| Summary: | Urbanization is a key determinant of fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) pollution variability. However, there is a limited understanding of different urbanization factors’ roles in PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution. Using satellite-derived PM<sub>2.5</sub> data from 2002 to 2017, we investigated the spatiotemporal evolution and the spatial autocorrelation of PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. Afterwards, the impacts of three urbanization factors (population urbanization, land urbanization and economic urbanization) on PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution were estimated by a spatial Durbin panel data model (SDM). Obtained results showed that: (i) PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution was larger in the north than in the south of YRD; (ii) Lianyungang and Yancheng cities had significant increasing trends in PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution from 2002 to 2017; (iii) the regional median center of PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution was observed in the Nanjing city, with gradual shifting to the northwest during the 16-year period; (iv) PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution showed significant and positive spatial autocorrelation and spillover effect; (v) population urbanization contributed more to the increase in PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution than land urbanization, while economic urbanization had no significant impact. The present study highlights the impacts of three urbanization factors on PM<sub>2.5</sub> pollution which represent valuable and relevant information for air pollution control and urban planning.
|
|---|