COVID-19 impact on air quality and associated elements: knowledge data of the Emirate of Ajman − UAE

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the core issues at the local and global levels and maybe “one of the most important contributors” to deaths. According to the United Nations, air pollution is one of the extreme environmental threats to health globally. Air pollution problems increased worldwide due to the massive emission volumes generated every day from the increased lifestyle associated technology. The air pollutants are not only dangerous to the health and wellbeing of plants, animals, and people, but they are also harmful to the environment as a significant contributor to recent climate change. The reduction in the volume of pollutants produced is a crucial and challenging step in managing our adverse effects on the environment and climate. The primary outdoor pollution sources include vehicles, Industry, power generation, building heating/cooling systems, and agriculture/waste incineration. The regulation, policies, clean production, investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, Industry, and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce critical sources of ambient air pollution. When many countries of the world are fighting the Coronavirus, as a challenge to limit its spread, because of its negative repercussions on the economy, health, and political stability as well, several reports have emerged confirming that the spread of the virus has positive effects on the climate change crisis through its impact on the demand for energy and greenhouse gas emissions in endemic countries. Ajman is an emirate that has experienced considerable change in the level of air-associated pollution. Therefore, this article aims to assess air quality impacts in the Ajman Emirates during the lockdown when social distancing was implemented, and human activities were significantly eliminated. Moreover, it seeks to identify the percentages of the improved outdoor pollutants concentrations and the general air quality index. This paper shows evidence from live measurements that the Emirate has recorded over four months since the lockdown was imposed at this Emirate and compared with similar months of the previous year. Moreover, it indicates that having climate improvement exists for specific periods could well support the fight against the COVID-19. The article clearly shows results with a significant reduction of more than 40% of each air-associated pollution element during the pandemic compared with similar periods in 2018 and 2019.