Investigating the Impact of Green Space Ratio and Layout on Bioaerosol Concentrations in Urban High-Density Areas: A Simulation Study in Beijing, China

Wenchen Jian, Hao He, Boya Wang and Zhicheng Liu ()
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Wenchen Jian: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Hao He: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Boya Wang: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Zhicheng Liu: School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global development. Through bioaerosols emitted by human respiration, respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19, are transmitted. The bioaerosol concentrations can be affected by the urban climate and morphology. However, the effects of urban green spaces on bioaerosol concentrations remain unclear. Focusing on the dormitory area of Beijing Forestry University, this study first investigated the influence of different green space ratios on the average bioaerosol concentrations using the ENVI-met software. Moreover, both overall and local green space layouts were analyzed for their impact on bioaerosol concentrations. The results indicated that ventilation conditions were the primary factor influencing bioaerosol concentrations. During peak congestion, a 10% increase in the green space ratio resulted in a 2% rise in the average bioaerosol concentration. Furthermore, a distributed layout resulted in a 1.3% higher average bioaerosol concentration than a concentrated layout with an equivalent green space ratio. Enacting strategies such as Roadside Green Spaces Retreat, Road Spaces Expansion, and Intersection Green Spaces Chamfering led to reductions in local bioaerosol concentrations by up to 17.7%, 18.44%, and 12.69%, respectively. This study highlights the importance of adjusting green space layouts in urban high-density areas after the pandemic, reducing the risk of population exposure to bioaerosol concentrations.

Keywords: respiratory infections; bioaerosol concentrations; urban high-density areas; green space ratio; green space layout; ENVI-met (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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