disruptions from the global COVID-19 pandemic. We quantify the observed SO2 emission reduction over the time period resulting from the policy implementation. The Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) datasets from the coal power plants were 1) validated by comparing them with emissions calculated using a top-down airborne mass balance method and 2) compared with the annual bottom-up national SO2 emission inventory. The comparisons illustrate that the policy implementation resulted in a 35% reduction in SO2 emissions from increased implementation of SO2 reduction technologies such as scrubbers. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause a meaningful disruption in SO2 emissions from industrial sectors, such as steel mills and petrochemical manufacturing facilities.

How to effectively achieve air pollutant reduction and carbon mitigation in China's industrial sector? A study based on decomposition analysis and scenario simulation.

Reducing air pollutant and carbon emissions in the industrial sector is crucial for the ecological civilization construction in China. In this study, we first employ the generalized Divisia index method to analyze the driving factors of industrial CO2 and SO2 emissions, incorporating fixed asset investment and R&D input. The key sub-sectors that exert significant impact on emissions of the whole industrial sector are identified. And then, scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulation are utilized to predict future trends and potential for reducing CO2 and SO2 emissions. Furthermore, the carbon peaking time of the industrial sub-sectors is investigated. The results indicate that fixed asset investment and R&D input both have played positive roles in CO2 and SO2 emissions. Emission reduction is mainly driven by investment emission intensity, output emission intensity, and R&D emission intensity. Sub-sectors S09, S10, S11, S12, and S18 present substantial potential for reducing air pollutant and carbon emissions. Although SO2 emissions from the industrial sector are projected to decrease in the future, the peak of CO2 emissions have not been reached. The carbon peak time for the whole industrial sector is predicted in 2025, with the peak of 7892.33 Mt. The five key sub-sectors are anticipated to reach the respective carbon emission peaks at different times. Therefore, to effectively implement industrial air pollutant and carbon reduction, the role of fixed asset investment and R&D input should be fully utilized, and high-energy consumption and high-emission sub-sectors should be prioritized for action.

The role of political party in firm environmental governance: evidence from China

ABSTRACT The importance of corporate environmental governance and compliance in China is on a noticeable rise. Meanwhile, as the sole governing entity, the Chinese Communist Party’s involvement in the business landscape has sparked extensive interest. In this paper, we use the difference-in-difference framework and show that the mandatory requirement to establish a Communist Party branch within a firm after 2018 significantly reduces the likelihood of receiving environmental penalties. Furthermore, our findings indicate heterogeneous effects across firms as the results are more pronounced for firms that belong to heavily polluted industries, operate in regions with low air quality, or have CEOs and executives without green experience. Additionally, we provide evidence that green innovation can serve as a strategy for firms to enhance their environmental initiatives, consequently leading to a reduction in the penalties they incur. Finally, we demonstrate that firms with Party branches undergo a simultaneous decrease in government environmental subsidies and a reduction in both air and water pollutant emissions after 2018, a series of parallel outcomes attributable to enhanced governance brought about by the Party branch. Our study offers valuable insights into the considerable influence the government has on corporate decision-making and contributes to the emerging literature on environmental compliance.

Could environmental regulation effectively boost the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control? Evidence from industrial sector in China

In response to the pressure of combating climate change and enhancing air quality, China has tightened environmental regulations. In China, reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants together has become a critical target for environmental protection. However, no literature explores the impact of environmental regulation on the synergy level of reducing CO2 and air pollutants in the industrial sector. Therefore, this study explores whether environmental regulation could effectively boost the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control in China’s industrial sector. We first construct an evaluation indicator system for synergistic emission reduction of CO2 and air pollutants (SO2, NOx, PM), then employs the coupled coordination model to evaluate the synergy level of emission reduction. Furthermore, the impact pathway of environmental regulation on the synergy level of emission reduction. The results indicate that: (1) On the whole, the synergy level shows a slow upward trend, but remains insufficient from 2011 to 2020. (2) Overall, environmental regulation significantly boosts the synergy level of carbon emission reduction and air pollutants control. Regarding the impact pathway, industrial structure has a completely promoting effect, while technical progress exerts a suppressing effect. (3) In regions with higher economic development, environmental regulation has a greater positive influence on synergy level, and the suppressing effect of technical progress is weaker than in less developed regions. These findings could provide helpful references for policy making on synergistic emission reduction of industrial CO2 and air pollutants in China.

