Assessing air quality dynamics in Punjab, Pakistan: Pre, during, and post COVID-19 lockdown and evaluating strategies for mitigating

Air pollution is a growing global concern which has been identified by the World Health Organization as a significant environmental hazard. Contributing to around seven million premature deaths each year, it has become a critical focus of investigation. This study aims to understand and address urban air quality dynamics in Punjab, Pakistan. The objectives of the study are to assess the variations in air pollutant concentrations across different regions within Punjab before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the impact of meteorological conditions on the observed fluctuations. For this purpose, the study begins the challenge of integrating data from diverse satellite sensors (MERRA-2, AIRS, MOPITT, and OMI). The study employs bilinear interpolation in ArcGIS to analyze six criteria patterns, addressing the challenge of spatially understanding air quality variations across Punjab for effective environmental monitoring and management. The study results indicate varying levels of CO across different regions, with higher concentrations observed in Lahore and lower concentrations in DG Khan. Notably, PM2.5 concentrations surpass both Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PAK-EPA) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), signaling potential health risks. These results demonstrate the urgency of addressing specific pollutants to meet air quality standards and protect public health. The findings offer valuable insights for the Ministry of Climate Change, policymakers, and the local research community. This includes a foundation for more informed decision-making and targeted strategies to mitigate the impacts of air pollution on public health in the study area.