Quantifying the Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of PM(2.5) Pollution and Its Determinants in 273 Cities in China

Fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) pollution brings great negative impacts to human health and social development. From the perspective of heterogeneity and the combination of national and urban analysis, this study aims to investigate the variation patterns of PM(2.5) pollution and its determinants, using geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) in 273 Chinese cities from 2015 to 2019. A comprehensive analytical framework was established, composed of 14 determinants from multi-dimensions, including population, economic development, technology, and natural conditions. The results indicated that: (1) PM(2.5) pollution was most severe in winter and the least severe in summer, while the monthly, daily, and hourly variations showed “U”-shaped, pulse-shaped and “W”-shaped patterns; (2) Coastal cities in southeast China have better air quality than other cities, and the interaction between determinants enhanced the spatial disequilibrium of PM(2.5) pollution; (3) The determinants showed significant heterogeneity on PM(2.5) pollution—specifically, population density, trade openness, the secondary industry, and invention patents exhibited the strongest positive impacts on PM(2.5) pollution in the North China Plain. Relative humidity, precipitation and per capita GDP were more effective in improving atmospheric quality in cities with serious PM(2.5) pollution. Altitude and the proportion of built-up areas showed strong effects in western China. These findings will be conductive to formulating targeted and differentiated prevention strategies for regional air pollution control.