Nationwide Decline of Wet Sulfur Deposition in China from 2013 to 2023

Yue Xi, Qiufeng Wang (), Jianxing Zhu (), Tianxiang Hao, Qiongyu Zhang, Yanran Chen, Zihan Tai, Quanhong Lin and Hao Wang
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Yue Xi: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Qiufeng Wang: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Jianxing Zhu: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Tianxiang Hao: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Qiongyu Zhang: Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Yanran Chen: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Zihan Tai: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Quanhong Lin: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Hao Wang: Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-15

Abstract: Atmospheric sulfur (S) deposition, a key component of acid deposition, poses risks to ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development. In China, decades of coal-dominated energy use caused severe S pollution, but recent emission-control policies and energy restructuring have sought to reverse this trend. However, the effectiveness and regional differences in these measures remain insufficiently quantified. Here, we combined continuous observations from 43 monitoring sites (2013–2023), satellite-derived SO 2 vertical column density, and multi-source environmental datasets to construct a high-resolution record of wet S deposition. A random forest model, validated with R 2 = 0.52 and RMSE = 1.2 kg ha −1 yr −1 , was used to estimate fluxes and spatial patterns, while ridge regression and SHAP analysis quantified the relative contributions of emissions, precipitation, and socioeconomic factors. This framework allows us to assess both the environmental and health-related sustainability implications of sulfur deposition. Results show a nationwide decline of more than 50% in wet S deposition during 2013–2023, with two-thirds of sites and 95% of grids showing significant decreases. Historical hotspots such as the North China Plain and Sichuan Basin improved markedly, while some southern provinces (e.g., Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi) still exhibited high deposition (>20 kg ha −1 yr −1 ). Over 90% of the reduction was attributable to emission declines, confirming the dominant effect of sustained policy-driven measures. This study extends sulfur deposition records to 2023, demonstrates the value of integrating ground monitoring with remote sensing and machine learning, and provides robust evidence that China’s emission reduction policies have delivered significant environmental and sustainability benefits. The findings offer insights for region-specific governance and for developing countries balancing economic growth with ecological protection.

Keywords: sulfur deposition; monitoring network; sustainable development; emissions reduction policy; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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