Articles | Volume 20, issue 24
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15725-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-15725-2020
© Author(s) 2020. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
What can we learn about urban air quality with regard to the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic? A case study from central Europe
Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
Máté Vörösmarty
Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
András Zénó Gyöngyösi
Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
Wanda Thén
Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
Tamás Weidinger
Department of Meteorology, Eötvös University, Budapest,
Hungary
Related authors
Xinyang Li, Tuomo Nieminen, Rima Baalbaki, Putian Zhou, Pauli Paasonen, Risto Makkonen, Martha Arbayani Zaidan, Nina Sarnela, Chao Yan, Tuija Jokinen, Imre Salma, Máté Vörösmarty, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, and Lubna Dada
Aerosol Research, 3, 271–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Particle formation rate is one of the key factors in studying the physical properties of aerosols. By developing powerful and simple semi-empirical particle formation rate models, we can predict particle formation rates and compare them with real-time measurements to aid in discovering hidden particle formation mechanisms as well as global simulations of particle population to fill the knowledge gap caused by the uncertainty in aerosol cooling effects on Earth's atmosphere.
Alex Rowell, James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Tuukka Petäjä, Máté Vörösmarty, Imre Salma, Jarkko V. Niemi, Hanna E. Manninen, Dominik van Pinxteren, Thomas Tuch, Kay Weinhold, Zongbo Shi, and Roy M. Harrison
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9515–9531, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9515-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9515-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Different sources of airborne particles in the atmospheres of four European cities were distinguished by recognising their particle size distributions using a statistical procedure, positive matrix factorisation. The various sources responded differently to the changes in emissions associated with COVID-19 lockdowns, and the reasons are investigated. While traffic emissions generally decreased, particles formed from reactions of atmospheric gases decreased in some cities but increased in others.
Máté Vörösmarty, Philip K. Hopke, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5695–5712, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5695-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5695-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The World Health Organization identified ultrafine particles, which make up most of the particle number concentrations, as a potential risk factor for humans. The sources of particle numbers are very different from those of the particulate matter mass. We performed source apportionment of size-segregated particle number concentrations over the diameter range of 6–1000 nm in Budapest for 11 full years. Six source types were identified, characterized and quantified.
Máté Vörösmarty, Gaëlle Uzu, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Pamela Dominutti, Zsófia Kertész, Enikő Papp, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14255–14269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14255-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14255-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Poor air quality caused by high concentrations of particulate matter is one of the most severe public health concerns for humans worldwide. One of the most important biological mechanisms inducing adverse health effects is the oxidant–antioxidant imbalance. We showed that the oxidative stress changed substantially and in a complex manner with location and season. Biomass burning exhibited the dominant influence, while motor vehicles played an important role in the non-heating period.
Imre Salma, Wanda Thén, Máté Vörösmarty, and András Zénó Gyöngyösi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 11289–11302, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11289-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11289-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and their properties were explored in this study. CCN modify the intensity and other properties of the sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface. These properties are primarily influenced by the number of droplets, the droplet size and the cloud residence time. CCN also influence the hydrological cycle (including the amount and intensity of precipitation), vegetation and its interactions with the carbon cycle, as well as atmospheric chemistry, physics and dynamics.
Imre Salma, Wanda Thén, Pasi Aalto, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Anikó Kern, Zoltán Barcza, Tuukka Petäjä, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 2861–2880, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2861-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2861-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The distribution of the monthly mean nucleation frequency possessed a characteristic pattern. Its shape was compared to those of environmental variables, including vegetation-derived properties. The spring maximum in the occurrence frequency often overlapped with the positive T anomaly. The link between the heat stress and the occurrence minimum in summer could not be proven, whereas an association between the occurrence frequency and vegetation growth dynamics was clearly identified in spring.
Santtu Mikkonen, Zoltán Németh, Veronika Varga, Tamás Weidinger, Ville Leinonen, Taina Yli-Juuti, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 12247–12263, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12247-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12247-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We determined decennial statistical time trends and diurnal statistical patterns of atmospheric particle number concentrations in various relevant size fractions in the city centre of Budapest in an interval of 2008–2018. The mean overall decrease rate of particles in different size fractions was approximately −5 % scaled for the 10-year measurement interval. The decline can be interpreted as a consequence of the decreased anthropogenic emissions in the city.
