Spatiotemporal characteristics of atmospheric CO2 under the influence of different industrial emission sources using lidar remote sensing in Nanping, China

Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are predominantly regulated by multiple emission sources, with industrial emissions representing a critical anthropogenic driver that significantly influences temporal and spatial heterogeneity in regional CO₂ patterns. This study investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of atmospheric CO₂ in Pucheng and Nanping industrial parks, Nanping City, by conducting field experiments using two coherent differential absorption lidars from 1 August to 31 October 2024. Results showed that the spatial distributions of CO₂ emissions within a 3 km radius were mapped, and the local diffusion processes were clarified. CO₂ patterns varied differently in two industrial parks over the three-month period: Average CO₂ concentrations in non-emission areas were 422.4 ppm in Pucheng and 408.7 ppm in Nanping, with the former experiencing higher and more variable carbon emissions; Correlation analysis indicated that synthetic leather factories in Pucheng contributed more to SO₂ and NO_x levels compared to the chemical plant in Nanping; In Pucheng, CO₂ concentrations were transported from the north at ground-level wind speeds exceeding 4 m/s, while in Nanping, the concentrations dispersed gradually with increasing wind speeds; Forward trajectory simulations revealed that the peak-emission from Pucheng primarily affected southern Fujian, northeastern Jiangxi, and southern Anhui, while the peak-emission from Nanping influenced central and western Fujian and northeastern Jiangxi. Besides, emissions in both industrial parks were higher on weekdays and lower on weekends, reflecting changes in industrial activities. The study underscores the potential of lidar technology for providing detailed insights into CO₂ distribution and the interactions between emissions, wind patterns, and carbon transport.