Empirical analysis of the influence mechanism of vegetation and environment on negative air ion in warm temperate forest ecosystems

Air pollution presents a significant threat to public health in megacities globally. Negative air ions (NAI), often referred to as “air vitamins,” are recognized for their effectiveness in alleviating the harmful effects of air pollution. Forest ecosystems serve as natural generators of NAI, with both vegetation and environmental conditions playing critical roles in the formation and persistence of NAI. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how forest ecosystems regulate NAI production is essential for leveraging their potential to enhance air quality. However, the intricate dynamics of forest ecosystems, along with seasonal fluctuations in vegetation and environmental factors, introduce uncertainties in NAI generation. This study utilized long-term observational data to explore the relationships between environmental variables, vegetation photosynthetic capacity (using solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence, SIF), and NAI concentrations. By employing machine learning algorithms, we analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution of NAI, identifying the key contributing factors and their relative influence within forest ecosystems. The results revealed distinct seasonal variations in NAI levels, with higher values in summer and lower in winter. SIF and PM_2.5 primarily influenced NAI through direct effects across seasons, whereas ambient temperature (TA), relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and soil moisture predominantly impacted SIF on NAI through indirect effects in summer. TA was the primary influencing factor in spring and winter, contributing 28% and 25%, respectively, while PAR played a more significant role in summer and autumn, accounting for 37% and 27%. Vegetation had a greater impact on NAI levels during spring and summer, contributing 66% and 62%, whereas environmental factors dominated in autumn and winter, with contributions of 83% and 89%. This study offers both a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for enhancing the role of forest ecosystems in improving air quality and human living environments.