Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2951
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2951
24 Oct 2024
 | 24 Oct 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on surface air quality changes in major African countries

Zizhen Han, Yuqiang Zhang, Zhou Liu, Kexin Zhang, Zhuyi Wang, Bin Luo, Likun Xue, and Xinfeng Wang

Abstract. The lockdown during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provides a natural experience to examine the air quality changes from emission reductions. However, limited monitoring data has made it challenging to study these changes in major African regions. This study aimed to assess air quality changes, including major pollutants such as CO, NO2, O3, SO2, and aerosol particles during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 across different African countries. Using chemical reanalysis products from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, we calculated quarterly dual anomalies and quarterly anomalies for MAM (March to May) and JJA (June to August) in 2020. Results showed a general decline in CO, NO2, O3, and nitrate aerosol across majority African countries, with more pronounced decreases during JJA. However, discrepancies were also seen: quarterly dual anomalies revealed a decrease in NO2 and SO2 in Northern Africa (NA), while quarterly anomalies showed an increase, suggesting containment policies moderated the increase rates. In Southern Africa (SA), both methods observed increases in SO2, likely due to relaxed restrictions and heightened energy demands. Sensitivity diagnostics showed that the increase in O3 in South Africa may be related to the decrease in NO2. Additionally, increased in sulfate and ammonium aerosols in NA and SA was likely attributed to dust events and higher residential emissions, respectively. For this study, we concluded that air quality changes may be intertwined with both natural and anthropogenic influences and the results highlight the necessity for stricter emission standards for coal-fired plants and promote clean energy in African countries.

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Zizhen Han, Yuqiang Zhang, Zhou Liu, Kexin Zhang, Zhuyi Wang, Bin Luo, Likun Xue, and Xinfeng Wang

Status: open (until 07 Dec 2024)

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  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2951', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Oct 2024 reply
Zizhen Han, Yuqiang Zhang, Zhou Liu, Kexin Zhang, Zhuyi Wang, Bin Luo, Likun Xue, and Xinfeng Wang
Zizhen Han, Yuqiang Zhang, Zhou Liu, Kexin Zhang, Zhuyi Wang, Bin Luo, Likun Xue, and Xinfeng Wang

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Short summary
During the COVID-19 lockdown, changes in air pollutants offered a real-world test of emission reductions. JPL’s chemical reanalysis data showed a general decrease in CO, NO2, O3, and nitrate aerosols across most African countries, but an increase in SO2, sulfate aerosols, and O3 in Southern Africa during winter. We concluded that air quality changes are influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, emphasizing the need for stricter emission standards and clean energy promotion in Africa.