Estimating near-road pollutant dispersion: A model inter-comparison

A model inter-comparison study to assess the abilities of steady-state Gaussian dispersion models to capture near-road pollutant dispersion has been carried out with four models (AERMOD, run with both the area-source and volume-source options to represent roadways, CALINE, versions 3 and 4, ADMS and RLINE). Two field tracer studies are used: the Idaho Falls tracer study and the Caltrans Highway 99 tracer study. Model performance measures are calculated using concentrations (observed and estimated) that are paired in time and space, since many of the health related questions involve outcomes associated with spatially and temporally distributed human activities. All four models showed an ability to estimate the majority of downwind concentrations within a factor of two of the observations. RLINE, AERMOD-V, and ADMS, also have the capability to predict concentrations upwind of the roadway that result from low-speed meandering of the plume. Generally, RLINE, ADMS, and AERMOD (both source types) had overall performance statistics that were broadly similar, while CALINE 3 and 4 both produced a larger degree of scatter in their concentration estimates. The models performed best for near-neutral conditions in both tracer studies, but had mixed results under convective and stable conditions.     

How wide should be the adjacent area to an urban motorway to prevent potential health impacts from traffic emissions?

In recent years, several studies show that people who live, work or attend school near the main roadways have an increased incidence and severity of health problems that may be related with traffic emissions of air pollutants. The concentrations of near-road atmospheric pollutants vary depending on traffic patterns, environmental conditions, topography and the presence of roadside structures. In this study, the vertical and horizontal variation of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and benzene (C₆H₆) concentration along a major city ring motorway were analysed. The main goal of this study is to try to establish a distance from this urban motorway considered “safe” concerning the air pollutants human heath limit values and to study the influence of the different forcing factors of the near road air pollutants transport and dispersion. Statistic significant differences (p = 0.001, Kruskal–Wallis test) were observed between sub-domains for NO₂ representing different conditions of traffic emission and pollutants dispersion, but not for C₆H₆ (p = 0.335). Results also suggest significant lower concentrations recorded at 100 m away from roadway than at the roadside for all campaigns (p < 0.016 (NO₂) and p < 0.036 (C₆H₆), Mann–Whitney test). In order to have a “safe” life in homes located near motorways, the outdoor concentrations of NO₂ must not exceed 44–60.0 μg m⁻³ and C₆H₆ must not exceed 1.4–3.3 μg m⁻³. However, at 100 m away from roadway, 81.8% of NO₂ receptors exceed the annual limit value of human health protection (40 μg m⁻³) and at the roadside this value goes up to 95.5%. These findings suggest that the safe distance to an urban motorway roadside should be more at least 100 m. This distance should be further studied before being used as a reference to develop articulated urban mobility and planning policies.     

Atmospheric dispersion modeling near a roadway under calm meteorological conditions

Atmospheric pollutant dispersion near sources is typically simulated by Gaussian models because of their efficient compromise between reasonable accuracy and manageable computational time. However, the standard Gaussian dispersion formula applies downwind of a source under advective conditions with a well-defined wind direction and cannot calculate air pollutant concentrations under calm conditions with fluctuating wind direction and/or upwind of the emission source. Attempts have been made to address atmospheric dispersion under such conditions. This work evaluates the performance of standard and modified Gaussian plume models using measurements of NO₂, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, five inorganic ions and seven metals conducted near a freeway in Grenoble, France, during 11–27 September 2011. The formulation for calm conditions significantly improves model performance. However, it appears that atmospheric dispersion due to vehicle-induced turbulence is still underestimated. Furthermore, model performance is poor for particulate species unless road dust resuspension by traffic is explicitly taken into account.     