Lubna Dada, Ilona Ylivinkka, Rima Baalbaki, Chang Li, Yishuo Guo, Chao Yan, Lei Yao, Nina Sarnela, Tuija Jokinen, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Rujing Yin, Chenjuan Deng, Biwu Chu, Tuomo Nieminen, Yonghong Wang, Zhuohui Lin, Roseline C. Thakur, Jenni Kontkanen, Dominik Stolzenburg, Mikko Sipilä, Tareq Hussein, Pauli Paasonen, Federico Bianchi, Imre Salma, Tamás Weidinger, Michael Pikridas, Jean Sciare, Jingkun Jiang, Yongchun Liu, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 11747–11766, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11747-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11747-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We rely on sulfuric acid measurements in four contrasting environments, Hyytiälä, Finland; Agia Marina, Cyprus; Budapest, Hungary; and Beijing, China, representing semi-pristine boreal forest, rural environment in the Mediterranean area, urban environment, and heavily polluted megacity, respectively, in order to define the sources and sinks of sulfuric acid in these environments and to derive a new sulfuric acid proxy to be utilized in locations and during periods when it is not measured.
Anam M. Khan, Olivia E. Clifton, Jesse O. Bash, Sam Bland, Nathan Booth, Philip Cheung, Lisa Emberson, Johannes Flemming, Erick Fredj, Stefano Galmarini, Laurens Ganzeveld, Orestis Gazetas, Ignacio Goded, Christian Hogrefe, Christopher D. Holmes, László Horváth, Vincent Huijnen, Qian Li, Paul A. Makar, Ivan Mammarella, Giovanni Manca, J. William Munger, Juan L. Pérez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Limei Ran, Roberto San Jose, Donna Schwede, Sam J. Silva, Ralf Staebler, Shihan Sun, Amos P. K. Tai, Eran Tas, Timo Vesala, Tamás Weidinger, Zhiyong Wu, Leiming Zhang, and Paul C. Stoy
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 8613–8635, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8613-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-8613-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Vegetation removes tropospheric ozone through stomatal uptake, and accurately modeling the stomatal uptake of ozone is important for modeling dry deposition and air quality. We evaluated the stomatal component of ozone dry deposition modeled by atmospheric chemistry models at six sites. We find that models and observation-based estimates agree at times during the growing season at all sites, but some models overestimated the stomatal component during the dry summers at a seasonally dry site.
Xinyang Li, Tuomo Nieminen, Rima Baalbaki, Putian Zhou, Pauli Paasonen, Risto Makkonen, Martha Arbayani Zaidan, Nina Sarnela, Chao Yan, Tuija Jokinen, Imre Salma, Máté Vörösmarty, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala, and Lubna Dada
Aerosol Research, 3, 271–291, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/ar-3-271-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Particle formation rate is one of the key factors in studying the physical properties of aerosols. By developing powerful and simple semi-empirical particle formation rate models, we can predict particle formation rates and compare them with real-time measurements to aid in discovering hidden particle formation mechanisms as well as global simulations of particle population to fill the knowledge gap caused by the uncertainty in aerosol cooling effects on Earth's atmosphere.
Alex Rowell, James Brean, David C. S. Beddows, Tuukka Petäjä, Máté Vörösmarty, Imre Salma, Jarkko V. Niemi, Hanna E. Manninen, Dominik van Pinxteren, Thomas Tuch, Kay Weinhold, Zongbo Shi, and Roy M. Harrison
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 9515–9531, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9515-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-9515-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Different sources of airborne particles in the atmospheres of four European cities were distinguished by recognising their particle size distributions using a statistical procedure, positive matrix factorisation. The various sources responded differently to the changes in emissions associated with COVID-19 lockdowns, and the reasons are investigated. While traffic emissions generally decreased, particles formed from reactions of atmospheric gases decreased in some cities but increased in others.
