Vol. 8, 2023

Novelties in Covid-19 research

CLIMATE EFFECTS OF AEROSOLS AND RADON ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN BUCHAREST METROPOLITAN AREA

Maria Zoran, Roxana Savastru, Dan Savastru, Marina Tautan

Pages: 8-14

DOI: 10.37392/RapProc.2023.03

This paper investigated the influences of urban aerosols and radon (222Rn) together climate parameters variability at both local and regional scales in relationship with COVID-19 pandemic incidence and mortality in Bucharest metropolitan area of Romania, considered one of the European’s most polluted hotspots cities. A spatio-temporal analysis of the daily particulate matter in two size fractions PM10 and PM2.5 in relation with daily radon concentrations and meteorological parameters was done through synergy of in-situ monitoring data and MODIS Terra/Aqua time-series satellite data for March 2020-April 2022 time period. This study investigated the COVID-19 waves patterns under different air quality and meteorological conditions, highlighting the role of synoptic anticyclonic stagnant conditions during each COVID-19 wave for SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading. These results contribute to a better understanding of urban decision makers and epidemiologists through considering the specific characteristics of different urban sectors for air quality improvement.
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