A method of gas-related pollution source layout based on multi-source data: A case study of shaanxi province, China

The location and layout of enterprises have an important impact on local air quality. However, a few studies on exploring of the optimal layout of gas-related enterprises from the perspective of optimizing the layout of air pollution sources. This study developed a method for the evaluation of air pollution source layout based on air pollutant emission inventory data, atmospheric self-purification capacity data, and satellite remote sensing air quality data. Taking Shaanxi Province as an example, the Moran's I index and GIS spatial analysis techniques were used to evaluate the layout of air pollution sources, analyze the spatial variation characteristics of air pollution sources, and propose specific countermeasures to optimize the layout of air pollution sources. Results showed that northern Shaanxi and Guanzhong Plain are the most unsuitable for the distribution of NOx and CO sources, accounting for 13.78% and 21.77% of the total area, respectively. The most suitable area for the distribution of NOx is southern Shaanxi, accounting for 65.77% of the total area, mainly concentrated in Hanzhong and Ankang regions. The most suitable area for the distribution of CO is southern Shaanxi, accounting for 40.97% of the total area, mainly concentrated in Hanzhong and Shangluo regions. The findings of this study could supplement and improve the evaluation of the layout of industrial enterprises in China from technical and methodological aspects, and provide new insight for local governments to adjust and optimize the layout of air pollution sources.