Environmental Studies and Forestry

Co-benefits of reducing PM2.5 and improving visibility by COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan

L. Yao, S. Kong, et al.

Explore the dramatic effects of the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan on air quality and visibility, revealing a 37.8% drop in PM2.5 concentration and a stunning 106.7% increase in visibility. This groundbreaking research, conducted by Liquan Yao and colleagues, emphasizes the need for targeted policies to enhance air quality and visibility by focusing on nitrates.

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Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan on PM2.5 concentration and visibility. The lockdown led to a 37.8% decrease in average PM2.5 concentration, primarily due to a 63.6% reduction in NH4NO3. Visibility increased by 106.7%, mainly attributed to the reduction in NH4NO3 extinction. The study further analyzed the relationships between PM2.5, visibility, and aerosol properties, concluding that controlling TNO3 (HNO3 + NO3−) is more effective for improving visibility than NHx (NH3 + NH4+) unless NHx reduction exceeds a certain threshold. The findings suggest prioritized policies for reducing PM2.5 and improving visibility.

Publisher

npj Climate and Atmospheric Science

Published On

Jul 19, 2021

Authors

Liquan Yao, Shaofei Kong, Huang Zheng, Nan Chen, Bo Zhu, Ke Xu, Wenxiang Cao, Ying Zhang, Mingming Zheng, Yi Cheng, Yao Hu, Zexuan Zhang, Yingying Yan, Dantong Li, Tianliang Zhao, Yongqing Bai, Shihua Qi

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Co-benefits of reducing PM<sub>2.5</sub> and improving visibility by COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan

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