Elemental composition of atmospheric PM10 during COVID-19 lockdown and recovery periods in Moscow (April–July 2020)

• Published in: Environmental geochemistry and health 2023-11, Vol.45 (11), p.7909-7931
• Main Authors: Serdyukova, Anastasia D., Vlasov, Dmitrii V., Popovicheva, Olga B., Kosheleva, Natalia E., Chichaeva, Marina A., Kasimov, Nikolay S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Anthropogenic factors; Antimony; Atmospheric particulates; Biomass burning; Bismuth; Carcinogens; Chemical composition; Combustion; Combustion products; COVID-19; Earth and Environmental Science; Emissions; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Geochemistry; Human influences; Lead; Multivariate statistical analysis; Original Paper; Particulate matter; Pollutants; Pollution control; Pollution sources; Public Health; Shelter in place; Soil Science & Conservation; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods; Terrestrial Pollution; Tin; Vehicle emissions; Zinc
• ISSN: 0269-4042; 1573-2983
• DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01698-2

Changes in the concentrations of PM 10 -bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) during the COVID-19 lockdown period and after the revocation of restrictions were analyzed using the data received at the Aerosol Complex of Moscow State University in April–July 2020. During the lockdown, the input of biomass combustion products enriched in PTEs from the Moscow region hindered the decrease in pollutant concentrations. After the introduction of the self-isolation regime, lower concentrations of most PTEs occurred due to the decrease in anthropogenic activity and the rainy meteorological conditions. After the revocation of restrictive measures, the PTE concentrations began to increase. Multivariate statistical analysis (APCA-MLR) identified the main sources of atmospheric pollutants as urban dust, non-exhaust traffic emissions, and combustion and exhaust traffic emissions. PM 10 particles were significantly enriched with Sb, Cd, Sn, Bi, S, Pb, Cu, Mo, and Zn. The total non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, calculated according to the U.S. EPA model, decreased by 24% and 23% during the lockdown; after the removal of restrictions, they increased by 61% and 72%, respectively. The study provides insight into the PTE concentrations and their main sources at different levels of anthropogenic impact.