Vehicular Pollution Research Articles

Real-World Emission Assessment of Diesel Passenger Cars in Urban Traffic: A Comparative Analysis of Compliance with Bharat Stage VI Standards

Urban air pollution, significantly influenced by vehicle emissions, poses severe health risks, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities. This study investigates real-world emissions from diesel-powered passenger cars under mixed traffic conditions, focusing on compliance with Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) standards. Using Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS), emission factors for Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and the combined mass of Hydrocarbons and Oxides of Nitrogen (THC + NOx) were measured. Results revealed exceedances of 75%, 103.75%, and 40.59% for CO, NOx, and THC + NOx, respectively, underscoring inefficiencies in emission control technologies. Variability in emissions was linked to vehicle age, maintenance, driving behaviors, and challenging road conditions. These findings highlight the critical gap between laboratory-tested and real-world emissions, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, advanced emission technologies, and public awareness campaigns. The study offers actionable insights for urban air quality improvement and policy development to reduce vehicular pollution.

The impact of vehicular pollution on soil health in the forest ecosystem of Sonamarg Kashmir Himalayas

This study was taken to evaluate the influence of vehicular pollution on the accumulation of heavy metals and its impact on soil enzymatic activity along the roadside of the Sonamarg forest ecosystem. Soil samples were obtained from three different sites viz., Sonamarg, Baltal, and Thajwas, each comprises of disturbed area (10 mts.) close to roadside and undisturbed area (150 mts.) away from roadside in two seasons (spring and autumn). Soil heavy metal concentration significantly decreased with distance from the roadside. The decrease in the activities of dehydrogenase and urease and soil organic carbon were found in the disturbed area as compared to undisturbed areas. The concentration of zinc (Zn2+) was found to be maximum, followed by nickel (Ni2+), lead (Pb2+), copper (Cu2+), and cadmium (Cd2+) at all the sampling sites. Significant positive correlations were shown by pH with Pb (r = 0.782**), Zn (r = 0.805**), Cu (r = 0.773**), Cd (r = 0.672**) and negative correlations with dehydrogenase activity (r = −0.795**), urease activity (r = −0.825**) and organic carbon (r = −0.764**). Similarly Pb, showed negative correlation with dehydrogenase activity (r = −0.671**,), urease activity (r = −0.673**) and organic carbon (r = −0.860**). A negative correlation was found between Zn and organic carbon (r = −0.821**) as well as between Cu, urease activity (r = −0.632**) and organic carbon (r = −0.757**). The results indicate that vehicular pollution affects the soil quality due to heavy metal contamination in the fragile Sonamarg forest ecosystem.

Vehicular Pollution Modeling: Comparative Analysis of CALINE and ANN based pollution models

Vehicular Pollution Modeling: Comparative Analysis of CALINE and ANN based pollution models

Considerations on the Emission of Legislated and Non-Legislated Air Pollutants Originating From the Combustion of Diesel/Biodiesel Mixtures

Objective: To investigate the variations in the concentration profile of air pollutants emitted by the combustion of diesel and biodiesel mixtures in Brazil. Methodology: A bibliographic review was conducted using academic databases. The main focus of the research was on academic papers that examine mixtures with biodiesel derived from soybean oil, which is most commonly used in Brazil. Results and Discussion: Diesel combustion is a significant source of air pollution. Biodiesel emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering a more sustainable and potentially less polluting option. However, the combustion of these fuels still releases multiple air pollutants that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Conclusion: Monitoring these emissions is essential to understanding the dynamics of air pollution, adopting effective measures to minimize its negative impacts on public health and the environment, and improving strategies to reduce vehicular air pollution.

High-pass filters do not consistently strengthen associations between acoustic indices and avian species richness

