International Journal of Computer Applications |
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA |
Volume 185 - Number 41 |
Year of Publication: 2023 |
Authors: Iqbal Ahmed, Tamanna Akther Mukta |
10.5120/ijca2023923214 |
Iqbal Ahmed, Tamanna Akther Mukta . Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Regulations on Air Quality in Asian Cities: A Time Series Analysis. International Journal of Computer Applications. 185, 41 ( Nov 2023), 22-30. DOI=10.5120/ijca2023923214
Air pollution represents a growing threat to ecosystems and the health of all living organisms, carrying risks of heart and respiratory diseases, as well as a spectrum of other health issues. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted worldwide lockdowns, effectively restricting outdoor activities, and imposing strict controls on vehicular movement. This period of stringent regulations led to discernible changes in air quality. This research leverages various time series analyses on Air Quality Index (AQI) data to assess the influence of COVID-19 on air quality. Our dataset comprises AQI records from nine major cities in Asia, spanning from January 2019 to September 2022. Rigorous data preprocessing procedures were applied to create a comprehensive dataset encompassing AQI readings from diverse urban centers. Through detailed analysis of AQI values and their temporal trends, we unveil the impacts of COVID-19 on air quality. To model and forecast AQI values, we employed three distinct approaches: ARIMA, Prophet, and LSTM. Model selection was guided by comprehensive performance comparisons. Utilizing the chosen model, we forecasted future AQI values, providing insights into the anticipated air quality trends. Our findings conclusively demonstrate that COVID-19 regulations positively influenced air quality in all analyzed cities. Among the modeling techniques, ARIMA emerged as the standout performer, boasting the highest R-squared score. By generating AQI forecasts using the ARIMA model, we underscore the potential of regulatory interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic to exert a quantifiable impact on air quality. This research endeavors to deliver valuable insights that can inform global strategies for combatting air pollution. Ultimately, we aspire to contribute to the global mission of reducing air pollution, safeguarding the health of our planet, and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.