Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Air Quality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province: A Google Earth Engine Based Study

Shehla Gul; Sumbel Hafeez; Shahla Nazneen; Eesha Afridi; Uzair Ahmad; Rafiq Ali Khan

Authors

Shehla Gul Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
Sumbel Hafeez Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
Shahla Nazneen Department of Environmental Science, University of Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
Eesha Afridi Crop Reporting Services, Agriculture Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Uzair Ahmad Department of Geography and Geomatics, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
Rafiq Ali Khan Department of Geology, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan

Keywords:

Google Earth Engine (GEE), Tropomi, Air Quality, Air Pollution, Covid-19, Lockdown.

Abstract

Air pollution poses a critical challenge to urban sustainability and public health. The COVID-19 lockdown created a unique opportunity to study the effects of reduced human and industrial activities on air quality. In rapidly urbanizing regions, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the concentration of pollutants like Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) has escalated, threatening public health. This study utilizes Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite data to assess changes in NO2, CO, and SO2 levels during Pakistan's nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Results show a significant reduction in pollutant levels, offering insights for developing long-term air quality improvement strategies and policies to mitigate respiratory health risks.

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