High Traffic Density Areas Research Articles

Effect of automobile exhaust on some leaf micromorphological characteristics of some members of <i>Verbanaceae</i>, <i>Annonaceae</i> and <i>Euphorbiaceae</i> families

The study was carried using the Botanic Garden of the Kano State Zoological Garden as the control site in comparison with roadside in order to determine the effect of exhaust from vehicles on the number of stomata, epidermal cells, stomatal length, stomatal breadth, pore length and pore breadth. Results obtained showed an increase in the number of stomata and epidermal cells per unit area in leaf samples collected from polluted sites than those from unpolluted site. However, the length and breadth of stomata, pore length and pore breadth in the polluted sites was lower than that of the control site. Furthermore, there was no significant difference based on the type of stomata in the species studied at the two different sites. An increase in number of stomata, number of epidermal cells and stomatal density was found in plants growing on the road side both on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces, a decrease was found on the stomatal length, stomatal breadth, pore length, pore breadth and stomatal index of the plants growing on the road side when compared with those in the control site. These changes in stomata and epidermal cells per unit area could be used as an indicator of environmental stress which could be recommended in high traffic density areas for the early detection of urban air pollution. Keywords: Automobile exhaust, Micromorphology, Leaf, Verbanaceae, Annonaceae , Euphorbiaceae

Mobility Routing Model for Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs), Smart City Scenarios

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANET) is one of the most actual and challenging research areas in automotive companies and ITS designers. The presence of such networks opens the way for a wide range of applications such as safety applications, mobility and connectivity for both driver and passengers to exploit the transport systems in a smoothly, efficiently and safer way. For safety applications the best routing protocol must be selected. The three most common routing protocols that are used in VANET are: DSR, AODV and DSDV. Indeed, it is important and essential to test and evaluate different routing protocols related to VANET system before applying them in the real environment which can be done via VANET simulation tools. This paper evaluates the performance of three different routing protocols for VANET system in city of Khartoum. The performance is evaluated and compared in terms of PDR, average throughput, delay and total energy. Our objective is to estimate the performance of routing model for city scenario. The main goal is to find the suitable routing protocol in a high density traffic area in Khartoum. We have considered three routing protocols DSR, AODV and DSDV. The results indicate the poor quality of DSDV protocol which is a type from proactive routing protocols. The AODV protocol achieves maximum average throughput which is equal to 330.07 Kbps. The minimum value of delay obtained from using DSR protocol was 15.81 ms.

The application of biomarker in determining genotoxic potential of polyaromatic hydrocarbon exposure among children

Introduction: The quality of ambient air of industrial and urban area are often characterized by the distribution of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere. PAHs, has been associated with increasing risk of cancer especially among susceptible individual in human population such as children. Investigations of chronic health effect of PAHs can be aided with the help of biomarker application in understanding exposure, mechanism of toxicity, and level of susceptibility. Method: In this article, materials obtained from several online databases such as PubMed, Proquest, Scopus, and Science Direct from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. The application of biomarker of PAHs exposure and effect among children living in areas with high traffic density and industrial area were summarized. From these two different environments settings, an insight into different exposure of PAHs and it association with health outcomes were given. Results: Fifteen biomarker-associated studies were reviewed. Most of the studies emphasized on the application of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and DNA adduct as biomarkers of exposure to PAHs. On the other hand, biomarker of effect was frequently represented by cytogenetic analysis. Which includes chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, micronuclei, comet assay parameters like tail length and percentage of DNA in tail. Conclusion: The application of biomarker in revealing the level of PAH exposure and genotoxicity among children is highly preferable. However, the biomarker itself is still considered insufficient to conclude the toxicity of PAH exposure from traffic and industrial emissions. The environmental monitoring is included in the study in order to understand the correlation of ambient PAHs and health outcomes.