High-pass sound filters are a common form of audio manipulation that attenuates or removes low frequency sounds from audio recordings. While high-pass filters are used to reduce anthropogenic noise, there is limited guidance on their optimal application and their effects on acoustic indices—numerical values derived from passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) recordings to summarize acoustic information. Here, we investigated the effects of three high-pass filter treatments (482 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz) on eight commonly implemented acoustic indices and one less-commonly used convolutional neural network metric. Specifically, we used simulated soundscapes with three levels of traffic noise interference and then applied the filter treatments to field recordings collected throughout Illinois, USA during May 2022–July 2023 and derived acoustic indices to further understand these effects. Our analysis revealed that interactions between acoustic filtering and vehicular noise pollution have diverse effects on the nine acoustic indices, both in simulated soundscapes and empirical PAM recordings. In general, a 1 kHz or 2 kHz filter was necessary in order to produce significant changes in acoustic index values. However, none of the applied filtering treatments consistently strengthened correlations between the examined acoustic indices and avian species richness. The Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI), Acoustic Richness Index (AR), and CityBioNet (CB) demonstrated greater resistance to biologically non-informative changes caused by filter implementation, with CB showing a notably higher correlation with species richness compared to the other examined indices. Our findings suggest that ACI, AR, and CB may be better suited to studies of avian species richness in soundscapes with high levels of anthropogenic noise. Future research is needed to establish best practices for acoustic filtering, understand the behavior of acoustic indices under various environmental contexts, and explore alternative methodologies for avian monitoring in human-modified contexts.

A Comparative Study on India’s Green Tax Policies Vis-a-Vis China with Reference to Environmental Justice in the Automobile Industry

As part of green economics, taxes are imposed on emissions of pollutants that adversely impact the environment and public health to reward more innovative, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon resource use. There are still many nation-states testing the concept of green taxation. Many environmental performance indicators place India low on the list of countries with the worst pollution. One of the main sources of pollution is vehicle exhaust. Green taxes will be imposed on older motor vehicles under guidelines released by the Indian government in 2021. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change received the Indian Nationally Determined Contribution Report in 2022. Taxonomies and low-carbon transport systems were prioritized in India, and incentives and tax breaks were offered to encourage the manufacture and use of vehicles that consume more ethanol. Academic discussions and literature on the subject are still lacking among the masses. Researchers intend to analyze the legal and economic measures taken by the Indian Government to curb vehicular pollution against this background. Due to its significant contribution to air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, the automobile industry has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. India and China, for instance, have implemented green tax policies to reduce the automotive sector’s environmental footprint and promote environmental sustainability. These policies are effective, but not all of them address the disproportionate impact of environmental injustice on vulnerable populations. Specifically, this study examines the impact of Indian green tax policies on environmental justice in the automobile industry as compared to those in China. A key aim of this study is to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the green taxation policies adopted by each country in the automotive sector, as well as their implications for achieving environmental justice, by analyzing the scope, enforcement, impact on vulnerable communities, industry implications, and alignment with international commitments.

A Hazardous Duty: Occupational Health Challenges for Traffic Police at Koshi Province

Abstract Background: Traffic police officers are integral to maintaining urban traffic flow and safety, yet their occupational roles expose them to a variety of health hazards. This study investigates the spectrum of occupational health hazards faced by traffic police officers in Koshi Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 175 traffic police officers in Koshi Province. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, physical examinations, and environmental assessments. The study evaluated the prevalence of various health issues and their association with identified occupational hazards. Results: Findings reveal high prevalence rates of respiratory ailments (35%), musculoskeletal disorders (28%), stress and anxiety (40%), hearing impairments (15%), and exposure to vehicular pollutants. Environmental assessments indicated significant levels of noise, particulate matter, and exhaust fumes in traffic hotspots. Statistical analysis identified prolonged exposure duration as significant predictors of adverse health outcomes. Conclusion: Traffic police officers in Koshi Province are susceptible to multiple occupational health hazards, necessitating comprehensive intervention strategies include enhancing protective measures, implementing regular health screenings, and establishing mental health support systems. Keywords: Occupational health hazard, traffic police, Koshi Province

Assessing urban air pollution dynamics: the impact of traffic emissions and urban morphology in Lecce and Bari, Italy

Urban air pollution, exacerbated by vehicular emissions, poses a significant health threat, especially in densely populated areas. This study, part of the PNRR Italian National Center for Sustainable Mobility (MOST), aims to assess the impact of vehicular pollutants in urban environments. Focusing on Lecce and Bari (Italy), the research integrates data from dispersion models and meteorological analyses to evaluate pollutant concentrations. Preliminary analysis of eight urban areas in Lecce and six in Bari reveals trends in PM10 concentrations influenced by urban morphology and wind dynamics. These findings underscore the essential role of sustainable mobility strategies in mitigating urban air pollution and promoting healthier urban environments.

Environmental Health Assessment by Local Environmental Justice Experts for Evidence-based Decision-making in an Agricultural Community of Northern California.

