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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 12, No. 4
Publication Date: August 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/aivp.124.17500
Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions.
European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic
and Corresponding Government Actions
Sami Goren
Umm Al-Qura University, College of Engineering at Al-Lith, KSA
ABSTRACT
Following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, there was a
notable global decrease in the quantity of human activities. Due to the
catastrophic consequences this epidemic had on people's health and quality of life,
there was a sharp decline in activity levels. Travel restrictions, social isolation,
and lockdowns are a few of the precautionary measures that governments and
health organisations have recommended to stop the virus from spreading further.
Significant environmental improvements, such as a decrease in air pollution and
other environmental issues, have been brought about by the decline in human
activity. The effects of climate change are what have caused these modifications.
This study aims to look into the data on the reduction in environmental pollutants
that occurred as a result of COVID's implementation. The study calls for the use of
a cautious approach to locate data from reliable sources, such as government and
non-governmental organisations, academic research papers, and other sources, in
order to find patterns in the levels of pollution in the air, water, and soil as well as
in waste management, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. This is done in
an effort to identify global trends in pollution levels. According to the study's
findings, pollution levels have significantly decreased globally, indicating that
favourable changes in the environment may yet transpire. This outcome is the
consequence of verifying the available data. Furthermore, it addresses the
implications for policy initiatives as well as possible long-term repercussions.
Keywords: COVID-19, air quality index, environmental impact, government actions, air
quality, water quality, waste management, wildlife and biodiversity, medical wastes, soil
pollution
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health crisis that has left an undeniable imprint
on the environment [1]. It has led to massive changes in human behavior and mobility
patterns, affecting all aspects of society, including the environment [2]. While the immediate
impact of Covid-19 on the environment has been highly variable and regionally specific, there
is growing evidence that some changes may have lasting implications [3].
This paper aims to analyze the data for environmental pollution decrease after COVID-19
pandemic, based on available scientific literature and expert opinions. The research presented
in this paper shows that the pandemic has both positive and negative impacts on the
environment, affecting different countries and regions differently. While there have been
improvements in air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to lockdowns and
decreased economic activities, the pandemic has also led to an increase in single-use plastics
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like medical masks and other waste [4]. Additionally, the pandemic has created societal trends
that could drive further environmental change [5]. Beyond the economic impact due to the
suspension of manufacturing activities, environmental impact is also visible in a short period
of time [6].
The short-term and long-term consequences of the environmental impacts will be reviewed,
and some ideas to modify the policy that might mitigate the negative effects and promote
sustainable behaviours will be recommended. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of
considering the environmental impacts of pandemics in future responses to global crises.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or materials into the
natural environment, causing adverse effects on living organisms and their surroundings.
Environmental impact is the effect that such human activities have on the natural
environment. These activities can include anything from the operation of factories,
transportation, and agriculture, to the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and pollution. The
environmental impact can be positive or negative, depending on the specific activity and its
context.
Negative environmental impact encompasses many adverse effects such as soil
contamination, deforestation, and depletion of natural resources that may lead to climate
change. Meanwhile, positive environmental impact is more focused on protecting, preserving,
and restoring the natural environment for future generations.
It is essential to understand the environmental impact of human activities, as it enables
policymakers, regulators, and people to make informed decisions when it comes to creating
sustainable and long-lasting ecological systems that support human life.
Overall, environmental pollution is a significant threat to global health and well-being. It is
important to prioritize environmental protection measures and policies to reduce the impact
of pollution on our environment and human health. By implementing effective strategies, we
can mitigate the damage caused by environmental pollution and create a more sustainable
future for all living beings.
Air Quality
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe. These substances
can come from natural sources, such as dust and wildfires, or from human activities, such as
burning fossil fuels or industrial processes. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory
problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
One of the most visible changes caused by Covid-19 has been the reduction of air pollution,
primarily due to global transportation restrictions and economic slowdowns. The reduction in
industrial activities, traffic, and transport has led to a significant reduction in air pollution
levels in many countries around the world. This has been observed in many cities and regions
around the world, with lower levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter 2.5
micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5), and other pollutants.
