Publication date: Jul 02, 2025
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was reported to improve air quality. However, the effects of lockdown on PM₂. ₅ and its chemical components based on source-specific characteristics remain unclear. This study evaluated and compared the components of PM₂. ₅ across three target sites-Seoul, Ansan-Siheung, and Wonju-based on source distribution patterns during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. The results revealed that total ion concentrations decreased by 7-19% at the target sites, while trace element concentrations increased by 19-29% in the post-pandemic period. Carbon concentrations showed region-specific trends. Components associated with secondary formation, such as SO₄^2⁻, NO₃⁻, and NH₄⁺, decreased, whereas natural-origin components, such as Cl⁻, Na⁺, Mg^2⁺, and Ca^2⁺, increased, indicating enhanced dust resuspension. Furthermore, a positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis demonstrated a predominance of primary emission sources and resuspended dust in the post-pandemic period, with a decline in contributions from secondary formation sources. These regional variations were primarily influenced by the extent of socioeconomic activities, with Seoul exhibiting a higher contribution from primary emissions and suspended dust. This study emphasizes the importance of establishing region-specific air quality improvement policies by scientifically identifying the impacts of anthropogenic activity on PM₂. ₅ components and their sources.
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Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | coronavirus disease 2019 |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Medical air |
| disease | IDO | quality |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Activated charcoal |
| disease | MESH | infection |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Coenzyme M |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Icosapent |
| disease | IDO | country |
| disease | IDO | host |
| disease | IDO | production |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Pidolic Acid |
| disease | IDO | process |
| disease | MESH | uncertainty |