Environmental justice research driven by academics and policymakers often overlooks the valuable insights and leadership of the communities most impacted by environmental hazards. When institution-led research approaches are employed, inadequate community ownership and limited institutional accountability hinder the effectiveness of environmental public health interventions. In contrast, a community-owned and -managed approach to environmental justice research can guide community members in developing evidence-based interventions. This paper outlines a community-led environmental health assessment survey (sample= 100) and resulting community actions over six years (2017 to 2023) in a Northern California farmworker community with a perceived high prevalence of cancer and exposure to environmental hazards in households, neighborhoods, and job sites. Local resident experts in Knights Landing, CA, documented community risk factors and exposures in collaboration with interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student-researchers. The survey instrument focused on environmental hazards identified by local resident experts including vehicular and agricultural pollution, occupational pesticide contact, and sun exposure. Survey findings highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce environmental health risks, such as academic outreach programs, county investments in public services, and community-led mutual aid initiatives. Despite academic reservations about our non-random sampling method and data collection by local resident experts, our project sparked substantial actions and investments with minimal personnel and financial resources. Local leaders working with student-researchers developed more effective environmental public health interventions through a community-owned and -managed approach that went beyond the efforts of local regulatory and research institutions.

An Evaluation of the Vehicular Pollution Law in India

An Evaluation of the Vehicular Pollution Law in India

Concentrations and Oxidative Potential of PM2.5 and Black Carbon Inhalation Doses at US–Mexico Port of Entry

Located between Mexico and the US, the San Ysidro/El Chaparral Land Port of Entry (SYPOE) is one of the busiest border crossings in the world. People with activities at the SYPOE are exposed to vehicular pollutants, especially particles with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC), both associated with adverse health effects. This study presents the first PM2.5 and BC concentration measurements collected on the Mexican side of the SYPOE. The oxidative potential (OP) for PM2.5 and the inhalation dose of BC for people at the border were also evaluated. Autumn and winter showed the highest PM2.5 concentrations (at 28.7 μg m−3 and 28.2 μg m−3, respectively). BC concentration peaked in the winter of 2017 (at 5.7 ± 6 μgm−3), demonstrating an increase during periods with low wind speeds. The highest OPDTT of PM2.5 was reached in winter, with a value of 18.5 pmol min−1 µg−1 (0.6 nmol min−1m−3). The highest average daily inhalation dose for pedestrians was registered in the autumn of 2018 (5.9 μg for a 60-min waiting time), whereas, for workers, it was in the winter of 2017 (19 μg for a 10-h shift on average). Decreasing waiting times for pedestrians and adjusting work schedules for border workers on high concentration days could ameliorate environmental justice.

Assessing the Influence of Vehicular Traffic-Associated Atmospheric Pollutants on Pulmonary Function Using Spirometry and Impulse Oscillometry in Healthy Participants: Insights from Bogotá, 2020–2021

Air pollution, particularly from particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (eBC), has been implicated in airway pathologies. This study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to these pollutants and respiratory function in various populations, including healthy individuals, while seeking an accurate assessment method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bogotá, evaluating respiratory function in the users of bicycles, minivans, and buses through spirometry and impulse oscillometry. Measurements were taken along two main avenues, assessing the PM2.5 and eBC concentrations. The results reveal higher pollutant levels on AVE KR 9, correlating with changes in oscillometry values post-travel. Cyclists exhibited differing pre- and post-travel values compared to bus and minivan users, suggesting aerobic exercise mitigates pollutant impacts. However, no statistically significant spirometry or impulse oscillometry variations were observed among routes or modes. Public transport and minivan users showed greater PM2.5 and eBC exposure, yet no significant changes associated with environmental contaminants were found in respiratory function values. These findings underscore the importance of further research on pollutant effects and respiratory health in urban environments, particularly concerning different transport modes.

An Assessment of the Contribution of Vehicular Traffic to Ambient Air Quality - A Case Study of Nairobi Expressway Corridor

Abstract In this study, the vehicular air pollution from the Nairobi Expressway corridor was estimated by simulation using AERMOD dispersion model. The Vehicle Kilometer Travelled (VKT), emission factors, and traffic data were used to estimate the pollutants from vehicular traffic.. The highest modelled 24-hour and annual concentrations of PM2.5 were 0.274 µg/m3 and 0.152 µg/m3, whereas the highest 24-hour and annual concentrations of PM10 were 0.405 µg/m3 and 0.225 µg/m3, respectively. The maximum 24-hour and annual concentrations of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs) were 20.8 µg/m3 and 11.5 µg/m3, respectively, whereas the maximum 8-hour and annual concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) were 319 µg/m3 and 177 µg/m3, respectively. The highest modeled 24-hour and annual concentrations of NO2 were 28.2 µg/m3 and 15.7 µg/m3, respectively. The 24-hour average measured TVOCs values showed that Nairobi expressway traffic contributed 3.5 percent to the measured TVOCs concentration value, but CO accounted for 55 percent of the measured value. According to the simulated PM2.5 and PM10 concentration values, Nairobi expressway traffic contributed 1.1 and 1.6 percent, respectively, to the 24-hour average measured concentration levels.

