Does the COVID-19 pandemic help with identifying measures to reduce atmospheric pollution?

Iveta Steinberga

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences

Nauris Truhnevics

University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences

DOI: 10.22364/fg.19.9

Keywords: air pollution, Covid-19, Riga, gaseous pollutants, particulate matter

Abstract

This article analyses the variability of gas and aerosol pollution levels in Riga (Latvia) over different periods associated with Covid-19 restrictions. The variability of atmospheric pollution levels is described from a relative point of view; the effects of meteorological parameters were assessed using Pearson's correlation factor and statistical significance. To assess whether changes were statistically relevant during the various assessment periods, the analysis was performed using the ANOVA dispersion test and the post-hoc Tukey test. Major changes have been identified in the case of gaseous atmospheric pollution.