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Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health

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A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 January 2022) | Viewed by 38706

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Salah Khardi

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Guest Editor

Research Director, Member of the University of Lyon Research Ethics Committee, Transport and Air Pollution-Technological Innovations, Gustave Eiffel University, Campus of Lyon, Lyon, France
Interests: non-exhaust emissions; road transport; air quality and impacts; clean and sustainable cities; energy transition; renewable energy technologies; modeling and numerical simulation; control theory
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nathalie Bernoud-Hubac

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Guest Editor

Laboratoire de Mécanique des Contacts et des Structures (LaMCoS), Université de Lyon, INSA Lyon, CNRS, UMR5259, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: health; chronic diseases; metabolism; lipids; inflammation; oxidative stress; bioengineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your research results for publication in the new Special Issue of the Atmosphere journal. It will be focused on the impacts of transportation systems on air pollution and human health.

Transport systems (road, railway, and aircraft traffic) are the main contributors to poor air quality in the major cities. They have significant impacts on human health and environment in spite of improvements of engine technology, pollutant reduction systems, advanced power-train technologies, and development for alternative and green fuels.

In particular, electric mobility is playing a growing interest in sustainable transport sector development, which aims to reduce adverse health effects in urban and suburban areas. The open literature states that electric vehicles may not reduce levels of the emitted particulate matters as expected. The electrification benefits of transport systems, specially related to road transport, are yet to be confirmed in terms of air quality and human health improvement. Indeed, so far, the electrification processes have not reduced particulate matters being produced by non-exhaust emissions (brakes, tires, road surface and rail abrasion, resuspension, etc.). Their serious human health impacts have to be definitively demonstrated in order to provide further electric mobility enforcement.

Future reliable studies need to be particularly addressed to assess the significant impacts of those pollutant emissions, their bioavailability to induce health disorder (severe respiratory distress, pulmonary diseases, oxidative stress, cancers, etc.) on the exposed transport-users and population living in urban and suburban areas.

We are therefore expecting original papers on the relationship between transport systems and their impacts on human health. Papers should produce new information and methods confirming the latter links, and suggest recommendations to the market switch for electric transport systems.

We look forward to receiving your papers.

Dr. Salah Khardi
Dr. Nathalie Bernoud-Hubac
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

transport systems and electrification
particulate matter
urban and suburban air pollution
air quality
health impacts
respiratory diseases

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health”

by Salah Khardi and Nathalie Bernoud-Hubac

Atmosphere 2022, 13(7), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13071060 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1044

Abstract

Transport systems (road, railway and aircraft traffic) are the main contributors to poor air quality in the major cities [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

Research

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35 pages, 18896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adopting a Whole Systems Approach to Transport Decarbonisation, Air Quality and Health: An Online Participatory Systems Mapping Case Study in the UK

by Alexandra S. Penn, Suzanne E. Bartington, Sarah J. Moller, Ian Hamilton, James G. Levine, Kirstie Hatcher and Nigel Gilbert

Atmosphere 2022, 13(3), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13030492 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5924

Abstract

In a drive to achieve net zero emissions, U.K. transport decarbonisation policies are predominantly focussed on measures to promote the uptake and use of electric vehicles (EVs). This is reflected in the COP26 Transport Declaration signed by 38 national governments, alongside city region governments, vehicle manufacturers and investors. However, emerging evidence suggests that EVs present multiple challenges for air quality, mobility and health, including risks from non-exhaust emissions (NEEs) and increasing reliance on vehicles for short trips. Understanding the interconnected links between electric mobility, human health and the environment, including synergies and trade-offs, requires a whole systems approach to transport policymaking. In the present paper, we describe the use of Participatory Systems Mapping (PSM) in which a diverse group of stakeholders collaboratively constructed a causal model of the U.K. surface transport system through a series of interactive online workshops. We present the map and its analysis, with our findings illustrating how unintended consequences of EV-focussed transport policies may have an impact on air quality, human health and important social functions of the transport system. We conclude by considering how online participatory causal modelling techniques could be effectively integrated with empirical metrics to facilitate effective policy design and appraisal in the transport sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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26 pages, 14035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variation of Air Quality (PM and NO₂) in Southern Paris during COVID-19 Lockdown Periods

by Salem Dahech, Mohamed Ali Abdmouleh and Souad Lagmiri

Atmosphere 2022, 13(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13020289 - 09 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