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Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
According to the World Air Pollution Index, the global average of PM2.5 dropped by nearly
20% in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 due to a number of factors,
including a reduction in traffic, the closure of industrial facilities, and a slowdown in economic
activities. In another study in China found that the lockdown in Wuhan reduced PM2.5 levels
by 44% and NO2 levels by 63% compared to the same period in 2019 [7].
Another research conducted by the UNEP shows that air quality significantly improved in
many cities in China, particularly in the Hubei province, where the outbreak started [8, 9].
Similar improvements have been reported in Europe, India, and the United States [10, 11,
12]). In India, the imposition of a nationwide lockdown and the subsequent reduction in
vehicular traffic led to a 44% reduction in PM10 and 8% reduction in PM2.5 levels in Delhi
between March and May 2020 [13]. However, it is important to note that some sources of air
pollution, such as residential heating and cooking, have not been affected by Covid-19, and
that the long-term effects on public health and ecosystems are uncertain.
Water Quality
The term "water pollution" describes the contamination of bodies of water, including rivers,
lakes, and seas. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including industrial and agricultural
runoff, sewage and wastewater discharge, and oil spills. Water pollution can harm aquatic life
and make water bodies unsafe for human use and consumption. Covid-19 has also affected
water quality, although in more subtle ways. The use of disinfectants and other cleaning
agents to control the spread of the virus has led to an increase in water pollution levels. In
contrast, the suspension of many industrial activities and the reduced use of fertilizers and
pesticides have led to an improvement in water quality. One concern is the potential spread of
the virus through wastewater, which can contain high levels of viral RNA and remain
infectious for several days [14]. However, there is currently no evidence that Covid-19 can be
transmitted through drinking water or recreational waters, as the virus is susceptible to
common disinfection methods. On the other hand, the reduction of human activities and
industrial production has led to improved water quality in some areas, such as rivers, lakes,
and coastal zones. This is partly due to decreased inputs of nutrients, organic matter, and
contaminants from sewage, agriculture, and industry. For example, the Ganga river in India
has shown significant improvement in physicochemical and microbiological parameters
during the lockdown period [15]. However, the potential rebound effects of post-lockdown
activities on water quality are unknown.
Increase in Plastic Waste
Another area of concern is the increase in plastic waste due to the pandemic. With the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, there has been a surge in plastic
waste generation. A study by Fadare and Okoffo (2020) [16] estimated that the use of face
masks alone could result in generating 194 billion masks and gloves per month. Improper
disposal of plastic waste can have detrimental effects on soil quality. The accumulation of
plastic waste can lead to soil degradation, reduce plant growth, and harm soil organisms'
health.
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Medical Wastes
Due to the production and utilisation of personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks,
gloves, needles, and syringes, contributed to an increase in the amount of medical waste that
was generated as a result of the epidemic [17]. Underground water and surface water bodies
become contaminated as a result of disinfectants and other chemicals used for sanitation. It
has been reported that hospitals and other healthcare facilities are among the most significant
contributors to environmental pollution, and it is estimated that they are responsible for 4.4%
of the emissions of greenhouse gases [18]. The slow but steady increase in the amount of
medical waste that has been produced since COVID-19 is not only a significant risk to the
environment, but it is also becoming an increasingly significant health hazard all over the
world [19, 20].
Waste Management
Another area of environmental impact is waste management, as Covid-19 has generated large
amounts of medical and hazardous waste, as well as changes in consumer behavior and waste
disposal practices. Some countries had to redistribute waste management resources to cater
to the increased amounts of medical waste. The use of disposable items such as gloves and
face masks has also led to an increase in plastic waste. This has created challenges for waste
collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal, especially in low- and middle-income
countries with limited capacity and resources [21]. The use of personal protective equipment
(PPE) has also increased significantly, with potential negative effects on the environment,
such as littering, contamination, and incomplete disposal. Moreover, some recycling and
composting programs have been suspended or reduced due to health and safety concerns,
leading to more landfilling and incineration [22]. However, the overall impact of Covid-19 on
waste management is still uncertain, as it depends on many factors, such as local regulations,
public awareness, and international cooperation.
Soil Contamination
Soil contamination results from the presence of toxic chemicals or materials in the soil. This
can occur from industrial waste disposal, agricultural practices, or mining activities. Soil
contamination can harm plants and animals and affect groundwater quality [23].
