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Impact of Population Density on PM 2.5 Concentrations: A Case Study in Shanghai, China

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  • Shuaishuai Han

    (The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, Future City Lab ECNU, School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China)

  • Bindong Sun

    (The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, Future City Lab ECNU, School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China)

Abstract

We examine the effects of the urban built environment on PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter with diameters equal or smaller than 2.5 μm) concentrations by using an improved region-wide database, a spatial econometric model, and five built environment attributes: Density, design, diversity, distance to transit, and destination accessibility (the 5Ds). Our study uses Shanghai as a relevant case study and focuses on the role of density at the jiedao scale, the smallest administrative unit in China. The results suggest that population density is positively associated with PM 2.5 concentrations, pointing to pollution centralization and congestion effects dominating the mitigating effects of mode-shifting associated with density. Other built environment variables, such as the proportion of road intersections, degree of mixed land use, and density of bus stops, are all positively associated with PM 2.5 concentrations while distance to nearest primary or sub-center is negatively associated. Regional heterogeneity shows that suburban jiedao have lower PM 2.5 concentrations when a subway station is present.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuaishuai Han & Bindong Sun, 2019. "Impact of Population Density on PM 2.5 Concentrations: A Case Study in Shanghai, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:7:p:1968-:d:219466
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    Cited by:

    1. Kayoung Kim & Young Ho Byun & Donghyuk Lee & Noeon Park, 2019. "Understanding the Global Status of Particulate Matter with Respect to Research Topics and Research Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Hongjie Bao & Ling Shan & Yufei Wang & Yuehua Jiang & Cheonjae Lee & Xufeng Cui, 2021. "How Does Local Real Estate Investment Influence Neighborhood PM 2.5 Concentrations? A Spatial Econometric Analysis," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-21, May.

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