Abstract
Changes in air pollution in the region of the city of Novi Sad due to the COVID-19 induced state of emergency were evaluated while using data from permanently operating air quality monitoring stations belonging to the national, regional, and local networks, as well as ad hoc deployed low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors. The low-cost sensors were collocated with reference gravimetric pumps. The starting idea for this research was to determine if and to what extent a massive change of anthropogenic activities introduced by lockdown could be observed in main air pollutants levels. An analysis of the data showed that fine and coarse particulate matter, as well as SO2 levels, did not change noticeably, compared to the pre-lockdown period. Isolated larger peaks in PM pollution were traced back to the Aralkum Desert episode. The reduced movement of vehicles and reduced industrial and construction activities during the lockdown in Novi Sad led to a reduction and a more uniform profile of the PM2.5 levels during the period between morning and afternoon air pollution peak, approximately during typical working hours. Daily profiles of NO2, NO, and NOX during the state of emergency proved lower levels during most hours of the day, due to restrictions on vehicular movement. CO during the state of the emergency mainly exhibited a lower level during night. Pollutants having transportation-dominated source profiles exhibited a decrease in level, while pollutants with domestic heating source profiles mostly exhibited a constant level. Considering local sources in Novi Sad, slight to moderate air quality improvement was observed after the lockdown as compared with days before. Furthermore, PM low-cost sensors’ usefulness in air quality assessment was confirmed, as they increase spatial resolution, but it is necessary to calibrate them at the deployment location.
Highlights
IntroductionThe appearance of the highly contagious coronavirus [1] (COVID-19) at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and many deaths all over the globe, forced the world’s governments to adopt different levels of interventions and emergency measures, due to the virus’ easy human transmission [1,2]
High concentrations of particulate matter were recorded at automatic monitoring stations in the whole of Serbia and surrounding countries
The air mass back trajectory was calculated at 270 m above the ground, on 27 March, when the maximal concentration of PM10 was measured at Novi Sad’s national and local network sites
Summary
The appearance of the highly contagious coronavirus [1] (COVID-19) at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and many deaths all over the globe, forced the world’s governments to adopt different levels of interventions and emergency measures, due to the virus’ easy human transmission [1,2]. The emergency measures included travel restrictions and lockdowns. During the implementation of these measures worldwide, many countries reported air pollution reduction, which could result from reduced transport and other anthropogenic activities in some countries [3]. The industrial and manufacturing sectors are heavily affected by the pandemic [4,5], and their reduced or stopped activities could be reflected in decrease of air pollution
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
