Particles in road and railroad tunnel air
Overview
Background & policy context:
High levels of air pollution are a common problem in both road and railroad tunnels. However, sources and emission processes differ significantly, as reflected by the physical and chemical properties of the two aerosols. As particle concentrations and properties affect exposure of and health effects for people on platforms and in vehicles, effective ways to reduce emissions and exposure are important.
Objectives:
This study aims to improve the knowledge of the differences between PM10 in the rail and road tunnel environments, their sources and the possibilities to address problems with high particulate levels.
Methodology:
Measurement campaigns were carried out at Arlanda Central, a railroad tunnel station below Arlanda airport and in Söderleden road tunnel, a road tunnel in central Stockholm.
Measurements included particle concentrations, size distributions, size resolved element content, NOx, and organic and elemental carbon. Traffic and meteorology were measured and/or collected from existing databases.
In Söderleden road tunnel, the campaign (non-intentionally) included both a period that was mainly wet and one that was dry. This gave the opportunity to study the differences in the importance of suspension to the contribution to particle levels.
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