Research progress of the atmospheric environmental quality in the river basins of the Tibetan Plateau
Background,aim,and scope The Tibetan Plateau(TP),often referred to as the Asian Water Tower,is critically affected by atmospheric environmental changes,which directly influence human life quality and ecological safety in the river basins where many cities reside.Recently,the atmospheric environment quality in these river basins has garnered significant attention,although a comprehensive and systematic study on the subject remains to be published.To safeguard the environment and develop an eco-cultural highland in the TP,this paper reviews various research methodologies pertaining to atmospheric environmental quality and summarizes the advancements in atmospheric environmental observation within the TP.Additionally,it offers perspectives on the future development of atmospheric environmental quality observation and research in the TP's river basins.Materials and methods Summarizing and analyzing the current atmospheric environment observation and research results in the river basins of the TP.Results This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different research methods for studying atmospheric environmental quality and outlines the main comprehensive observation stations currently operating on the TP.Based on existing literature,a framework diagram is constructed to illustrate the changes in atmospheric environmental quality on the TP.Furthermore,this study categorizes the current state and limitations of research on atmospheric environmental quality in six aspects:composition and concentration of atmospheric pollutants,sources,transport mechanisms,temporal and spatial distribution patterns,influencing factors,and environmental and human health risks.Discussion In terms of research methods,observation,simulation,and evaluation of atmospheric environment quality each have their own advantages and disadvantages,necessitating a tailored approach based on the natural conditions and social basis of the river basins.In terms of atmospheric environment observation stations,there are many point source observation stations,but it is difficult to comprehensively represent the atmospheric environment quality of the entire basin,indicating a need for strengthened observation effects.Our research process focuses on the impact of external sources of pollution on the atmospheric environment quality of the river basin.We particularly highlight the mechanism and influencing factors of transboundary transport of atmospheric pollutants.However,local sources of pollution in areas like the Lhasa River Basin,where human activities are intense,should not be overlooked.In the future,it remains essential to enhance the comprehensive observation and research of the atmospheric environment quality in the Lhasa River Basin,considering the impacts of climate change and human activities,to uncover the mechanisms driving atmospheric environment changes in the basin.Conclusions The research on atmospheric environment quality in river basins of the TP mainly focuses on urban areas.Through previous studies,the spatial and temporal characteristics of regional atmospheric environment quality and their impacts have been preliminarily identified,and the transmission mechanism of some atmospheric pollutants has been revealed.However,challenges remain,including insufficient long-term observation and research stations,gaps in understanding the mechanism of atmospheric environment quality change,and risk in the river basins.Therefore,it is necessary to establish a comprehensive observation system for atmospheric environment in river basins and carry out multi-layer and multi-dimensional systematic observation research.Recommendations and perspectives Based on the existing observational foundations,future research should focus on the Lhasa River Basin,where human activities are concentrated,to carry out the monitoring of changes in atmospheric environmental quality covering the upper,middle,and lower reaches.This will provide a typical case for the study of atmospheric environmental quality of river basins in the high alpine region of Xizang and even the whole TP.
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