Title : COVID-19 and atmospheric parameters-an intricate relationship

Abstract:

Corona virus is highly uncertain and complex in space and time. Atmospheric parameters such as type of pollutants and local weather play an important role in COVID-19 cases and mortality. Many studies were carried out to understand the impact of weather on spread and severity of COVID-19 and vice-versa. A review study is conducted to understand the impact of weather and atmospheric pollution on morbidity and mortality. Studies show that aerosols containing corona virus generated by sneezes and coughs are major route for spread of virus. Viability and virulence of SARS-CoV-2 stuck on the surface of particulate matter is not yet confirmed. Studies found that an increase in particulate matter concentration causes more COVID-19 cases and mortality. Gaseous pollutant and COVID-19 cases are positively correlated.

Local meteorology plays crucial role in the spread of corona virus and thus mortality. Decline in number of cases with rising temperature observed. Few studies also find that lowest and highest temperatures were related to lesser number of cases. Similarly humidity shows negative or no relationship with COVID-19 cases. Rainfall was not related whilst wind-speed plays positive role in spread of COVID-19. Solar radiation threats survival of virus, areas with lower solar radiation showed high exposure rate. Air quality tremendously improved during lockdown. A significant reduction in PM10, PM2.5, BC, NOx, SO2, CO and VOCs concentration were observed. Lockdown had a healing effect on ozone; significant increase in its concentration was observed. Aerosols Optical Depths were found to decrease up to 50%.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• How SARS CoV-2 virus behaves in different meteorological conditions
• What is the impact of SARS CoV-2 virus at different type and pollution level
• This will immensely help the stake holders and policy makers
• Is this research that other faculty could use to expand their research or teaching?
• Does this provide a practical solution to a problem that could simplify or make a designer’s job more efficient?
• It will certainly improve the accuracy of a design and provide new

Biography:

Dr. Arun Srivastava, is a professor in the School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, New Delhi. Prof. Srivastava did his Master’s in Applied Geology from University of Allahabad and then M. Phil and Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His M.Phil. was on climatology of an Indian Antarctic station while Ph.D. was on the indoor air quality of Delhi. Afterwards he did postdoctoral studies from Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel and Institute for Methodologies in Environmental Analysis (Council of National Research), Tito Scalo, Italy. His main field of expertise is different aspects of air pollution such as indoor air pollution, bio-aerosols, source apportionment, aerosol optical depth and health implications of air pollution. Dr. Srivastava has published over 50 research articles in refereed journals and completed 5 research projects. He has so far supervised around 25 M.Phil and 6 Ph.D. scholars.