Isocyanic acid and ammonia in vehicle emissions

Vehicles are considered to be an important source of ammonia (NH₃) and isocyanic acid (HNCO). HNCO and NH₃ have been shown to be toxic compounds. Moreover, NH₃ is also a precursor in the formation of atmospheric secondary aerosols. For that reason, real-time vehicular emissions from a series of Euro 5 and Euro 6 light-duty vehicles, including spark ignition (gasoline and flex-fuel), compression ignition (diesel) and a plug-in electric hybrid, were investigated at 23 and −7 °C over the new World harmonized Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle (WLTC) in the Vehicle Emission Laboratory at the European Commission Joint Research Centre Ispra, Italy. The median HNCO emissions obtained for the studied fleet over the WLTC were 1.4 mg km⁻¹ at 23 °C and 6 mg km⁻¹ at −7 °C. The fleet median NH₃ emission factors were 10 mg km⁻¹ and 21 mg km⁻¹ at 23 and −7 °C, respectively. The obtained results show that even though three-way catalyst (TWC), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), and NOx storage catalyst (NSC) are effective systems to reduce NOx vehicular emissions, they also lead to considerable emissions of the byproducts NH₃ and/or HNCO. It is also shown that diesel light-duty vehicles equipped with SCR can present NH₃ emission factors as high as gasoline light-duty vehicles at both, 23 and −7 °C over the WLTC. Therefore, with the introduction in the market of this DeNOx technology, vehicular NH₃ emissions will increase further.     

Effects of battery chemistry and performance on the life cycle greenhouse gas intensity of electric mobility

Lithium traction batteries are a key enabling technology for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). Traction battery manufacture contributes to vehicle production emissions, and battery performance can have significant effects on life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for PEVs. To assess emissions from PEVs, a life cycle perspective that accounts for vehicle production and operation is needed. However, the contribution of batteries to life cycle emissions hinge on a number of factors that are largely absent from previous analyses, notably the interaction of battery chemistry alternatives and the number of electric vehicle kilometers of travel (e-VKT) delivered by a battery. We compare life cycle GHG emissions from lithium-based traction batteries for vehicles using a probabilistic approach based on 24 hypothetical vehicles modeled on the current US market. We simulate life-cycle emissions for five commercial lithium chemistries. Examining these chemistries leads to estimates of emissions from battery production of 194–494 kg CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per kWh of battery capacity. Combined battery production and fuel cycle emissions intensity for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is 226–386 g CO₂e/e-VKT, and for all-electric vehicles 148–254 g CO₂e/e-VKT. This compares to emissions for vehicle operation alone of 140–244 g CO₂e/e-VKT for grid-charged electric vehicles. Emissions estimates are highly dependent on the emissions intensity of the operating grid, but other upstream factors including material production emissions, and operating conditions including battery cycle life and climate, also affect life cycle GHG performance. Overall, we find battery production is 5–15% of vehicle operation GHG emissions on an e-VKT basis.     

Influence of driving patterns on vehicle emissions: A case study for Latin American cities

On-board real-time emission experiments were conducted on 78 light-duty vehicles in Bogota. Direct emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and hydrocarbons (HC) were measured. The relationship between such emissions and vehicle specific power (VSP) was established. The experimental matrix included both gasoline-powered and retrofit dual fuel (gasoline–natural gas) vehicles. The results confirm that VSP is an appropriate metric to obtain correlations between driving patterns and air pollutant emissions. Ninety-five percent of the time vehicles in Bogota operate in a VSP between −15.2 and 17.7 kW ton⁻¹, and 50% of the time they operate between −2.9 and 1.2 kW ton⁻¹, representing low engine-load and near-idling conditions, respectively. When engines are subjected to higher loads, pollutant emissions increase significantly. This demonstrates the relevance of reviewing smog check programs and command-and-control measures in Latin America, which are widely based on static (i.e., idling) emissions testing. The effect of different driving patterns on the city’s emissions inventory was determined using VSP and numerical simulations. For example, improving vehicle flow and reducing sudden and frequent accelerations could curb annual emissions in Bogota by up to 12% for CO₂, 13% for CO and HC, and 24% for NO_x. This also represents possible fuel consumption savings of between 35 and 85 million gallons per year and total potential economic benefits of up to 1400 million dollars per year.     

