Investigation of Roadside Pollution Related to Traffic Density by Using Mangnetic Susceptibility Method

Abstract

There is a rapid increase in traffic caused environmental pollution due to increasing population and number of motor vehicles. Especially many detrimental particles emitted by the vehicles reason grave soil pollution in roadsides. In addition, many scientific studies propose that these particles are detrimental for human health. Main purpose of this study is investigation of heavy metal pollution along several roadsides in city of Izmir by magnetic susceptibility measurements are often applied for investigating rock magntic properties, fire sites, landslide deposits, industrial, geothermal and soil pollution studies. Also one of the most frequent geophysical applications is traffic-related heavy metal pollution. In this study, magnetic susceptibility studies were carried out along the roads at Konak, Aliaga, Gulbahce and Buca districts of Izmir. The measurements were performed by using MS2E high-resolution surface scanning device produced by Bartington Company. The Bartington Instruments MS2 Magnetic Susceptibility System became popular for use in the laboratory and field in universities around the world. The highest magnetic susceptibility value was observed, as 15 times higher than the normal value, along Canakkale-Izmir highway which has the highest traffic density. Other study areas were Tinaztepe Campus road, Gulbahce Village road and Konak-Bornova Highway and magnetic susceptiblity values were observed 6,7 and 14 times higher than normal values respectively. Consequently, it was determined that roadside pollution degree can be determined precisely by using magnetic susceptibility measurements.