Wildfires impact on PM_2.5 concentration in galicia Spain

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

• Increasing wildfire intensity in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Galicia, driven by climate change and unmanaged vegetation.
• Wildfires release significant air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), impacting regional air quality and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of local and regional wildfires on PM2.5 levels in major Galician cities.
• To assess the implications of wildfire-driven PM2.5 for air quality and public health in Galicia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of PM2.5 data from 2013-2022 during wildfire seasons (June-November).
• Utilized statistical methods and Lagrangian particle dispersion modeling to track smoke plume evolution.
• Examined the influence of both local and transboundary wildfire emissions on urban air quality.

Main Results:

• Observed a significant rise in PM2.5 concentrations in Galicia during wildfire seasons, exceeding health guidelines during extreme events.
• Smoke plumes from Northern Portugal were identified as a contributor to PM2.5 levels in Galician cities.
• Elevated PM2.5 levels persisted for multiple days during extensive wildfires, indicating prolonged exposure risks.

Conclusions:

• Wildfire emissions pose a substantial and persistent threat to air quality and public health in Galicia.
• Urgent need for enhanced air pollution prevention, management strategies, and effective alert systems for large-scale wildfire events.
• Improved wildfire management is crucial to mitigate adverse impacts on air quality in Galician urban areas.