A Module for Calculating Pollutant Mass Emissions Produced by Traffic Flows

Abstract

Introduction. Road transportation is increasingly becoming the main source of air pollution in cities. The problem of assessing air quality and modeling the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere requires improved models and methods. In particular, modern literature justifies the need to estimate the presence of particulate matter in the atmosphere along with the components of exhaust gases. Air pollution in residential zones should be comprehensively assessed using algorithmic and software support, taking the main factors of pollution into account.Aim. Development of an algorithm and its software implementation for calculating pollutant mass emissions released by traffic flows. The developed algorithm can be used for modeling the level of urban pollution.Materials and methods. The approaches of measurement theory, systems theory, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling were applied.Results. The methods currently used for assessing the impact of urban road network characteristics on air pollution levels were analyzed. The existing approaches to road classification were considered. Significant characteristics affecting pollutant emissions were identified, including those related to road construction, traffic flows, and urban environment. An algorithm and a software module for calculating pollutant mass emissions released by traffic flows were developed.Conclusion. The developed module for calculating pollutant mass emissions released by traffic flows comprises an integral part of a system for modeling atmospheric air pollution in urban residential areas. The developed software can be used in environmental monitoring, assessment, and forecasting of air pollution to identify areas of concern and implement effective managerial solutions.