Scenario-based analysis of traffic-related PM2.5 concentration: Lisbon case study

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international Vol. 24; no. 13; pp. 12026 - 12037
• Main Authors: Faria, Marta V., Duarte, Gonçalo O., Baptista, Patrícia C., Farias, Tiago L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.05.2017
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Pollution: Possibilities and Future Challenges; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; LEZ; Urban policies; Scenarios; concentration; PM; Modeling; Cordon toll
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5556-6

Air quality in urban centers constitutes a challenge ahead for most cities. For this reason, the objective of this research work was to evaluate the impacts of changing traffic-related parameters on particulate matter (PM) concentration for several hierarchical street levels using real-world data for the city of Lisbon, Portugal. For that purpose, 2014 data regarding meteorological conditions, traffic volumes, typical vehicle speed, and a vehicle representative of the fleet was used in an air quality dispersion model (CALINE4). The available data allowed building a baseline case for several streets that are representative of the traffic circulation conditions in Lisbon, which was compared with different scenarios: hypothetical introduction of a cordon toll (S1.1 to S1.4) and the implementation of a low emission zone (S2.1 and 2.2). The results indicate that reductions on PM 2.5 concentrations from 5 to 42 % may be obtained from the implementation of the scenarios. Overall, this study demonstrates that modeling tools based on real-world data can provide a good approach to study urban policies regarding traffic-related PM exposure. Additionally, implementation of such measures requires an integrated strategy that enables proper enforcement and monitoring, as well as an adequate management of traffic flows between the implementation boundaries.