Implementation of european trends regarding the reduction of air pollutants in Ukraine

The paper analyses European trends in reducing emissions of harmful substances and carbon dioxide. Today, the problem of increasing CO2 is an acute one, and thus the task of decarbonising the planet is an important task for the global community. Along with this, the negative impact of other pollutants, such as NOx and SO2, on the environmental situation in Ukraine and the world as a whole is also important.In order to reduce the amount of polluting gases in the air of Ukraine, it was decided to turn to the experience and practice of the European Union (EU) countries and analyse what has already been done, as well as what is planned to be done in this direction in the coming decades. To this end, we analysed the actual data on the reduction of CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions by European countries and compared their plans for further emission reductions in the coming years.The theoretical data of the study on the actual reduction of air pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions by European countries, as well as their plans for further reduction of these emissions, are of practical importance, as they show global trends in this problem of global importance and should be applied in all future energy plans both in Ukraine and other countries where this is not taken into account. Therefore, an effective and scientifically based plan for energy saving, clean energy production, and diversification of energy resources is needed to accelerate the transition to clean energy, increase energy independence from unreliable suppliers and unstable supplies of imported fossil fuels (in particular, accelerated phase-out of russian fossil fuels by 2030, which are used by the aggressor as an economic and political weapon), and help solve the climate crisis.

High-resolution dispersion modelling of PM2.5, PM10, NOx and NO2 exposure in metropolitan areas in Sweden 2000‒2018 – large health gains due to decreased population exposure

AbstractAmbient air pollution remains the major environmental cause of disease. Accurate assessment of population exposure and small-scale spatial exposure variations over long time periods is essential for epidemiological studies. We estimated annual exposure to fine and coarse particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx, NO2) with high spatial resolution to examine time trends 2000‒2018, compliance with the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, and assess the health impact. The modelling area covered six metropolitan areas in Sweden with a combined population of 5.5 million. Long-range transported air pollutants were modelled using a chemical transport model with bias correction, and locally emitted air pollutants using source-specific Gaussian-type dispersion models at resolutions up to 50 × 50 m. The modelled concentrations were validated using quality-controlled monitoring data. Lastly, we estimated the reduction in mortality associated with the decrease in population exposure. The validity of modelled air pollutant concentrations was good (R2 for PM2.5 0.84, PM10 0.61, and NOx 0.87). Air pollution exposure decreased substantially, from a population weighted mean exposure to PM2.5 of 12.2 µg m−3 in 2000 to 5.4 µg m−3 in 2018. We estimated that the decreased exposure was associated with a reduction of 2719 (95% CI 2046–3055) premature deaths annually. However, in 2018, 65%, 8%, and 42% of residents in the modelled areas were still exposed to PM2.5, PM10, or NO2 levels, respectively, that exceeded the current WHO Air Quality Guidelines for annual average exposure. This emphasises the potential public health benefits of reductions in air pollution emissions.

Assessing climate/air quality synergies and cost-effectiveness for Beijing transportation: Insights into sustainable development

CO2 emission reduction policies can simultaneously reduce air pollutant emissions in the transport sector, but the extent of their cost-effective is under-evaluated. To explore sustainable transportation in a mega-city, the potential synergies and cost-effectiveness of CO2 and air pollutant emission reductions in Beijing transportation are quantitatively evaluated by radar chart analysis, total cost of ownership (TCO) and marginal abatement cost curves (MACC) under various mitigation measures. The findings show that the adoption of electric light-duty vehicles can achieve a significant synergistic effect and cost-effectiveness of emission reductions, and would be implemented as a high priority. Moreover, improving emission standards and fuel economy have an obvious cost-effectiveness and effective mitigation for air pollutants, but with poor synergies due to low CO2 mitigation. In contrast, the clean energy for large and heavy vehicles, and bio-fuel for aviation are essential measures for achieving carbon neutrality, but with high costs. Furthermore, changes of transport modes have good cost-effectiveness, but there are no synergies due to the emission increments of PM2.5 and NOx. Given that transportation plays a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing air quality, more stringent and effective environmental policies targeting emission reduction can expedite the sustainable transition in Beijing transportation.

