MONITORING AIR QUALITY OF DHAKA: EFFECTS OF COVID-19

A Project Work Submitted to the Department of the Environmental Science and Disaster
Management of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology
University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Environmental Science and Disaster Management.

Course Code: ESD461

Course Title: Project Work

MD. MAHABUBUL ISLAM SHOUKHIN

Student ID: 16ESD185

Session: 2016-2017

Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management

Faculty of Science
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology
University, Gopalganj – 8100

December, 2021
 STUDENT’S DECLARATION

Hereby I certify, MD. Mahabubul Islam Shoukhin (16ESD185), that the entire work
submitted as a Project Work entitled “Monitoring Air Quality of Dhaka: Effects of
Covid-19” towards the partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honors)
in Environmental Science and Disaster Management at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, is prepared by myself using the
referenced literature and the described methods. This project work or any part of it has not
been submitted elsewhere for the award of any degree or diploma.

---------------------------------- ------------------------
Signature of the Student: Place and Date
Student ID: 16ESD185
Session: 2016-17

i
 CERTIFICATION OF SUPERVISOR

This is to certify that the research work presented in this project entitled ”Monitoring Air
Quality of Dhaka: Effects of Covid-19” was submitted by MD. Mahabubul Islam
Shoukhin, Student ID:16ESD185, Session: 2016-17 and entitling Course Code: ESD 461
under my supervision.

It is approved as to the style and content.

---------------------------------- -------------------

Signature Date
Md. Rajib Hossain
Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University
Gopalganj-8100

ii
 APPROVAL OF CHAIRMAN

The project work entitled “Monitoring Air Quality of Dhaka: Effects of Covid-19” by
MD. Mahabubul Islam Shoukhin, 16ESD185, Session: 2016-2017 submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Science and Disaster Management has been found satisfactory as to style, format and
content.

----------------------------------

Chairman
Md. Rajib Hossain
Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University
Gopalganj-8100.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, praises and thanks to the Almighty Allah, for his showers of blessings
throughout my project work to complete the project work successfully for the fulfillment
of the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Disaster Management.

I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Md. Rajib
Hossain, Assistant professor, Department of Environmental Science and Disaster
Management, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University,
Gopalgonj-8100 for giving me the opportunity to do it properly and providing
invaluable guidance throughout this project. He has taught me the methodology to
carry out the work and to present the project work as clearly as possible. It was a great
privilege and honor to work and study under his guidance. I am extremely grateful for
what he has offered me. Without his assistance and dedicated involvement in every step
throughout the process, this project would have never been accomplished. I would also like
to give thanks to my teachers from the Department of Environmental Science and Disaster
Management.

Also I express my gratitude towards Md. Raisul Rajib, Research Officer, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, for his involvement on the data collection and
project preparation. I will always remain grateful to him for his genuine support to
complete this entire project.

I consider myself lucky to have my mother’s love, prayers, cares and sacrifices for my
education as my father is no more on earth.

December,2021 Md. Mahabubul Islam Shoukhin

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topics Page No.

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Content v-vii

List of Tables viii
List of Figures ix
List of Acronyms x

List of Abbreviations x

Abstract xi

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1-6

1.1 Background and justification of the study 1-2

1.2 Objectives of the study 2

1.3 Review of literature 3-6

CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS 7-13

2.1 Study area 7-9

2.1.1 Criteria for selection of study area 7-9

2.2 Methods of the study 10-13

2.2.1 Conceptualization 10

2.2.2 Reconnaissance survey 11

2.2.3 Draft Questionnaire 11

2.2.4 Preparation of final questionnaire 11

2.2.5 Topic Selection Criteria 11

2.2.6 Data Collection 11

2.2.7 Data processing, analysis, and interpretation 11-13

2.2.7.1 Data Analysis 11

v
 2.2.7.2 Air Quality Index 12

2.2.8 Steps of Project Work 13

CHAPTER THREE: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 14-2

3.1 General Information about the respondents 14-17
3.1.1 Gender Identification of the respondents 15

3.1.2 Age distribution of respondents 15-16

3.2 Lockdown and Air Quality 18-24

3.3.1. Understanding the basic Air Quality Index 18-20

3.3.2 Measurement of Air quality Index: In terms of time component 20-21

3.3.3 Air pollution type (Before Lockdown, Full Lockdown, Partial

lockdown) and its Variation 21-22
3.3.4 PM2.5concentrations(Before Lockdown,Full Lockdown,
Partial lockdown) 22-23
3.3.5 Variations of AQI and PM2.5 : In terms of time component 23-24

3.4. Evaluation of Air quality during COVID-19 induced lockdown over

Dhaka city and their possible adverse effects on the people 24-27

3.4.1 Active Cases and Death rates due to Covid-19 24

3.4.2 Identification of Covid-19 infected, non-infected and dead respondents 24-25

3.4.3 Evaluation of infected and dead respondents due to Covid-19 :

In terms of Age groups 25

3.4.4 Variety of diseases among the respondents 25-26

3.4.5 AQI’s direct impact upon the Air quality levels of Dhaka City

and relationship with the airborne disease symptoms of the

respondents : (1 year time interval ) 26-27

vi
 CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION 28-29
4.1 Conclusion 28-29

4.2 Recommendations 29

Reference 30-31

Appendix I

Questionnaire II-III

vii
 LIST OF TABLES
Tables Page
No.
Table 2.1 Bangladesh Geographic Information Of Dhaka city 8
Table 2.2 Locations of the Sampling Sites 8

Table 3.1 Sex ratio of the respondents.

