RT Journal Article
T1 Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures in Southern Spain on PM10 trace element and gaseous pollutant concentrations
A1 Millán Martínez, María
A1 Sánchez-Rodas Navarro, Daniel Alejandro
A1 Sánchez de la Campa Verdona, Ana María
A1 Rosa Díaz, Jesús de la
AB Trace element concentrations within PM10, gaseous pollutants (NO2 and SO2), and PM10 levels were studied during the Covid-19 lockdown at a regional level in Southern Spain (Andalusia). Pollutant concentrations were compared considering different mobility periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown, and relaxation) in 2020 and previous years (2013–2016). An acute decrease in NO2 levels (<50%) was observed as a consequence of traffic diminution during the confinement period. Moreover, a lower reduction in PM10 levels and a non-clear pattern for SO2 levels were observed.During the lockdown period, PM10 elements released from traffic emissions (Sn and Sb) showed the highest concentration diminution in the study area. Regarding the primary industrial sites, there were no significant differences in V, Ni, La, and Cr concentration reduction during 2020 associated with industrial activity (stainless steel and oil refinery) in Algeciras Bay. Similarly, concentrations of Zn showed the same behaviour at Cordoba, indicating that the Zn-smelter activity was not affected by the lockdown. Nevertheless, stronger reductions of Cu, Zn, and As in Huelva during the confinement period indicated a decrease in the nearby Cu-smelter emissions. Brick factories in Bailen were also influenced by the confinement measures, as corroborated by the marked decrease in concentrations of Ni, V, Cu, and Zn during the lockdown compared to that from previous years.This work has shown the baseline concentrations of trace elements of PM10, which is of great value to air quality managers in order to minimise pollution levels by applying the confinement of the population, affecting both traffic and industrial anthropogenic activities.
PB Elsevier
SN 0045-6535
YR 2022
FD 2022
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10272/21320
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10272/21320
LA eng
NO María Millán-Martínez, Daniel Sánchez-Rodas, Ana M. Sánchez de la Campa, Jesús de la Rosa, Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures in Southern Spain on PM10 trace element and gaseous pollutant concentrations, Chemosphere, Volume 303, Part 1, 2022, 134853, ISSN 0045-6535, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134853
NO We would like to acknowledge the project of the Ministry of Science,Innovation and Universities of Spain (Project RTI2018-095937-B-I00),the co-financed project by the Andalusian Government and the EU(PY18-2332), and the Environmental Agency of Andalusia for financialand technical support. Funding for open access charge: Universidad deHuelva / CBUA.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 1 jun 2026