In urban areas, road transportation is the main source of pollutants, and weather impacts spatiotemporal variation of air quality. In this paper, we demonstrate the spatiotemporal variabilities of particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and NO₂ in the south of Paris, with an emphasis on the comparison of air pollutant levels between COVID-19 lockdown and non-lockdown days according to meteorological conditions. The influence of COVID-19 lockdowns could be region-specific. Thus, it is worthwhile to conduct investigations across different regions and via different methodologies. This manuscript contains data that could be relied upon to evaluate available options for mitigation of urban air pollution. Using Airparif data and mobile survey data collected by Aeroqual 500 sensors, this study confirms that road traffic seems to be the determining factor of air quality in the southern part of Paris. The daily average concentrations of NO₂, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ calculated in 2020 show a strong spatiotemporal variability explained by the type of weather on the one hand and by the proximity of emission sources on the other hand. Mobile surveys show that during lockdowns in 2020, when the weather was stable, in 13th arrondissement of Paris, NO₂ values exceeded 250 µg/m³ with PM₁₀ values over 70 µg/m³, mainly in three locations: the area between Rue Tolbiac and Rue Nationale, along Rue de Chevaleret, and on Boulevard Périphérique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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25 pages, 8651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Characterization and Cell Toxicity Assessment of Particulate Pollutants from Road Traffic Sites in Kano State, Nigeria

by Aishatu Abubakar Sadiq, Salah Khardi, Adina-Nicoleta Lazar, Imam Wada Bello, Samson Polycarp Salam, Aisha Faruk, Mitchell A. Alao, Mickaël Catinon, Michel Vincent and Ana-Maria Trunfio-Sfarghiu

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010080 - 04 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2282 | Correction

Abstract

Emerging African countries are characterized by explosive population growth and urbanization, which threaten environmental sustainability. This study comparatively characterized ambient aerosols and assessed cytotoxicity to facilitate improving health and environmental policy. Twenty-four air samples were collected at high and low-density traffic sites in Kano State using polysulfone and stainless steel filters attached to an automated pump. The physico-chemical properties of particulate matter were determined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). In vitro, their potential toxicity was assessed using macrophages and cell fixation with staining. Results showed 51.7% of particles as PM_2.5, with the highest particle concentration in mixed sites (urban and industrial). Particle classification into four groups by elemental composition and structure showed: sand particles (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mo, Sr, Zr) 30–51%; other fibers 0–3%; other particles (Si, Fe, S, Mo, Zn, and other metals) 22–40%; and silicone-based fibres 23–34%. The abundant elements are: Si, Al, Ca, Ce, Ti, Fe, Cl, Pb, and Mn. The lowest viability on cytotoxicity assessment was recorded in mixed site M2. The majority of households were located within 50 m of air sampling sites. Proximity to traffic sites worsens health, as evidenced in cytotoxicity findings. We recommend improved urban planning and intensification of emissions control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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15 pages, 1429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrification of Road Transport and the Impacts on Air Quality and Health in the UK

by Daniel Mehlig, Huw Woodward, Tim Oxley, Mike Holland and Helen ApSimon

Atmosphere 2021, 12(11), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111491 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3910