Electrification of Transit Buses in the United States Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

The transportation sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the United States. Increased use of public transit and electrification of public transit could help reduce these emissions. The electrification of public transit systems could also reduce air pollutant emissions in densely populated areas, where air pollution disproportionally burdens vulnerable communities with high health impacts and associated social costs. We analyze the life cycle emissions of transit buses powered by electricity, diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas and model GHGs and air pollutants mitigated for a transition to a fully electric U.S. public transit bus fleet using transit agency-level data. The electrification of the U.S. bus fleet would reduce several conventional air pollutants and has the potential to reduce transit bus GHGs by 33-65% within the next 14 years depending on how quickly the transition is made and how quickly the electricity grid decarbonizes. A levelized cost of driving analysis shows that with falling capital costs and an increase in annual passenger-kilometers of battery electric buses, the technology could reach levelized cost parity with diesel buses when electric bus capital costs fall below about $670 000 per bus.

The effect of air pollution on the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and appendicitis

Introduction and objective
 Intense industrial development is contributing to increased emissions of air pollutants. Numerous studies indicate a link between air pollution and a higher risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Our goal is to analyze available scientific studies to demonstrate the relationship between air pollution and the risk of developing and complicating inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and appendicitis.
 Brief description of the state of knowledge
 Air pollution is a global health challenge. Particles such as PM, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides or ozone have a significant impact on health. Studies suggest a link between pollution and intestinal diseases (IBD, CRC, appendicitis). Air pollutants can affect the gut by causing inflammation, oxidative stress and disruption of the gut microbiota. Exposure to PM2.5 can increase the risk of IBD, CRC, and PM10 can increase the risk of UC. There is a correlation between pollution and the rate of hospitalization for IBD. In addition, exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of colorectal cancer mortality. Short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with more hospitalizations for appendicitis.
 Summary
 Air pollution is a real health risk. Reducing air pollution could potentially reduce the risk of developing these intestinal diseases and their complications. Despite the potential links, further research is required to better understand the mechanisms of action of pollutants on intestinal health. Urgent and coordinated global and local action is needed to reduce air pollution emissions and protect the health of the public.

Costs and benefits of reducing air pollutant emissions as a result of bringing coal and lignite-fired power plants into compliance with BAT LCP conclusions

Abstract The analysis carried out regarding the costs of adapting to the best available technique (BAT) conclusions in relation to the benefits achieved (external costs) showed that these benefits significantly exceed the cost of investments necessary to meet the required levels of permissible best available technique-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs). In the case of sulfur dioxide, the ratio of costs incurred to benefits obtained is only 3%, for nitrogen oxides 7%, and for dust it is less than 1%. This is primarily due to a significant increase in external costs, published in 2021 by the EEA. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a precise assessment of external costs should be based on the analyses of individual facilities, taking into account their local specificity. The analysis showed that the most cost-effective way was to adapt the coal-fired power plant sector to the requirements related to reducing dust emissions. Significant benefits were achieved as a result of small investment outlays.

