{"title":"Diversity of Seagrass Along Two Coast Line Villages in The Regency of Biak Numfor: A Comparative Study","authors":"Agustina Aries Ardyanti, Roni Bawole, Yuanike Kaber","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i4504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i4504","url":null,"abstract":"The Biodiversity Assessment of Seagrass Ecosystem in Orwer and Ambroben Waters, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province is very important for a baseline study of the ecosystem health of seagrass beds. The ecological function of seagrass ecosystems is to stabilize the seabed, provide food and habitat for other marine life, and maintain water quality. The research conducted aims to (1) determine the types of seagrasses, density, and percentage of seagrass cover in Orwer and Ambroben waters, and (2) find out the characteristics of aquatic environmental parameters that play an important role in determining the health status of seagrass meadow ecosystems. Based on the results of the research has been found as many as four types of seagrasses are in Orwer waters, namely Halodule pinifolia, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, and Halophila ovalis. In Ambroben waters have been found as many as 7 types of seagrass, namely Halodule pinifolia, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii and Halophila ovalis. The average density per seagrass species in Orwer waters is higher (2101 ind/m2) compared to Ambroben waters (1553 ind/m2). The percentage of seagrass ecosystem cover in Orwer is higher (94.44%) than in Ambroben waters (91.53%). The characteristics of aquatic health indicators for seagrass ecosystems in Orwer and Ambroben waters show almost the same range of values, namely temperatures ranging from 29.47-29.97, salinity 33.27-33.97 oo/oo, and pH 7.57-8.46, the dissolved oxygen parameter shows different values between the two waters. Oxygen levels in Orwer waters are 10.47-14.37 mg / L, while Oxygen levels in Ambroben waters are 7.47-11.10 mg / L. Based on these results, it shows that both waters are still included in the category of healthy waters and meet the quality standard criteria for life requirements for seagrass ecosystems.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135391127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ogbonnaya Paul Kanu, Ejikeme Ugwoha, Ngozi U. Udeh, Victor Amah
{"title":"Groundwater Quality Assessment in Aba (Abia State) Using WQI and GIS Techniques","authors":"Ogbonnaya Paul Kanu, Ejikeme Ugwoha, Ngozi U. Udeh, Victor Amah","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i4503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i4503","url":null,"abstract":"Groundwater is considered as the most important source of freshwater for human consumption and activities in the urban environment. The assessment of groundwater quality is critical to avoid the negative effects of polluted groundwater on human health, agriculture, and the economy. In this study, the quality of groundwater in Aba (Abia State), Nigeria was assessed. Thirty-two water samples were taken from sixteen boreholes during the rainy and dry seasons, and analysed for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Hardness, Turbidity, Temperature, BOD5, COD, Pb, Cd, Cr, NH3, TDS, SO4, NO3 and PO4. The Weighted Average Water Quality Index (WAWQI) approach was used to compute the Water Quality Index (WQI). Geostatistical analysis methods such as Ordinary Kriging, Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK), Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Spline interpolation methods were compared in the spatial evaluation of variable concentrations using ArcGIS. In the dry season, 100% of the borehole locations had Water Quality Index values above 100 which is Unsuitable for drinking purpose. For the rainy season, 87.5% of the borehole locations had WQI values above 100 which is Unsuitable for drinking purpose, 6.25% had WQI which was of very poor quality and 6.25% had WQI values within the range of good water quality between 26 and 50. With a mean error of 0.372483, RMSE of 0.5515, and RMSSE of 1.030492 for the dry season and a mean error of 0.05625, RMSE of 10, and RMSSE of 0.986448 for the rainy season, the EBK interpolation approach was the best fit model for the WQI determination. WQI values for rainy season were generally lower than the WQI values of the dry season, attributable to surface water run-off during the rains.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"1984 10","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135635581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peace K. Ohia, Aroloye O. Numbere, Tambeke N. Gbarakoro, Ibiene W. Dick-Abbey
