A survey from Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) examining the air quality in the Port of Valencia shows a significant reduction in the levels of nitrogen oxide (NO2) and PM10 due to the fall in vehicle traffic in the city.
At statement from PAV said emissions fell by 70% in the city and 26% in the port between 29 April and 18 May due the restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the data from the control stations analysed, NO2levels have been reduced by 61%, 69% and 71% on average in the meters at the Politécnico, Avda. de Francia and Pista de Silla respectively, while in the Port of Valencia they have fallen by 60%.
On this line, PM10 particle emissions have been reduced by 18%, 61% and 77% on average at the Politécnico, Avda. de Francia and Pista de Silla stations, while at the Port of Valencia they have fallen by 62%.
This data reflects that the main cause of air pollution emissions is vehicle traffic in the city, since during this period it decreased on average by 61%, reaching 84% on weekends.
Additionally, during this period the port’s activity in terms of vehicle traffic and ship mooring has fallen by 26% and 28% respectively, so it can be seen that the effect of port activity on the atmosphere is much lower than that generated by vehicles in the city, the main cause of air pollution emissions.
