Spatiotemporal Dynamic Evolution of PM<sub>2.5</sub> Exposure from Land Use Changes: A Case Study of Gansu Province, China
Air pollution is a major trigger for chronic respiratory and circulatory diseases. As a key component of air pollution, fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) exposure is largely determined by land use type and population density. However, simultaneous consideration of their spatiote...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Land |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/4/795 |
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| Summary: | Air pollution is a major trigger for chronic respiratory and circulatory diseases. As a key component of air pollution, fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) exposure is largely determined by land use type and population density. However, simultaneous consideration of their spatiotemporal distribution is lacking in existing studies on PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure. In this paper, we first assess the dynamic evolution of land use patterns in Gansu Province, China, from 2000 to 2020, using a land use transfer matrix and dynamic degree. Population-weighted exposure (PWE) to PM<sub>2.5</sub> is then evaluated for each land use type at provincial, city, and county levels, with seasonal variations analyzed. Spatial autocorrelation analysis is finally performed to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure, whereas standard deviation ellipses and gravity center migration models highlight spatial distribution characteristics and shifting trends. Experimental results showed that 2010 was a turning point for annual PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure at the provincial level in Gansu Province, with an initial increase followed by a decrease. Construction land had the highest annual PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure, whereas forest had the lowest exposure (except in 2005). Exposure levels showed a seasonal pattern: higher in winter and spring and lower in summer and autumn. At city and county levels, southern Gansu indicated a continuous decline in annual PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure across all land use types since 2000. Exposure levels exhibited a strong spatial positive correlation, with a fluctuating spatial convergence. This study comprehensively analyzes the multi-scale differences and spatiotemporal evolution patterns of PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure across various land use types, contributing to provide scientific evidence and decision-making support for mitigating air pollution and enhancing coordinated air pollution control at multi-scale administrative levels. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-445X |