Evaluating the influence of land use and land cover change on fine particulate matter

Fine particulate matter (i.e. particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 microns, PM_2.5) has become a critical environmental issue in China. Land use and land cover (LULC) is recognized as one of the most important influence factors, however very fewer investigations have focused on the impact of LULC on PM_2.5. The influences of different LULC types and different land use and land cover change (LULCC) types on PM_2.5 are discussed. A geographically weighted regression model is used for the general analysis, and a spatial analysis method based on the geographic information system is used for a detailed analysis. The results show that LULCC has a stable influence on PM_2.5 concentration. For different LULC types, construction lands have the highest PM_2.5 concentration and woodlands have the lowest. The order of PM_2.5 concentration for the different LULC types is: construction lands > unused lands > water > farmlands >grasslands > woodlands. For different LULCC types, when high-grade land types are converted to low-grade types, the PM_2.5 concentration decreases; otherwise, the PM_2.5 concentration increases. The result of this study can provide a decision basis for regional environmental protection and regional ecological security agencies.