Experimental and numerical analysis of a membrane cargo containment system for liquefied natural gas

ABSTRACTMembrane cargo containment systems (MCCS) have been developed by GTT for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and proved to be an efficient technology for transportation and storage of large volumes. In regard to LNG as fuel, the current aim is to introduce MCCS as fuel tanks for merchant ships. These ships will operate in areas of high traffic density. The risk of collision and grounding cannot be neglected. The latter is bound by the deformation capacity of the inner barrier of the MCCS prior to LNG leakage. In order to contribute to the understanding of the crashworthiness, a large-scale nearly four-by-four-metre mock-up was built and tested experimentally at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH). These experimental results serve as a validation basis for numerical crashworthiness analysis of membrane-based cargo containment systems for LNG. In both numerical analysis and experimental testing, DNV GL has been involved.

Metal Speciation and Pollution status of Trace Metals in Roadside Dusts in high traffic density areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Roadside dusts from high traffic density areas in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket, Ibeno, Abak and Itu local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were analyzed for concentrations of total cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc and lead. Optimized Bureau Community of Reference (BCR) speciation method was used for determination of metals forms. Results indicated that, mean concentrations of Cd and Cu were higher while concentrations of Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb were lower than their standards. Cd and Cr existed predominantly in acid extractable form, Cu and Zn in residual fraction while Ni and Pb mostly in reducible form. Cd and Pb were in the high risk class while Cu, Ni and Zn were within the low risk zone. Ibeno as the most contaminated area studied, closely followed by Uyo while Abak was the least contaminated area. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive association and common source for the metals evaluated in this study.

Bioconcentration of Heavy Metals in high Density traffic area of Port Harcourt Metopolis, Nigeria

The Bioconcentration factor (BCF) of selected heavy metals in grasses growing along High Density Traffic Area (HDTA) and Low Density Traffic Area (LDTA) of Port Harcourt metropolis was ascertained. The results show BCF for Heavy Metals in grasses along HDTA are significantly higher than their counterpart along LDTA even though the values of heavy metals in the soil along the LDTA are relatively higher than those along HDTA. This shows that aerial deposition or diffusion of these Heavy Metals from automobile exhaust and adsorption processes to the grasses along HDTA plays a major role in their Bioconcentration. The order of BCF of Heavy Metals in grasses along HDTA (Cr > Cd = Co > Ni > Zn > Pb > Fe) and LDTA (Cr > Cd > Ni > Pb > Co > Zn > Fe) shows that Cr and Cd having highest BCF of 2.97 and 2.50 in grasses along HDTA and 0.68 and 0.67 in grasses along LDTA respectively, could be used to monitor their aerial deposition from automobile exhaust. Keywords : Heavy metal, Bioaccumulation, High Density Traffic Area, Low Density Traffic Area.

Global Maritime Surveillance by Airliner-Based AIS Detection: Preliminary Analysis

Demands on security, safety, and environmental protection in worldwide shipping are steadily increasing. Shipboard broadcast transponders based on the Automatic Identification System (AIS) can be easily detected close to coastal or waterway areas. Satellite-based AIS receivers detect globally but are limited in high-density traffic areas. This paper investigates the challenges and performance of AIS detection on aircraft at altitudes between 8 500 m and 10 000 m. During flight trials over sea and land, AIS signals were recorded. Post-processing of the recorded data allows the evaluation but also faces challenges due to the nature of overlapping AIS signals at the aircraft. A comparison of detected signals at the aircraft with received AIS signals on the ground is given, including the evaluation of the reception footprint of the aircraft. Finally, a concept for worldwide AIS detection via airliners is presented. The study shows the potential for global complementary surveillance coverage via airliner-based AIS detection.

Lead toxicity among traffic wardens: a high risk group exposed to atmospheric lead, is it still a cause for concern?

