Port of Valencia sees huge drop in emissions

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.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-valencia-sees-huge-drop-in-emissions/