Title of article :
The effect of COVID-19 on the air pollution in urban areas of Pakistan
Author/Authors :
Khan ، Afed Ullah Department of Civil Engineering - National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning, Bannu Campus - University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar , Khan ، Jehanzeb Higher Education Department - Government Post Graduate College Kohat , Khan ، Fayaz Ahmad National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning - University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar , Khan ، Rooman Health Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - Health Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Khan ، Raza Ullah Department of Chemistry - Nanjing University of Science and Technology , Shah ، Liaqat Ali Department of Civil Engineering - University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar (Bannu Campus) , Khan ، Zahoor Department of Civil Engineering - University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar (Bannu Campus) , Badrashi ، Yasir Irfan Department of Civil Engineering - National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning, Bannu Campus - University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar
Abstract :
Background: The impacts of lockdown on air pollution have been examined in various parts of the world. The concentration of main air pollutants has been decreased owing to a decline in anthropogenic activities like fossil fuel burning, etc. The main aim of this research was to assess the impacts of lockdown on air pollution of the main urban areas of Pakistan. Methods: The present study was conducted to assess the air quality index (AQI) of the main urban areas of Pakistan based on the pre- and post-lockdown effects and mortality rate due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hotspot analysis was conducted to assess the most vulnerable spots at the country level. Results: The AQI greatly improved in all the main cities of Pakistan which ranges from 51 to 87. The pre- and post-lockdown AQI were categorized from unhealthy for sensitive groups to hazardous and moderate, respectively. There are noticeable hotspots in the vicinity of Lahore and Karachi. The level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) dropped 45%, 49%, 20%, 35%, and 56% in Peshawar, Lahore, Multan, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi, respectively. Conclusion: Nature healed due to lockdown, which is the only good face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary lockdown greatly improved air quality which may stimulate the policymakers, researchers, and governments for the smart use of resources to minimize emissions to heal the nature. The present study also suggests the application of hotspot analysis in different contexts for the evidencebased care services decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Keywords :
Nitrogen dioxide , COVID , 19 , Air pollution , Disease outbreaks
Journal title :
Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal
Journal title :
Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal
