Examining the Influence of Crop Residue Burning on Local PM2.5 Concentrations in Heilongjiang Province Using Ground Observation and Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

Abstract:Although a many studies concerning crop residue burning have been conducted, the influence of crop residue burning on local PM 2.5 concentrations remains unclear. The number of crop residue burning spots was the highest in Heilongjiang province and we extracted crop residue burning spots for this region using MOD14A1 (Thermal Anomalies & Fire Daily L3 Global 1 km) data and national land cover data. By analyzing the temporal variation of crop residue burning and PM 2.5 concentrations in Heilongjiang province, we found that the total number of crop residue burning spots was not correlated with the variations of PM 2.5 concentrations at a provincial (regional) scale. However, crop residue burning exerted notable influence on the variations of PM 2.5 concentrations at a local scale. We experimented with a set of buffer zone radiuses to examine the influencing area of crop residue burning. The results suggest that the valid influencing area of crop residue burning was between 50 and 80 km. The mean PM 2.5 concentration measured at stations close to crop residue burning spots was more than 60 µg/m 3 higher than that measured at stations not close to crop residue burning spots. However, no consistent, significant correlation existed between the existence of crop residue burning spots and local PM 2.5 concentrations, indicating that local PM 2.5 concentrations were influenced by a diversity of factors and not solely controlled by crop residue burning. This research also provides suggestions for better understanding the role of crop residue burning in local and regional air pollution.

Understanding the Influence of Crop Residue Burning on PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations in China from 2013 to 2017 Using MODIS Data

“…From a spatial perspective, the correlation in NEC is the strongest among the seven regions, especially in spring and autumn, suggesting that the PM concentration is closely related to crop residue burning in the burning-concentrated periods. This phenomenon was consistent with findings from previous studies suggesting that crop residue burning is related to PM 2.5 concentration [ 23 , 24 ]. The main reason for the poor correlation in NC is that the source of PM is high exhaust-emission of vehicles and industrial production, instead of crop residue burning [ 41 ].…”

“…Given the potential risk PM exert on public health, it is essential to explore correlations between crop residue burning and PM concentrations. Yin et al revealed the spatial distribution of crop residue burning and PM 2.5 concentrations in China at a seasonal pattern [ 23 ], and Chen et al discussed the influence of crop residue burning on PM 2.5 concentration in Heilongjiang Province of China during a severe haze episode [ 24 ]. Zhuang et al analyzed the trend of crop residue burning in different regions of China from 2003 to 2017 [ 18 ].…”

High Spatial Resolution PM2.5 Retrieval Using MODIS and Ground Observation Station Data Based on Ensemble Random Forest

“…It is widely agreed that ground monitoring can produce accurate results through field investigations. However, ground monitoring is impossible to generate massive temporally updated data with respect to PM 2.5 over large-scale areas due to a series of challenges involving high economic costs, a limited number of monitoring stations, and insufficient labour productivity [2], [3]. Satellite-based remote sensing monitoring can offset some limitations of traditional ground monitoring, which provides the capability to conveniently acquire data and an extensive monitoring range.…”