| 1. |
- Krecl, Patricia, et al.
(author)
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Cyclists' exposure to air pollution under different traffic management strategies
- 2020
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In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 723
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We characterized the air pollution exposure of cyclists in the city center of Curitiba (Brazil) and then systematically analyzed the influence of several traffic management strategies (bus lanes, bicycle lanes, traffic calming area, traffic lights, and cleaner vehicle technologies) on the exposure. We focused on concentrations of particulates monitored on-board bicycles: PM2.5, black carbon mass (BC) and particle number concentration (PNC), and also reported on total volatile organic compound concentrations (TVOC). Overall, mean (+/- standard deviation) exposure was moderate compared to other cities around the world (BC: 6.98 +/- 11.53 mu g m(-3), PM2.5: 33.22 +/- 25.64 mu g m(-3), PNC: 3.93 x 10(4) +/- 4.17 x 10(4) cm(-3), TVOC: 361 +/- 99 ppb). Concentrations were higher in the morning rush hour than in the afternoon traffic peak, and exhibited a large spatial variability. Bus stops and signalized traffic intersections emerged as hotspots when compared to the rest of the journey, increasing all particulate concentrations. Lower exposure was found on streets with low traffic (particularly, small number of heavy-duty vehicles) and within shallow canyon structures. The impact of traffic calming areas on cyclists' exposure is still inconclusive and further experimental and modelling studies are needed. Simple emission calculations based on traffic activity and real-world emission factors suggested that replacing the diesel bus fleet with hybrid electric buses might largely decrease (64%) the exposure to BC in the city center. Urban planners could use this valuable information to project new cycleways, which would lead to healthier active transportation. Synchronizing traffic signals might further reduce exposure at intersections.
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| 2. |
- Krecl, Patricia, et al.
(author)
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Long-term trends in nitrogen oxides concentrations and on-road vehicle emission factors in Copenhagen, London and Stockholm
- 2021
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In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491 .- 1873-6424. ; 290
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Road transport is the main anthropogenic source of NOx in Europe, affecting human health and ecosystems. Thus, mitigation policies have been implemented to reduce on-road vehicle emissions, particularly through the Euro standard limits. To evaluate the effectiveness of these policies, we calculated NO2 and NOx concentration trends using air quality and meteorological measurements conducted in three European cities over 26 years. These data were also employed to estimate the trends in NOx emission factors (EFNOx, based on inverse dispersion modeling) and NO2:NOx emission ratios for the vehicle fleets under real-world driving conditions. In the period 1998–2017, Copenhagen and Stockholm showed large reductions in both the urban background NOx concentrations (−2.1 and −2.6% yr−1, respectively) and EFNOx at curbside sites (68 and 43%, respectively), proving the success of the Euro standards in diminishing NOx emissions. London presented a modest decrease in urban background NOx concentrations (−1.3% yr−1), while EFNOx remained rather constant at the curbside site (Marylebone Road) due to the increase in public bus traffic. NO2 primary emissions —that are not regulated— increased until 2008–2010, which also reflected in the ambient concentrations. This increase was associated with a strong dieselization process and the introduction of new after-treatment technologies that targeted the emission reduction of other species (e.g., greenhouse gases or particulate matter). Thus, while regulations on ambient concentrations of specific species have positive effects on human health, the overall outcomes should be considered before widely adopting them. Emission inventories for the on-road transportation sector should include EFNOx derived from real-world measurements, particularly in urban settings.
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