ABSTRACT
The need to generate objective evidence and reliable information for decision makers to improve environmental policies for a better air quality, led us to evaluate the atmospheric aerosol components in the urban area of Carabayllo, by monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 to determine mass concentration and analyzing PM10 using k 0-INAA and ICP-MS for metals quantification, ion chromatography for anions and the NIOSH method to determine organic and elemental carbon. The results obtained from mass concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the permissible breathing annual average of WHO guidelines of 15 µgm-3 and 45 µgm-3, respectively, which evidence an unhealthy air quality. Likewise, using the model Positive Matrix Factorization five sources of pollutants were defined: metallurgical industry, sea salt, industrial activity, dust and non-exhaust emissions and vehicle emissions.
ABSTRACT
The sanitary measures implemented to control and prevent an increase in infections due to the COVID-19 pandemic have produced an improvement in the air quality of many urban areas around the world. We assessed air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic for particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), NO2 and O3 in in metropolitan area of Lima, Peru between pre-lockdown period (February 1 and March 15 of 2020), historical period (March 16 to April 30 2017-2019) and lockdown period (March 16 to April 30, 2020). The complete national lockdown that was implemented in Peru produced statistically significant reductions in the in-air pollutant (PM10 (-40% and -58%), PM2.5 (-31% and -43%) and NO2 (-46% and -48%)), as recorded by the by the ground-based air quality monitoring network throughout the metropolitan area, compared with the corresponding concentrations for the previous weeks and over the same period for 2017-2019. Analysis of the spatial Distribution of satellite data also show decreases in the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 as a result of the containment measures and suspension of activities implemented by the Peruvian government. The concentrations of O3 significantly increased (11% and 170%) as a result of the decrease in the concentration of NO2, confirming that the study area is a hydrocarbon-limited system, as previously reported. The results obtained contribute to the assessment by the regulatory agencies of the possible strategies of control and monitoring of air pollution in the study area. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-021-00990-3.
