Does the Spatial Pattern of Plants and Green Space Affect Air Pollutant Concentrations? Evidence from 37 Garden Cities in China

Relevant studies have demonstrated that urban green spaces composed of various types of plants are able to alleviate the morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases, by reducing air pollution levels. In order to explore the relationship between the spatial pattern of urban green spaces and air pollutant concentrations, this study takes 37 garden cities with subtropical monsoon climate in China as the research object and selects the urban air quality monitoring data and land use type data in 2019 to analyze the relationship between the spatial pattern and the air pollutant concentration through the landscape metrics model and spatial regression model. Moreover, the threshold effect of the impact of green space on air pollutant concentrations is estimated, as well. The results showed that the spatial pattern of urban green space was significantly correlated with the concentrations of PM(2.5) (PM with aerodynamic diameters of 2.5 mmor less), NO(2) (Nitrogen Dioxide), and SO(2) (Sulfur dioxide) pollutants in the air, while the concentrations of PM(10) (PM with aerodynamic diameters of 10 mmor less) pollutants were not significantly affected by the green space pattern. Among them, the patch shape index (LSI), patch density (PD) and patch proportion in landscape area (PLAND) of forest land can affect the concentration of PM(2.5), NO(2), and SO(2), respectively. The PLAND, PD, and LSI of grassland and farmland can also have an additional impact on the concentration of SO(2) pollutants. The study also found that there was a significant threshold effect within the impact mechanism of urban green space landscape pattern indicators (LSI, PD, PLAND) on the concentrations of PM(2.5), NO(2), and SO(2) air pollutants. The results of this study not only clarified the impact mechanism of the spatial pattern of urban green space on air pollutant concentrations but also provided quantitative reference and scientific basis for the optimization and updating of urban green space to promote public health.