Diurnal and temporal changes in air pollution during COVID-19 strict lockdown over different regions of India()

Lockdown measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a considerable change in air pollution worldwide. We estimate the temporal and diurnal changes of the six criteria air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM(2.5) and PM(10)) and gaseous pollutants (NO(2), O(3), CO, and SO(2)) during lockdown (25(th) March – 3(rd) May 2020) across regions of India using the observations from 134 real-time monitoring sites of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Significant reduction in PM(2.5), PM(10), NO(2,) and CO has been found in all the regions during the lockdown. SO(2) showed mixed behavior, with a slight increase at some sites but a comparatively significant decrease at other locations. O(3) also showed a mixed variation with a mild increase in IGP and a decrease in the South. The absolute decrease in PM(2.5), PM(10,) and NO(2) was observed during peak morning traffic hours (08–10 Hrs) and late evening (20–24 Hrs), but the percentage reduction is almost constant throughout the day. A significant decrease in day-time O(3) has been found over Indo Gangetic plain (IGP) and central India, whereas night-time O(3) has increased over IGP due to less O(3) loss. The most significant reduction (∼40–60%) was found in PM(2.5) and PM(10). The highest decrease in PM was found for the north-west and IGP followed by South and central regions. A considerable reduction (∼30–70%) in NO(2) was found except for a few sites in the central region. A similar pattern was observed for CO having a ∼20–40% reduction. The reduction observed for PM(2.5), PM(10), NO(2,) and enhancement in O(3) was proportional to the population density. Delhi’s air quality has improved with a significant reduction in primary pollutants, however, an increase in O(3) was observed. The changes reported during the lockdown are combined effect of changes in the emissions, meteorology, and atmospheric chemistry that requires detailed investigations.