BackgroundTraffic policemen are identified to be at a higher risk of exposure to air pollution and its contaminants such as lead. A study done prior to the introduction of unleaded petroleum in Sri Lanka revealed a mean blood lead level of 53.07 μg/dL, which was well above the Center for Disease Control defined acceptable safe levels. This study aimed to determine whether unleading of fuel has made an impact on the blood lead levels of traffic police working in an urban area with high traffic density.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 168 traffic police personnel working within Colombo city limits of Sri Lanka, a high traffic density area, was conducted. Blood lead levels of participants were measured using nitric acid, perchloric acid ashing method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used for a targeted history and examination.Results and discussionMean age of the sample population was 37 years. Thirty eight percent had detectable levels of lead in blood and 24.4% of the study sample had blood lead levels above Centre for disease control defined safe limits. Sample mean was 4.82 μg/dL (95% CI 3.58-6.04), and this is a 91% overall reduction when compared to data prior to unleading. Neither symptoms nor signs of classic lead toxicity showed significant correlation with toxic lead levels.ConclusionLead poisoning though still present in the high risk traffic warden population shows a considerable reduction following unleading. The need to have a low threshold to suspect lead poisoning is highlighted by the non-specific nature of the symptoms and signs of lead poisoning and its lack of association even in those found to have elevated lead levels. Further studies are required to elucidate a cause for the prevalence of lead poisoning despite cessation of using lead as an additive in petroleum.

PS-320 The Relation Of Traffic Load To Traffic-dependent Pollutants And Croup: Abstract PS-320 Table 1

Objective Some studies have compared the occurrence of croup with air pollution. Results have so far remained contradictory. Motor vehicles represent the principal source of air pollution in the city of Vinnytsya, Ukraine. The objective of this study was to determine the relation of traffic load to traffic-dependent pollutants and croup. Methods Among a population of 8.067 children in residence near areas of high traffic density (>1.500 motor vehicles/ hour) and 2.473 children in residence near areas of low traffic density ( Results Areas with high traffic load are characterised by higher concentration of traffic-dependent pollutants and higher annual incidence of croup (Table). Table. Traffic load, traffic-dependent pollutants and annual incidence of croup in children (Vinnytsya, Ukraine, 2000–2003) Conclusions Croup in children is related to traffic load and traffic-dependent pollutants (SO2, NO2, particulate matter, CO).

Effect of urban air pollution on epidermal traits of road side tree species, Pongamia pinnata (L.) Merr.

Effect of urban air pollution on roadside tree species Pongamia pinnata(L.) Merr. has been studied with special reference to epidermal characteristics of leaves. The light microscopic studies of this plant indicated marked alteration in epidermal traits, with increased number of stomata and epidermal cells per unit area in leaf samples collected from polluted sites than those from control site. Results revealed that, as compared to the leaves from control, the length and width of guard and epidermal cells reduced considerably in leaves of polluted sites. These changes in epidermal traits could be as indicator of environmental stress and can be recommended in high traffic density area for the early detection of urban air pollution.

Evaluating socioeconomic and racial differences in traffic-related metrics in the United States using a GIS approach

Previous studies have reported that lower-income and minority populations are more likely to live near major roads. This study quantifies associations between socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic variables, and traffic-related exposure metrics for the United States. Using geographic information systems (GIS), traffic-related exposure metrics were represented by road and traffic densities at the census tract level. Spearman's correlation coefficients estimated relationships between socio-demographic variables and traffic-related exposure metrics, and ANOVA was performed to test for significant differences in socio-demographic variables for census tracts with low and high traffic-related metrics. For all census tracts in the United States, %Whites, %Blacks, and %Hispanics (percent of tract population) had correlation coefficients greater than 0.38 and 0.16 with road density and traffic density, respectively. Regions and states had correlation coefficients as high as 0.78. Compared with tracts with low road and traffic densities (<25th percentile), tracts with high densities (>75th percentile) had values of %Blacks and %Hispanics that were more than twice as high, 20% greater poverty levels, and one-third fewer White residents. Census tracts that had mid-level values for road and traffic densities had the most affluent characteristics. Results suggest that racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities exist on national level with respect to lower-income and minority populations living near high traffic and road density areas.

