The impact of restriction measures implementation due to COVID-19 on particulate atmospheric pollution in Greek urban areas

Abstract

In this work, the variation on the levels of suspended particulates, in Greek urban areas, was examined, for the period of the restrictive measures implementation (period 1: March to May 2020 and period 2: November 2020 to January 2021) due to the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are measured by the National Air Pollution Monitoring Network of Greece monitored by the Energy/Environment Ministry. In particular, a comparison of the PM10 and PM2.5 concentration levels was made, concerning the above time periods, with the corresponding atmospheric pollution levels during the periods 2001-2009 (period before the Greek economic crisis), 2010-2019 (period during the Greek economic crisis), as well as with the entire time period 2001-2019. The assessment showed a significant reduction in the levels of both PM10 concentrations, which ranged from 8% to 45%, and PM2.5 concentrations, which ranged from 13% to 48%, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the control measures in improving air quality in Greek urban areas. The above findings show that with appropriate emission control strategies, vital improvements in the air environment of urban areas can be achieved.