Thermodynamic,environmental and economic effects of diesel and biodiesel fuels on exhaust emissions and nano-particles of a diesel engine

In this study, diesel (JIS#2) and various biodiesel fuels (BDF20, BDF50, BDF100) are used to operate the diesel engine at 100 Nm, 200 Nm and full load; while the engine speed is 1800 rpm. The system is experimentally studied, and the energy, exergy, sustainability, thermoeconomic and exergoeconomic analyses are performed to the system. The Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer is used to measure the size distribution of engine exhaust particle emissions. Also, the data of the exhaust emissions, soot, particle numbers, fuel consumptions, etc. are measured. It is found that (i) most of the exhaust emissions (except NO_x) are directly proportional to the engine load, (ii) maximum CO₂ and NO_x emissions rates are generally determined for the BDF100 biodiesel fuel; while the minimum ones are calculated for the JIS#2 diesel fuel. On the other hand, the maximum CO and HC emissions rates are generally computed for the JIS#2 diesel fuel; while the minimum ones are found for the BDF100 biodiesel fuel, (iii) fuel consumptions from maximum to minimum are BDF100 > BDF50 > BDF20 > JIS#2 at all of the engine loads, (iv) particle concentration of the JIS#2 diesel fuel is higher than the biodiesel fuels, (v) soot concentrations of the JIS#2, BDF20 and BDF50 fuels are directly proportional to the engine load; while the BDF100 is inversely proportional, (vi) system has better energy and exergy efficiency when the engine is operated with the biodiesel fuels (vii) sustainability of the fuels are BDF100 > BDF50 > BDF20 > JIS#2, (viii) thermoeconomic and exergoeconomic parameters rates from maximum to minimum are JIS#2 > BDF20 > BDF50 > BDF100.     

Sulphur abatement globally in maritime shipping

In 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) decided on global regulations to reduce sulphur emissions to air from maritime shipping starting 2020. The regulation implies that ships can continue to use residual fuels with a high sulphur content, such as heavy fuel oil (HFO), if they employ scrubbers to desulphurise the exhaust gases. Alternatively, they can use fuels with less than 0.5% sulphur, such as desulphurised HFO, distillates (diesel) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). The options of lighter fuels and desulphurisation entail costs, including higher energy consumption at refineries, and the present study identifies and compares compliance options as a function of ship type and operational patterns.The results indicate distillates as an attractive option for smaller vessels, while scrubbers will be an attractive option for larger vessels. For all vessels, apart from the largest fuel consumers, residual fuels desulphurised to less than 0.5% sulphur are also a competing abatement option. Moreover, we analyse the interaction between global SO_X reductions and CO₂ (and fuel consumption), and the results indicate that the higher fuel cost for distillates will motivate shippers to lower speeds, which will offset the increased CO₂ emissions at the refineries. Scrubbers, in contrast, will raise speeds and CO₂ emissions.     

Will technological progress be sufficient to stabilize CO2 emissions from air transport in the mid-term?

This article investigates whether anticipated technological progress can be expected to offset the CO₂ emissions resulting from rapid air traffic growth. Global aviation CO₂ emissions projections are examined for eight geographical zones until 2025. Air traffic flows are forecast using a dynamic panel-data econometric model, and then converted into corresponding quantities of air traffic CO₂ emissions using specific hypotheses and energy factors. None of our nine scenarios appears compatible with the objective of 450 ppm CO₂-eq. recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Nor is any compatible with the Panel’s aim of limiting global warming to 3.2 °C.     

Computer simulation of impacts of a chlorine tanker truck accident

The aim of the study was to present the author’s original modelling programs of pollution dispersion in an urban environment. The programs outlined herein are based on a diagnostic model of air velocity field and Langrangian particle model. In both modelling programs author’s elements of mathematical modelling were applied. The models have been validated and verified. Geographic Information System (GIS) Idrisi Andes was applied in the pre-processing stage.The development of author’s original computer program and stages of hazardous material propagation modelling were discussed.The results of computations and analysis of pollution dispersion caused by a chlorine tanker truck collision and chlorine release into atmosphere were presented. It was simulated that the accident took place in the city of Bielsko-Biała, on a bypass in a built-up area causing leakage of 10 t of chlorine. The computer simulations conducted for two wind direction scenarios allow to conclude that the total area affected by the pollutant cloud with concentrations above threshold levels could be over 2 km², with 5000 lethally exposed people.     

