Monitoring history and change trends of ambient air quality in China during the past four decades. (15th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Fengying; Shi, Yu; Fang, Dekun; Ma, Guangwen; Nie, Chengjing; Krafft, Thomas; He, Lihuan; Wang, Yeyao
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 260(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04-15
• Subjects: Ambient air quality -- Monitoring history -- Spatiotemporal pattern -- China; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.110031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: This study summarized the history of ambient air quality monitoring and air pollution prevention and control, and it analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of ambient air pollutants during 1981–2017 in China. The results showed that monitoring of ambient air quality has changed dramatically in terms of determinants, sampling methods, monitoring extent, and evaluation basis during the previous four decades. Annual average concentrations of total suspended particulates, PM10 and SO2 have shown obvious decreasing trends during the studied period. These improvements have been closely related to the considerable efforts and various approaches undertaken to prevent and control air pollution. However, although policy implementation has been decisive and, at least in part, it has been enforced effectively, significant challenges remain. Air pollution control cannot be accomplished without a long-term strategy designed to achieve clean air in all parts of China. Highlights: First study on monitoring history and air quality change trends in the past 40 years. Air quality monitoring work has improved greatly. TSP, PM10 and SO2 showed obvious decreasing trend. Lots efforts have been made on air pollution prevention and control.