Disparities between residential and commercial zones in air quality revealed by location-based services

This study contrasts the heterogeneity of land use impacts on air quality between residential and commercial zones, supporting Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable cities (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities) and health (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being). Employing interpretative machine learning, we analyze data across human mobility, socioeconomic factors, natural environments, and urban morphology. Key results indicate maintaining Building Density of 0.35-0.5 and Gross Floor Area above 2.5 km2 in residential areas is vital for effective PM 2.5 management by improving air circulation and reducing pollutant concentration. In commercial zones, controlling Floor Area Ratio up to 2 and Building Height between 36-50 m is essential. Our comparative analysis highlights different traffic management needs: congestion controls and non-motorized transportation are crucial in residential areas as traffic nears 200 vehicles within a block, while promoting child-friendly, pedestrianized spaces in commercial districts minimizes emissions. These insights emphasize the need for sustainable, tailored, age-friendly urban planning to enhance air quality and public health.