{"title":"Impact of Polluted Soil on Herbivory of Leaves and Pneumatophore Growth of Black Mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) at Eagle Island, River State, Nigeria","authors":"Peace K. Ohia, Aroloye O. Numbere, Tambeke N. Gbarakoro, Ibiene W. Dick-Abbey","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3502","url":null,"abstract":"Mangroves are ecosystem along the shoreline of Nigerian coast and area of active oil exploration in Nigeria. This study is on the impact of pollution on herbivory and pneumatophore growth in black mangrove at Eagle Island. Leave herbivory, pneumatophore growth, THC and heavy metal concentration in soil, root and leave were determined. The sample site was divided into: plot A (high muddiness), plot B (low muddiness), plot C (slight muddiness) and Control (little or no pollution). Random sampling was used in obtaining leaves, soil and pneumatophore from each plot. Pneumatophore height was taken with meter rule and the weight with weighing balance. The leaf image was taken using a digital handy scanner and was uploaded in a software called Image J to measure the area consumed. EPA Method 418 was used to test for Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC). Heavy metals (Cadmium, Lead, Zinc) were determined using AAS- Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. Results revealed that control plot had highest leaf consumption (2.200±0.33cm2) compared to other plots. The heavy metals and THC concentrations in different plant parts (leaves and roots) revealed that THC was high in leaves (250.88±95.33mg/kg), while heavy metals were high in root The pneumatophores were taller and heavier in Plot A compared to Plots B and C. This study shows that pollution affects herbivory and pneumatophores growth in mangroves forest. Mitigation measures should be taken to prevent these pollutants.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136158688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quantitative Status of Indicator Bacterial and Heavy Metal of Groundwater in Some Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria","authors":"Antai Hope Raphael, None Udom Goddy J., None Nwankwoala Hycienth O.","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3501","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluates the quality potential of groundwater in coastal areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Thirty boreholes were sampled, and analyzed for heavy metals and biological parameters using routine techniques of groundwater studies. The study revealed bacterial contamination of groundwater in the area. Iron ranged from 0.0mg/l to 0.90mg/l; magnesium ranged from <0.01mg/l to 9.88mg/l; calcium ranged from <0.01mg/l to 20.78mg/l; total coliform bacteria ranged from 0.27MPN/100ml to 2400.01MPN/100ml; biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 0.1mg/l to 10.02mg/l. Mean BOD and COD were 0.76mg/l and 1.03mg/l respectively; mean total coliform, fecal coliform and E-coli bacteria were 530.65MPN/100ml, 557.24MPN/100ml and 113.17MPN/100ml respectively. The presence of bacterial coliform in the borehole water was attributed to poor waste disposal, surface run-off and perennial flooding in the area. The study showed that groundwater in the area is of poor quality and not suitable for drinking. Therefore, groundwater in the area should be treated to improve its quality before drinking.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135884765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Siba Prasad Mishra, Kumar Chandra Sethi, Kamal Kumar Barik
{"title":"Urban Water Management Linked to WASH (SDG-6) of Greater Hyderabad City, India","authors":"Siba Prasad Mishra, Kumar Chandra Sethi, Kamal Kumar Barik","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3500","url":null,"abstract":"The water planning of the Musi River sub-basin, a tributary of the river Krishna faces challenges of urban floods, drainage disposal, and irrigation deficiencies which must be addressed with the escalation of the demography of Hyderabad city. The river is of length 240km and lies in Telangana state of the basin area of about 11270km2 and is of urban origin and is the lifeline to Hyderabad City. The 21st-century status of the river is polluted and needs immediate rejuvenation. In the present case, the hydrologic model is structured using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, ArcSWAT10.3.1, that builds up having an interface with ArcGIS 10.3.1, ERDAS IMAGINE to the DEM Data from Satellite origin (LISS-III RESOURCESAT-1), and SWAT Model to study the soil characteristics Musi Basin, Watershed delineation, HRU Analysis, slope delineation, and reclassification of the basin against Land use (LU). The bearing to the LU changes of the Musi and adjacent basins have been investigated during the years 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. The study has inferred that Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 (SDG) has been well attempted by the basin managers and administration but failed to achieve SDG (6-2) to have bearable portable quality drinking water, effective management of wastewater and ecosystems to protect the people of Hyderabad and its environment. The Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for one million slum dwellers have been neglected. The model results infer that the sediment fluctuation is due to expansion and changes in the city, agricultural practices, and industrial establishments. Recommendations for effectively moderating floods, 100% sewage and septage disposals, and crop planning in the basin are discussed.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135883317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
None Eguakun F. S., None Ogoro M., None Braide F. F.
