Reduction of the concentration of particulate material at a sampling point in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 generated various impacts on public health, the environment and other anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reduction of air pollution due to PM_{2.5} and PM_{10} particulate matter in Cusco city at the beginning of the pandemic. Social confinement in Peru began on March 16, 2020, until the end of June. These health measures caused strict isolation that resulted in a significant decrease in vehicle flow on the streets and avenues of the city of Cusco. In the first days of May, even during the time of confinement, we managed to measure air quality at a sampling point located on the campus of the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad de Cusco; a reduction in air pollution due to particulate matter was observed. The evaluation was carried out using an high-volume (HiVol) 3000 particulate matter sampler and the mass of particulate matter adhered to the filters was determined by gravimetry. The concentrations of particulate matter PM_{2.5} and PM_{10} obtained pre-pandemic were compared with those recorded at the beginning of the pandemic. The results revealed a significant average reduction in the concentration of PM_{10} and PM_{2.5}, reaching − 57.43% and − 59.52%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic values. At the same time, its relationship with meteorological parameters and Google mobility data was evaluated and it was concluded that these parameters did not significantly affect the reduction of particulate matter. This study reveals the positive effects of the pandemic in reducing air pollution and the confinement measures had as a secondary effect on the decrease in air pollution in Cusco City.