Abstract

Currently, many cities in Europe are affected by concentrations of PM_2.5 and NO₂ above the WHO guidelines on the protection of human health. This is a global problem in which the growth of road transport constitutes a major factor. Looking to the future, electric vehicles (EVs) are considered to be the choice technology for reducing road transport greenhouse gas emissions, but their impact on air quality needs to be considered. Taking the UK as a case study, this paper begins by understanding the trajectory of a future scenario without the introduction of EVs, reflecting on the latest emission control improvements in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This is then compared to a 2050 scenario in which the introduction of EVs, based on the UK government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, is reviewed. This plan includes a ban on the sale of ICEV cars and LGVs, beginning in 2030, with the subsequent electrification of heavier vehicles. By 2030, population exposure to NO_x was found to be significantly reduced in the ICEV scenario, with a marginal further reduction found for the EV scenario. The EV scenario further reduced NO_x exposure by 2050, with most of the benefits being realized before 2040. For the ICEV and EV scenario, PM_2.5 emissions were largely unchanged due to the primary contribution of non-exhaust emissions, suggesting that EVs are likely to yield relatively smaller changes in exposure to PM_2.5 than for NO_x. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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16 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Potentially Toxic Elements, Risk Assessments, and Isotopic Compositions (Cu-Zn-Pb) in the PM₁₀ Fraction of Road Dust in Busan, South Korea

by Hyeryeong Jeong and Kongtae Ra

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091229 - 19 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3266

Abstract

The pollution status of ten potentially toxic elements (PTEs), isotopic compositions (Cu, Zn, Pb), and the potential ecological risk posed by them were investigated in the PM₁₀ fraction of road dust in Busan Metropolitan city, South Korea. Enrichment factors revealed extremely to strongly polluted levels of Sb, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu in the PM₁₀ fraction of road dust, with Sb levels being the highest. Statistical analyses showed that the major cause for contamination with PTEs was non-exhaust traffic emissions such as tire and brake wear. Cu and Zn isotopic compositions of road dust were related to traffic-related emission sources such as brake and tires. Pb isotopic compositions were close to that of road paint, indicating that Pb was a different source from Cu and Zn in this study. No significant health risk was posed by the PTEs. Taking into account the total length of road in Busan, a high quantity of PTEs in road dust (PM₁₀) can have serious deleterious effects on the atmospheric environment and ecosystems. The results of metal concentrations and isotopic compositions in road dust will help identify and manage atmospheric fine particle and coastal metal contamination derived from fine road dust. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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16 pages, 3636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Exhaust CO, HC and NOx Emissions from Light-Duty Vehicles under Real Driving Conditions

by Hui Mei, Lulu Wang, Menglei Wang, Rencheng Zhu, Yunjing Wang, Yi Li, Ruiqin Zhang, Bowen Wang and Xiaofeng Bao

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091125 - 31 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6733

Abstract

On-road exhaust emissions from light-duty vehicles are greatly influenced by driving conditions. In this study, two light-duty passenger cars (LDPCs) and three light-duty diesel trucks (LDDTs) were tested to investigate the on-road emission factors (EFs) with a portable emission measurement system. Emission characteristics of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicles at different speeds, accelerations and vehicle specific power (VSP) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that road conditions have significant impacts on regulated gaseous emissions. CO, NOx, and HC emissions from light-duty vehicles on urban roads increased by 1.1–1.5, 1.2–1.4, and 1.9–2.6 times compared with those on suburban and highway roads, respectively. There was a rough positive relationship between transient CO, NOx, and HC emission rates and vehicle speeds, while the EFs decreased significantly with the speed decrease when speed ≤ 20 km/h. The emissions rates of NOx and HC tended to increase and then decrease as the acceleration increased and the peak occurred at 0 m/s² without considering idling conditions. For HC and CO, the emission rates were low and changed gently with VSP when VSP < 0, while emission rates increased gradually with the VSP increase when VSP > 0. For NOx NOx emission rates were lower and had no obvious change when VSP < 0. However, NOx emissions were positively correlated with VSP, when VSP > 0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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25 pages, 7687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Extreme Temperatures and Driving Conditions on Gaseous Pollutants of a Euro 6d-Temp Gasoline Vehicle

by Barouch Giechaskiel, Victor Valverde, Anastasios Kontses, Ricardo Suarez-Bertoa, Tommaso Selleri, Anastasios Melas, Marcos Otura, Christian Ferrarese, Giorgio Martini, Andreas Balazs, Jon Andersson, Zisis Samaras and Panagiota Dilara

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081011 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3561