Commuters’ exposure to PM2.5 and CO2 in metro carriages of Shanghai metro system

Air quality inside transportation carriages has become a public concern. A comprehensive measurement campaign was conducted to examine the commuters’ exposure to PM_2.5 (d_p ⩽ 2.5 μm) and CO₂ in Shanghai metro system under different conditions. The PM_2.5 and CO₂ concentrations inside all the measured metro lines were observed at 84 ± 42 μg/m³ and 1253.1 ± 449.1 ppm, respectively. The factors that determine the in-carriage PM_2.5 and CO₂ concentrations were quantitatively investigated. The metro in-carriage PM_2.5 concentrations were significantly affected by the ventilation systems, out-carriage PM_2.5 concentrations and the passenger numbers. The largest in-carriage PM_2.5 and CO₂ concentrations were observed at 132 μg/m³ and 1855.0 ppm inside the carriages equipped with the oldest ventilation systems. The average PM_2.5 and CO₂ concentrations increased by 24.14% and 9.93% as the metro was driven from underground to overground. The average in-carriage PM_2.5 concentrations increased by 17.19% and CO₂ concentration decreased by 16.97% as the metro was driven from urban to the suburban area. It was found that PM_2.5 concentration is proportional to the on-board passenger number at a ratio of 0.4 μg/m³·passenger. A mass-balance model was developed to estimate the in-carriage PM_2.5 concentration under different driving conditions.     

Estimation of nitrogen oxides emissions from petrol and diesel passenger cars by means of on-board monitoring: Effect of vehicle speed,vehicle technology,engine type on emission rates

NO_X emission rates of 13 petrol and 3 diesel passenger cars as a function of average speed from 10 to 120 km/h, emission class (pre-Euro 1 – Euro 5), engine type were investigated by on-board monitoring on roads and highways of St. Petersburg using a portative Testo XXL 300 gas analyzer. The highest level of NO_X emission 0.5–2.5 g/km was inherent to old pre-Euro 1 petrol cars without a catalytic converter. NO_X emissions rates of Euro 1 and Euro 2 petrol cars changed within 0.15–0.9 g/km, Euro 3 – 0.015–0.27 g/km, Euro 4 – 0.013–0.1 g/km, Euro 5 – 0.002–0.043 g/km. Euro 3 – Euro 4 petrol cars generally satisfied corresponding NO_X Emission Standards (ES), except cold-start period, Euro 5 petrol cars did not exceed ES. Warmed, stabilized engines of Euro 3 – Euro 5 petrol cars showed 5–10 times lower NO_X emission rates than corresponding ES in the range of speed from 20 to 90 km/h. NO_X emission rates of diesel Euro 3 and Euro 4 cars varied from 0.45 to 1.1 g/km and from 0.31 to 1.1 g/km, respectively. Two examined diesel Euro 3 and one Euro 4 passenger vehicles did not satisfy NO_X ES at real use. Euro 3 diesel cars showed 28.9 times higher NO_X emissions than Euro 3 petrol cars and Euro 4 diesel car demonstrated 17.6 times higher NO_X emissions than Euro 4 petrol cars at warmed and stabilized engine at a cruise speed ranging from 30 to 60 km/h.     