15

Table 3.2 Age distribution of respondents

15

Table 3.3 Educational qualification of the respondents

16

Table 3.4 .Air Quality Index Levels

19

Table 3.5 Mean concentrations of PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2 and NO2 between lockdowns
21

Table 3.6 Variations of PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2 and NO2 between lockdowns 22

Table 3.7 Number of infected and dead respondents

25

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figures Page No.

Fig 2.1 Map of Study Area of the Sampling Sites 9

Fig 2.2 Flow-diagram of project work

14

Fig 3.1 Occupations of the respondents

16

Fig 3.2 Comparison of Air quality Levels among different period of time.
20

Fig 3.3 Comparison of Air quality Levels among pre-lockdown stage

and lockdown stage

21

Fig 3.4 PM2.5 Concentrations (Before Lockdown, Full Lockdown, Partial lockdown)
22

Fig 3.5 Variations of AQI, related to the changes of time component.

23

Fig 3.6 Variations of PM2.5, related to the changes of time component. 23

Fig 3.7 The number of total deaths and active cases from 18th March. 24

ix
Fig 3.8 Infected, non-infected and dead respondents
25

Fig 3.9 Variety of diseases among respondents

26

Fig 3.10 Difference between AQI value between 2020 and 2021
26

Fig 3.11 Symptoms of airborne disease among the respondents

27

LIST OF ACRONYMS

Km2 kilometer per square

Ppm parts per million

µg/m3 micro-gram per meter cube

e.g. for example

i.e. that is

< less than

> greater than

% percentage

x
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

GoB Government of Bangladesh

WHO World Health Organization

DoE Department of Environment

PM Particulate Matter

COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV2

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

AQI Air Quality Index

CASE Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE)

CO Carbon monooxide

Abstract
A worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 has forced the Government of Bangladesh to
implement an initial lockdown during March-May 2020 by restricting people’s movement;
shutdown of industries and motor vehicles; and closing markets, public places, and schools
to contain the virus. GoB has also implemented lockdown in different periods of time after
this. Sometimes, they have applied partial lockdown too. This type of strict measures
caused an outcome, the reduction of urban pollution, around the world. The present study
aims to investigate the reduction of the concentration of pollutants in the air of Dhaka City
and the reduction of the Air Quality Index (AQI). Necessary time-series data of the
concentration of PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO have been collected from the archive of the Air
Quality Monitoring Station of the US Embassy in Dhaka . The time-series data have been
analyzed by descriptive statistics, and AQI was calculated following an appropriate
formula suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on the criteria
pollutants. The study found that PM2.5 concentrations in mixed and motorized areas were
on average higher than non-motorized and vehicle-free area. This study concluded that

xi
increasing the number of vehicles is one of the major sources of pollution of air in Dhaka
city. Hence, well-developed public transportation service instead of the private car may
contribute to reducing the air pollution in Dhaka city.

Keywords Air quality, COVID-19, pandemic, Lockdown, Air Quality Index , Dhaka city.

xii
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background and Justification of the Study
Air pollution is considered as a threat to the environment in the developing countries. This
study aims to quantify the Air Quality of Dhaka with relation to mode of transportation in
the different areas of the Dhaka city as well as effects of the Covid-19 onto it (Before
lockdown, during lockdown, partial lockdown phases) while considering its impact upon
40
respondents health.
The capital Dhaka is located in a central geographical position of Bangladesh that
accommodates about 10% of the nation’s population. The mass influx of domestic
migration from rural areas for pursuing economic opportunities or in response to climate
and environmental disturbances is leading the city as one of the world’s fastest growing
megacities with a total population of 18.94 million (Dhaka Population, 2019). While being
a potential global leader and modern economic hub of Bangladesh, it is experiencing
tremendous overcrowding, extensive slum housing and poor sanitation due to lack of
infrastructure, formal job opportunities, and social services. With these, pollution comes as
a byproduct and air pollution is the worst of them all.

For this, the concentration of PM2.5 has been collected from the archive of the Air Quality
Monitoring Station of the US Embassy in Dhaka and a traffic volume survey was
conducted in several sites across the city. Air pollution and COVID-19 both are the most
provocative issue nowadays. Air pollution holds a dangerous impact on the COVID-19
issue as well as human health. Urban cities like Dhaka are under stress to remain habitable.
With the huge density of transportation and population, air quality index is to be monitored
minutely and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is to be observed. Air pollution has
become a serious concern for its potential health hazard, however, often got less attention
in developing countries, like Bangladesh. It is expected that worldwide lockdown due to
COVID-19 widespread cause reduction in the environmental pollution in particular the air
pollution: however, such changes have been different in different places. In Dhaka, a city-
scale lockdown came in force on 26 March 2020, a week after when the first three cases of

1
 COVID-19 have been reported in Bangladesh. In 2021, the second wave of Covid-19
started spreading over our country and GoB realized the necessity of lockdown. Initially,
GoB has given 8 days strict lockdown from 14th April, 2021.