Perception and Practices Regarding Stubble Burning in Rural Community of Haryana.

Agricultural emissions pose significant health risks, especially in countries like India with abundant agricultural waste. This study focuses on understanding stubble burning perceptions and practices in rural National Capital Region to inform targeted interventions for sustainable farming practices and improved public health. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the randomly selected households of rural Ballabgarh, Haryana. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on perception and practices on stubble burning. Data were collected in Epicollect 5 and analyzed in STATA 14. Of the 2000 households approached, 1813 responded with a response rate of 90.7%. Around 53% of the study participants believed that vehicular pollution is the main reason for air pollution, and 90% of them were unaware of the Government schemes related to stop stubble burning and with respect to the practices of stubble disposal. Around 70% of the participants mentioned that respiratory illness is the most severe effect of air pollution. The public was mostly unaware of the government's efforts to reduce stubble burning. Health promotion initiatives must be carried out to raise community knowledge about the programs available to combat stubble burning, therefore decreasing air pollution and its health implications.

Dimensions of Pollen Deformities as Bio-Indicator of Vehicular Pollution

Dimensions of Pollen Deformities as Bio-Indicator of Vehicular Pollution

Comparative assessment of a novel 8/18 multi-teeth with conventional 8/10 in-wheel SRM for an E-Scooter

Electric scooters are increasingly gaining popularity in India owing to rising global crude oil prices and rising levels of vehicular pollution. Most of them are currently powered by expensive in-wheel (IW) permanent magnet (PM) brushless DC motors. Owing to their simplicity, and ruggedness while being cost-effective (since they do not employ PMs), switched reluctance motors (SRMs) are a viable alternative. Despite these benefits, SRMs possess drawbacks such as low torque density and inferior efficiency. Recently, a multi-teeth (MT) SRM with an improved performance was reported. However, the design of MTSRM topologies and their electromagnetic performance have not been explored sufficiently. In this paper, a design formula governing the selection of the number of MT and rotor poles for MTSRMs has been proposed. Using this, a novel four-phase 8/18 IW-MTSRM is derived and proposed for an E-scooter. The characteristics of the proposed SRM are numerically compared with a conventional 8/10 SRM based on magnetic characteristics, efficiencies and steady-state operation for the complete torque-speed range. Results indicate that the proposed 8/18 MTSRM has a higher peak torque capacity, torque density, superior drive cycle efficiency and reduced torque ripple. Further, the FEA model is validated experimentally on a downsized 8/18 MTSRM prototype.

Assessing the urbanization-induced impact on environmental parameters of a city from a remote-sensing perspective

An unplanned urban sprawl is a significant challenge for cities in developing nations. Such growth damages the environmental fabric (quality) of the city. The environmental parameters that are mainly affected due to urbanization need to be monitored for sustainable urban development. Hence, it becomes essential to adopt a sustainable framework for a thorough critical examination of environmental parameters that are altered due to urbanization as its consequence. Thus, this paper analyses the spatial-temporal changes that occurred in three vital environmental parameters: Land Surface Temperature (LST), Vegetation Cover (VC), and Particulate Matter (PM2.5), due to unplanned urbanization in the Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh state in India. The study evaluates the relationship among these parameters. Then, an Environmental Quality Index (EQI) is quantified from 2000 to 2020 to analyse the environmental quality of the city. Further, a trend analysis for these parameters and the EQI is done. Based on the results of EQI, the city's environmental quality is classified. The findings show that in various parts of the city, LST and PM2.5 were found to be increased by 1–2 °C and 23–25 μg/m3, respectively. The severity analysis of the EQI revealed that environmental quality was found to be good to moderate in 2005 whereas, it deteriorated to poor and very poor levels by the year 2020. Overall results show that severe environmental degradation was significant in some specific locations in dense urbanization, heavy traffic areas, industrial zones, and major highways. The research reveals the environmental consequences of unplanned urbanization, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban designers to improve the quality of urbanization and advance sustainable development. It also suggests strategies and policy interventions for managing industrial and vehicular pollutants and advocates the vital role of urban greening, which can aid in raising the quality of the urban environment.