Evaluating the social cost of cruise ships air emissions in major ports of Greece

Detailed NO_x, SO₂ and PM_2.5 emissions have been estimated for cruise ships in the five busiest Greek ports (i.e. Piraeus, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Katakolo) for year 2013. The emissions were analyzed in terms of gas species, seasonality and activity. The total in-port inventory of cruise shipping accounted to 2742.7 tons: with NO_x being dominant (1887.5 tons), followed by SO₂ and PM_2.5 (760.9 and 94.3 tons respectively). Emissions during hotelling corresponded to 88.5% of total and have significantly outweighed those produced during ships’ maneuvering activities (11.5% of total). Seasonality was found to play a major role, as summer emissions and associated impacts were significantly augmented. The anticipated health impacts of ship emissions can reach to €24.3 million or to €5.3 per passenger proving the necessity of control of the emissions produced by cruise ships in port cities or policy and measures towards a more efficient cruise industry.     

Energy use and emissions of two stroke-powered tricycles in Metro Manila

CO, CO₂, NO_x and HC emissions of two stroke-powered tricycles in Metro Manila are examined using an instantaneous emissions model. Results show that fuel consumption and HC emissions in middle class residential areas and main roads are similar but lower than levels in low income residential areas. On the average, tricycles in Metro Manila consume 24.41 km/l of fuel and produces 9.5, 9.7, 40.5 and 0.07 g/km of HC, CO, CO₂ and NO_x, respectively. They fail to satisfy HC, CO and NO_x emission limits set by reference standards in the Philippines and other Asian countries. They produce greater HC and CO emissions than gasoline fueled private cars and diesel powered public jeepneys, taxis and buses on a per passenger-km basis but significantly lower NO_x emissions. Tricycles account for 15.4% of the total HC emissions from mobile sources in the metropolis while their contributions to CO, CO₂ and NO_x are minimal.     

The effects of physical activity on greenhouse gas emissions for common transport modes in European countries

This paper applies a life cycle methodology to estimate activity-related contributions of transport modes to GHG emissions. The methodology uses national input–output tables, environmental accounts, household budget data and nutritional data to derive food-sector GHG coefficients of consumption for ten European countries. The food energy requirements for each mode of transport are estimated taking account of the modal activity level and energy requirements. Typical national food energy-related emissions for walking, cycling, and driving ranged from 25.6 to 77.3 gCO₂-eq/pass.km, 10.4–31.4 gCO₂-eq/pass.km and 1.7–5.2 gCO₂-eq/pass.km; passenger transport was found to result in no food-related emissions above those for a resting individual. Emissions vary between countries depending on the emissions intensities of their energy sectors as well as food prices and average body weights. A life cycle assessment of modal emissions in the UK is undertaken using the food-energy emissions intensities estimated and car travel was found to have the highest emissions intensity, followed by bus, cycling and walking.     

The problem of cold starts: A closer look at mobile source emissions levels

While the phenomenon of excess vehicle emissions from cold-start conditions is well known, the magnitude and duration of this phenomenon is often unclear due to the complex chemical processes involved and uncertainty in the literature on this subject. This paper synthesizes key findings regarding the influence of ambient and engine temperatures on light-duty vehicle (LDV) emissions. Existing literature, as well as analytical tools like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES), indicate that while total vehicle emissions have dropped significantly in recent years, those associated with cold starts can still constitute up to 80% for some pollutant species. Starting emissions are consistently found to make up a high proportion of total transportation-related methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). After 3–4 min of vehicle operation, both the engine coolant and the catalytic converter have generally warmed, and emissions are significantly lower. This effect lasts roughly 45 min after the engine is shut off, though the cooling rate depends greatly on the emission species and ambient temperature. Electrically (pre-)heated catalysts, using the bigger batteries available on hybrid drivetrains and plug-in vehicles, may be the most cost-effective technology to bring down a sizable share of mobile source emissions. Trip chaining (to keep engines warm) and shifting to non-motorized modes for shorter trips, where the cold start can dominate emissions, are also valuable tactics.     

Characteristics of particulate matter (PM) concentrations influenced by piston wind and train door opening in the Shanghai subway system

More than 9 million passengers take Shanghai’s subway system every work day. The system’s air quality has caused widespread concern because of the potential harm to passengers’ health. We measured the particulate matter (PM) concentrations at three kinds of typical underground platform (side-type, island-type, and stacked-type platforms) and inside the trains in Shanghai’s metro during 7 days of measurements in April and July 2015. Our results demonstrated that the patterns of air quality variation and PM concentrations were similar at the side-type and island-type platforms. We also found that the PM concentrations were higher on the platforms than inside the train and that the PM concentrations in the subway system were positively correlated with those in the ambient air. Piston wind generated by vehicle motion pushes air from the tunnel to the platform, so platform PM concentrations increase when trains approach the platform. However, the piston wind effect varies greatly between locations on the platform. In general, the effect of the piston wind is weaker at the middle of the platform than at both ends. PM concentrations inside the train increase after the doors open, during which time dirty platform air floods into the compartments. PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 were significantly correlated both inside the train and on the platforms. PM_1.0 accounted for 71.9% of PM_2.5 inside the train, which is higher than the corresponding platform values. Based on these results, we propose some practical suggestions to minimize air pollution damage to passengers and staff from the subway system.     

Does the aviation Emission Trading System influence the financial evaluation of new airplanes? An assessment of present values and purchase options

In this paper we assess the impact of the CO₂ costs for short- and long-haul aircraft based on present values and on purchase options. We evaluate purchase options with a framework developed for real option analysis to estimate the value of flexibility under uncertain kerosene and CO₂ prices. We find an average influence of CO₂ costs on present values of €1.1 million for the short haul plane and €4.1 million for the long-haul plane over the typical lifetime of an airplane. For purchase options, we find a CO₂ influence of €0.43 million for the long-haul plane and a moderate impact for the short-haul plane. The results underline the importance of CO₂ and kerosene costs for long-haul aircraft.     

Sound wall barriers: Near roadway dispersion under neutrally stratified boundary layer

With the passage of California Senate Bill 375, which motivates infill development near transit hubs, there is the potential to increase vehicle congestion in residential communities and increase in human exposure to toxic mobile source pollutants. Among all the mitigation strategies that protect near roadway residents from health-affecting vehicular emissions (e.g. separating sensitive receptors from high traffic roadways), this paper discusses the impact of sound wall barriers (SBs) in reducing the air pollution exposure of nearby residents. To date, there have been some studies done to understand the impact of these structures on dispersion of vehicular emissions; however, no definitive conclusion has been drawn yet. The main objective of this paper is to provide more information and details on flow and dispersion affected by barriers through a systematic laboratory simulation of plume dispersion using a water channel. Three sets of experiments were conducted: (1) plume visualizations, (2) plume concentration measurements, and (3) flow velocity measurements. Results from this study shows that the deployment of sound barriers induces a recirculating flow over the roadway which transports the surface released emissions to the upwind side of the roadway, and then shifts the plume upward through an induced updraft motion. Plume visualizations clearly demonstrate that the presence of SBs induce significant vertical mixing and updraft motion on the roadway which increases the initial plume dilution and plume height and consequently results in reduced downwind ground level concentrations. Although different SB configurations result in different localized flow patterns, the dispersion pattern does not change significantly after several SB heights downwind of the roadway.     

VISSIM/MOVES integration to investigate the effect of major key parameters on CO2 emissions

This paper looks at CO₂ emissions on limited access highways in a microscopic and stochastic environment using an optimal design approach. Estimating vehicle emissions based on second-by-second vehicle operation allows the integration of a microscopic traffic simulation model with the latest US Environmental Protection Agency’s mobile source emissions model to improve accuracy. A factorial experiment on a test bed prototype of the I-4 urban limited access highway corridor located in Orlando, Florida was conducted to identify the optimal settings for CO₂ emissions reduction and to develop a microscopic transportation emission prediction model. An exponentially decaying function towards a limiting value expressed in the freeway capacity is found to correlate with CO₂ emission rates. Moreover, speeds between 55 and 60 mph show emission rate reduction effect while maintaining up to 90% of the freeway’s capacity. The results show that speed has a significant impact on CO₂ emissions when detailed and microscopic analysis of vehicle operations of acceleration and deceleration are considered.