Articles | Volume 25, issue 21
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-15487-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-15487-2025
Research article
 | 
13 Nov 2025
Research article |  | 13 Nov 2025

Urban-rural patterns and driving factors of particulate matter pollution decrease in eastern China

Zhihao Song and Bin Chen

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Cited articles

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Short summary
This study reveals that 2015–2023 particulate matter (PM) pollution in eastern China declined faster in urban than rural areas. Temperature and interannual variability were key drivers, with urban reductions concentrated in urban core zones and suburbs. The effect of interannual variability on PM decreased significantly, while other factors showed periodic fluctuations.
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