Evolution of Pollution Levels from COVID-19 Lockdown to Post-Lockdown over India
Bhishma Tyagi1, Naresh Krishna Vissa1, Sachin D Ghude2
1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela 769008, India.
Toxics
|November 10, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 lockdowns initially reduced pollution in India. Post-lockdown, pollution patterns shifted, with significant variations in atmospheric pollutants and aerosol optical depth observed during unlock phases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global lockdowns, significantly reducing industrial and transportation emissions.
- This reduction in pollution temporarily altered atmospheric conditions and radiation balance, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
- As lockdowns eased, a return to pre-pandemic emission levels was observed, prompting further investigation into pollution dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the atmospheric pollutant variations during the unlock phases (Unlock 1 and 2) in India (June-July 2020).
- To understand the impact of changing pollution patterns on meteorological parameters like rainfall, surface temperature, and cloud cover.
- To compare observed pollutant variations with climatological data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pollutant data during India's COVID-19 unlock phases.
- Examination of rainfall, surface temperature, and cloud cover anomalies for 2020.
- Comparison of 2020 pollutant trends and variations against historical climatological data.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in pollutant trends and mean variations over India during the unlock phases compared to climatological norms.
- Shifts in high-emission regions across India were identified.
- An aerosol optical depth (AOD) dipole pattern was detected, suggesting implications for future emission scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The unlock phases of 2020 demonstrated distinct pollutant variations over India, deviating from established climatological patterns.
- The study identified a notable AOD dipole, highlighting potential future emission impacts.
- Findings underscore the dynamic relationship between pandemic-related restrictions, pollution levels, and atmospheric conditions.
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