Spatiotemporal evolution of PM2.5 and its components and drivers in China, 2000-2023: effects of air pollution prevention and control actions in China

This study evaluated the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) in China using 2000-2023 data. The average annual PM2.5 concentration dropped from 46.11 +/- 16.18 mu g/m(3) to 31.75 +/- 14.22 mu g/m(3) (P < 0.05) after APPCAP, with components showing a similar decline. Temporal analysis via Mann-Kendall test indicated a decreasing trend (Z < 0, P < 0.05), seasonally peaking in winter and lowest in summer. Spatially, APPCAP reduced concentration distribution, with key regions improving but areas like Shandong and Henan still facing severe pollution. The main PM2.5 driver shifted from human (e.g., population density) to meteorological (e.g., temperature) factors post-APPCAP, and anthropogenic influence varied across regions. In summary, APPCAP has curbed PM2.5 pollution, yet SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ remain relatively high, and the increasing human impact in central and southeastern China demands attention in future policies.