Development of a greenhouse gas - air pollution interactions and synergies model for Korea (GAINS-Korea)

This study aimed to create Greenhouse Gas - Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS)-Korea, an integrated model for evaluating climate and air quality policies in Korea, modeled after the international GAINS model. GAINS-Korea incorporates specific Korean data and enhances granularity for enabling local government-level analysis. The model includes source-receptor matrices used to simulate pollutant dispersion in Korea, generated through CAMx air quality modeling. GAINS-Korea's performance was evaluated by examining different scenarios for South Korea. The business as usual scenario projected emissions from 2010 to 2030, while the air quality scenario included policies to reduce air pollutants in line with air quality and greenhouse gas control plans. The maximum feasible reduction scenario incorporated more aggressive reduction technologies along with air quality measures. The developed model enabled the assessment of emission reduction effects by both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reduction policies across 17 local governments in Korea, including changes in PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm) concentration and associated benefits, such as reduced premature deaths. The model also provides a range of visualization tools for comparative analysis among different scenarios, making it a valuable resource for policy planning and evaluation, and supporting decision-making processes.

Microalgae cultivation using ammonia and carbon dioxide concentrations typical of pig barns

ABSTRACT While global population growth drives increased production efficiency in animal agriculture, there is a growing demand for environmentally friendly practices, particularly in reducing air pollutant emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations. This study explores the potential of cultivating microalgae in photobioreactors (PBRs) as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to mitigate NH3 and CO2 emissions from pig barns. Unlike traditional physicochemical mitigation systems, microalgae offer a renewable solution by converting pollutants into valuable biomass. The research focused on Scenedesmus dimorphus growth under typical NH3 and CO2 concentrations found in the indoor air of pig barns. Four NH3 (0, 12, 25, and 50 ppm) and four CO2 concentrations (350, 1200, 2350, and 3500 ppm) were tested using photobioreactors. Results showed a maximum specific growth rate of 0.83 d−1 with 12 ppm NH3 and 3500 ppm CO2. The dry biomass concentration was significantly higher (1.16 ± 0.08 g L−1; p < 0.01) at 25 ppm NH3 and 2350 ppm CO2 than other test conditions. S. dimorphus demonstrated the peak NH3 and CO2 fixation rates (23.8 ± 2.26 mg NH3 L−1 d−1 and 432.24 ± 41.09 mg CO2 L−1 d−1) at 25 ppm NH3 and 2350 ppm CO2. These findings support the feasibility of using algae to effectively remove air pollutants in pig barns, thereby improving indoor air quality.

Performance Characteristic of Permanent Magnet Linear Generator for Energy Conversion with Renewable Fuels on Free-Piston Engines

Renewable fuels attract more attention owing to reduction of both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The free-piston engine generator is a new energy conversion with compact structure, multifuel combustion mode possibility, and less friction loss, and it can be applied to a variety of renewable fuels. This study investigated the effect of operating parameters on power generation and motion characteristics for free-piston engine generator. A test bench and a detailed and validated numerical model of the free-piston engine generator were presented. Results show that with the increase of the average velocity, the output power root mean square (RMS) and efficiency of the generator gradually increase. The output power RMS grows rapidly, whereas the generator efficiency gradually stabilizes. Under the same average velocity but different strokes and frequencies, the generator power and efficiency are the same. This result means that the multiple-point operating condition can achieve the same output power and generator efficiency goals. Moreover, the optimal operating conditions can be selected comprehensively, considering factors such as fuel properties, combustion efficiency, and performance. The influence of the generator on motion characteristics of the system under pure resistive load and high-frequency operation should be noted.

Air Pollution Reduces the Individuals’ Life Satisfaction Through Health Impairment