Máté Vörösmarty, Philip K. Hopke, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5695–5712, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5695-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5695-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The World Health Organization identified ultrafine particles, which make up most of the particle number concentrations, as a potential risk factor for humans. The sources of particle numbers are very different from those of the particulate matter mass. We performed source apportionment of size-segregated particle number concentrations over the diameter range of 6–1000 nm in Budapest for 11 full years. Six source types were identified, characterized and quantified.
Máté Vörösmarty, Gaëlle Uzu, Jean-Luc Jaffrezo, Pamela Dominutti, Zsófia Kertész, Enikő Papp, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 14255–14269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14255-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-14255-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Poor air quality caused by high concentrations of particulate matter is one of the most severe public health concerns for humans worldwide. One of the most important biological mechanisms inducing adverse health effects is the oxidant–antioxidant imbalance. We showed that the oxidative stress changed substantially and in a complex manner with location and season. Biomass burning exhibited the dominant influence, while motor vehicles played an important role in the non-heating period.
Olivia E. Clifton, Donna Schwede, Christian Hogrefe, Jesse O. Bash, Sam Bland, Philip Cheung, Mhairi Coyle, Lisa Emberson, Johannes Flemming, Erick Fredj, Stefano Galmarini, Laurens Ganzeveld, Orestis Gazetas, Ignacio Goded, Christopher D. Holmes, László Horváth, Vincent Huijnen, Qian Li, Paul A. Makar, Ivan Mammarella, Giovanni Manca, J. William Munger, Juan L. Pérez-Camanyo, Jonathan Pleim, Limei Ran, Roberto San Jose, Sam J. Silva, Ralf Staebler, Shihan Sun, Amos P. K. Tai, Eran Tas, Timo Vesala, Tamás Weidinger, Zhiyong Wu, and Leiming Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 9911–9961, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9911-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-9911-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
A primary sink of air pollutants is dry deposition. Dry deposition estimates differ across the models used to simulate atmospheric chemistry. Here, we introduce an effort to examine dry deposition schemes from atmospheric chemistry models. We provide our approach’s rationale, document the schemes, and describe datasets used to drive and evaluate the schemes. We also launch the analysis of results by evaluating against observations and identifying the processes leading to model–model differences.
Beáta Molnár, Tamás Weidinger, and Péter Tasnádi
Adv. Sci. Res., 19, 159–165, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-19-159-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-19-159-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We considered it important to complete the content knowledge of secondary school physics with those concerning atmospheric humidity, fog, and air pollution. For this aim, a three-hour teaching module was elaborated, which included the analysis of the air-polluting events together with the foggy weather. The experimental curriculum motivated the students to understand processes that take place in their environment regarding environmental protection.
Imre Salma, Wanda Thén, Máté Vörösmarty, and András Zénó Gyöngyösi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 11289–11302, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11289-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-11289-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and their properties were explored in this study. CCN modify the intensity and other properties of the sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface. These properties are primarily influenced by the number of droplets, the droplet size and the cloud residence time. CCN also influence the hydrological cycle (including the amount and intensity of precipitation), vegetation and its interactions with the carbon cycle, as well as atmospheric chemistry, physics and dynamics.
Imre Salma, Wanda Thén, Pasi Aalto, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Anikó Kern, Zoltán Barcza, Tuukka Petäjä, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 21, 2861–2880, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2861-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-2861-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The distribution of the monthly mean nucleation frequency possessed a characteristic pattern. Its shape was compared to those of environmental variables, including vegetation-derived properties. The spring maximum in the occurrence frequency often overlapped with the positive T anomaly. The link between the heat stress and the occurrence minimum in summer could not be proven, whereas an association between the occurrence frequency and vegetation growth dynamics was clearly identified in spring.
Santtu Mikkonen, Zoltán Németh, Veronika Varga, Tamás Weidinger, Ville Leinonen, Taina Yli-Juuti, and Imre Salma
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 12247–12263, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12247-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12247-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We determined decennial statistical time trends and diurnal statistical patterns of atmospheric particle number concentrations in various relevant size fractions in the city centre of Budapest in an interval of 2008–2018. The mean overall decrease rate of particles in different size fractions was approximately −5 % scaled for the 10-year measurement interval. The decline can be interpreted as a consequence of the decreased anthropogenic emissions in the city.
