Linkage between Airborne Particulate Matter and Viral Pandemic COVID-19 in Bucharest

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Atmospheric Science

Background:

• Airborne particulate matter (PM) may carry SARS-CoV-2, potentially impacting COVID-19.
• Understanding the relationship between outdoor PM and COVID-19 is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of outdoor PM on COVID-19 incidence and severity in Bucharest.
• To analyze trends in PM2.5, PM10, and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive statistics of daily time series in situ and satellite data for PM2.5, PM10, and climate parameters.
• Analysis of PM levels and AOD in relation to COVID-19 waves and lockdowns.
• Comparison of pandemic period data with pre-pandemic baseline (2015-2019).

Main Results:

• PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations decreased by 24.58% and 18.9% respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels.
• High PM2.5 and PM10 levels showed a positive correlation with COVID-19 incidence and mortality.
• AOD levels significantly reduced during the first and third COVID-19 waves and associated lockdowns (~28.2% and ~16.4%).

Conclusions:

• Outdoor PM significantly influences COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in urban areas.
• Pandemic control measures, like lockdowns, led to measurable improvements in air quality.
• Findings inform public health strategies for managing viral respiratory diseases in relation to air pollution.