COVID-19 Pandemic Reduces Air Pollutants in Jordan

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Environmental Engineering and Management Journal has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decrease in air pollutants in Jordan. The research, conducted by Hashemite University, analyzed the impact of traffic, industry, and climate change on the reduction and dispersion of various air pollutants, including hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM10).

The study found that the lockdown measures implemented during the pandemic resulted in a reduction of primary sources of air pollutants, leading to a decrease in traffic volume and industrial activities. The researchers used meteorological maps, linear and multiple regression models, and Pearson correlations to analyze the data. The results showed that traffic was the most influencing factor in reducing PM10 and CO in Amman, while humidity had a significant impact on the dispersion of CO in Az Zarqa.

The study concluded that efforts to reduce traffic-related emissions and manage humidity levels could effectively mitigate PM10 and CO pollution, as well as H2S and SO2 pollution. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on air quality in Jordan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in air pollutants in Jordan, including hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM10).
  • The lockdown measures implemented during the pandemic reduced primary sources of air pollutants, leading to a decrease in traffic volume and industrial activities.
  • Traffic was the most influencing factor in reducing PM10 and CO in Amman, while humidity had a significant impact on the dispersion of CO in Az Zarqa.
  • The study used meteorological maps, linear and multiple regression models, and Pearson correlations to analyze the data.
  • The researchers found that efforts to reduce traffic-related emissions and manage humidity levels could effectively mitigate PM10 and CO pollution, as well as H2S and SO2 pollution.
  • The study was conducted by Hashemite University and published in the Environmental Engineering and Management Journal.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from two cities in Jordan, Amman and Az Zarqa.
  • The researchers found that traffic was the most influencing factor in reducing PM10 in Amman, with a correlation coefficient (r^2) of +0.73.
  • Humidity had a significant impact on the dispersion of CO in Az Zarqa, with a correlation coefficient (r^2) of +0.63.
  • The study found that industry was the most influencing factor in reducing H2S, SO2, and NO2 in Az Zarqa, with correlation coefficients (r^2) of +0.77, +0.57, and +0.75, respectively.
  • The study concluded that efforts to reduce traffic-related emissions and manage humidity levels could effectively mitigate PM10 and CO pollution, as well as H2S and SO2 pollution.

Sources:

  • Assessment of Emission Reduction and Impact Factors for Air Pollutants In Jordan During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2025;24(5):1043-1053.
  • Findings in COVID-19 Reported from Hashemite University (Assessment of Emission Reduction and Impact Factors for Air Pollutants In Jordan During the Covid-19 Pandemic). Chemicals & Chemistry. August 29, 2025; p 332.