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Air Pollution Status in 10 Mega-Cities in China during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak

Author

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  • Crystal Jane Ethan

    (Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Kingsley Katleho Mokoena

    (Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China)

  • Yan Yu

    (Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China)

Abstract

Over the past decades, urbanization and industrialization have led to a change in air quality, bringing researchers to a full realization of the damaging effects of human activities on the environment. This study focused on describing air quality during the initial phase of the Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (since there were fewer anthropogenic activities) in 10 Chinese mega-cities. Using the independent t -test, the means of air quality index (AQI) scores and individual air pollutants concentration during the outbreak were compared with the means before the outbreak. Cohen’s d was estimated to quantify how much difference was observed. Based on the AQI score, the air quality in these 10 cities ranged from excellent (Shenzhen) to light pollution (Xi’an) with 44.8 μg m −3 and 119.7 μg m −3 , respectively. In comparison to the 2019 air quality, Guangzhou and Wuhan noted major differences in air quality during the outbreak. Indicators of traffic pollution, particularly NO 2 , were significantly lower during the outbreak in all cities. Particulate matter pollution varied, with some cities observing lower concentrations and other higher concentrations during the outbreak. There was a significant decrease in air pollution levels during the outbreak. More researchers should observe changes in air quality during peculiar or major events. Implementation of stringent regulation on vehicle use should be considered in mega-cities. Relevant findings should be employed in emphasizing the detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities and support the need for stringent emission control regulations.

Suggested Citation

  • Crystal Jane Ethan & Kingsley Katleho Mokoena & Yan Yu, 2021. "Air Pollution Status in 10 Mega-Cities in China during the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-15, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3172-:d:520202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hans Orru & Jane Idavain & Mihkel Pindus & Kati Orru & Kaisa Kesanurm & Aavo Lang & Jelena Tomasova, 2018. "Residents’ Self-Reported Health Effects and Annoyance in Relation to Air Pollution Exposure in an Industrial Area in Eastern-Estonia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-22, February.
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