Article type
Abstract
"Background: Air pollutant emissions are estimated to be four or five times higher in regions with regular ship traffic. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several health restrictions have been imposed, and maritime transportation has been directly affected. However, these changes have provided a rare opportunity to identify and understand the impact of air pollution in port regions.
Objectives: To map and synthesize studies that evaluated the impacts of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on seaport activities concerning atmospheric emissions.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was carried out on November 12, 2023, in structured and non-structured databases and other sources of information to find any study measuring greenhouse gas emissions before and after the pandemic in maritime port regions worldwide. The included studies were synthesized using a narrative approach with descriptive statistics (percentage) related to atmospheric emissions concentrations.
Results: Eight observational studies were identified from ports in five countries. It was possible to observe a reduction of around 7% and 63% in the emission of CO2, NO2, CO, HC, NOx, SOx, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, and a 37% increase in O3. One study reported increased PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and O3 emissions explained by port ship congestion. Notably, the restrictive measures adopted to contain the pandemic led to decreased vehicle circulation, such as heavy trucks, in the port area and surroundings, likely enhancing the observed pollutant emission reduction in the studies.
Conclusion: The findings of this evidence mapping indicate a reduction in pollutant emissions derived from port activities, providing valuable scientific evidence for air pollution control policies in coastal cities that can help develop preventive strategies. Implementing Green Port concepts is also essential as implications for future research.
Relevance and importance to patients: These findings can involve port authorities and interested parties in modifying environmental sustainability policies and legislation, promoting more environmentally friendly navigation, and monitoring the impact of air pollution on the health of port workers and the resident population, reducing risks of diseases related to air pollution."
Objectives: To map and synthesize studies that evaluated the impacts of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on seaport activities concerning atmospheric emissions.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted based on the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was carried out on November 12, 2023, in structured and non-structured databases and other sources of information to find any study measuring greenhouse gas emissions before and after the pandemic in maritime port regions worldwide. The included studies were synthesized using a narrative approach with descriptive statistics (percentage) related to atmospheric emissions concentrations.
Results: Eight observational studies were identified from ports in five countries. It was possible to observe a reduction of around 7% and 63% in the emission of CO2, NO2, CO, HC, NOx, SOx, HC, PM2.5, and PM10, and a 37% increase in O3. One study reported increased PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and O3 emissions explained by port ship congestion. Notably, the restrictive measures adopted to contain the pandemic led to decreased vehicle circulation, such as heavy trucks, in the port area and surroundings, likely enhancing the observed pollutant emission reduction in the studies.
Conclusion: The findings of this evidence mapping indicate a reduction in pollutant emissions derived from port activities, providing valuable scientific evidence for air pollution control policies in coastal cities that can help develop preventive strategies. Implementing Green Port concepts is also essential as implications for future research.
Relevance and importance to patients: These findings can involve port authorities and interested parties in modifying environmental sustainability policies and legislation, promoting more environmentally friendly navigation, and monitoring the impact of air pollution on the health of port workers and the resident population, reducing risks of diseases related to air pollution."