Elemental composition of atmospheric PM during COVID-19 lockdown and recovery periods in Moscow (April-July 2020).

Changes in the concentrations of PM-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs) during the COVID-19 lockdown period and after the revocation of restrictions were analyzed using the data received at the Aerosol Complex of Moscow State University in April-July 2020. During the lockdown, the input of biomass combustion products enriched in PTEs from the Moscow region hindered the decrease in pollutant concentrations. After the introduction of the self-isolation regime, lower concentrations of most PTEs occurred due to the decrease in anthropogenic activity and the rainy meteorological conditions.

Contamination levels and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements in size-fractionated road dust of Moscow.

The distributions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) among PM, PM, PM, and PM fractions of the road dust were studied in the western and eastern parts of Moscow, impacted mainly by the road transport and the industrial sector, respectively. The partitioning of PTEs in road dust can provide more precise information on pollution sources and its further interpretation regarding human health risks. The concentrations of PTEs were analyzed by mass and atomic emission inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.