Air Quality and Atmospheric Emissions from the Operation of the Main Mexican Port in the Gulf of Mexico from 2019 to 2020

Pollutant emissions into the atmosphere derived from port activities can be transported to surrounding regions and cities depending on wind speed direction, having an impact air quality. In this research, of atmospheric pollutants (NOx, CO, NMHCs, CO2, SO2, TSP, PM2.5 PM10) were estimated for: tanks, container, roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO), bulk carriers general cargo ships, using emission factors in hoteling maneuvering stage area Veracruz, Mexico, during 2019 2020 despite suspension period due SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. Among total emissions, CO2 presented highest values for (31,177 kg/year) (29,003 kg/year), whereas CH4 lowest with 0.294 kg/year 0.273 2020. The NOx SO2 occurred carriers, tanks container ships. Likewise, ships This study will provide updated ship inventory Gulf Mexico region where Port Veracruz is located. addition, measurements performed October December concentrations exceeded Mexican Ambient Air Quality Standard (MAAQS) value 45 µg m−3 24-h average concentration several times, opposite, exhibited up 20 times lower than MAAQS 40 ppb. Results showed that pollutant a seasonal variability, modifying their dispersion possible effects. Our main conclusion current major source (SO2 PM2.5) throughout year, expansion does not represent still significant rise but it expected growth activity directly increase emitted.