{"title":"Inventory and Spatial Distribution of Trees in Eleme Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, Nigeria","authors":"None Eguakun F. S., None Ogoro M., None Braide F. F.","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3499","url":null,"abstract":"Urban trees provide a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits to those that live and work within and outside the community. Urban forest assessments are essential in supporting urban forest management and planning to improve environmental quality and human health in cities. The study investigated woody trees distributions in Eleme Local Government Area (Apkajo) Port Harcourt Nigeria, The study area was divided into 3 categories (Academic, Residential and Religious). Total woody tree species enumerations were carried out using tree identification and measurement while remote sensing technique was used to determine spatial distribution of trees and their land surface temperature. Morphological parameters assessed included total height (THT), crown diameter (CD), crown projection area (CPA), slenderness coefficient (SC) Merchantable area (MCH). Findings indicated total number of twenty seven (27) different woody tree species was identified from a sample population of one hundred and eighty five (185) trees. Species identified includes Mangifera indica, Dacryodes edulis,Terminalia mantaly, Azadirchta indica, Newbouldia laevis, Persea americana, Polyalthia longifolia, Terminalia catappa..Beneficial roles included medicinal, food security, income generation, beautification and micro-climate purposes. Among the species, Mangifera indica was the most abundant with a frequency of occurrence of 47. The result revealed that trees found in academic areas consistently gave higher mean tree growth variable values. Biodiversity was highest in residential areas with a Shannon index of 2.54 and Simpsons index of 0.88. Spatial distribution pattern showed that most tree species are clustered around the residential areas than the religious and academic areas. It was also observed that the trees are active in moderation of the land surface temperature by creating a micro-climate beneath it. The high species richness and diversity within the residential areas, despite its high infrastructural development, showed the importance people placed on urban greening and climate change.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135804356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
None Oriaku, J. C., None Mong, O. O., None Onyeocha, C. E., None Kalu P. N., None Ndubuisi C. O., Gokul Raghavendra Srinivasan, None Onwukwe I. E.
{"title":"Experimental Study of Biochar Production Process Using a Pilot Carbonization Kiln as a Biofuel’s Properties Improvement Module","authors":"None Oriaku, J. C., None Mong, O. O., None Onyeocha, C. E., None Kalu P. N., None Ndubuisi C. O., Gokul Raghavendra Srinivasan, None Onwukwe I. E.","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3498","url":null,"abstract":"Pyrolysis is a thermo-chemical process of biomass conversion to a carbon neutral or better fuels and materials from biomass. It is a thermal decomposition of organic material in a controlled (insufficient) oxygen at a high temperature thereby producing solid (biochar), liquid (oil) and gaseous products. Biochar produced during this process is a very valuable material that can be utilized as soil additive and in carbon sequestration, where the carbon can be stored (locked) in the soil. The result is improved soil structure, pH, water and nutrient retention and the mitigation of climate change. Biochar can also be utilized as biofuel in energy generation directly or converted to biomass briquettes thereby, improving its energy and economic value. Therefore, the present study, involved the production of biochar from an improvised 100 litres volume pilot carbonization kiln and experimentally studied the biochar yield. The result showed a yield of 2505g at average charring ratio of 33.9 % from 7396g of composite wastes, comprising of 1844g of mixture of Maize cob and coconut husk, 1030g of mixed vegetable stem and discarded fruits (sundried watermelon and fruits, 3321g of peeled yam, cassava peels, potatoes peels and discarded food materials, and 1201g of plantain bunches and peels. This results is an indication of good performance outcome of the carbonization kiln in biochar production for soil nutrient improvement and (or) for energy supply applications as refuse derived fuels (RDF).","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"56 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134943655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Namrata B. Kokare, Shital Pharate, Dattatreya Shinde, Sujoy Saha, A. Jeyabal
{"title":"Field and In vitro Study of Pronos and Dormulin against Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew Diseases of Grape","authors":"Namrata B. Kokare, Shital Pharate, Dattatreya Shinde, Sujoy Saha, A. Jeyabal","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3496","url":null,"abstract":"Downy mildew and powdery mildew are destructive diseases of grapes which require application of fungicides. Fungicides are expensive and cause ecological contamination and resistance. Pronos and Dormulin are 'Multi nutrient fertilizers' which were evaluated against the diseases. The field experiments were conducted against powdery mildew (Sangli, Maharashtra) and downy mildew (Theni, Tamil Nadu) in grapes. In vitro experiment against downy mildew conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes laboratory. In vitro study comprised of 12 treatments. In the case of downy mildew, a field experiment was set with 7 treatments. The foliar application of Dormulin flowering @ 5 g/L of water, and Pronos @ 1.5 g/L of water recorded the lowest percent disease index on leaves, and they were at par with Dormulin (vegetative) followed by 3 sprays of Dormulin (flowering) @ 5 g/L ofwater. In the case of powdery mildew, experiment was set with 10 treatments. On leaves, Pronos (curative) and Pronos (Prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L of water and Dormulin 1 flowering (curative) @ 5 g/L of water showed the lowest percent disease index on leaves than the untreated control. Therefore, Dormulin flowering @ 5 g/L and Pronos @ 1.5 g/L for downy mildew and Pronos (curative) and Pronos (Prophylactic) @ 1.5 g/L water and Dormulin 1 flowering (curative) @ 5 g/L for powdery mildew were claimed to be effective for controlling diseases. In vitro study showed that Dimethomorph at 1g/L of water was found to be superior over all the treatments with high disease suppression followed by Pronos @1.5gm/L, Dormulin-V1- Flowering grade, and Dormulin-V2- Flowering grade @ 10g/L with slight sporulation. Marketable yield was significantly higher with Pronos (curative) which was on par with Dormulin application as compared to control and fungicide treatment. Use of mineral nutrients in an appropriate proportion is one of the new approaches for plant disease management.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135592221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Indoor Air Quality and Risks Connected to Laundry Operations in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria","authors":"None Olanrewaju John A., None Ana Godson R.","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3493","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3493","url":null,"abstract":"During washing, ironing, and dyeing, laundry workers are exposed to chemicals that could be damaging to their health and the environment. These chemicals can cause everything from throat and skin irritation to cancer. Information on indoor air quality (IAQ) in laundry environments in underdeveloped nations, particularly Nigeria, was scarce. As a result, the study evaluated the risks to indoor air quality related with laundry activities in the Nigerian metropolis of Ibadan.
