Traffic Related Pollutants and Noise Emissions in the Vicinity of Different Types of Urban Crossroads

Abstract

Particulate matter air pollution and noise pollution is a problem of everyday life. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the hazardous pollutants causing deterioration of the environment and thus quality of life of the population. Particulate matter and noise pollution by the road transport is a burning issue, particularly for larger urban areas. Air pollution and noise monitoring was focused on a possible change in the concentrations of pollutants and noise level after the change of the crossroad - three-arm crossroad to the roundabout. The subject of this paper is monitoring particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and noise pollution in the vicinity of crossroads in the urban area and an evaluation of fraction ratios PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 with regard to construction of crossroad, meteorological conditions and traffic volume. Paper deals with the comparison of the noise emissions objectified by direct measurements of noise levels before and after the reconstruction of the three-arm crossroad to the roundabout and comparison of changes in noise ratios detected by direct measurements and predictive calculations. The roundabout has specific construction and routing traffic, what can influence on production and dispersion of traffic related emissions and noise pollution. The obtained results indicate a decrease in particulate matter concentrations at the roundabout compared to the three-arm crossroad. According to the data obtained and analyzed, the PM10 particulate matter concentrations at the roundabout could be reduced by up to 50 % over the three-arm crossroad.