COVID-19 lockdown and its impact on tropospheric NO(2) concentrations over India using satellite-based data

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 pandemic a global public health emergency. Many countries of the world, including India, closed their borders and imposed a nationwide lockdown. In India, the lockdown was declared on March 24 for 21 days (March 25–April 14, 2020) and was later extended until May 3, 2020. During the lockdown, all major anthropogenic activities, which contribute to atmospheric pollution (such as industries, vehicles, and businesses), were restricted. The current study examines the impact of the lockdown on tropospheric NO(2) concentrations. Satellite-based ozone monitoring instrument sensor data were analyzed in order to investigate the variations in tropospheric NO(2) concentrations. The results showed that from March 1 to 21, 2020, the average tropospheric NO(2) concentration was 214.4 ×10(13) molecule cm(−2) over India, and it subsequently decreased by 12.1% over the next four weeks. An increase of 0.8% in tropospheric NO(2) concentrations was observed for the same period in 2019 and hence, the reduced tropospheric NO(2) concentrations can be attributed to restricted anthropogenic activities during the lockdown. In the absence of significant activities, the contribution of various sources was estimated, and the emissions from biomass burning were identified as a major source of tropospheric NO(2) during the lockdown. The findings of this study provide an opportunity to understand the mechanism of tropospheric NO(2) emissions over India, in order to improve air quality modeling and management strategies.