Effects of urban mobility management for the Olympic Games on air quality in the central region of the city of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract In this study, the possible impact on air quality, due to changes in urban mobility infrastructure, in the central District of the city of Rio de Janeiro, was analyzed. Concentration data obtained at the Monitoring Station of Largo da Carioca, for the pollutants PM10, CO, O 3 and SO2, as well as meteorological parameters, were statistically analyzed for the months July and August 2015 and 2016, respectively, the year preceding and the year of the Olympic Games in Rio, 2016. The results obtained show that, despite the concentration values for the monitored pollutants being lower than national air quality requirements, the PM10 and ozone levels were of concern, mainly when the World Health Organization guidelines are adopted. The higher ozone levels in August 2016 may be a consequence of the increase in solar radiation or, even, of the chemical processes and concentrations of its precursors, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides (NOx). In order to understand and explain these results, NOx and non-methane hydrocarbon data from continuous monitoring is necessary. However, data acquisition proved to be inadequate. Despite technician’s efforts, at the Municipal Environmental Secretary of the City of Rio de Janeiro, government investment in air quality control is still insufficient, especially considering that NO 2 is a criteria pollutant, which represents a risk to population health and welfare.