Air Quality in the Cartagena Basin in South-Western Europe and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

A significant decline in nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations, particularly NO2—a strong indicator of human activity such as car and maritime traffic—was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cartagena, Spain. Analyzing 15 years of air quality data, researchers found that while NO2 levels dropped sharply post-pandemic, other pollutants like SO2, O3, and PM10 remained stable or showed irregular trends. The study also identified distinct seasonal patterns for NOx and O3 but noted no weekly cycle for SO2. Weather types, particularly anticyclonic and eastern flow conditions, were linked to the most pronounced changes in pollutant concentrations. This research highlights the sensitivity of NO2 to human activity disruptions and provides insights into long-term air quality trends in a highly trafficked port city.

Moreno-Cegarra, J.-L., Pérez, I. A., & García, M. Á. (2024). Air Quality in the Cartagena Basin in South-Western Europe and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Atmosphere, 15(7), 783. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070783