Effect of Lockdown Measures on Atmospheric Nitrogen Dioxide during SARS-CoV-2 in Spain

The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has affected many countries and regions. In order to contain the spread of infection, many countries have adopted lockdown measures. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 has negatively influenced economies on a global scale and has caused a significant impact on the environment....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Francisco-Javier Mesas-Carrascosa, Fernando Pérez Porras, Paula Triviño-Tarradas, Alfonso García-Ferrer, Jose Emilio Meroño-Larriva
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
Series:Remote Sensing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/12/14/2210
Description
Summary:The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 has affected many countries and regions. In order to contain the spread of infection, many countries have adopted lockdown measures. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 has negatively influenced economies on a global scale and has caused a significant impact on the environment. In this study, changes in the concentration of the pollutant Nitrogen Dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) within the lockdown period were examined as well as how these changes relate to the Spanish population. NO<sub>2</sub> is one of the reactive nitrogen oxides gases resulting from both anthropogenic and natural processes. One major source in urban areas is the combustion of fossil fuels from vehicles and industrial plants, both of which significantly contribute to air pollution. The long-term exposure to NO<sub>2</sub> can also cause severe health problems. Remote sensing is a useful tool to analyze spatial variability of air quality. For this purpose, Sentinel-5P images registered from January to April of 2019 and 2020 were used to analyze spatial distribution of NO<sub>2</sub> and its evolution under the lockdown measures in Spain. The results indicate a significant correlation between the population’s activity level and the reduction of NO<sub>2</sub> values.
ISSN:2072-4292