Assessment of occupational and ambient air quality of traffic police personnel of the Kathmandu valley, Nepal; in view of atmospheric particulate matter concentrations (PM10)

This paper presents the analysis and interpretation of occupational and ambient particulate matter concentrations measured as PM10 at a network of ten high density road traffic intersections in Kathmandu valley during the period of February 2008 to January 2009. The purpose was to understand the pollution trends associated with the high density road traffic intersections considering the levels of particulate matter concentrations (PM10), representing the occupational and ambient air quality of the traffic police personnel of the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. The study indicates that the occupational PM10 play a significant dominant role in controlling ambient PM10 loads at the high density road traffic intersections. The occupational and ambient PM10 concentrations in high density traffic area and road intersection of Kathmandu Valley showed a marked monthly and seasonal variation. High density traffic areas and road intersection of the Kathmandu valley were seriously polluted by PM10. Monthly and yearly average occupational and ambient PM10 concentration at the high density traffic areas and road intersection greatly exceeded the 24–h average limit value (120μg m−3) in Nepal.

When the exchange rate makes a difference: Noise Monitoring of Traffic Police in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

This study demonstrates that when measuring wide swings in noise over short time periods, Time Weighted Average (TWA) calculated results may vary significantly depending upon the exchange rate used. The 3 dBA exchange rate, the ACGIH recommended criteria, results in statistically significant higher values than the 5dBA exchange rate recommended by OSHA, when noise levels vary from 70 dBA to 120 dBA while measurements are taken.A field study of noise levels among the traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley was conducted in the spring of 2009. Sampling was done at 5 high density traffic areas on and inside the Ring Road (valley perimeter road). To collect sufficient data, hourly integrated personal and area samples were simultaneously taken with a dosimeter to identify hazardous noise areas and work locations that should be included in a hearing conservation program. This study demonstrates the importance of taking several integrated samples over short periods of time when average noise levels vary. This study likewise illustrates that area samples may not accurately reflect personal exposure, particularly when there are large variations in temporal and areal measurements. This study is the first to collect personal noise data associated with traffic noise in Nepal.Key Words: personal noise monitoring; Integrated Sampling; 3 dBA exchange rate; traffic noise; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4490 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 7-13

Heavy metal levels in pine (Pinus eldarica Medw.) tree barks as indicators of atmospheric pollution

Bio-monitoring of air quality in TehranCity was investigated by analyzing 36 pine tree (Pinus eldarica Medw.) barks. The samples were taken from different locations with different degrees of metal pollution (urban, industrial, highway, and control sites). Then, the concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results of this study showed that the highest and lowest metal concentrations were found in the heavy traffic sites and the control site, respectively. Lead content was found to be the highest in high traffic density areas. The industrial part of the city was characterized by high Zn, Cr, and Ni contents. Variation in heavy metal concentrations between sites was observed and attributed to differences in traffic density and anthropogenic activities. The research also confirms the suitability of Pinus eldarica Medw barks as a suitable bio-indicator of aerial fallout of heavy metals.

Chromium and Lead Concentrations in Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) and Red Peppers (Capsicum Frutescens) Cultivated in Roadside Farmland around High Traffic Density Area of Ibadan, Nigeria

The total concentrations of Pb and Cr were determined in tomatoes and peppers cultivated in roadside farmland around a high traffic density area of Ibadan. The measurements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after wet digestion with nitric acid. The ranges of accumulation factors (AF) for Cr in tomatoes and pepper were 6.25–6.63 and 2.86–4.86. The degree of accumulation of Pb in tomatoes ranged from 30.5 to 40.6. Tomatoes and peppers planted in farms located near high traffic roads presented higher concentrations of Cr and Pb compared with the corresponding levels in tomatoes and peppers from the control farm. Pb concentrations as high as 7.75 ± 1.08 mg/kg, 7.74 ± 0.56 mg/kg, and 7.80 ± 0.10 mg/kg were obtained in tomatoes. The average concentrations of Cr in tomatoes and peppers were in the ranges of 1.50–1.59 mg/kg and 1.0–1.70 mg/kg, respectively. These differences in concentrations of Cr and Pb can be attributed to exhaust from automobiles as the primary source of metal contamination of roadside-grown tomatoes and peppers in addition to the concentration derived from the soil.