Lubna Dada, Ilona Ylivinkka, Rima Baalbaki, Chang Li, Yishuo Guo, Chao Yan, Lei Yao, Nina Sarnela, Tuija Jokinen, Kaspar R. Daellenbach, Rujing Yin, Chenjuan Deng, Biwu Chu, Tuomo Nieminen, Yonghong Wang, Zhuohui Lin, Roseline C. Thakur, Jenni Kontkanen, Dominik Stolzenburg, Mikko Sipilä, Tareq Hussein, Pauli Paasonen, Federico Bianchi, Imre Salma, Tamás Weidinger, Michael Pikridas, Jean Sciare, Jingkun Jiang, Yongchun Liu, Tuukka Petäjä, Veli-Matti Kerminen, and Markku Kulmala
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 11747–11766, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11747-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11747-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We rely on sulfuric acid measurements in four contrasting environments, Hyytiälä, Finland; Agia Marina, Cyprus; Budapest, Hungary; and Beijing, China, representing semi-pristine boreal forest, rural environment in the Mediterranean area, urban environment, and heavily polluted megacity, respectively, in order to define the sources and sinks of sulfuric acid in these environments and to derive a new sulfuric acid proxy to be utilized in locations and during periods when it is not measured.
Gabriella Lükő, Péter Torma, Tamás Krámer, Tamás Weidinger, Zeljko Vecenaj, and Branko Grisogono
Adv. Sci. Res., 17, 175–182, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-17-175-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-17-175-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This paper proposes new relationships for momentum exchange through the air–water interface for medium size lakes. High-resolution wind and wave measurements were performed simultaneously in onshore and offshore stations in Lake Balaton. Our results show that the surface drag is remarkably higher compared to open ocean conditions due to the very young wave state which is a typical feature of midsize freshwater lakes.
Cited articles
C3S (Copernicus Climate Change Service): ERA5: Fifth generation of ECMWF
atmospheric reanalyses of the global climate, Copernicus Climate Change
Service Climate Data Store, available at: http://cds.climate.copernicus.eu (last
access: 1 August 2020), 2017.
CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service): User Guide: Regional Production, Updated documentation covering all Regional operational systems and the ENSEMBLE, Report issued
by Météo-France, available at:
https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/sites/default/files/2020-09/CAMS50_2018SC2_D2.0.2-U2_Models_documentation_202003_v2.pdf (last access: 27 August 2020), 2019.
Conticini, E., Frediani, B., and Caro, D.: Can atmospheric pollution be
considered a co-factor in extremely high level of SARS-CoV-2 lethality in
Northern Italy?, Environ. Pollut., 261, 114465, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114465, 2020.
de Jesus, A. L., Rahman, M. M., Mazaheri, M., Thompson, H., Knibbs, L. D.,
Jeong, C., Evans, G., Nei, W., Ding, A., Qiao, L., Li, L., Portin, H.,
Niemi, J. V., Timonen, H., Luoma, K., Petäjä, T., Kulmala, M.,
Kowalski, M., Peters, A., Cyrys, J., Ferrero, L., Manigrasso, M., Avino, P.,
Buonano, G., Reche, C., Querol, X., Beddows, D., Harrison, R. M., Sowlat, M.
H., Sioutas, C., and Morawska, L.: Ultrafine particles and PM2.5 in the
air of cities around the world: Are they representative of each other?,
Environ. Int., 129, 118–135, 2019.
EU Directives: Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe,
Off. J. EU, L 152, Brussels, Belgium, 11 June 2008, 44 pp., 2008.
Frontera, A., Cianfanelli, L., Vlachos, K., Landoni, G., and Cremona, G.:
Severe air pollution links to higher mortality in COVID-19 patients: The
“double-hit” hypothesis, J. Infection, 81, 255–259, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2020.05.031, 2020.