 In Ibadan North (IBN), Ibadan North-East (IBNE), Ibadan South-West (IBSW), Ibadan North-West (IBNW), and Ibadan South-East (IBSE), 50 out of 100 consenting laundry operators were randomly chosen to participate in a descriptive cross-sectional survey.
 Multi Testers N21FR were used to monitor temperature and relative humidity (RH). Using a Met One GT 321, CO2 meter, and an air sampler, the IAQ parameters were tracked. The values obtained for all parameters were compared to WHO limits of (Temp) 26°C, RH 60%, (PM10) 50g/m3, (TBC) 5x102 CFU/m3, and (CO2) 1,000ppm (ASHRAE) every day for eight weeks. With SPSS (version 20), Chi-square, Pearson Correlation, and p0.05, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.
 Both the mean indoor and outdoor total bacterial counts (TBC) CFU/m3 values were much lower than the WHO-recommended guideline limit of 5x102 CFU/m3. While indoor RH and temperature were above WHO guideline levels, PM10 and CO2 were below WHO and ASHRAE guideline levels, respectively, and TBC and TFC were within WHO guideline limits in all research locations. Therefore, it is recommended to boost cross ventilations in the laundry rooms to improve indoor air quality.
 IAQ appeared to be impaired in the laundry environment in Ibadan, Nigeria. To better maintain thermal comfort parameters and lower levels of chemical pollutants released by launderers and product use during services, mechanical ventilation systems in laundry environments need to be upgraded with regard to operation and maintenance.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135591915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"COVID-19 and Lahore: Unmasking the Pandemic’s Effect on One of the Most Polluted Cities in the World","authors":"Hannan Latif","doi":"10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajee/2023/v22i3492","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound global impacts, including a noteworthy reduction in air pollution levels due to lockdown measures imposed by many governments. This study focuses on Lahore, Pakistan, a city notorious for its severe air pollution, to assess the effects of COVID-19 mitigation efforts on air quality, with implications for future policymaking.
 Methods: Data on daily average PM2.5 values (in ug/m3) and the USA Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore were obtained from March 1st to May 31st, 2020, courtesy of the United States Consulate in Lahore. Comparative data for the same period in 2019 was collected from the Environment Protection Department of Pakistan. The data was categorized into two periods: pre-COVID-19 (March-May 2019) and during COVID-19 mitigation measures (March-May 2020). Statistical analysis involved a paired t-test comparing these two periods.
 Results: The results demonstrate substantial changes in air quality. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a 275.0% increase in the number of days with \"Moderate\" PM2.5 levels (12-35 ug/m3), a 57.1% increase in the number of days with \"Unhealthy for sensitive groups\" PM2.5 levels (35-55 ug/m3), a 73.1% decrease in the number of days with \"Unhealthy\" PM2.5 levels (55-150 ug/m3), and a 100.0% decrease in the number of days with \"Very unhealthy\" PM2.5 levels (150-250 ug/m3). Overall, a statistically significant reduction in more severe PM2.5 pollution days and an increase in less severe pollution days were observed during COVID-19 mitigation measures.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, COVID-19 mitigation efforts have led to a significant decline in PM2.5 air pollution levels in Lahore. Given the growing concerns about air quality's impact on public health, it is imperative to consider incorporating some of these lockdown measures into permanent policies that are socially acceptable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. This study underscores the potential for long-term improvements in air quality and public health through targeted policy actions.","PeriodicalId":173278,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135895253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}