This study prioritizes to detect what kind of impact has fallen onto the people of
Dhaka(During, after, and partial lockdown period), initially after the Covid-19 pandemic
collapse. This study also aims to statistically evaluate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown
on selected air quality pollutants and air quality index. The daily average concentrations of
air pollutants PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO of Dhaka city during COVID-19 lockdown were
statistically evaluated and were compared with dry season data averaging over previous
years. Here, we have particularly considered 12 locations as our sampling sites and 40
respondents from these sampling sites.

Our another intention was to investigate the reduction in the concentration of PM2.5, NO2,
SO2, and CO in the air of Dhaka City during COVID-19-induced lockdown compared to
the same period of previous years and to examine the changes in the occurrence of
different Air Quality Index classes in Dhaka City during the lockdown period.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

i. Poor air quality threatens public health as well as exceed unexpected deaths. So,
monitoring air quality will assist in making further decisions and action regarding air
pollution.
ii. To assess the level of air quality variation before, partial and full lockdowns at a
temporal scale in Dhaka city.
iii. To quantify the concentration of PM2.5 with relation to mode of transportation in the
different areas of the Dhaka city.

1.3 Literature Review

Air pollution has a severe impact on human health.(Haque et al., 2017; Salam et al., 2008).
Air pollution is one of the top risk factors of death and disability worldwide. It has been
estimated that, air pollution was fifth-ranked mortality risk factor globally in 2017 and was
associated with about 4.9 million deaths and 147 million years of healthy life lost (HEI,

2
2019). In Bangladesh, ambient and indoor PM2.5 is one of the substantial environmental
risk, causing about 21% of all deaths while Bangladesh are the leading country compare to
other south Asian countries in terms of air pollution (World Bank, 2018).
Dhaka,the capital city of Bangladesh has an area of 306.4 km 2, one of the most densely
populated cities in the world is prone to high ambient air pollution due to smoke generating
brick kilns, vehicle and traffic exhaust on fuel with an elevated level of sulfur and re-
suspended dust from roads dust (Hoque et al., 2020; Islam et al., 2020). The effects of the
uncontrolled population growth pressurize on the environment along with unrestrained
urban development, subsequent fast industrialization, and automobile traffic have created
huge ambient air pollution in this megacity. Besides Dhaka has the ranked second highest
particular matter (PM2.5) emitter followed by Delhi, the Capital city of India (AirVisual,
2018).
Being city of a middle-income country Dhaka experiences 15,000 early deaths along with a
pulmonary, respiratory and neurological illness caused by low air quality (Ahmed et al.,
2016). According to World Bank's Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) 2018 report,
air pollution directs causes to deaths of 46,000 people in yearly in Bangladesh. Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare found that, the concentration of lead in blood (PbB) among the
residents of the urban areas have reached alarming levels by exceeding the maximum
tolerable limit of 10 μg/dL recommended by WHO (Hossain and Easa,2012).

The government of Bangladesh along with some non-governmental organizations has

taken initiatives to ban the 2-stroke wheeler in 2002 and afterward it helps to improve the
quality of air (Ahammad et al., 2010). It was then a successful step since the air quality
improved drastically at that time but the present the situation of air quality is too worse to
meet the Bangladesh and WHO standard (Ahmed et al., 2007; Begum et al., 2007;
Rahman, 2005). Different types of construction activities, diesel run transportation system,
trash burning, brick kilns, and industrialization are the major causes of air pollution here
(Nayeem, 2018). Due to the presence of hundreds of brick kilns in and around the Dhaka
district, air pollution in Dhaka metro becomes the worst one during the winter season in
each year (Ahmed and Hossain, 2008; Nayeem, 2018).

3
During lockdown, except NO2, all other pollutants studied showed statistically significant
decreasing trend. During the COVID-19 shutdown notable reduction of 40%, 32% and
13% compared to the daily mean concentrations of these previous dry season were seen for
PM2.5, PM10 and NO2, respectively. The improvement in air quality index value was found
as 26% in comparison to the previous dry season due to less human activities in COVID-
19 shutdown. The factor analysis showed that AQI in Dhaka city is largely influenced by
PM10 and PM2.5 during COVID-19 shutdown. The lesson learnt in this forced measure of
lockdown is not surprising and unexpected. It is rather thought provoking for the decision
makers to tradeoff the tangible air quality benefits with ongoing development strategies’
that was often overlooked directly or indirectly.

For instance, deforestation for recent migration has threatened the environment due to
COVID-19 pandemic that is defining the area in the southeast part of Bangladesh, the CO
emission increases. Besides, the world is going through the greatest challenge due to
COVID-19 pandemic that is defining a great global health crisis in the era. Many people
have been dead and many are seriously affected.