The Covid-19 pandemic impact continues to be felt, particularly on soil pollution. Due to the
restrictions on human activities and reduced economic activities, like reduced industrial and
transport activities, there has been a reduction in pollution levels across the globe.
One of the significant contributors to soil pollution is industrial and transport activities.
However, due to the lockdown measures, many industries were forced to shut down, and
transport activities were significantly reduced. This resulted in a significant reduction in air
pollution, which, in turn, led to a decrease in soil pollution.
According to a study by Wang et al. (2020) [7], the lockdown measures in China led to a
reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from transportation by 36%, and sulfur
dioxide (SO2) emissions from industries reduced by 22%, resulting in a significant reduction
in soil pollution.
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Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
However, it is worth noting that the reduction in soil pollution is only temporary. After the
lockdown measures are lifted and industries resume operations, soil pollution is likely to
increase.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution refers to excessive or disruptive noise that can cause harm to living
organisms. This includes traffic noise, industrial noise, and noise generated by construction
activities. Exposure to noise pollution can lead to hearing loss, sleep disturbance, and stress.
The reduction of human activity during the Covid-19 pandemic has been the primary cause of
the decrease in noise pollution. With many people being forced to work from home, and the
closure of schools, factories, and other facilities, there was a significant decrease in
transportation, construction, and industrial activities. With fewer people driving, there was a
reduction in traffic noise, and aircraft noise decreased due to the decline in air travel. The
suspension of construction activities also led to a decrease in construction noise.
The reduction of noise pollution has had several positive effects on human health and well- being, such as decreased levels of stress and anxiety, better sleep patterns, and improved
cognitive function. Studies have shown that exposure to noise can lead to various health
problems such as hypertension, heart disease, and hearing impairment [24]. The decline in
noise pollution has also had a positive impact on wildlife, especially in urban environments,
where animals have less exposure to noise-related disturbances.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The reduction in human activity, mainly tourism and hunting, led to the natural recovery of
ecosystems. Reduced human disturbance helped animals move freely and allowed for natural
migration patterns, which led to the growth of wildlife populations. This helped to restore
natural ecosystems and contributed to biodiversity conservation.
There are indirect effects on biodiversity, through changes in land use, wildlife trade, and
ecological interactions. For example, the expansion of urban areas and agricultural frontiers
may increase the risk of zoonotic diseases, by reducing natural habitats and increasing
contact between humans and wildlife [25]. Similarly, the closure of national parks and
protected areas may affect tourism revenue and conservation efforts, leading to more illegal
hunting, logging, and poaching [26]. On the other hand, the reduction of human disturbance
and noise pollution may benefit some species, especially those that are sensitive to human
activities [27]. The net effect of Covid-19 on biodiversity is complex and context-dependent,
and further research is needed to understand its implications.
Climate Change
Finally, Covid-19 has implications for climate change, both in the short and long term. On the
one hand, the decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption may
help mitigate climate change, by reducing the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide
and other gases. This has been estimated to be about 7% lower than in 2019, due to the Covid- 19 pandemic [28]. However, this effect is likely to be temporary and less significant than
structural changes in the energy and transportation sectors. On the other hand, the economic
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recession and political uncertainty caused by Covid-19 may delay or hinder climate action, as
governments and businesses prioritize health and economic recovery over climate mitigation
and adaptation [29]. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of social and
economic systems to global disruptions, and the need for more resilient and sustainable
models of development.
Renewable Energy Transition and Economic Stimulus
Some countries introduced “green recovery” economic stimulus packages to boost economic
growth while promoting renewable energy transition. For example, the European Union’s
“Next Generation EU” plan allocates 25% of spending for climate-friendly initiatives1.
Despite these efforts, decreased human activity diverted attention from ongoing
environmental challenges, such as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and increased
poaching in parts of Africa.
