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Influence of the public transportation system on the air quality of a major urban center. A case study: Milan, Italy
- Source :
-
Atmospheric Environment . Nov2008, Vol. 42 Issue 34, p7915-7923. 9p. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- A sampling campaign was conducted in the city of Milan, Italy before and during a transportation strike in January 2004. This strike provided a unique opportunity to investigate the influence of public transportation on the air quality in a major metropolitan area. Twenty-four air samples were collected each day around the city on January 2nd, 7th and 9th. The samples were analyzed for methane, carbon monoxide, non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), halocarbons and alkyl nitrates. Significant differences in the mixing ratios were observed among the three days of sampling, with January 2nd showing the lowest concentrations as a result of decreased activity in the city during the holiday season. January 9th showed the highest NMHC concentrations because of increased vehicular activity in the city due to a public transportation strike. This paper investigates the correlation between the increased number of vehicles and decreased air quality because of a reduction in public transportation. Computer simulations were able to reproduce measurements of ozone production during the January 2004 strike and a July 2005 strike. The measurements and simulations suggest that reduced VOC emissions due to the existence of public transportation lowers peak ozone by 11–33% during the summer months. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13522310
- Volume :
- 42
- Issue :
- 34
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Atmospheric Environment
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 34746504
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.07.046