In recent years, Dhaka has been repeatedly reported as one of the most polluted cities in
the world in terms of PM 2.5 concentration and Air Quality Index (AQI) (IQ Air, 2018,
2019, 2020). Most of the time, this city is always listed among the top five and or top ten
cities with poor air quality. The Department of Environment (DOE) of the Government of
Bangladesh reported that the emission from motor vehicles and brick kilns in and around
the city are primary sources of particulate matter in the air of Dhaka City (DOE, 2019). An
assessment by (Begum et  al., 2011)suggests that about 22% and 36% of fine particulate
matter in the air of Dhaka were originated from the brick kiln and vehicle emission,
respectively. Moreover, roadside dirt is one of the major sources of dust or coarse
particulate matter, especially during the dry season from November to February.
Furthermore, concurrent construction work of different mega projects is another main
source of air pollution in the city. However, the global pandemic of COVID-19,
originating from China in December 2019, has forced people to restrict their movement
and shut down the operation of industries around the world. The Government of
Bangladesh also declared a general holiday, which is mainly a lockdown, in the last week

4
of March 2020 to contain the virus. Suddenly, the movement of motor vehicles was barred
except for emergency transport like medicine, food, etc. The industries in and around
Dhaka city, including the brick kilns, were remained closed. In these circumstances, a
worldwide reduction of pollution was observed, especially in urban areas. An estimation
found that public mobility was reduced by 90% due to the pandemic that results in a
reduction of pollution by almost 30% in the epicenters. Dhaka is one of the top polluted
cities in the world, it is necessary to investigate and understand the effect of this lockdown
on the air pollution of this city. It is anticipated that there would be a significant impact of
lockdown on air quality that might improve the city air. In these circumstances, this study
intends to investigate the reduction of air pollution in Dhaka—one of the world’s biggest
megacities. To investigate the air quality before and during lockdown period, the
concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the concentration of various gaseous
substances (NO2, SO2, CO) have been analyzed. Then, the Air Quality Index was computed
against the concentration of different pollutants as well as the difference between the
occurrence of various AQI classes before and during lockdown was examined.
The less developed countries are suffering more PM2.5 exposure which is four to five times
higher than developed countries (Rahman, 2005). Recently, Dhaka became one of the
worst cities in the world in terms of air pollution (Alam et al., 2018). In reference to other
south and south-east Asian megacities, Dhaka is also suffering from the high level of PM 2.5
concentration in the atmosphere (Rana et al., 2016; CASE, 2015; WHO, 2014b; Salam et
al., 2008). From 2013-2018, the PM2.5 concentrations in Dhaka city was six times greater
than the NAAQS of Bangladesh as well as 8- 13 times higher than the WHO guideline
value (Rana et al., 2016; DoE, 2019). In this circumstance, we studied air quality
parameters (PM2.5) at different locations in the megacity of Dhaka and its relation with
modes of transport.

The poor air quality threatens public health through cardiovascular and respiratory
diseases, IQ loss, premature mortality, and cancer (World Bank, 2018). Besides, Journal
Pre-proof Journal Pre-proof 3 numerous ailments including eye irritation, severe headache,
disruption of blood circulation, respiratory problem, and even premature death are seen in

5
the Dhaka city dwellers due to present environmental disorder (Begum et al., 2011).
However, air pollution remains a public health issue, accounting for an estimated 8.8
million premature deaths per year (95% CI 7.11 to 10.41%) and loss of life expectancy of
2.9 years (95% CI 2.3 to 3.5 years) (Rahman et al., 2020). Air pollution, and particularly
high nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration, may be of paramount importance in the context
of respiratory tract infections. COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which has
influenced the life of humans in all aspects and the global economy as well, that is
responsible for more than 4 million infections and 239,448 deaths in 187 countries around
the globe (WHO, 2020). The goal of lockdown is to flatten the endemic curve of COVID-
19, concurrently it can reduce urban traffic congestion and consequently metropolitan air
pollution load. Thus, this research intends to assess the level of air quality variation before,
partial and full lockdowns at a temporal scale in Dhaka city. In recent time, a vivid number
of studies have been carried out to reveal the impact of lockdown due to the COVID-19
pandemic on the restoration of air quality in different cities of the world.

There was no study of the Air Quality Index for Dhaka City in the earlier time and hence
we have planned to work among several sites to measure the air quality-based solution of
PM2.5. The data is taken before and during COVID-19 period with the difference of air
quality index in Dhaka City. It shows the impact of the pandemic with the measured value.
This study will help us to make further decisions and action regarding air pollution.

6
 CHAPTER TWO
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of project work. It involves
studying the methods used in field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to
develop an approach that matches the ultimate objectives. Moreover, It is the detailed
description of research process that makes up its section of reporting, supporting the
findings by explaining research techniques and creating a roadmap of how to reach in the
conclusions. 

2.1 Study Area

To conduct this study, 12 locations have been identified for data collection, including -
B.C. Dash Street, Kobiraj Lane- Patuyatuli, Nilkhet, Shat Mosjid Road, Natun Rasta
Zigatola, Karwan Bazar, Shahbag Square, Suhrawardy College gate, Mirpur – 10, Gulshan
– 1.

2.1.1 Criteria for Selection of Study Area

An urban area with high population density and weak organizational capacity for
controlling the source of pollution is at high risk of air pollution, including both fine
(PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particulate matter. In this sense, the megacity Dhaka is one of
the hotspots of air pollution for its distinct natures like high population density, unfit
vehicle movement that emits fine particles due to the combustion of fossil fuel, weak
legislative and organizational capacity, dust, and industrial emission in and around the city.

The study was conducted in Dhaka City. Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh, a
principal political, economic and cultural center, located north of the Buriganga River, in
southern Asia. Dhaka is the most populous city in the country as well as one of the most
densely populous cities in the world. It has an ancient history and plenty of tourist
attractions including temples and monuments from ancient epochs which coexist along
with plenty of modern buildings and facilities.

7
Table 2.1 Bangladesh Geographic Information OF Dhaka city(Field survey,2021)

Country Bangladesh
Latitude 23.811056
Longitude 90.407608
DMS Latitude 23° 48' 39.8016'' N
DMS Longitude 90° 24' 27.3888'' E
UTM Easting 235,880.32
UTM Northing 2,635,721.48
Category Cities

Table 2.2 Locations of the Sampling Sites (Field survey,2021).

SN Location Road Type Sample Size

S1 Karwan Bazar 4

S2 Shahbag Square 4
100%
S3 Suhrawardy 3
Motorized
College Gate
Intersection
S4 Mirtpur-10 8

S5 Gulshan-1 2

S6 Dhaka University Predominantly 4

Campus Non-Motorized
S7 Natun Rasta Transportation 2
Zigatola s

S8 Nilkhet Mixed 3

S9 Shat Mosjid Road 2

S10 B.C. Dash Street Vehicle Free 3

S11 Kobiraj Lane, 3

Patuyatuli

S12 Bijoy Nagar Paltan 2

8
Above table 1 shows those twelve selected sampling locations to reflect the contribution to
air pollution from different categories of roads which are Vehicle Free (2), Non-Motorized
vehicle dominated roads (2), Mixed roads (3) and Motorized vehicle dominated roads (5)
in Dhaka. Again, these are the areas from where we have observed our valuable data about
the respondents and their health conditions during Covid-19 period.

Whenever, a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 forced the Government of Bangladesh to

implement a lockdown during April–May 2020 by restricting people’s movement;
shutdown of industries and motor vehicles; and closing markets, public places, and schools
to contain the virus. This type of strict measures caused an outcome, the reduction of urban
air pollution, around the world. The present study aims to investigate the reduction of the
concentration of pollutants in the air of Dhaka City and the reduction of the Air Quality
Index (AQI). Necessary time-series data concentration of PM 2.5, NO2, SO2, and CO have
been collected from the archive of the Air Quality Monitoring Station of the US Embassy
in Dhaka and Sentinel-5P. The time-series data have been analyzed by descriptive
statistics, and AQI was calculated following an appropriate formula suggested by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on the criteria pollutants.

Fig 2.1 Map of Study Area of the Sampling Sites (Field survey,2021).

9
2.2 Methods of the study
This is an empirical study that used both primary and secondary data. Primary data were
collected from field survey across 12 locations from Dhaka. including - B.C. Dash Street,
Kobiraj Lane- Patuyatuli, Nilkhet, Shat Mosjid Road, Natun Rasta Zigatola, Karwan
Bazar, Shahbag Square, Suhrawardy College gate, Mirpur – 10, Gulshan – 1. These
primary data were gathered from surveying among several rickshaw pullers, city dwellers,
workers, inhabitants from slums, garment workers. The majority of the respondents were
illiterate. The average age of the respondents is 21-32 years and their average working
experience is 4.6 – 1.6 years.

The secondary data were collected from journals, periodicals, world air quality report,
annual reports of several magazines, and etc. After collection of data, I have used adobe
soft-wares. The reliability of 26 items in the questionnaire has been tested by using MS
Excel software. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was done with the collected data.
Descriptive is statistics were used to describe the present situation of the readymade
garment industry of Bangladesh. Inferential statistics like Factor Analysis (FA).

2.2.1 Conceptualization

A study's conceptualization presents a brief overall concept, which signifies the study's
purpose. Secondary materials such as a variety of relevant books, theses, and articles were
used to develop concepts. Getting ideas for the study from relevant past studies. Reviewing
many documents on Bangladesh's agricultural problem for climate change from
newspapers, journals, seminars, and a web page. Air pollution and COVID-19 both are the
most provocative issue nowadays. Air pollution holds a dangerous impact on the COVID-
19 issue as well as human health. The urban cities like Dhaka are under stress to remain
habitable. With the huge density of transportation and population, air quality index is to be
monitored minutely and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is to be observed. The city
dwellers, slum people, vulnerable woman, children, all of them are also facing a lot of
airborne diseases (i.e. cough, Covid-19, whooping cough, diphtheria, etc.) and this concept
has derived my mind to find out their problems and what was its impacts towards them.

10
2.2.2 Reconnaissance survey

A reconnaissance survey means a preliminary survey. Before data collection, a

reconnaissance survey has been conducted in the study area. Before preparing my survey
questionnaire, I went to 12 locations among Dhaka Cities. I check whether extreme amount
of vehicles are polluting the related areas air or not and its impact among the people.

2.2.3 Draft Questionnaire

After reconnaissance survey I had done my survey questionnaire and correction this
questionnaire paper by my supervisor. Then, I conducted my field survey at 12 locations
among Dhaka Cities. I visited those study area and noticed the contribution to air pollution
from different categories of roads and observed the impacts of air pollution among several
city dwellers, especially they’re affected from any airborne diseases or not.

2.2.4 Preparation of final questionnaire

Considering the objectives of the study a final questionnaire was prepared for the affected
people based on the information get from the reconnaissance survey and draft-
questionnaire. The data were collected through personal interviews. A set of questionnaires
was developed which covers the information necessary for the study.

2.2.5 Topic Selection Criteria

Conceptual and Literature Review has helped me to determine the topic selection. Poor air
quality threatens public health as well as exceed unexpected deaths. So, monitoring air
quality will assist in making further decisions and action regarding air pollution.

2.2.6 Data Collection

My data collection process has been maintained through – a) Interviews, b) Questionnaires

and surveys, c) Observations, d) Analysis, e) Result and discussions.

2.2.7 Data processing, analysis, and interpretation

Processing the data had been done after collecting the data from the primary (field,
interview, and personal observation) and secondary sources. After sorting out the data and
information were categorized and interpreted according to the objectives and analyses were

11
done with the help of different analytical methods and computer programs ArcMap, MS
Word-2016 and Excel-2016. All the results of interpretation are presented in tables and
graphs. A draft report was prepared and submitted to the supervisor in order to correction.

2.2.7.1 Data Analysis

Data Analysis is the process of systematically applying software, (i.e. GIS,Excel) as well
as logical techniques to describe and illustrate, and evaluate data.

2.2.7.2 Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index is generally calculated by various government organizations to
report how contaminated the current air is or how polluted it will be. The AQI has been
calculated from the NowCast concentration of PM2.5 (from 2016 to 2018) and the
concentration of different pollutants, e.g., PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO (from 2019 to 2020), using
the following formula:

This formula returns a number on a scale of 0–500.

IP = {(IHi − ILo)/ ( BPHI − BPLo )} ( CP − BPLo) + ILo

Here, IP=the index for pollutant p.

CP=the truncated concentration of pollutant p.

BPHi=the concentration breakpoint that is greater than or equal to CP.

BPLo=the concentration breakpoint that is less than or equal to CP.

IHi=the AQI value corresponding to BPHi.

ILo=the AQI value corresponding to BPLo

This project is based on secondary time-series data of the concentration of PM2.5 during
April–May from 2019 to 2021 and the concentrations of NO 2, SO2, CO from 2019 to 2021,
and their corresponding AQI values. The time-series data of PM2.5 were collected from the
archive of a real-time air quality monitoring system maintained by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which is located in the US Consulate of
Dhaka. The Air Quality Motoring Station is installed on a rooftop in an urban setting. The

12
surroundings of the monitoring station are built-up areas, including residential and
commercial land use with sufficient road connectivity and regular traffic movement.
Although the target year of this study is 2020 and 2019, the data of PM 2.5 in previous
3 years have also been collected to show the change in the level of pollution.

2.2.8 Steps of Project Work

Flow chart of the methodology

Problem Identification

Selection of the study area

Reconnaissance Survey

Primary Data Collection Data Collection Secondary Data Collection

Govt. & Non-Govt.

Field Investigation
Organizations, Journals
Questionnaire Survey
BMD and Internet

Data processing, Analysis

and Interpretation of Data

Draft Report Preparation

Final Reporting
Submission

Figure 2.2: Flow-diagram of project work(Field survey,2021).

13
 CHAPTER THREE
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
3.1 General Information about the Respondents.
3.1.1 Gender Identification of the Respondents

The survey was conducted upon 40 respondents which has been represented in the table
3.1. Among them 75% were male and 25 % were female respondents.

Table 3.1 Sex ratio of the respondents (Field survey,2021).

Measuring Percentage
Characteristics Frequency C.F. Mean
units (%)
Male 30
75 30
Gender 50
Female 10 25 40

3.1.2 Age Distribution of Respondents

The survey was conducted in the slum areas mainly, wherever there are seven age groups,
starting from 0-9 years to 60-69. The age distribution of respondents are shown in the
following table.

Table 3.2 Age distribution of respondents (Field survey,2021).

Measuring Percentage
Characteristics Frequency C.F Mean S.D
units (%)

0-9 2 5 2
10-19 4 10 6
20-29 14 35 20
30-39 8 20 28
Age 5.714 4.19
40-49 6 15 34
50- 59 3 7.5 37
60- 69 3 7.5 40

From the above table, It is noticeable that the large amount of respondents are from 20-29
group. On the contrary, the least amount of respondents are from 0-9 group. The mean is
5.714 here and Standard deviation is 4.19.

14
3.2 Lockdown and Air Quality of Dhaka City

3.2.1. Understanding the Basic Air Quality Index

Table 3.3 Air Quality Index Levels (Field survey,2021)

Air Quality
Index
Numerical
Level of Meaning
Value
Health
Concern
Good 0-50 Air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses
little or no risk.
Moderate 51-100 Air quality is acceptable; however, for some
pollutants there may be a moderate health concern
for a very small number of people. For example,
people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may
experience respiratory symptoms.
Unhealthy 101-150 Although general public is not likely to be affected at
for this AQI range, people with lung disease, older
Sensitive adults and children are at a greater risk from
Groups exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and
lung disease, older adults and children are at greater
risk from the presence of particles in the air.

Unhealthy 151-200 Everyone may begin to experience some adverse

health effects, and members of the sensitive groups
may experience more serious effects.
Very 201-300 This would trigger a health alert signifying that
Unhealthy everyone may experience more serious health
effects.
Hazardous >300 AQI greater than 300. This would trigger a health
warnings of emergency conditions. The entire

15
 population is more likely to be affected.
The levels of “Health Concern” on the Air Quality Index are also presented by color for
faster recognition; Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple and Maroon. .Here, following table
shows the Air Quality Level Index.

Green = Good ,Yellow = Moderate, Orange = Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Red=
Unhealthy, Purple = Very Unhealthy, Maroon = Hazardous. The colors are mapped to the
recommended level of concern one should consider when making plans for being outdoors
on that particular day.

3.2.2 Measurement of Air Quality Index: In terms of Time Component

14th ApriL(Starting period of Lockdown)

21st April (After 1 week Lockdown)
200
180
160
140
120
AQI

100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

hOURLY data

Fig 3.1 Comparison of Air quality Levels among different period of time

(Field survey,2021).

In short, If the pre-lockdown period air quality index data is considered, then the huge line
gap( pattern bar) between during lockdown and it can be compared. Here, 21st April data
and 19th march data has been compared in the following line chart:

16
 450 357357
400 312
271 294
350 252
300 212 219
214 196187186 180181175
250 196196 181180181
187186180177
AQI 200
150
100 60.5 62 72.471.779.8
44.934.934.9 44.9 54.745.840.445.258.1 57.552.753.349.147.554.7
50 26.925.827.527.2
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Hourly Data

21st April 29th march

Fig 3.2 Comparison of Air quality Levels among pre-lockdown stage and

lockdown stage (Field survey,2021).

3.2.3 Air Pollution Type (Before Lockdown, Full Lockdown, Partial lockdown) and
its Variation

Following table shows mean concentrations of PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2 and NO2 between 8
March to 25 March, 2020 (before the lockdown), 26 March to 10 April, 2020 (Full
lockdown) and 11 April to 15 May, 2020 (Partial lockdown) in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Table 3.4 Different types of Air Pollutants (Field survey,2021).

Air pollutant Before Full

Partial lockdown
type Lockdown Lockdown

PM2.5 101.8 75.3 46.6

O3 185.13 167.24 127.71
CO 13.96 12.73 10.67
SO2 243.05 200.15 126.67
NO2 500.97 399.08 222.84
Here, following table shows variations of PM2.5, O3, CO, SO2 and NO2 between 8 March to
25 March, 2020 (before lockdown), 26 March to 10 April, 2020 (Full lockdown) and 11
April to 15 May, 2020 (Partial lockdown).

17
 Table 3.5 Several air pollutants and their percentages between lockdowns (Field
survey,2021).

Variation

Air pollutant (Before-full) (Full-Partial) (Before-Partial)

type Lockdown Lockdown Lockdown
µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3
(%) (%) (%)

PM2.5 -264 -26.0 -28.8 -38.2 -55.2 -54.2

O3 -17.9 -9.7 -39.5 -203.6 -57.4 -31

CO -1.2 -8.8 -2 -16.2 -3.3 -23.5

-42.5 -17.5 -74.3 -37.1 -117 -48.1
SO2
-102.0 -20.4 -176.2 -44.2 -278.1 -55.5
NO2

3.2.5 AQI, PM2.5 Observation in Dhaka

AQI fluctuations

134.5
121 125
113

88
78
71

1 6 -M a r 2 6 -M a r 5 -Ap r 1 5 -Ap r 2 5 -Ap r 5 -M a y 1 5 -M a y

time

Fig 3.4 Fluctuations of AQI value in 2020(Field survey,2021).

18
 160
140

PM2.5 Concentrations
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
16-Mar 26-Mar 5-Apr 15-Apr 25-Apr 5-May 15-May
Date

Fig 3.5 PM2.5 Concentrations in 2020 (Field survey,2021).

These two graphs how the lockdown and partial lockdown helps to decrease the value of
AQI and PM2.5. Here, a red linear line intersects the value of AQI and PM 2.5, which
represents that it was going downwards.

It was also observed that the modulation of air pollution indicators and COVID-19
pandemic in the Dhaka city exhibits a clear distinction during the different lockdown
scenarios. In fact, the AQI shows significant modulation in the rightward side in the city
area, with peaking in before lockdown, followed by full and partial lockdown, which is
mostly attributable to a set of controlling factors including industrial activities,
construction projects, shut down educational institutions, mass transport, and non-essential
services, etc.

3.3. Evaluation of Air Pollutants during Covid-19 induced lockdown over Dhaka City
and their Possible Adverse Effects on the People

3.3.1 How Air pollutants are connected with human health?

Though invisible to the naked eye, the air we breathe is loaded with tiny particulates made
up of chemicals, allergens, dust, smoke, or soil in the form of (microscopic) solids, gases
or liquids. When we burn fossil fuels for production, energy or mobility, it generates
chemicals and gases which pollute the air. This poses a risk to human health and earth as a

19
whole. One of the most minuscule categories of these airborne hazards are called
particulate matter (PM2.5).

The Health effects of inhaling particulate matter have been widely studied in humans and
animals and include asthma, lung cancer, and premature death. The US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for PM2.5 concentrations in urban air, and
provides data so that the public can check the air quality index. 

The 2.5 in PM2.5 refers to the size of the pollutant, in micrometers. The tinniest thing which
the human eye can see is at least 0.1 millimeters, about the width of a strand of fine air.
Depending on how healthy a person is, fine particulate matter will have various short term
and long term health impacts of inhaling PM2.5. It may following effects: 

• Asthma Attacks

• Wheezing or coughing

• Throat, nose or eye irritation

• Shortness Of breathe

3.3.2 Impact of Air pollutants on the Respondents Health

10%

13% 33%

8%

38%

Covid-19 Common cold whooping cough

other disease Fit

Fig 3.6 Respondents and their health condition (Field survey,2021).

3.3.2 AQI’s direct impact upon the Air quality levels of Dhaka City and Relationship
with the Airborne Disease Symptoms of the Respondents : (1 year time interval )

20
Air quality level describes which air threatens the environment as well as human beings
and which air doesn’t. If we consider the AQI in 2020’s 18 th March with 2021’s 18th
March, the bar chart can easily state how unfamiliar is both for the respondents to react.

500
450
400
350
AQI value

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Hourly data

2020(18th march)) 2021(18th March)

Fig 3.7 Difference between AQI value between 2020 and 2021(Field survey,2021).
On the contrary, 2021’s 18th March’s AQI value fluctuate between 468 to 211,which lies in
the hazardous to very unhealthy section. Whenever we started observations between the
respondents in 18th march,2021- we noticed several symptoms of airborne diseases,
including- fever, fatigue, cough and shortness of breathe,

other respiratory fever

diseases 25%
15%

fatigue
15%
cough shortness of breath
35% 10%

fever fatigue
shortness of breath cough
other respiratory diseases

Fig 3.10 Symptoms of airborne disease among the respondents (Field survey,2021)

21
which can remain contagious over 5-7 days. Earlier on, we had noticed 13 persons were
infected by Covid-19 and three were died. Covid-19 can also be considered as an airborne
disease as it spreads by air. Meanwhile, we actually observed that 20 persons were
showing symptoms, that indicates those respondents can be affected by major diseases on
near future.

22
 CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION
4.1 Conclusion

4.2 Recommendations

Overall, the air pollution abatement measures implemented in Bangladesh have certainly
some outcomes in a positive way, but could not able to reduce the pollution level
significantly due to lack of planning and enforcement; poor resource management; lack of
awareness, knowledge, and skill; lack of financial affordability; and increase of population,
vehicles, and industries. Therefore, the accumulated pollution level was so high that the
COVID-19-induced lockdown did not decrease the ambient air pollution level in Dhaka
City that much compared to other cities and countries of the world.

Henceforth, the findings of the study will provide some food for thought to the
policymakers that strict measures to control the pollution sources might be useful to
improve the city air and govt. administrations, NGOs, private companies all should work
together to enforce it all the sectors as well as implement it appropriately.

23
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27
APPENDIX

I
 QUESTIONNAIRE

1) Name and Address:

………………………………………………………………………………

2) Name of the Ward:

………………………………………………………………………………

3) Name of the slum:

………………………………………………………………………………

4) Age : .…

5) Sex : Male Female

6) Education : Master’s Bachelor Higher

Secondary Primary School Illiterate

7) Occupation : Jobless Rickshaw Puller House Wife

Garments Worker Day Labourer Others

8) Income: Daily Monthly

9) House Type : Kacha Paka

10) House Ownership: Own Rental Others

11) Marital Status : Married Unmarried Widow Widower

13) Family Type : Joint Nuclear Extended

14) Are you suffering from any diseases?

………………………………………………………………………………

15) What are those diseases? Can you elaborate?

………………………………………………………………………………
II
16) Is it an airborne diseases? Yes No

17) Did any of you get cough? Yes No

18) Did any of you get fever? Yes No

19) How long you’re being suffering from these diseases?

………………………………………………………………………………

20) What are those symptoms?

………………………………………………………………………………

21) Symptoms are deriving towards

Whooping cough chickenpox Common cold

Diphtheria Covid-19 mumps others

22) Do you have sufficient treatment opportunities? Yes No

23) Any govt. agencies works here? Yes No

24) Do you have a health care nearly? Yes No

25) Do you have any saving? Yes No

26) Where do you go whenever you get sick? Govt. Hospital Private
Hospital

Clinic Others

III