Primary Pollutants and Air Quality Analysis for Urban Air in China: Evidence from Shanghai

In recent years, China’s urban air pollution has caused widespread concern in the academic world. As one of China’s economic and financial centers and one of the most densely populated cities, Shanghai ranks among the top in China in terms of per capita energy consumption per unit area. Based on the Shanghai Energy Statistical Yearbook and Shanghai Air Pollution Statistics, we have systematically analyzed Shanghai’s atmospheric pollutants from three aspects: Primary pollutants, pollutants changing trends, and fine particulate matter. The comprehensive pollution index analysis method, the grey correlation analysis method, and the Euclid approach degree method are used to evaluate and analyze the air quality in Shanghai. The results have shown that Shanghai’s primary pollutants are PM_2.5 and O₃, and the most serious air pollution happens during the first half of the year, particularly in the winter. This is because it is the peak period of industrial energy use, and residential heating will also lead to an increase in energy consumption. Furthermore, by studying the particulate pollutants of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, we clearly disclosed the linear correlation between PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations in Shanghai which varies seasonally.