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Current research in NRMRL on the mitigation of near-road air pollution by vegetative and structural barriers
Citation:
HAGLER, G. Current research in NRMRL on the mitigation of near-road air pollution by vegetative and structural barriers. Presented at NRMRL and EPA Ecology NPD web site, RTP, NC, February 15, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
web presentation
Description:
Numerous research studies published in scientific literature have shown that people living, working, and going to school near large roads experience increased adverse health effects. In addition, studies show that air pollution is worse in close proximity to major roadways (e.g., Hagler et al., 2009). In order to understand the effects of traffic emissions on near-road air quality, EPA’s Office of Research and Development has conducted a number of field measurement and modeling studies (e.g., http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/news/082009/news082009.html). EPA is also interested in identifying ways to mitigate the traffic emissions that may pollute populated areas nearby. One option being investigated by EPA researchers is the use of roadside structures, such as vegetative buffers or solid noise barriers, to alter the transport and dispersion of traffic emissions. The hypothesis is that roadside obstacles to air flow causes the polluted air over the roadways to lift and vertically mix, leading to lower concentrations on the ground-level in areas nearby major roads. The surfaces of leaves or structural walls may also serve to remove pollution from the air.