Analysis of solid particulate matter suspended in the air of Cordoba, Southwestern Spain

An analysis was made of solid particulate matter suspended in the air in the city of Cordoba. Particles greater than 10 micra were collected using volumetric particle samplers (Lanzoni VPPS 2000, Bologna, Italy), and analysed by means of aerobiological methods enabling identifi cation of the source of biological particulate material (BPM). Particles smaller than 10 micra were collected using automatic high-volume air samplers. Subsequent analysis showed that traffi c, and particularly diesel engine exhaust emissions, were the main source of non-biological particulate matter (nBPM). The dynamics of airborne BPM and nBPM were also studied over one year: although distribution patterns differed – BPM displaying marked seasonality and non-BPM exhibiting dependence on human activity – the curves ran parallel at certain times of the year. Statistical results point to the possible presence of plant residues on smaller particles. The occurrence of simultaneous peaks in airborne pollen-grain and PM10 counts suggests potential coadjuvant acivity, which may lead to high-risk situations for people with respiratory disease

Understanding the benefits of public urban green space: How do perceptions vary between professionals and users?

The potential benefits of public urban green spaces (UGS) are widely recognized and well documented, but the actual realization of these benefits depends on appropriate design and ongoing maintenance. To properly consider the needs and preferences of users, the professionals who plan and manage UGS should ideally be guided by the same perceptions that motivate the people who benefit from them. This exploratory international study was aimed at assessing the perceptions of urban residents and their level of satisfaction with specific aspects of UGS quality, and the extent to which these perceptions align with those of the professionals responsible for providing UGS-related services. The data collection was conducted in five European countries (Croatia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, and Spain) in 2020-2021. The results show that UGS professionals generally underestimate the fears that are experienced by users at night, especially women, but correctly prioritize the importance of tangible solutions such as adequate lighting and cleanliness. Users in all countries emphasized "nature" and "quiet" as factors that improve their general sense of wellbeing in UGS, whereas these two aspects were largely overlooked by professionals in almost all countries. In addition, user satisfaction with specific UGS characteristics ranging from accessibility to park furniture was overestimated by professionals. These findings reinforce the concern that the benefits and services of green spaces can only be maximized if UGS professionals recognize the actual needs and desires of UGS users, from the phase of planning and landscape design to the everyday management and maintenance of these shared amenities

Assessing pollen extreme events over a Mediterranean site: Role of local surface meteorology

The presence of very high pollen levels in the atmosphere is associated with a strong impact on health and a worsening of symptoms in people who already have a respiratory disease. However, there is no specification on the aerobiological, environmental and meteorological factors that allow for characterizing a pollen event as of great magnitude due to the significant impact it can cause on the population and the environment. This work proposes criteria to typify the levels of atmospheric pollen as an extreme pollen event (EPE), and aims to determine the meteorological variables that can affect the presence and permanence of high pollen concentrations over a period of time. To address this goal, the quasi-climatological pollen dataset recorded in Granada (Southeastern Spain) during the period 1992-2019, has been used. On the daily accumulated pollen concentrations, the 95th, 97th and 99th percentiles were calculated. Spearman's correlation between the pollen con-centration exceeding the proposed thresholds (C (> P95), C (> P97), C (> P99)) and surface meteorological variables recorded during up to five days before the event were established in order to identify the meteorological conditions that might affect the EPEs. As for the number of days with values higher than the established percentiles, it has been seen that in the case of total pollen and Olea, Cupressaceae and Pinus, there is a robust monotonically ascending trend throughout the study period. Regarding meteorological variables, relative humidity and 24-h accumulated precipitation are shown as the two most influential variables up to three days before the event, although temperatures, visibility and wind direction also show a correlation with some pollen types. The criteria proposed in this work allow us for classifying high levels of pollen as an EPE, and lay the foundations of these extreme events in a context of climate change in which they will become more frequent

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and perceptions of urban green space: An international exploratory study

Urban green space (UGS) is an essential element in the urban environment, providing multiple ecosystem services as well as beneficial effects on physical and mental health. In a time of societal crisis these effects may be amplified, but ensuring that they are maintained requires effective planning and management – which is a complex challenge given the rapid changes in modern society and the need for continual adaptation. This study aims to identify the drivers that normally attract visitors to UGS, and to assess the effects of social isolation on the usage and perception of UGS during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey during the period in which restrictive measures were imposed in response to the pandemic (March-May 2020), in Croatia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia and Spain. Results showed that urban residents normally have a need for accessible UGS, mainly for physical exercise, relaxing and observing nature. The reduction in UGS visitation during the containment period was related to distinct changes in the motivations of those who did visit, with a relative increase in “necessary activities” such as taking the dog out, and a reduction in activities that could be considered non-essential or high-risk such as meeting people or observing nature. Behavioral changes related to proximity were also observed, with an increase in people walking to small urban gardens nearby (e.g. in Italy) or tree-lined streets (e.g. in Spain, Israel), and people traveling by car to green areas outside the city (e.g. in Lithuania). What the respondents missed the most about UGS during the pandemic was “spending time outdoors” and “meeting other people” – highlighting that during the COVID-19 isolation, UGS was important for providing places of solace and respite, and for allowing exercise and relaxation. Respondents expressed the need for urban greenery even when legally mandated access was limited – and many proposed concrete suggestions for improved urban planning that integrates green spaces of different sizes within the fabric of cities and neighborhoods, so that all residents have access to UGS