A methodology to estimate benzene concentrations in a town through a traffic model

Sci Total Environ. 2005 Jul 15;347(1-3):272-81. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.12.056. Epub 2005 Feb 19.

Abstract

In this work an approach is presented that describes the changes of benzene concentration in the air, in relation with the special traffic characteristics of a road. The dominant input parameters of the model are traffic density and the vehicle's type distribution according to seven main categories characterized by different emission factors. The dispersion approach used is a semi-empirical relationship that apart from emission rates requires also wind speed and the direction, as well as the geometrical characteristics of the road. The methodology was validated for Ioannina, a Greek medium sized town with special traffic and geographic characteristics presenting high atmospheric pollution values. It is found that the benzene concentrations estimated by the methodology are in a very good agreement with the measurements.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Benzene / analysis*
  • Cities
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Greece
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Motor Vehicles
  • Vehicle Emissions*
  • Wind

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Benzene