Coupling relationship between construction land expansion and PM_2.5 in China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Urban air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has escalated in China since 2010.
• Limited research exists on the relationship between construction land (CL) expansion rate and PM2.5 pollution across various scales.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of PM2.5 pollution and construction land (CL) expansion in China.
• To quantitatively assess the relationship between CL expansion and PM2.5 pollution using coupling models.

Main Methods:

• Utilized construction land (CL) and PM2.5 data for China.
• Employed overall and spatial coupling models to examine the dynamic relationship.
• Analyzed spatiotemporal changes and barycenter movements of CL and PM2.5.

Main Results:

• The PM2.5 polluted area growth rate peaked between 2000-2010 and declined thereafter.
• The barycenter of PM2.5 concentration and CL moved closer, indicating increased spatial coupling.
• Spatial coupling coordination strengthened in Central, West, and East China, but weakened in Northeast China.

Conclusions:

• A low PM2.5 concentration is closely linked to construction land (CL) expansion.
• Findings support cross-regional air pollution control strategies and management of heavily polluted areas in China.