Gentner, D. R., Jathar, S. H., Gordon, T. D., Bahreini, R., Day, D. A., El
Haddad, I., Hayes, P. L., Pieber, S. M., Platt, S. M., de Gouw, J.,
Goldstein, A. H., Harley, R. A., Jimenez, J. L., Prévôt, A. S. H.,
and Robinson, A. L.: Review of urban secondary organic aerosol formation
from gasoline and diesel motor vehicle emissions, Environ. Sci. Technol.,
51, 1074–1093, 2017.
Harrison, R. M.: Urban atmospheric chemistry: a very special case for study,
Clim. Atmos. Sci., 1, 20175, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-017-0010-8, 2018.
Harrison, R. M., Jones, A. M., Gietl, J., Yin, J., and Green, D. C.:
Estimation of the contributions of brake dust, tire wear, and resuspension
to nonexhaust traffic particles derived from atmospheric measurements,
Environ. Sci. Technol., 46, 6523–6529, 2012.
Hopke, P. K.: Review of receptor modeling methods for source apportionment,
J. Air Waste Manage., 66, 237–259, 2016.
Horvath, H., Kreiner, I., Norek, C., Preining O., and Georgi, B.: Diesel
emissions in Vienna, Atmos. Environ., 22, 1255–1269, 1988.
Hungarian Meteorological Service: Homepage, Hungarian Air Quality Monitoring Network, available at: http://www.levegominoseg.hu/, last access: 25 September 2020.
Jacob, J. J.: Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry, Princeton University
Press, Cambridge, USA, 1999.
Keller, C. A., Evans, M. J., Knowland, K. E., Hasenkopf, C. A., Modekurty, S., Lucchesi, R. A., Oda, T., Franca, B. B., Mandarino, F. C., Díaz Suárez, M. V., Ryan, R. G., Fakes, L. H., and Pawson, S.: Global Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Surface Concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-685, in review, 2020.
Lal, P., Kumar, A., Kumar, S., Kumari, S., Saikia, P., Dayanandan, A.,
Adhikari, D., and Khane, M. L.: The dark cloud with a silver lining:
Assessing the impact of the SARS COVID-19 pandemic on the global
environment, Sci. Total Environ., 732, 139297, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139297, 2020.
Le, T., Wang, Y., Liu, L., Yang, J., Yung, Y. L., Li, G., and Seinfeld, J.
H.: Unexpected air pollution with marked emission reductions during the
COVID-19 outbreak in China, Science, 369, 702–706, 2020.
Lee, J. D., Drysdale, W. S., Finch, D. P., Wilde, S. E., and Palmer, P. I.: UK surface NO2 levels dropped by 42 % during the COVID-19 lockdown: impact on surface O3, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-838, in review, 2020.
Lelieveld, J. and Dentener, F. J.: What controls tropospheric ozone?, J.
Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 105, 3531–3551, 2000.
Liu, Y., Ning, Z., Chen, Y., Guo, M., Liu, Y., Gali, N. K., Sun, L., Duan,
Y., Cai, J., Westerdahl, D., Liu, X., Xu, K., Ho, K., Kan, H., Fu, Q., and
Lan, K.: Aerodynamic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in two Wuhan hospitals, Nature,
582, 557–560, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2271-3, 2020.
Mahato, S., Pal, S., and Ghosh, K. G.: Effect of lockdown amid COVID-19
pandemic on air quality of the megacity Delhi, India, Sci. Total Environ.,
730, 39086, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139086, 2020.
Maheras, P., Tolika, K., Tegoulias, I., Anagnostopoulou, Ch., Szpirosz, K.,
Károssy, Cs., and Makra, L.: Comparison of an automated classification
system with an empirical classification of circulation patterns over the
Pannonian basin, Central Europe, Meteorol. Atmos. Phys., 131, 739–751, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-018-0601-x, 2018.
