Analysis of the Factors Affecting Fine Dust Concentration Before and After COVID-19

Abstract

This study conducted a comparative analysis of the factors affecting the concentration of fine dust before and after COVID-19. Of these, the dominant factor was CO, and the influence between variables increased even after COVID-19. In the case of PM10, the influence of wind direction and wind speed variables decreased, which is thought to be due to the reduction of westerly-based foreign air pollutants following China’s containment policy. Comparative analysis by season showed that the influence of temperature and humidity was higher in winter. In spring, the influence of wind direction and speed decreased with changes in the westerly wind and the influence of China’s containment policy. In summer and autumn, when the concentration of fine dust is relatively low, the influence of CO after COVID-19 was rather high, indicating that continuous CO management is necessary. Considering the relationship between these air pollutants and the meteorological environment, it is judged that fine dust reduction measures should be implemented.