A Comparative Study to assess the Air quality of Ludhiana, India amid COVID-19

Abstract

Air quality Index (AQI) is a tool which is implemented to assess the qualitative and quantitative status of air pollutants. Four distinctive pollutants; PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2 were used to compare the prevailing ambient air quality in the study region-Ludhiana, the industrial city in the north Indian state of Punjab. The AQI for Ludhiana has been compared and, the ambient air quality data for the same has been obtained for Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The data has been compared for fifteen days before and after the lockdown amid COVID-19. Air quality information uncovers that during lockdown period PM10 and PM2.5 levels were decreased by around 35 to 40%, which might be clarified as conceivable decrease from production sector, transportation, and residue. AQI of Ludhiana revealed that the primary reason for the poor air quality is P.M 10 and P.M 2.5 which significantly reduced to around 10 to 35 percent during pandemic lockdown.