Association of particulate matter pollution 〖PM〗_10 and 〖PM〗_2.5 and COVID-19 pandemic in Quito-Ecuador

Abstract


 This study aimed to investigate the associations between particulate matter (PM) concentrations and the confirmed cases, new cases and deaths by Covid-19 in Quito-Ecuador. Covid-19 data were extracted from Ecuador's National Risk Management Service, while the average daily values of and were obtained from the data reported by the Quito Environment Secretariat. The analysis of the data was performed using Kendall and Spearman's ranks correlation tests since the data did not present a normal distribution. A strong significant correlation was found between and confirmed cases and deaths, while between and confirmed cases, new cases and deaths, the correlation was weak, in both Kendall and Spearman tests. These results are consistent with the growing trends of due to ash emissions from Sangay and Reventador volcanoes, which are a natural source of PM. As a result, this study supports the possibility that the could act as a vehicle in the transmission of Covid-19. Our results will help the World Health Organization and the National Risk and Emergency Management Service in Ecuador take effective action to combat Covid-19.
 
 Index Terms— Covid-19, Particulate matter pollution, Ecuador, Volcanic Ash, Quito, Coronavirus.