Geoscience: Environmental Issues
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Abstract on Air Pollution Decrease in India During COVID-19 Lockdown Not as High as Originally Thought Original source 

Air Pollution Decrease in India During COVID-19 Lockdown Not as High as Originally Thought

Air pollution has been a major concern in India for several years. The country has been grappling with high levels of air pollution, which have been linked to various health problems. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown in India, which was expected to significantly reduce air pollution levels. However, a recent study suggests that the decrease in air pollution during the lockdown was not as high as originally thought.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown in India in March 2020. The lockdown was expected to significantly reduce air pollution levels in the country. However, a recent study suggests that the decrease in air pollution during the lockdown was not as high as originally thought.

Air Pollution Levels During the Lockdown

According to the study, which was conducted by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research, air pollution levels decreased during the lockdown but not as much as expected.

The researchers analyzed data from air quality monitoring stations across India and found that while there was a decrease in air pollution levels during the lockdown, it was not as significant as expected. The study found that PM2.5 levels decreased by 34% during the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown levels. However, this decrease was not uniform across all cities.

Factors Contributing to Air Pollution During Lockdown

The study suggests that several factors contributed to the lower-than-expected decrease in air pollution during the lockdown. One of the main factors was an increase in biomass burning due to agricultural activities. The researchers found that biomass burning increased by 21% during the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown levels.

Another factor contributing to air pollution during the lockdown was an increase in construction activities. The researchers found that construction activities increased by 16% during the lockdown compared to pre-lockdown levels.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 lockdown in India was expected to significantly reduce air pollution levels in the country. However, a recent study suggests that the decrease in air pollution during the lockdown was not as high as originally thought. The study found that while there was a decrease in air pollution levels during the lockdown, it was not uniform across all cities and was lower than expected due to factors such as an increase in biomass burning and construction activities.

FAQs

1. What is PM2.5?

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems.

2. What are the health effects of air pollution?

Air pollution has been linked to various health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

3. What can be done to reduce air pollution in India?

To reduce air pollution in India, measures such as promoting clean energy sources, improving public transportation, and enforcing stricter regulations on industries and vehicles can be taken.

4. How can individuals contribute to reducing air pollution?

Individuals can contribute to reducing air pollution by using public transportation or carpooling, reducing energy consumption at home, and avoiding burning waste or using firewood for cooking or heating.

5. What is biomass burning?

Biomass burning refers to the burning of organic matter such as crop residues, wood, and dung for cooking or heating purposes. It is a major source of air pollution in India.

 


This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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air (5), pollution (5), india (4), lockdown (4), covid-19 (3), high (3)