Sentinel – 5P derived Tropospheric NO 2 Concentration during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Impacts of Urbanisation and Industrialisation in South Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Abstract In emerging nations, rising urbanisation exacerbates existing issues like pollution. The biophysical and social conditions of cities are negatively impacted by unplanned urbanisation and the increase in industrialisation. Power plants, industries and vehicles are the substantial birthplaces of air pollution. The first instance of COVID-19 was discovered in China, the government implemented a curfew from March 26, 2020, to May 31, 2020, as part of a national COVID-19 pandemic prevention strategy. In the state of Tamil Nadu, in particular urban areas like Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, especially Thoothukudi, is experiencing a problem with air pollution as a result of booming industrial activity as well as urbanization. The impact of the recent environmental contamination is evaluated by a comprehensive regional and temporal study and it is considered vital. The confinement and isolation measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted NO2 concentrations in 11 cities of southern Tamil Nadu is analysed. The impact of urbanization and industrialization on local air quality was assessed during the period of lockdown. Using remote sensing techniques, the study quantified the changes in atmospheric pollutant NO2 concentrations and represented them spatiotemporally which was observed during these 4 periods. In the study area, a general decline in NO2 content is seen. A significant number of places in the eastern region exhibit an increase in NO2 concentration as a result of lockdown relaxations. Therefore, NO2 pollution can be controlled if enough effort is put into it.