Abstract

Gaseous emissions of modern Euro 6d vehicles, when tested within real driving emissions (RDE) boundaries, are, in most cases, at low levels. There are concerns, though, about their emission performance when tested at or above the boundaries of ambient and driving conditions requirements of RDE regulations. In this study, a Euro 6d-Temp gasoline direct injection (GDI) vehicle with three-way catalyst and gasoline particulate filter was tested on the road and in a laboratory at temperatures ranging between −30 °C and 50 °C, with cycles simulating urban congested traffic, uphill driving while towing a trailer at 85% of the vehicle’s maximum payload, and dynamic driving. The vehicle respected the Euro 6 emission limits, even though they were not applicable to the specific cycles, which were outside of the RDE environmental and trip boundary conditions. Most of the emissions were produced during cold starts and at low ambient temperatures. Heavy traffic, dynamic driving, and high payload were found to increase emissions depending on the pollutant. Even though this car was one of the lowest emitting cars found in the literature, the proposed future Euro 7 limits will require a further decrease in cold start emissions in order to ensure low emission levels under most ambient and driving conditions, particularly in urban environments. Nevertheless, motorway emissions will also have to be controlled well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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Review

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22 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Ground-Level Ozone Impact in Respiratory Health Deterioration for the Past Two Decades

by Angelo Roldão Soares and Carla Silva

Atmosphere 2022, 13(3), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13030434 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

Background: Ground-level ozone has been gaining notoriety with increasing evidence of its nefarious effects on health, especially respiratory diseases. Where do we stand on the solidity of this data and is there room for improvement? Objectives: Evaluate this evidence for incongruities or heterogeneity in this field of research. How is the exposure assessment conducted, where does Portugal stand in this field, and what can be improved? Health deterioration concerning asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are analysed. Methods: A review of 1735 studies was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar engines for the past two decades. We identified 59 eligible studies and included an array of variables, including O

_{3}

measurements, number of air-quality monitoring stations used, relative risks, odds ratios, hazard ratios, number of hospital admissions, visits, or mortality, and size of population dataset used. Results: Approximately 83% of data in this review presents significant correlations of ozone with asthma, COPD, and ARDS. Studies that report negative or not significant associations mention a lack of data or topographic differences as the main issue with these divergent results. Studies consistently report summer as a period of particular concern. Portuguese data in this field is lacking. Conclusions: This research field is growing in interest and there is evidence that ozone plays a non-negligible role in health deterioration. The few Portuguese studies in this field seem aligned with the literature reviewed but more research is needed. Suggested improvements are more and better data through denser air-quality networks to accurately depict personal exposure to ozone. Homogenization of the exposure assessment concerning averaging times of ozone to daily maximum 8 h averages whenever possible. Risk increments based on 10 ppb instead of interquartile ranges. Lastly, contrary to some studies in this review, the topographic effect on concentrations and health deterioration should not be underestimated and seasonality should always be checked. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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Other

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8 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Fuel-Operated Auxiliary Heaters Are a Major Additional Source of Vehicular Particulate Emissions in Cold Regions

by Panu Karjalainen, Markus Nikka, Miska Olin, Sampsa Martikainen, Antti Rostedt, Anssi Arffman and Santtu Mikkonen

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091105 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4879

Abstract

Fuel-operated auxiliary heaters (AHs) can be notable sources of particle emissions from vehicles. The emissions of AHs are unregulated, and the number of devices is high; therefore, they make considerable contributions to local air quality, and even the global emissions budget. Experiments for studying the emissions were performed in Finland for a total of eight selected vehicles with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) AHs installed, including both diesel- and gasoline-operated heaters. We present the numerical results of particle emissions and compare the particle concentrations in the AH exhaust to values found in the tailpipe exhaust of the same vehicle. Our results show that the emissions from auxiliary heaters are typically several orders of magnitude higher than of a car exhaust when idling. This raises the question of whether the use of heaters is justified based on the goal to reduce total emissions from vehicle use; furthermore, whether fuel-operated heaters should also be applied in electric vehicles for cabin heating. More research will be needed to characterize the emissions more thoroughly to understand the air quality and climate effects from AHs, and to provide further recommendations on the use of these heaters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Transport Systems on Air Pollution and Human Health)

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