Marécal, V., Peuch, V.-H., Andersson, C., Andersson, S., Arteta, J., Beekmann, M., Benedictow, A., Bergström, R., Bessagnet, B., Cansado, A., Chéroux, F., Colette, A., Coman, A., Curier, R. L., Denier van der Gon, H. A. C., Drouin, A., Elbern, H., Emili, E., Engelen, R. J., Eskes, H. J., Foret, G., Friese, E., Gauss, M., Giannaros, C., Guth, J., Joly, M., Jaumouillé, E., Josse, B., Kadygrov, N., Kaiser, J. W., Krajsek, K., Kuenen, J., Kumar, U., Liora, N., Lopez, E., Malherbe, L., Martinez, I., Melas, D., Meleux, F., Menut, L., Moinat, P., Morales, T., Parmentier, J., Piacentini, A., Plu, M., Poupkou, A., Queguiner, S., Robertson, L., Rouïl, L., Schaap, M., Segers, A., Sofiev, M., Tarasson, L., Thomas, M., Timmermans, R., Valdebenito, Á., van Velthoven, P., van Versendaal, R., Vira, J., and Ung, A.: A regional air quality forecasting system over Europe: the MACC-II daily ensemble production, Geosci. Model Dev., 8, 2777–2813, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-2777-2015, 2015.
Mikkonen, S., Németh, Z., Varga, V., Weidinger, T., Leinonen, V., Yli-Juuti, T., and Salma, I.: Decennial time trends and diurnal patterns of particle number concentrations in a central European city between 2008 and 2018, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 12247–12263, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12247-2020, 2020.
Morawska, L. and Cao, J.: Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2: The world
should face the reality, Environ. Int., 139, 105730,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105730, 2020.
Nakada, L. Y. K. and Urban, R. C.: COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts on the air
quality during the partial lockdown in São Paulo state, Brazil, Sci.
Total Environ., 730, 139087, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139087, 2020.
Paasonen, P., Kupiainen, K., Klimont, Z., Visschedijk, A., Denier van der Gon, H. A. C., and Amann, M.: Continental anthropogenic primary particle number emissions, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 6823–6840, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-6823-2016, 2016.
Péczely, Gy.: Grosswetterlagen in Ungarn (Large-scale weather situations
in Hungary, Publication of the Hungarian Meteorological
Institute, 30, 86 pp., Budapest, Hungary, 1957 (in German).
Petetin, H., Bowdalo, D., Soret, A., Guevara, M., Jorba, O., Serradell, K., and Pérez García-Pando, C.: Meteorology-normalized impact of the COVID-19 lockdown upon NO2 pollution in Spain, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 11119–11141, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-11119-2020, 2020.
Putaud, J.-P., Van Dingenen, R., Alastuey, A., Bauer, H., Birmili, W.,
Cyrys, J., Flentje, H., Fuzzi, S., Gehrig, R., Hansson, H. C., Harrison, R.
M., Herrmann, H., Hitzenberger, R., Hüglin, C., Jones, A. M.,
Kasper-Giebl, A., Kiss, G., Kousa, A., Kuhlbusch, T. A. J., Löschau, G.,
Maenhaut, W., Molnár, A., Moreno, T., Pekkanen, J., Perrino, C., Pitz,
M., Puxbaum, H., Querol, X., Rodriguez, S., Salma, I., Schwarz, J.,
Smolík, J., Schneider, J., Spindler, G., ten Brink, H., Turšič,
J., Viana, M., Wiedensohler, A., and Raes, F.: A European Aerosol
Phenomenology – 3: physical and chemical characteristics of particulate
matter from 60 rural, urban, and kerbside sites across Europe, Atmos.
Environ., 44, 1308–1320, 2010.
Rönkkö, T., Kuuluvainen, H., Karjalainen, P., Keskinen, J., Hillamo,
R., Niemi, J. V., Pirjola, L., Timonen, H. J., Saarikoski, S., Saukko, E.,
Järvinen, A., Silvennoinen, H., Rostedt, A., Olin, M., Yli-Ojanperä,
J., Nousiainen, P., Kousa, A., and Dal Maso, M.: Traffic is a major source
of atmospheric nanocluster aerosol, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 114,
7549–7554, 2017.