Genetic Risk Assessment in Traffic Policemen of Chennai City by Sister Chromatid Exchange Analysis

Urban atmosphere contains a variety of chemicals which are potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic. An increased risk of lung cancer in certain occupational groups is due to exposure to traffic-related pollution. Few reports are available in India on the genetic damage caused by exposure to automobile exhaust pollution on traffic policemen. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the genetic risk assessment in traffic policemen of Chennai city by Sister Chromatid Exchange Analysis. The study subjects consisted of 56 traffic policemen who worked in high density traffic areas of Chennai city and 25 office workers unexposed to traffic as controls were used. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were analyzed in peripheral blood lymphocytes drawn from both subjects. The results expressed as mean SCEs/cell was found significantly ( p<0.001) higher in traffic policemen (10.62±0.57) compared to the unexposed control subjects (6.49±0.31). These subjects were divided further into two sub-groups such as smokers and alcohol consumers which were not influence the incidence of SCEs/cell. However, a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference was observed between smokers and alcohol consumers than that of control subjects. This is the first studyof the risk assessment of Chennai city traffic police exposed to vehicular pollution.

Genetic Risk Assessment in Traffic Policemen of Chennai City by Sister Chromatid Exchange Analysis

Urban atmosphere contains a variety of chemicals which are potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic. An increased risk of lung cancer in certain occupational groups is due to exposure to traffic-related pollution. Few reports are available in India on the genetic damage caused by exposure to automobile exhaust pollution on traffic policemen. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the genetic risk assessment in traffic policemen of Chennai city by Sister Chromatid Exchange Analysis. The study subjects consisted of 56 traffic policemen who worked in high density traffic areas of Chennai city and 25 office workers unexposed to traffic as controls were used. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were analyzed in peripheral blood lymphocytes drawn from both subjects. The results expressed as mean SCEs/cell was found significantly ( p<0.001) higher in traffic policemen (10.62±0.57) compared to the unexposed control subjects (6.49±0.31). These subjects were divided further into two sub-groups such as smokers and alcohol consumers which were not influence the incidence of SCEs/cell. However, a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference was observed between smokers and alcohol consumers than that of control subjects. This is the first studyof the risk assessment of Chennai city traffic police exposed to vehicular pollution.

Delonix regia and Casuarina equisetifolia as passive biomonitors and as bioaccumulators of atmospheric trace metals

The suitability of two common and ubiquitously distributed and exotic ornamental plant species in Nigeria– Delonix regia and Casuarina equisetifolia as biomonitors and as effective bioaccumulators of atmospheric trace metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) has been evaluated. Bark and leaf samples from these plant species were collected in June and July 2006 at five locations in Benin City. Four of the sampling sites were in areas of high traffic density and commercial activities, the fifth site is a remote site, selected to act as a control and also to provide background information for the metals. The plant samples were collected and processed using standard procedures and trace metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. The bark of the plants was able to bioaccumulate the trace metals, especially Pb which originates from anthropogenic contributions in the city. The Pb range of 20.00–70.00 μg/g measured for the bark samples of D. regia, exceeded the normal plant Pb concentration of 0.2–20.0 μg/g and most Pb data available in literature. The bark of the plants was observed to accumulate more metals compared to the leave, while D. regia was found to be slightly better than C. equisetifolia in trace metal uptake efficiency. Spatial variations in the distributions of Pb and Zn were significant ( p < 0.05), and the continuous use of leaded fuel in Nigeria was identified as the predominant source of Pb in the atmosphere.

