The intense growth of urban centers has caused a considerable increase in atmospheric pollutant emission, which can lead to human health and ecosystem risks. The air quality monitoring network in Brazil is limited, covering not even half of the states. Biomonitoring employing plants is, thus, an alternative to increase the monitored areas and still allow the ecotoxicological evaluations concerning air pollution exposure. In this sense, this study sought to evaluate the air quality of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro using official atmospheric pollutant concentration data and biomonitoring efforts aiming to investigate oxidative stress in the bromeliad species used as biomonitors. During the social isolation period established as a contingency measure against the spread of the coronavirus, air quality was improved overall, although ozone concentrations increased relative to the previous year and the period preceding the lockdown. This change was attributed to an urban mobility reduction of up to 85 percent. The biomonitoring assessments indicate that the main elements taken up by the plants were those related to vehicular traffic. The correlation of these elements with oxidative stress biomarkers indicate that air pollution exposure represents a risk to local ecosystems. Tillandsia stricta and Tillandsia usneoides displayed similar behavior regarding metal accumulation, albeit presenting different detoxification processes. Although Rio de Janeiro has one of the most widespread air quality monitoring networks, studies aimed to assess the environmental air pollution impacts are required, considering that the state is home to important and endangered Atlantic Forest remnants. In additions, vehicular emission control can contribute to air pollution reduction, considering that this is one of the main pollutant sources.