Spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 concentrations and its relationship to urbanization in the Yangtze river delta region, China

Özet

Having experienced a rapid urbanization and socioeconomic development, China is now facing a serious PM2.5pollution issue. Based on the PM2.5 concentration data during 2000–2016 in the Yangtze River Delta region, thestudy analyzed the spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 concentrations. The study also examined the correlationbetween PM2.5 concentrations and urbanization by using the correlation analysis as well as bivariate local indicators of spatial association analysis. Furthermore, we constructed the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)model to investigate their evolution relationship. The results showed that PM2.5 concentrations generally increased during 2000–2016. In most cities of the northeast of this region, PM2.5 concentrations were high; but theincreased trend were relatively slow. There was a positive correlation between urbanization and PM2.5 concentrations. However, there was a negative correlation between urbanization and the variation trend of PM2.5concentrations. There was a relationship of “high-high” aggregation between urbanization and PM2.5 concentrations in cities of southern Jiangsu province; and a relationship of “low-low” aggregation in cities ofsouthern Zhejiang province. PM2.5 concentrations had a pattern of inversed-U shape with urbanization. Thesefindings and the policy suggestions can contribute to effective policymaking aimed at abating PM2.5 pollutionfrom the perspective of urbanization development.