Despite Lockdown, Delhi Was Hit by Severe Air pollution Episodes During COVID-19 Second Wave: Study

According to the study in the journal 'Chemosphere' published by SAFAR, experts say that the biomass emissions of carbon-rich tiny particles and the rapid flow of distant dust were the primary reasons for the pollution.

The study also revealed that an "unaccounted emission source" was playing a leading role after balancing the impact of curtailed lockdown emissions.

"The hidden emission source is believed to be associated with additional carbonaceous biofuel burning related to crematories whose emissions could not be accounted for in the model," an excerpt from the research paper read.

The steep surge in infection counts and the peak mortality (400 deaths/day) period directly coincided with peak levels of PM2.5. The study modelled the emission as per the wood required for cremation (around 300-400 kg/pyre) for an open pyre, and accounted for the chemistry of crematoria flue gases which contain a higher percentage of organic, inorganic matter and particulate dust material.

Researchers also found that other peaks later in the lockdown were related to the north-westerly winds, which often brought dust particles from the desert region to Delhi. The frequency of such dust storms was unusually higher than normal, probably due to the free and faster flow of dust without much resistance under this lockdown period.

The paper concluded that since both COVID-19 and dust storms can cause overlapping respiratory symptoms, a suitable strategy must be worked out during such emergencies.

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The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline and text.