Impacts of Meteorological Parameters on COVID-19 Transmission Trends in the Central Part of Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates the complex correlation between air pollution, meteorological factors, and daily COVID-19 cases in central Thailand. The arithmetic means and standard deviations of trace gaseous species, meteorological factors, daily COVID-19 incidence, and PM_2.5 concentrations are displayed. Univariate analysis, using Pearson correlation, shows strong positive relationships with daily COVID-19 incidence and O₃, consistent with global studies. Previous research has found negative connections between the daily average levels of PM_2.5 and NO₂ with O₃. This study investigates the mechanism of the interaction between O₃ and NO_x, with a particular focus on its termination under specific atmospheric circumstances and the subsequent negative correlations between O₃ and NO₂. A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis (MLRA) is performed, which shows significant positive MLRA coefficients for O₃ in different areas of Thailand during the COVID-19 lockdown. The significant decreases in NO₂ and other air pollution emissions are associated with substantial improvements in ground-level O₃. The rise in O₃ levels is linked to an increase in the atmosphere’s ability to oxidize, resulting in the formation of secondary aerosols. This has consequences for human respiratory health and might potentially contribute to a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The existence of positive associations between ground-level O₃ and COVID-19 infections is recognized, taking into account the detrimental impact on respiratory health. Nevertheless, the study prudently acknowledges that a correlation between variables does not necessarily indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. It emphasizes the presence of other influential factors such as population density, healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and socioeconomic determinants that may obfuscate the results. To summarize, the study offers valuable understanding of the intricate relationships among air contaminants, meteorological circumstances, and the occurrence of COVID-19 in Thailand. This highlights the possible influence of ground-level O₃ on respiratory well-being and indicates the necessity for further research to clarify any direct correlation with COVID-19 infection.