AbstractThe impact of air pollution on individuals’ happiness and life satisfaction (LS), and its relationship to other factors became the focus of recent research. Though, the underlying mechanism of how air pollution impacts LS remains unclear. In this study, we examined the direct and indirect effect of air pollution on individuals’ LS through health mediation. We used longitudinal individual-level data from “Understanding-Society: the UK Household-Longitudinal Study” on 59,492 individuals with 347,377 repeated responses across 11 years (2009–2019) that was linked to yearly concentrations of NO2, SO2, and particulate-matter (PM10, PM2.5) pollution. Generalized structural equation models with multilevel ordered-logistic regression were used to examine the direct effect of air pollution on LS and the indirect effect from health impairment. Higher concentrations of NO2 (coefficient = 0.009, 95%CI = 0.007,0.012, p &lt; 0.001), SO2 (coefficient = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.017,0.034, p &lt; 0.001), PM10 (coefficient = 0.019, 95%CI = 0.013,0.025, p &lt; 0.001), and PM2.5 (coefficient = 0.025, 95%CI = 0.017,0.033, p &lt; 0.001) pollutants were associated with poorer health, while poorer health was associated with reduced LS (coefficient = -0.605, 95%CI = -0.614,-0.595, p &lt; 0.001). Mediation path analysis showed that air pollution impacted individuals’ LS directly and indirectly. The percent of total effect mediated through health was 44.03% for NO2, 73.95% for SO2, 49.88% for PM10, and 45.42% for PM2.5 and the ratio of indirect to direct effect was 0.79 for NO2, 2.84 for SO2, 0.99 for PM10, and 0.83 for PM2.5. Health plays a major mediating role in the relationship between air pollution and LS. To alleviate the impact of air pollution on LS, future strategies should focus on health promotion besides reducing air pollution emissions.

Spatio-temporal effects of digital inclusive finance on the synergy between CO2 and air pollution emissions in 251 Chinese cities.

Achieving the synergistic reduction of CO2 and air pollution emissions (SRCAPEs) holds great significance in promoting the green transformation. However, limited research has been conducted on the spatio-temporal impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on the synergy between CO2 and air pollution emissions (SCAPEs). To address this gap, we comprehensively employ the linear regression model, geographically and the temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model, and the ordered probit model to empirically analyze the influence of DIF on SCAPE. Our research reveals the following: (1) The linear regression model demonstrates that, on average, DIF can achieve a weak synergistic emission reduction effect. This result remains robust after a battery of robustness tests. (2) The GTWR model reveals that the impact of DIF on both emissions exhibits evident spatio-temporal characteristics. Its emission reduction effect gradually increases, especially after 2014. (3) On the basis of the estimates from the GTWR model, we can identify four distinct synergy types driven by DIF. The number of cities with the preferred type (i.e., achieving SRCAPE) increases the most, from 59 in 2011 to 233 in 2019. (4) On the basis of the built ordered probit models, green technology innovation is an important path for DIF to achieve synergistic emission reduction. The synergistic emission reduction effect is also significantly moderated by the regional economic level and environmental regulation intensity. Our findings have policy implications for central and local governments in achieving SRCAPE and support efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Scenario analysis on co-benefits of air pollution control and carbon reduction in Yangtze River Delta based on STIRPAT model.

In a changing climate, it is vital to focus on the co-benefits of the pollution control and carbon emission reduction. Based on calculation of emission equivalent, the synergy coefficient is further calculated to quantitatively analyze the co-benefits of air pollution control and carbon reduction in the Yangtze River Delta; Scenario analysis in co-benefits in the Yangtze River Delta from 2026-2035 is thoroughly proposed after STIRPAT model is designed based on influencing factors confirmation including population size, economic scale, industrialization level, urbanization rate and energy intensity from measuring dimensions of synergy coefficient. The results show that the Yangtze River Delta region can partially achieve synergistic emission reduction by 2026 and realize comprehensive synergistic emission reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions not late than 2030, which provides a reference for promoting the decision-making of the new stage of long-term carbon and pollution reduction, and further, realizing carbon peak regulation and carbon neutrality.

Does the digital economy reduce air pollution? Evidence from 30 Chinese provinces and municipalities

ABSTRACT Our study aims to investigate whether and how the development of the digital economy can reduce air pollutant emissions in China. Specifically, using a fixed effect model and an empirical test that exploits pollutant emissions in 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020, we explore the impact of digital economy development on air pollution through three mechanisms: public attention to environmental pollution, production efficiency, and environmental governance efficiency. Additionally, we provide heterogeneity analysis based on regions, industrial structure, and years of schooling. Findings are crucial for policymakers and environmentalists concerned about economic development’s effects on the environment.