Exposure of acid aerosol for schoolchildren in metropolitan Taipei

Metropolitan Taipei, which is located in the subtropical area, is characterized by high population and automobile densities. For convenience, most primary schools are located near major roads. This study explores the exposure of acid aerosols for schoolchildren in areas in Taipei with different traffic densities. Acid aerosols were collected by using a honeycomb denuder filter pack sampling system (HDS). Experimental results indicated that the air pollutants were significantly correlated with traffic densities. The ambient air NO 2, SO 2, HNO 3, NO 3 −, SO 4 2−, and aerosol acidity concentrations were 31.3 ppb, 4.7 ppb, 1.3 ppb, 1.9 μg m −3, 18.5 μg m −3, and 49.5 nmol m −3 in high traffic density areas, and 6.1 ppb, 1.8 ppb, 0.9 ppb, 0.7 μg m −3, 8.8 μg m −3 and 14.7 nmol m −3 in low traffic density areas. The exposure levels of acid aerosols for schoolchildren would be higher than the measurements because the sampling height was 5 m above the ground. The SO 2 levels were low (0.13–8.03 ppb) in the metropolitan Taipei. However, the SO 4 2− concentrations were relatively high, and might be attributed to natural emissions of sulfur-rich geothermal sources. The seasonal variations of acid aerosol concentrations were also observed. The high levels of acidic particles in spring time may be attributed to the Asian dust storm and low height of the mixture layer. We conclude that automobile contributed not only the primary pollutants but also the secondary acid aerosols through the photochemical reaction. Schoolchildren were exposed to twice the acid aerosol concentrations in high traffic density areas compared to those in low traffic density areas. The incidence of allergic rhinitis of schoolchildren in the high traffic density areas was the highest in spring time. Accompanied by high temperature variation and high levels of air pollution in spring, the health risk of schoolchildren had been observed.

Monitoring of heavy metal levels in roadside dusts of Thessaloniki, Greece in relation to motor vehicle traffic density and flow

In recent years, the level of heavy metal pollution in urban areas has been of considerable concern. The principal source has been attributed to the motor vehicle and increasing inner city congestion, which has lead to a change and enlargement of transport stop-start zones. These areas of high traffic density are associated with an increased release of heavy metals into the adjacent residential or commercial areas. Seventy-five roadside dust samples were collected throughout the inner city and by-pass motorway areas of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Samples were taken from arterial, major and minor roads, as well as the ring road, to compare and contrast the levels of heavy metals, namely Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn and Pb. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) was developed to quantitatively determine concentrations of both total element and geochemical fractionation, within the two dust particulate fraction sizes <75 microm and 75-125 microm. Acid digestion using Aqua Regia (3:1 conc. HCl:HNO(3)) was employed for the total elemental analysis, a method that was validated through the use of certified reference materials (CRM). Fractionation studies involved a three-step sequential extraction method performed on five selected samples (representatives of high, mid and low total elemental concentrations). The resultant solutions were analysed for lead and zinc levels to ascertain fractionation throughout the different geochemical fractions, thus assessing bioavailability.It was found that congestion/stop-start traffic patterns did influence and have led to increased levels of heavy metal deposition along inner city roads compared to levels observed on the new relief ring road. Dust particulate fraction sizes were only found to show statistically significant differences in cadmium and manganese, at the probability P < 0.001 or 99.9% confidence limit. Both Cd and Mn showed higher total levels in the smaller fraction sizes (<75 microm), implying that their major release source is exhaust emissions. There were no significant differences in the other elements, at the P > 0.05 or 95% confidence limit. Road type was seen to have little affect on cadmium and manganese, though lead, copper and zinc were all found to show higher levels on the inner city routes. This can be related back to the wear-and-tear of vehicle components as a result of the stop-start traffic patterns (brake pads etc). Both Pb and Zn have shown to be in chemical forms that are bio available to ecosystems.