Comprehensive Analysis of Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Quality in Andhra Pradesh, India

The Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) initially observed in Wuhan city of China in 2019 induced a severe risk globally. In a drastic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire country was under social and travel lockdown from 25/03/2020 to 14/04/2020 (21 days), which was extended until May 3, 2020. This lockdown had a significant influence on both the local and global economies, and it will take some time for things to return to normal. However, one major advantage of this lockdown has emerged an increase in the air quality of cities around the world. Therefore, regarding the current situation, in our study, we have analyzed the impact of lockdown on air quality in the state of Andhra Pradesh (Amravati, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati and Vizag) and also source identification to above mentioned areas during lockdown period. The study results emphasized a statistically significant decline in pollutant concentration. Average Air Quality Index of Vizag declined more by similar to 34% (96.67-63.52) when compared with Amaravati by similar to 26% (66-48.78), Tirupati by similar to 31% (83.8-52.75), Rajamahendravaram by similar to 4% (60.95-56.59). Future this study identified the potential sources during lockdown towards study areas with the application of HYSPLIT Back Trajectory Analysis (BTA) found that majorly from Bay of Bengal, within the state and partially from surrounding regions Odisha, Tamilnadu, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.