Effect of Covid-19 on NO₂ and particular matter (PM) concentrations and reaffirmation of the need to use biofuels in the world

Abstract

On 23 January 2020, the world saw the first coronavirus lockdown come into force in Wuhan, China in an effort to stop the spread of the illness. This lockdown set the precedent for similar measures in other cities across the country, putting a halt to daily activities including industry and traffic. Factories and other industries were shut down and people were confined to their homes. Similar measures were then put in place worldwide in the following weeks and months. As a result, a significant reduction in air pollutants across the world was detected by satellites. This included reduced emissions of particular matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemics on NO₂ and particular matter (PM) concentrations during lockdown, to answer the question of whether this crisis should reduce the development of biofuels or with regard to the reduction and end of COVID-19 restrictions we need to pay more attention to the effects and importance of biofuels on human health. The lockdown reduced the amount of PM in different countries of the world by 9 to 63% compared to the time of corona lock. Its distribution also decreased by 20–30% in European countries and up to 70% in some Asian countries. But wait, you should not be happy. Because these changes have taken place at a time when the world is facing a crisis and governments are forced to shut down businesses and impose locks. The use of biofuels can also reduce the emission of these air pollutants. Corona conditions once again reminded of the need to use these fuels. The condition of the corona is also temporary, and with the discovery of the corona vaccine and the start of vaccination around the world, these locks will be reduced and air pollutants will return to the time of the previous corona. Therefore, the need to use renewable and sustainable energy such as biofuels becomes apparent.

Keywords:

• Covid-19 pandemic
• NO₂
• PM
• biofuels
• renewable energy

Acknowledgment

This research was conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, Bu Ali Sina University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.