Sources
The data used in this paper was obtained from various sources, including governmental and
non-governmental organizations. Some of the primary sources include the World Air Quality
Index Project, which provides real-time air quality data from over 10,000 locations
worldwide. Other sources include World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Environment Agency (EEA),
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
METHODOLOGY
A thorough examination of the available literature on the subject was carried out to assess the
impact of Covid-19 on the environment. A comprehensive exploration of academic databases
such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus was carried out. This involved employing
a combination of specific keywords such as "Covid-19," "environmental impacts," "air quality,"
and "waste generation." Some news articles and reports from international organizations
such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were also examined. An
evaluation is also performed on the data gathered from different locations and countries, with
a specific emphasis on the mitigation of air contaminants such as carbon dioxide (CO2),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particle matter (PM).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In addition to causing a significant number of deaths around the globe, the pandemic
presented public health agencies with a problem that had never been seen before. A large
amount of social and economic upheaval was brought about as a result, and millions of people
were put in danger of suffering from extreme poverty. The pandemic had a truly global reach,
reaching every nation and influencing every aspect of society. Every country on earth was
affected. In order to effectively respond, a concerted worldwide effort was required, which
included the implementation of public health measures, the provision of economic assistance,
and the expeditious production and distribution of vaccinations. The World Health
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Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
Organisation (WHO) [30] provides the statistics used in Table 1 regarding disease and
mortality cases.
Table 1: Country-Specific Coronavirus Cases from early 2020 to early 2021 published
by The World Health Organisation in 2021.
Country Disease Case Death Numbers
USA 31530214 564091
India 16263695 18692
Brazil 14122795 381475
France 5325495 101513
Russian Federation 4744961 107501
Spain 3456886 77496
Italy 3920945 118357
Turkey 4501382 37329
Germany 3245253 81158
Colombia 2701313 69596
Argentina 2769552 60083
Mexico 2315811 213597
Poland 2742122 64707
Iran 2335905 68366
South Africa 1571348 53995
Ukraine 2004630 417
Indonesia 1626812 44172
Peru 1726806 58261
Czechia 1615461 28863
Netherland 1435772 17002
Canada 1147463 23763
Chile 1148320 25532
Mexico has the highest death rate whereas Ukraine has the lowest, according to WHO (2021)
[30]. By using the above-mentioned data, mortality rate was calculated as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Mortality Rate by Country
0
2
4
6
8
10
Ukraine
India
Turkey
Netherland
USA
Czechia
France
Canada
Argentina
Chile
Spain
Russian Federation
Poland
Germany
Colombia
Brazil
Indonesia
Iran
Italy
Peru
South Africa
Mexico
Death Rate (%)
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In order to determine the mortality rate, the number of deaths was divided by the number of
cases of the condition. Each of the calculated mortality rates is presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Coronavirus and Mortality Cases that are Specific to Each Country
Country Death Rate (%)
Ukraine 0,03
India 0,12
Turkey 0,83
Netherland 1,19
USA 1,79
Czechia 1,79
France 1,91
Canada 2,08
Argentina 2,17
Chile 2,23
Spain 2,25
Russian Federation 2,27
Poland 2,36
Germany 2,51
Colombia 2,58
Brazil 2,71
Indonesia 2,72
Iran 2,93
Italy 3,02
Peru 3,38
South Africa 3,44
Mexico 9,23
Figure 2: Shows the Affected Countries in the World Based on the Data Shown in Table 2.
(Courtesy to Microsoft-Excell®)
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Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
During the lockdown period, the concentration of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) decreased by more than 60% in several megacities throughout the world.
There was also a significant improvement in the air quality index (AQI) across the entire
world during the lock down [31].
These improvements in environmental conditions were noticeable even with reduced
monitoring capabilities that resulted from the pandemic. The following are some examples of
the significant decreases in pollution levels that have occurred all throughout the world as a
direct result of the breakout of COVID-19:
Air Pollution Levels
Air pollution levels have decreased significantly in many cities following COVID-19. According
to data analysis, the average levels of NO2 and PM2.5 in major cities around the world
declined by 30-60% during the lockdown period. For instance, Delhi, India, experienced a
71% reduction in PM2.5 levels during the lockdown period [32].
