Shanxi sees better air, water quality in H1

Shanxi province has continuously improved its air quality and general environment in the first half of this year. 

From January to June, the average concentration of four pollutants in the province's air quality has decreased. 

The average concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone dropped by 2.4 percent, 7.7 percent, 6.2 percent and 5.1 percent, respectively, year-on-year.

Among the 94 surface water sections under national administration in the province, 81 have achieved good water quality (Grade I-III), accounting for 86.2 percent of the total, an increase of 8.8 percentage points compared to the same period last year. 

The sections ranked Grade V with inferior water quality have fallen by 1.1 percentage points. 

Shanxi will continue to work on the comprehensive treatment of its ecological environment in the areas where the Yellow River flows through, ensuring a steady improvement in water quality. It will also promote better air quality in key cities.