Traffic-related pollutants in roadside environment of Yangon, Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract Roadside environment is a key location responsible for increased exposure of traffic-related air pollutants to people who reside, work and commute on or near the roadside. Although increase in traffic volume and duration of traffic congestion has been significantly recognized in Yangon, research conducted on traffic-related air pollutants is very limited. In this study, we mainly focused on nitrogen dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbons of VOCs; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes collectively known as BTEX. Dffusive air samplers; DSD-CX for BTEX and DSD-TEA for NO2 were placed at seven sampling sites, S1-S4 located on heavy congested traffic roads of commercial areas and S5-S7 on fast moving traffic roads of residential ones. The BTEX concentrations were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and NO2 by ion chromatography. According to the findings, we concluded that roadside NO2 concentrations reflect the severity of traffic congestion currently encountered in the city. Sources other than vehicle emission could also have contribution to roadside traffic-related pollutants. Appropriate traffic managements and vehicle emission controls are urgently needed for reducing traffic-related air pollution.