Influencing Factors of Particulate Matter Concentration in the Metro Carriage and the Corresponding Inhalation Intake Estimation: A Field Measurement in Chengdu

Abstract

Urbanization promotes the development of the subway system, and the particulate matter (PM) concentrations inside have received increasing attention. This study first measured the dynamic PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in a metro carriage in Chengdu and explored the dominant influencing factors. The personal inhalation intakes of different routes were evaluated. The results showed that the in-carriage PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations ranged from 11 to 74 μg/m3 (mean: 36.7 μg/m3) and 13 to 89 μg/m3 (mean: 40.1 μg/m3), respectively. When the train passed from the overground to underground, the in-carriage PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations increased by 30.4% and 32.9%, respectively. No specific linear relationship between passenger number and in-carriage PM concentrations was found. In-carriage PM concentrations decreased after the carriage doors were opened on the platforms. PM2.5 inhalation intakes ranged from 1.08 to 9.52, with a mean of 4.24 µg. For the passengers with the same age and sex, the average inhaled PM2.5 intake in the metro carriage on the route with more underground platforms was higher. This study not only revealed the PM characteristics in the Chengdu metro system for the first time, but also provided guidelines for reducing the in-carriage PM concentrations to build a healthier travel environment.