Large-scale ecological restoration programs have been initiated globally with the aim of combating desertification and improving ecosystem services, especially for sand fixation service (SF) in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the effectiveness of ecological restoration in the radiation benefit of SF, such as improving air quality, remains not well known. In this study, we selected Xilingol as the study area, investigated the dynamics of SF, and quantified the radiation benefit of SF in downwind areas by employing PM10 concentration as the proxy. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model was applied to assess the response of radiation benefit to ecological restoration by designing land use scenarios. Results showed that the SF in Xilingol increased with fluctuation at an average rate of 0.27%/year from 2000 to 2018. Under the effect of ecological restoration, the radiation benefit in the downwind regions was substantially improved, as manifested by a 104.22 μg/m3 reduction in PM10 concentration. The changes in radiation benefit varied greatly across space, and northern and southern Xilingol were hot spots for increased radiation benefit. Based on regional disparity in benefit level, this work could provide a reference to make differentiated cross-regional ecological compensation schemes at the national level.
Keywords: China; Ecological restoration; HYSPLIT model; Radiation benefit; Sand fixation service.
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