Saha et al. also observed that the lockdown had an effect on 22 cities in the North, South,
West, East, and Central areas of India, and that the Air Quality Index (AQI) reduced by 44, 33,
32, 29 and 15% respectively when compared to the same time period in the previous year. As
a result of the limits that were implemented during the lockdown period, the levels of
particulate matter across the country decreased by 52 %. When compared to the monthly
average for February 2017–2019, the PM2.5 concentration in major areas of China reduced by
20–30% in February 2020. During the partial lockdown, the level of NO2 in Milan City was
measured to be 31.9 ± 1.9 μg m−3. During the whole lockdown, the level of NO2 was
measured to be 22.1 ± 1.2 μg m−3. This result was lower when compared to the
control/reference period, which was measured to be 53.4 ± 2.6 μg m−3. This made it quite
evident that the decrease in NO2 levels during the lockdown period was significant. In
addition, the same study found that during the entire shutdown time, there was a 25.4%
decrease in the overall level of sulphur dioxide (SO2). As compared to the monthly mean of
the previous five years, the concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO) and nitrogen dioxide
(NO2) in the urban roads of Sao Paulo state plummeted by as much as 77.3 and 54.3%,
respectively, while the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in the city centre decreased
by as much as 64.8% during the partial lockdown that took place in late March 2020 [31].
Water Pollution
After the COVID-19 epidemic, there has also been a reduction in the amount of pollution that
is already present in the water. Data analysis indicates that water pollution levels in major
rivers around the world, including the Ganges in India and the Yangtze in China, have reduced
considerably during the lockdown period [33].
Carbon Emissions
Carbon emissions have also decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data
analysis, global carbon emissions reduced by 17% in April 2020, compared to the same period
in 2019 [34]. This reduction is the largest ever recorded and is mainly due to reduced
industrial activity, transportation, and energy consumption.
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The United Nations Environment Program reports that greenhouse gas emissions have
decreased by 6% around the world in 2020, primarily due to transportation and industries
shutting down during lockdowns. A study by Carbon Brief states that emissions in China
dropped by 25%, while in the US and the EU, the reduction was between 10% and 30% [35].
However, it is uncertain if the reduction in emissions will continue after the world continues
to recover from the pandemic.
Impact on Wildlife
The closure of recycling facilities, as well as an increase in the use of single-use plastics and
protective equipment, has led to disturbing environmental impacts, such as the littering of
used masks, gloves, and other protective materials. This is despite the fact that the reduction
in human activity has been beneficial for the environment [36].
Wildlife has also been affected by the pandemic. In response to an unexpected decrease in the
activities of people, animals were able to go outside of forested areas, where they were able to
take use of newly discovered habitats and increase their activities during the day [37].
Table 3: Affected Parameters due to COVID-19
Parameter Change Related with Explanation Reference
mortality 0.24–0.26%
increased
Human health due to 10 μg/m3 increase in
concentration of PM2.5 and
PM10
[38, 39]
new cases of
COVID-19 and
mortality
a sharp increase,
both in daily new
cases and total
confirmed cases
for New York City
from March 12,
2020, onwards
air quality and
human health
minimum temperature and
average air quality are significant
for new cases, and average
temperature, minimum
temperature, and average air
quality are significant for total
cases and average temperature
and air quality are significant for
mortality among New York
citizens.
[40]
air pollution reduced by 50% air quality Air pollution levels in New York
have been decreased by nearly
50% as a result of the virus's
management measures when
compared to the same time last
year.
[41]
air quality index improved by 44% air quality Wuhan (China) due to lock down [42]
PM2.5 PM2.5 reduced by
54%
air quality in Seoul (S. Korea), compared
with the same period of the
previous year
[42]
PM10, PM2.5,
benzene, CO, and
NOx
determined a
significant
decrease of
pollutants (PM10,
PM2.5, benzene,
air quality due to partial and total lock down
in Italy
[43]
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Goren, S. (2024). The Enduring Ecological Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic and Corresponding Government Actions. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
CO, and NOx),
amount of medical
waste
increased from
550-600
kg/day to around
1000 kg/day
Environmental
Health
at the time of the first phase of
lockdown
[44]
ambient air quality increased air quality due to global energy demand is
reduced
[45]
NO2 NO2
concentration
decreased
air quality NO2 levels in Wuhan and China
decreased to about 22.8 μg/m3
and 12.9 μg/m3, respectively
[45]
PM2.5 PM2.5 reduced by
23 to 58 %
air quality pollution levels reduced by 23 to
58 % across Pakistan
[46]
NO2 NO2
concentration
decreased
air quality Milan, Bergamo, Barcelona,
Madrid and Lisbon experienced a
decrease of 21%, 47%, 55%, 41%
and 51%, respectively in average
NO2 concentrations compared
with the same period of the
previous year
[47]
NO2 NO2
concentration
decreased
air quality In comparison to prior years, NO2
decreased by 25.5% in the US
during the COVID-19 period.
