Effect of Covid-19 Outbreak on Particulate Matter Pollution in Istanbul City Centre

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Kılıç Y. S., Dursun Ş., Toros H.

Journal of Research in Atmospheric Science, vol.2, no.2, pp.31-35, 2020 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Journal Name: Journal of Research in Atmospheric Science
  • Journal Indexes: International Index to Film Periodicals, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.31-35
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Istanbul is a big, crowded, megacity. Air quality decreases as cities get crowded so air pollution is more important issue in a crowded city like Istanbul. Due to Covid-19 all human's habits have changed. For instance, people mostly stayed at home and used less vehicle during the period when many precautions are taken against the disease. Istanbul’s air quality is affected more by this habit changes of people because over 15 million people live in Istanbul. This change has led to the reduction of humanmade air pollutants. In this study, 2 and a half years of PM2.5 and PM10 data was examined to understand the change in air pollution. Particulate matter amounts were examined in 3 periods as before, during and after lockdown. Istanbul's air quality has improved thanks to the precautions taken by people against coronavirus.