PM2.5 Pollutant Concentrations in Greenspaces of Nanjing Are High but Can Be Lowered with Environmental Planning

Abstract

Small-scale greenspaces in high-density central urban districts serve as important outdoor activity spaces for the surrounding residents, especially the elderly. This study selects six small-scale, popular greenspaces with distinct characteristics that are jointly situated along the same main urban artery in a high-density central urban district. Field investigations and questionnaires are conducted and combined with statistical analyses, to explore the spatial-temporal distribution and influencing factors of PM2.5 concentrations in these greenspaces. The study finds that the air quality conditions in the sites are non-ideal, and this has potential negative impacts on the health of the elderly visitors. Moreover, the difference values of PM2.5 concentrations’ spatial-temporal distributions are significantly affected by vehicle-related emissions, which have significant temporal characteristics. PM2.5 concentration is strongly correlated with percentage of green coverage (R = 0.82, p < 0.05), degree of airflow (R = −0.83, p < 0.05), humidity and comfort level (R = 0.54, p < 0.01 and R = −0.40, p < 0.01 respectively). Meanwhile, the sites’ “sky view factor” is strongly correlated with degree of airflow (R = 0.82, p < 0.05), and the comfort level plays an indirect role in the process of PM2.5 affecting crowd activities. Based on this analysis, an optimal set of index ranges for greenspace elements which are correlated with the best reduction in PM2.5 concentrations is derived. As such, this research reveals the technical methods to best reduce their concentrations and provides a basis and reference for improving the quality of small-scale greenspaces in high-density urban districts for the benefit of healthy aging.

Street Tree Planning to Improve Public Health and Ecosystem Resilience in Urban Areas: A Scenario Analysis Using a System Dynamics Model

“…However, the amount of PM absorbed by trees can differ depending on each tree's diameter at breast height (DBH), leaf area, and leaf pore size. Additionally, tree PM absorption can be affected by weather and land-use conditions [45,46]. Therefore, accurately estimating the amount of PM absorption for each tree is complex.…”

The Impact of Street Tree Height on PM2.5 Concentration in Street Canyons: A Simulation Study

“…A great number of studies have proven that the PM2.5 concentration is positively correlated with the incidence rate of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases [5]. Moreover, it is believed that meteorological conditions (such as temperature, wind direction, wind speed, relative humidity, rainfall, and snowfall) are related to the PM2.5 concentration [6,7]. Furthermore, as one of the main pollutants in the atmosphere, PM2.5 not only has negative impacts on human health, but also poses serious threats to the sustainable development of society.…”