Assessment of PM2.5 particulate air pollution near highways

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to investigate air pollution with respect to PM2.5 particulate matter hazardous to the health of the urban population, generated by the movement of motor vehicles. The development of existing and construction of new transport networks in large cities leads to the fact that the problem of air pollution by PM2.5 particles becomes extremely urgent. Materials and methods. The ENVI-met calculations were based on the data provided by the meteorological station. The following methods were applied: system analysis, numerical modelling method — finite difference method, processing of numerical results. Results. A calculation model of Moscow district territory was developed in ENVI-met programme in order to determine PM2.5 dispersion patterns along the road network of the selected district. The calculation was carried out for a 24-hour time period. The schemes of fine particles dispersion on the territory of the building at a height of 1.5 and 10 m are obtained. Their evaluation shows that the highest concentration of PM2.5 is observed along the most frequent wind direction near roads. The width of the roadway and, accordingly, the number of cars passing per hour plays a paramount role in the formation of PM2.5. Conclusions. The greatest negative impact of fine dust occurs in residential buildings located along highways. It is most rational to increase the density of landscaping in areas with a high concentration of PM2.5 along the main roads and on the roofs of existing low-rise buildings and medium-rise buildings.