Spatial analysis of land use change and dust pollution in limestone-rich regions: A case study of Logan County, Kentucky, USA

Industrial-scale limestone quarrying has transformed the ecological and atmospheric landscape of Logan County, Kentucky, over the last two decades. This study integrates remote sensing, particulate matter (PM10) monitoring, and geospatial analysis to assess land use transitions and dust pollution in the region. Using Landsat satellite imagery from 2003, 2013, and 2023, the research reveals a sharp decline in vegetation cover—from 52.7% to 28.6%—alongside a threefold increase in quarry area. Ground-level PM10 concentrations at six sites exceeded both WHO and U.S. EPA thresholds, while MODIS-derived Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data revealed persistent particulate hotspots. Overlay analysis demonstrated strong spatial correlation between vegetation degradation (NDVI loss) and dust concentration zones. Buffer analysis further identified communities within 2 km of quarry operations as the most environmentally vulnerable. The study’s results reinforce the importance of topography in dust dispersion and validate satellite-based monitoring for regulatory and planning applications. Overall, the findings offer empirical evidence for environmental risk mitigation in industrialized rural regions and advocate for stronger land use zoning, ecological restoration, and participatory governance in limestone-rich zones.