The origin of atmospheric pollution in Andalusia is determined, in addition to certain industrial activities, fundamentally by urban concentrations and metropolitan areas, increasingly congested (despite Andalusia having a medium size in the context of European cities). These population centers represent a significant concentration in emissions of polluting substances from vehicles, industries and domestic uses.
The industry
Industry is the sector responsible for atmospheric pollution in certain territorial enclaves (industrial estates, such as those in Huelva and Algeciras, and more dispersed manufacturing centers of smaller volume, distributed throughout Andalusian territory). However, its localized nature has made it possible to design and apply specific correction and control measures.
The main sources associated with the industrial sector correspond to thermal power plants, petrochemical and chemical industry, iron and steel industry, industries in the metallurgical sector in general, food, paper and cement industries.
Urban centers
Nevertheless, in general terms it can be stated that urban centers and, in particular, transport and mobility are the main causes of air quality deterioration.
Natural origin (which promote the concentration of pollutants)
To these conditions are added certain natural characteristics that favor the concentration of pollutants. On one hand, proximity to the deserts of North Africa means that high concentrations of particles reach Andalusian territory. On the other hand, the radiation and temperature conditions of spring and summer favor the formation of secondary pollutants of photochemical origin, such as tropospheric ozone.