Characterization and Quantification of Vehicular Emissions in Abuja Municipality-Implications for Public Health.

Air pollution from vehicular emission and other sources accounts for over seven million global deaths annually and contributes significantly to environmental degradation, including climate change. Vehicular emission is not prioritized for control in Nigeria, thus undermining public health and the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11 and 13. This study aims to characterize vehicular emissions in Abuja municipality and quantify exhaust air pollutants of commonly used vehicles. Cross-sectional exhaust emissions study of vehicles in Abuja Municipal Area Council. Information on the type and age, fuel type, purchase and use category of 543 vehicles on routine Annual Road Worthiness Test at the Computerized Test Center, Abuja. Exhaust levels of CO, CO2 HCHO and PM10 were measured using hand-held devices. IBM SPSS version 26.0.0.0 (2019) statistical software. Toyota brand comprised 52.5% of the vehicles. Over 80% were older than 10 years; 85.5% preowned and 87.3% used for private purposes. PMS was the dominant fuel used (91.1%). Except PM10, older vehicles emitted higher levels of the measured pollutants than newer ones. The differences were significant for CO and HCHO. Diesel-fueled and commercial vehicles also emitted higher levels of CO, HCHO and PM10 compared to PMS-fueled and private vehicles respectively. Strong regulatory policies that discourage over-aged vehicles; speedy adoption of the ECOWAS guidelines on cleaner fuels and emission limits; and coordinated implementation of effective Inspection & Monitoring programme by relevant government agencies are required to safeguard public health and the environment. We also recommend the introduction of vehicles powered by alternative energy, use of bicycles, designation of one-way traffic and pedestrian zones. Reducing the threats to the public's health from vehicular air pollution in Abuja municipality requires strong policy and coordinated monitoring programs for effective control.

Road Traffic Pollution, Motor Driving Occupation and Human Reproductive Health- An Overview

Generally, automobile vehicles discharge specific contaminants into the surrounding environment during operation, which might affect human and reproductive health. Additionally, a more extended period of sitting while driving is linked with the manifestation of heat in the pelvic region, which might also impact the driver’s semen quality. The data on motor traffic pollution, sitting posture duration while driving, and their impact on reproduction was collected by searching various websites. The data on the effects of traffic-related contamination on motorway tollgate workers indicated an alteration in semen quality parameters to some extent compared to control, i.e., nonexposed to traffic-connected pollution. Still, the data on other male reproductive endpoints are scanty. Some data on the impact of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on pregnancy outcomes are accessible based on the studies mostly carried out in women residing close to the main road, which suggests the adverse impact of TRAP on pregnancy outcomes. The comprehensive data on drivers with reverence to professional driving i.e., long duration of sitting while driving and reproductive health, is scanty and needs more studies. The available information suggests that vehicular pollution might affect the semen quality and pregnancy outcome to some extent. At the same time, the impact on the other reproductive endpoints of both sexes is inconsistent, and additional data is needed to conclude these aspects of human reproduction. Further, there is a need to adopt better efficient fuel engines to reduce TRAPs or use alternate technology or fuel to petrol/diesel.

On the Use of Biofuels for Cleaner Cities: Assessing Vehicular Pollution through Digital Twins and Machine Learning Algorithms

The air pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), is a significant environmental concern that impacts air quality and contributes to global warming. The transportation sector plays a pivotal role in this issue, being a major contributor to CO2 emissions. In light of this situation, this article proposes a methodology that utilizes a supervised learning algorithm to estimate CO2 emissions and compare vehicles fueled with ethanol and gasoline. Additionally, the solution adopts an online, unsupervised machine learning algorithm to identify data outliers and improve the confidence in the results. Furthermore, this work incorporates the concept of digital twins, using virtual models of vehicles to carry out more extensive pollution simulations and allowing the simulation of various types of vehicles and the modeling of realistic traffic scenarios. A supervised machine learning approach was adopted to infer emission data in the model, allowing more comprehensive and meaningful comparisons between real-world and simulated measurements. The performed analyses of pollution emissions for different speeds and sections of routes demonstrate that CO2 emissions from ethanol were significantly lower than those from gasoline, favoring more sustainable fuels even in combustion engine vehicles. Adopting cleaner fuels is perceived as crucial to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, with plant-based fuels like ethanol being crucial during the transition from fossil fuels to a more sustainable vehicular landscape.