[48]
N2O and CO reduced by
(nearly) 50%
air quality The closure of China's heavy
industries resulted in a roughly
50% decrease in N2O and CO.
[49]
Noise pollution decreased by 50%
and 52%
Human Health decreased to 50% and 52% in
Vienna
[47]
Suspended
Particulate Matter
(SPM)
decreased by 34% water quality 34% decrease in SPM as
compared to the concentrations
of previous years at Vembanad
Lake of India
[50]
CO2 CO2 decreased by
17%
air quality roughly 17% of China's total
national CO2 emissions were
reduced.
[51]
NO2 NO2 decreased
from 4.5ppb to 1
ppb
air quality In Ontario (Canada), NO2 levels
decreased from 4.5 ppb to 1 ppb.
[52]
NO2 NO2 levels
reduced by 54.3%.
air quality The amount of NO2 in Sao Paulo,
(Brazil), dropped by 54.3%.
[53]
NO2 and CO reduced by about
70 %
air quality In Delhi, (India), NO2 and PM2.5
dropped by around 70%.
[54]
PM2.5 and
PM10
decreased by 46 %
and 50%
respectively
air quality PM2.5 and
PM10 decreased by 46% and 50%
respectively in India
[55]
oil demand dropped 435,000
barrels globally
human health In the first three months of 2020,
the world's oil demand decreased
by 435,000 barrels when
[56]
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compared to the same period the
previous year.
coal-based power
generation
decreased by 26% human health coal-based power generation
decreased by 26% in India, that
results in the decrease of total
power generation by 19%
[57]
coal consumption decreased by 36% human health coal comsumption decreased by
36% compared to the same
period of last year in China which
consumes the biggest amount of
coal in the world
[57, 58]
CO2 CO2 decreased by
25%
air quality CO2 decreased by 25 % in China
just after two months of
lockdown
[59]
CO2 a projection of
CO2 decreases by
4% globally
air quality 4 % of total global CO2,
equivalent to 1600 metric tons
are projected to decrease
compared to 2019
[59]
real time water
quality parameters
improved water quality Of the 36 sites along the Ganga
River in India, 27 real-time water
quality stations showed that the
water quality was within the
allowable limit.
[60]
physicochemical
parameters (pH,
DO, BOD, total
coliform)
improved water quality India's Ganga River's
physicochemical parameters have
been determined to meet
national criteria for surface water
quality.; pH (7.4–7.8), DO (9.4–
10.6 mg/L), BOD (0.6–1.2 mg/L)
and total coliform (40–90
MPN/100 mL)
[61]
water quality in
the Grand Canal
improved water quality the Italian Grand Canal became
clear and numerous aquatic
species made their
reappearances
[62]
water quality in
the beach areas
improved water quality The beach regions of Bangladesh,
Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives,
and Indonesia also have lower
levels of water pollution.
[63, 64]
Food waste decreased soil and water
pollution
In Tunisia, there is less food
waste, which eventually results in
less contamination of the land
and water.
[65]
Noise decreased human health The amount of noise in Delhi,
(India), has decreased by about
40–50%.
[44]
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Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
The results generally indicate that COVID-19 has caused a significant global decrease in air
pollution levels. The reduction of air pollution and water contamination is a welcome side
effect of the pandemic, but it is not enough to solve the larger environmental challenges that
threaten human health and well-being. Moreover, the negative effects on waste management,
biodiversity, and climate change may offset or undermine the short-term benefits, if not
addressed proactively and systematically. Therefore, there is a need for interdisciplinary
research and policy coordination, to identify and mitigate the unintended consequences of
Covid-19 on the environment and promote sustainable recovery.
The short-term and long-term environmental implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and
associated government responses can be summarized as below;
Short-Term Consequence in Environmental Hazards:
• A number of factors associated with the environment experienced large short-term
reductions during the pandemic, including the following:
o 7% less emissions were produced as a result of energy use.
o The environmental stresses that are associated with agriculture decreased by
around 2%.
o There was a decline of double digits in the utilisation of non-metallic minerals,
which includes these materials used in building.
