Air pollution characteristics, health risks, and source analysis in Shanxi Province, China

China is confronting an unprecedented air pollution problem. This study discussed the characteristics of air pollution and its risks on human health and conducted source analysis combined with local development in Shanxi Province in 2016 and 2017. Results demonstrated that the air pollution situation in Shanxi was deteriorating, with Taiyuan, Yangquan, Changzhi, Jincheng, Jinzhong, and Linfen being heavily polluted districts. Particulate matter (PM) was considered the major pollutant, but nitrogen dioxide and ozone showed a dominant trend recently. Furthermore, the health risks evaluated on the basis of a comprehensive air quality index (AAQI) and an aggregated risk index revealed a relatively high-risk level in Shanxi. Among the pollutants, the largest contributor was PM, followed by sulfur dioxide and ozone. Southern Shanxi had the largest pollution level and health risks, whereas Datong was the least polluted region. Source analysis suggested that the main driving forces of air pollution, besides natural factors, were urbanization, population size, civil vehicles, coal-based heavy industries, and high-energy consumption. Therefore, strengthening urban greening, vigorously adjusting and optimizing the industrial structure, and formulating a multi-domain cooperative control regime on air pollution, especially PM and ozone, should be promoted.

Automated summary

The study revealed that air pollution in Shanxi Province is worsening, with cities such as Taiyuan, Yangquan, and Changzhi being heavily polluted areas. While particulate matter remains the major pollutant, nitrogen dioxide and ozone have shown a dominant trend recently. Health risks in Shanxi are relatively high, with PM, sulfur dioxide, and ozone being the main contributors. Southern Shanxi has the highest pollution level and health risks, while Datong is the least polluted region. Urbanization, population size, civil vehicles, coal-based heavy industries, and high-energy consumption are identified as the main driving forces of air pollution in the region.