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Analysis of Factors Influencing Air Quality in Different Periods during COVID-19: A Case Study of Tangshan, China

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  • Wen-Lu Wu

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Chun-Yan Shan

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Jing Liu

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Jing-Lin Zhao

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

  • Jin-Yun Long

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the main factors influencing air quality in Tangshan during COVID-19, covering three different periods: the COVID-19 period, the Level I response period, and the Spring Festival period. Comparative analysis and the difference-in-differences (DID) method were used to explore differences in air quality between different stages of the epidemic and different years. During the COVID-19 period, the air quality index (AQI) and the concentrations of six conventional air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , NO 2 , CO, and O 3 -8h) decreased significantly compared to 2017–2019. For the Level I response period, the reduction in AQI caused by COVID-19 control measures were 29.07%, 31.43%, and 20.04% in February, March, and April of 2020, respectively. During the Spring Festival, the concentrations of the six pollutants were significantly higher than those in 2019 and 2021, which may be related to heavy pollution events caused by unfavorable meteorological conditions and regional transport. As for the further improvement in air quality, it is necessary to take strict measures to prevent and control air pollution while paying attention to meteorological factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen-Lu Wu & Chun-Yan Shan & Jing Liu & Jing-Lin Zhao & Jin-Yun Long, 2023. "Analysis of Factors Influencing Air Quality in Different Periods during COVID-19: A Case Study of Tangshan, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4199-:d:1081406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shuang Liu & Xingchuan Yang & Fuzhou Duan & Wenji Zhao, 2022. "Changes in Air Quality and Drivers for the Heavy PM 2.5 Pollution on the North China Plain Pre- to Post-COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-20, October.
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    4. Elçin Tan, 2022. "The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns in Istanbul," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-22, October.
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