Emission factors from road dust resuspension in a Mediterranean freeway

• Published in: Atmospheric environment (1994) 2012-12, Vol.61, p.580-587
• Main Authors: Amato, F., Karanasiou, A., Moreno, T., Alastuey, A., Orza, J.A.G., Lumbreras, J., Borge, R., Boldo, E., Linares, C., Querol, X.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; at-risk population; atmospheric chemistry; Atmospheric pollution; Automobiles; Automotive engineering; Brake metals; cities; Deposition flux; Dust; Elemental carbon; Emission; Emission analysis; emissions factor; Estimates; Exact sciences and technology; Freeways; heavy metals; highways; Mineral dust; Organic carbon; particulate emissions; PM10; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Roads; samplers; Traffic; Transports
• ISSN: 1352-2310; 1873-2844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.07.065

Particulate matter emissions from paved roads are currently one of the main challenges for a sustainable transport in Europe. Emissions are scarcely estimated due to the lack of knowledge about the resuspension process severely hampering a reliable simulation of PM and heavy metals concentrations in large cities and evaluation of population exposure. In this study the Emission Factors from road dust resuspension on a Mediterranean freeway were estimated per single vehicle category and PM component (OC, EC, mineral dust and metals) by means of the deployment of vertical profiles of passive samplers and terminal concentration estimate. The estimated PM10 emission factors varied from 12 to 47 mg VKT−1 (VKT: Vehicle Kilometer Traveled) with an average value of 22.7 ± 14.2 mg VKT−1. Emission Factors for heavy and light duty vehicles, passenger cars and motorbikes were estimated, based on average fleet composition and EPA ratios, in 187–733 mg VKT−1, 33–131 VKT−1, 9.4–36.9 VKT−1 and 0.8–3.3 VKT−1, respectively. These range of values are lower than previous estimates in Mediterranean urban roads, probably due to the lower dust reservoir on freeways. PM emitted material was dominated by mineral dust (9–10 mg VKT−1), but also OC and EC were found to be major components and approximately 14–25% and 2–9% of average PM exhaust emissions from diesel passenger cars on highways respectively. ► Emission factors were estimated for vehicle categories and PM components. ► Values were lower than previous estimate at typical urban roads. ► Mineral dust dominates the emitted mass, but important OC and EC emissions were found. ► An alternative activity approach to the VKT is discussed.