• These decreases were mostly the result of individuals staying at home, which led to a
reduction in the amount of transportation and industrial activity.
Long-Term Consequences:
• It is anticipated that the pandemic will have a long-term, potentially permanent
influence on environmental pressures, with the impact might range anywhere from
one to three percent, depending on the indicator.
• The long-term consequences of COVID-19 on the ecosystem have not yet been
determined, despite the fact that the immediate impact was evident. The continuing
release of carbon into the atmosphere, changes in land use, and the use of resources
continue to be sources of difficulty.
• Additional factors include regional variances, which have been proven to have
significant long-term consequences in nations such as India.
• In contrast to agriculture, which is seeing less severe consequences, industries such as
manufacturing and construction are more severely impacted.
Relationship to the Economic Activity:
• When it comes to turning economic effects into environmental pressures, the manner
in which the economy is structured is an important factor.
• The economic drivers and the geographical implications are the factors that determine
the long-term changes in environmental pressure.
In summary, while short-term reductions were significant, the long-term impact on
environmental pressures will depend on economic recovery and regional variations. Due to
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the pandemic, the interdependence of economic activity and environmental well-being has
been brought to individuals' attention [66].
The impact of global environmental pressures is significantly influenced by their economic
drivers. According to the OECD research on 31/May/2021 titled “The long-term
environmental implications of COVID-19” at the OECD 2021 report [67], the environmental
pressures that are mostly associated with energy consumption experienced a drop of 7-8% in
the year 2020, which was then followed by a slow recovery to 2-3% below the baseline
prediction that was made prior to the implementation of COVID, including emissions of other
main greenhouse gases.
On the other hand, the impact on air pollutant emissions, materials use, and land use change
caused by agriculture is minimal, both in the short and long term. Specifically, ammonia
(NH3) is the air pollutant that is least affected. In terms of materials use, the impact on biotic
resources is minimal. As for land use change, the change in harvested area is particularly
small. The area that is committed to agriculture, also known as the harvested area, is very
stable in the short run. Additionally, the relatively rapid rebound of food demand ensures that
land use change stays very near to the levels that were established as the baseline. There is a
possibility that biodiversity and ecosystem services will not receive a large benefit from the
decreased economic activity. This is supported by the fact that the effects on forestry are
rather minor [67].
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the environment in various ways. The
pandemic has led to a reduction in air pollution levels, an improvement in water quality, and
the restoration of natural ecosystems. The reduction in industrial and transport activities has
resulted in a temporary decrease in soil pollution also. Still, the increase in plastic waste due
to the pandemic can have long-term detrimental effects on soil quality. There is a need to
adopt sustainable waste management practices to prevent soil pollution and minimize the
negative impacts of the pandemic on the environment.
On the other hand, the short-term reduction of air pollution and water contamination is
encouraging, the long-term effects on waste management, biodiversity, and climate change
are uncertain and potentially negative. Therefore, it is crucial to continue monitoring and
evaluating the environmental impact of Covid-19, and to formulate evidence-based policies
and strategies to promote sustainable recovery and resilience.
The findings of our research suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact
on the environment, specifically air quality, due to reduced human activities. The data
analyzed in this paper showed significant reductions in PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
levels, in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with high levels of pollution before
the pandemic.). Similarly, water pollution has decreased, with many beaches and waterways
becoming clearer due to reduced water traffic. Soil pollution has also decreased, with fewer
pollutants detected in the soil due to the reduction in industrial activity. However, it is
essential to note that this effect is temporary, as countries slowly recover from the pandemic,
it is important to maintain low levels of pollution by implementing sustainable practices and
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Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 463-481.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17500
policies that promote a cleaner environment in the long term. Through proactive measures
and public participation, it is possible to achieve a sustainable and noise-free environment.
Therefore, effective policymaking and sustained efforts are required to maintain the
reduction in pollution levels and ensure a sustainable, resilient, and healthy environment for
future generations.
Overall, the environmental impacts of COVID-19 serve as a reminder of how human activities
impact the environment and the need to adopt a more sustainable way of living. I hope that
this study will serve as a wake-up call to individuals and policymakers to take immediate
action to tackle the urgent issue of climate change.
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