Seasonal Influence in Traffic-Related Air Pollutants Concentrations in Urban Parks from Porto Alegre, Brazil

Abstract

Traffic-related air pollution is an alarming source of pollutants exposure and consequently to the development of several adverse health effects. Otherwise, green spaces are reported to improve health status. Although, in an urban scenario most of these areas are located near air pollutants sources, as vehicle fleet. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine, during one year, the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) and ozone (O 3) in the main parks from Porto Alegre-Brazil. This study focused on three urban parks: Germânia, Moinhos de Vento and Marinha do Brasil Park. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone measurements were accessed by passive monitoring in four campaigns including all seasons and performed at distances of 0 m, 15 m, 30 m, 45 m, 60 m and 75 m from the main road at each park. NO 2 and O 3 concentration among the parks was not different (p > 0.05), as well as the mean concentration of NO 2 and O 3 of all parks in the six sites did not differ (p > 0.05). However, season 1 and 3 showed increased NO 2 and O 3 concentration. Temperature were decreased in season 1 and 3 (p < 0.05), while humidity, pressure and insolation showed no difference among seasons (p > 0.05). Traffic flow was higher in Moinhos de Vento Park and Marinha do Brasil Park compared to Germânia Park (p < 0.05). Overall, the seasonal variation could directly interfere in NO 2 and O 3 concentration in urban parks from Porto Alegre.

Redução na concentração de MP2,5 causada pelas medidas de isolamento para contenção do COVID-19 influenciaram o risco à saúde durante a prática de exercício

“…It is well known that meteorological parameters influence the concentration of air pollutants, the low temperature is associated with thermal inversion that causes a higher concentration of pollutants like PM2.5 in the air. Also, the increased humidity leads to the reduction of ascendant airflow and lower temperatures that increase the concentration of air pollutants (30)(31)(32)(33). The reduction in the concentration of PM2.5 observed in our study agrees with other works conducted in Brazil and worldwide that reported mitigation of air pollution during COVID-19 lockdown compared to before the period due to the reduction in anthropogenic emissions (34)(35)(36)(37)(38).…”

Effects of urban functional fragmentation on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) variation with anthropogenic-emission restriction in China

“…He, et al 31 have indicated the positive trends between the industrial functional fragmentation and NO 2 concentrations. Research has also revealed that the distribution of public urban functions including greenery and parks show the potential to influence NO 2 variations 32 , 33 .…”