Assessment of the Impact of CO, NOx and PM10 on Air Quality during Road Construction and Operation Phases

Marinella Giunta

doi:10.3390/su122410549

Abstract

The road sector is one of the main sources of air emissions in the atmosphere during both construction and operation. The objective of the present paper is a comprehensive evaluation of the impact on air quality during the two main phases of life cycle of roads. In this case study of a motorway project, the emissions of the primary pollutants, CO, NOx, and PM10 are estimated, and the results showed that (i) CO and NOx pollutants released during both phases are comparable, while the emissions of PM10 are more significant in the construction phase; (ii) 85% of PM10 in construction is due to storage, transit on unpaved road, and crushing; (iii) the portals of the tunnel are the sites where there are higher concentrations of pollutants in operation; and (iv) the CO concentrations estimated by the dispersion model are strongly influenced by the topography.

Highlights

The road sector is one of the main sources of air emissions in the atmosphere during both construction and operation [1]
PM10 is a significant pollutant in the construction phase, with a lower emission value with respect to the other pollutants
The impact on air quality is assessed in terms of the emissions of the primary pollutants carbon oxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and PM10

Summary

Introduction

The road sector is one of the main sources of air emissions in the atmosphere during both construction and operation [1]. Road transportation of passengers and goods (by car, truck, bus, or two-wheeler) was by far the main sector responsible, accounting for nearly three-quarters of emissions (72%). These figures extensively justify the growing interest towards the methods and practices in road construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and operation aimed at reducing the air emissions. The negative health effects of air pollutants, and the particular matter, are well known and widely demonstrated by several studies [2,3], together with the economic implication deriving from the related increased premature mortality [4]. Not negligible effects are produced in the local vegetation [8]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion