Effects of Urban Landscape Pattern on PM(2.5) Pollution—A Beijing Case Study

PM(2.5) refers to particulate matter (PM) in air that is less than 2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter, which has negative effects on air quality and human health. PM(2.5) is the main pollutant source in haze occurring in Beijing, and it also has caused many problems in other cities. Previous studies have focused mostly on the relationship between land use and air quality, but less research has specifically explored the effects of urban landscape patterns on PM(2.5). This study considered the rapidly growing and heavily polluted Beijing, China. To better understand the impact of urban landscape pattern on PM(2.5) pollution, five landscape metrics including PLAND, PD, ED, SHEI, and CONTAG were applied in the study. Further, other data, such as street networks, population density, and elevation considered as factors influencing PM(2.5), were obtained through RS and GIS. By means of correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression, the effects of landscape pattern on PM(2.5) concentration was explored. The results showed that (1) at class-level, vegetation and water were significant landscape components in reducing PM(2.5) concentration, while cropland played a special role in PM(2.5) concentration; (2) landscape configuration (ED and PD) features at class-level had obvious effects on particulate matter; and (3) at the landscape-level, the evenness (SHEI) and fragmentation (CONTAG) of the whole landscape related closely with PM(2.5) concentration. Results of this study could expand our understanding of the role of urban landscape pattern on PM(2.5) and provide useful information for urban planning.