Sedimentation rate of settleable particulate matter in Santiago city, Chile

Abstract

Settleable particulate matter (SPM) is an atmospheric pollutant harmful to human health and the environment in high concentrations. Despite this fact, no up-to-date information on SPM levels exists for the capital of Chile, Santiago (7 million inhabitants). To address this knowledge gap, SPM sedimentation rates, including soluble and insoluble components, were measured at three different urban sites from July to November of 2016. We compare the measurements with ambient and meteorological information, as well as urban typology settings. Our results indicate SPM deposition rates between 2.5 and 3.9 g/(m 2 ⋅30 days). Only one site exceeded the national limit of 4.5 g/(m 2 ⋅30 days), but we found an increasing trend in all three sites. SPM and its insoluble sedimentation rates increased during warm and dry months and presented significant correlations with meteorological parameters. The highest sedimentation rates were measured at the location with the least permeable surfaces and the lowest green spaces, while the lowest sedimentation rates were found in the sites with abundant green spaces and permeable soil. No significant differences were detected in the soluble components. Our results suggest that SPM levels in Santiago are close to the national limit and may increase with climate change and urban expansion.

Polvo atmosférico sedimentable y ruido ambiental: caso de estudio en la zona centro de Tacna durante la pandemia COVID 19

“…Como resultado, hubo un menor número de vehículos de motor y se suspendió la operación de las industrias, lo que redujo las emisiones de contaminantes peligrosos al aire en la atmósfera (Samsuri et al, 2020). Por lo tanto, en la mayoría de los casos, ha habido un impacto positivo en los índices de calidad del aire, ya que antes de la pandemia se han realizado diversos estudios que demuestran los efectos negativos del PAS sobre la salud de las personas, la infraestructura y las plantas (Alahmr et al, 2012;Jaradat et al, 2014;Morales-Casa et al, 2020). Estos efectos parecen haber disminuido durante la etapa de la pandemia.…”