Effect of the implementation of community activity restriction policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality

Abstract

The Indonesian government implemented restrictions on social activities to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Limiting activities reduced transportation and industrial activities, so it was suspected that it could affect air quality in Serpong. This research aimed to analyze PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations before, during, and easing of the restrictions on COVID-19. In addition, this research also examined the correlation between pollutant concentration levels and precipitation. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and precipitation data were obtained from real-time and continuous measurements from January 2020 to August 2022. The analysis used was descriptive, comparison, and correlation. The comparison analysis to determine particulate concentration before activity restrictions, first Large-Scale Social Restrictions (LSSR-1), LSSR-New normal, LSSR-Transition period, Emergency Community Activities Restriction Enforcement (Emergency CARE), and easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The analysis shows that the average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 during the measurement period were about 33 μg/m3 and 56 μg/m3, respectively. Comparative analysis indicates differences in PM2.5 concentrations between before the activity restrictions were imposed and LSSR-1, LSSR-New Normal, Emergency CARE, and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, there was a difference in the average PM10 concentration between before activity restrictions and LSSR-New normal and emergency CARE. Correlation analysis shows a weak relationship between precipitation and PM concentrations in the representative wet and dry months.