Improvement of Ambient Air Quality and the Synergistic Governance of Carbon and Pollutant Emissions in Shenyang

Identifying key targets for air pollution prevention and control while achieving synergy between pollution reduction and carbon mitigation is crucial for maximizing benefits to human health and the climate. To evaluate recent ambient air quality trends in Shenyang, this study analyzed atmospheric pollutant concentration data from 2020 to 2024, with a focus on two primary pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM _2.5 ) and ozone (O ₃ ). The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was employed to identify the emission sources of PM _2.5 and carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), as well as their common contributing sources. The results show that in recent years, the overall ambient air quality in Shenyang has improved, while ozone pollution has intensified. Particulate matter (PM) remains the dominant factor contributing to air quality deterioration. Among northern Chinese cities, coal-related emission sources continue to be the main contributors to PM _2.5 . From the perspective of coordinated control, coal combustion, vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning all have significant impacts on the concentrations of both PM _2.5 and CO ₂ . Notably, vehicle exhaust emissions exert a substantial influence across all seasons throughout the year. These findings provide a scientific basis for Shenyang to implement targeted pollution control measures and address the complex challenge of air pollution.