Establishing a link between fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) zones and COVID -19 over India based on anthropogenic emission sources and air quality data

The spread of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic around the globe is affecting people. The majority of Indian urban complexes are reeling under high emissions of deadly fine particulate matter PM(2.5) and resulting in poor air quality. These fine particles penetrate deep into the body and fuel inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, leading to the risk of having cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including a weak immune system. In the present study, we report the first national-scale study over India, which establishes a strong relationship between the PM(2.5) emission load and COVID-19 infections and resulting deaths. We find a significant correlation (R(2) = 0.66 & 0.60) between the states as well as districts having varied levels of PM(2.5) emissions with corresponding COVID-19 positive cases respectively, and R(2) = 0.61 between wavering air quality on a longer time scale and the number of COVID-19 related deaths till 5 November 2020. This study provides practical evidence that cities having pollution hotspot where fossil fuel emissions are dominating are highly susceptible to COVID-19 cases.