Salma, I. and Maenhaut, W.: Changes in chemical composition and mass of
atmospheric aerosol pollution between 1996 and 2002 in a Central European
city, Environ. Pollut., 143, 479–488, 2006.
Salma, I. and Németh, Z.: Dynamic and timing properties of new aerosol particle formation and consecutive growth events, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 5835–5852, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-5835-2019, 2019.
Salma, I., Borsós, T., Németh, Z., Weidinger, T., Aalto, T., and
Kulmala, M.: Comparative study of ultrafine atmospheric aerosol within a
city, Atmos. Environ., 92, 154–161, 2014.
Salma, I., Németh, Z., Weidinger, T., Kovács, B., and Kristóf, G.: Measurement, growth types and shrinkage of newly formed aerosol particles at an urban research platform, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 7837–7851, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-7837-2016, 2016a.
Salma, I., Németh, Z., Kerminen, V.-M., Aalto, P., Nieminen, T., Weidinger, T., Molnár, Á., Imre, K., and Kulmala, M.: Regional effect on urban atmospheric nucleation, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 8715–8728, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-8715-2016, 2016b.
Salma, I., Varga, V., and Németh, Z.: Quantification of an atmospheric nucleation and growth process as a single source of aerosol particles in a city, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 15007–15017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-15007-2017, 2017.
Salma, I., Vasanits-Zsigrai, A., Machon, A., Varga, T., Major, I., Gergely, V., and Molnár, M.: Fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning and biogenic sources of fine carbonaceous aerosol in the Carpathian Basin, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 4295–4312, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-4295-2020, 2020a.
Salma, I., Thén, W., Aalto, P., Kerminen, V.-M., Kern, A., Barcza, Z., Petäjä, T., and Kulmala, M.: Influence of vegetation on occurrence and time distributions of regional new aerosol particle formation and growth, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2020-862, in review, 2020b.
Shaman, J. and Kohn, M.: Absolute humidity modulates influenza survival,
transmission, and seasonality, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 106, 3243–3248,
2009.
Sussmann, R. and Rettinger, M.: Can we measure a COVID-19-related slowdown
in atmospheric CO2 growth? Sensitivity of total carbon column
observations, Remote Sens., 12, 2387,
https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12152387, 2020.
Tobías, A., Carnerero, C., Reche, C., Massagué, J., Via, M.,
Minguillón, M. C., Alastuey, A., and Querol, X.: Changes in air quality
during the lockdown in Barcelona (Spain) one month into the SARS-CoV-2
epidemic, Sci. Total Environ., 726, 138540, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138540, 2020.
VM 4: A levegőterheltségi szint határértékeiről
és a helyhez kötött légszennyezőpontforrások
kibocsátási határértékeiről (On the limit values of
ambient air quality and emissions from fixed sources, Magyar
Közlöny 4, 487–533, 2011 (in Hungarian).
Wang, P., Chen, K., Zhu, S., Wang, P., and Zhang, H.: Severe air pollution
events not avoided by reduced anthropogenic activities during COVID-19
outbreak, Resour. Conserv. Recycl., 158, 104814, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104814, 2020.
Warneck, P. and Williams, J.: The Atmospheric Chemist's Companion, Numerical
Data for Use in the Atmospheric Sciences, Springer, Dordrecht, the Netherlands, 2012.
WHO (World Health Organization): Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
situation report, 51. World Health Organization, available at:
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331475, last access: 9 August 2020.
WMO (World Meteorological Organization): Guide to Meteorological Instruments
and Methods of Observation, No. 8, Appendix 4B, Geneva, Switzerland, 2008.
Short summary
Motor vehicle road traffic in Budapest was reduced by approximately 50% of its ordinary level due to COVID-19. In parallel, concentrations of most criteria air pollutants declined by 30–60%. Change rates of NO and NO2 with relative change in traffic intensity were the largest, total particle number concentration showed considerable dependency, while particulate matter mass concentrations did not appear to be related to urban traffic. Concentrations of O3 showed an increasing tendency.
Motor vehicle road traffic in Budapest was reduced by approximately 50% of its ordinary level...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint