Researchers studying Vembanad Lake in India found the water quality significantly improved over the course of several months during the COVID-19 outbreak. 
- The entire lake saw a decrease in suspended particulate matter (SPM) of approximately 15.9% 
- While levels of domestic wastewater did not improve, waste from industry and tourism decreased significantly 
- Researchers believe their evidence strongly supports that industry and tourism in the area should be regulated to protect the ecosystem of Vembanad Lake from further pollution 

Kenyon College

The hydrosphere refers to all water on the earth's surface. Water quality improves with decreased pollution from human activity. Generally, good water: 
- Has no odor, is tasteless, and visibly clear 
- Has good conductivity, conductivity is not increased or decreased by any amount of pollutant 
- Has a dissolved oxygen content greater than 6 mg/L
- Has a relatively neutral pH
- Should have low levels, if any, of suspended particulate matter (SPM) 
- Has a low turbidity value, which measures the relative clarity of the water in units of FNU or NTU

Hydrosphere (Water) Pollution (Post-COVID-19)

P. Yunus, A., Masago, Y., & Hijioka, Y. (2020). COVID-19 and Surface Water Quality: Improved Lake Water Quality During the Lockdown. Science of the Total Environment, 731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139012 

COVID-19 and Surface Water Quality: Improved Lake Water Quality During the Lockdown

Water Pollution: Vembanad Lake (India) (Post-COVID-19)

Researchers studying the Sabarmati River in India found water quality may have improved from February to May of 2020 due to COVID-19 lock downs. 
- Average SPM was measured at 8.08 mg/l. SPM levels reached their second lowest concentration in six years, with a total decrease of ~36.48% 
- SPM concentrations surged again in May 2020, though researchers remain unsure if this was the result of ending COVID-19 lock downs or the result of increased precipitation 

Water Pollution: Sabarmati River (India) (Post-COVID-19)

Researchers studying the waterways around Venice found water turbidity may have improved on select dates due to COVID-19. 
- Images taken March 19, 2020 showed noticeably clearer water and the near absence of any boat wakes 
- Turbidity values varied by location and were often as high as 50 FNU  
- Researchers believe clearer water may benefit marine life, though they warn any water clarity gained post-COVID-19 is not likely to last 

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