Temporal Variations and Spatial Distribution of Air Pollutants in Shaoxing, a City in Yangtze Delta, China Based on Mobile Monitoring Using a Sensor Package

Abstract

Currently, traffic-related sources are considered to be one of the major contributors to air pollutants in urban areas. As the number of motor vehicles increases, the impact of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) on human health has also increased in recent years. People are easily exposed to TRAPs in their daily lives. However, long-term exposure to TRAPs can have adverse health effects. Mobile monitoring is more flexible compared to traditional urban monitoring stations and can effectively obtain the spatial variation characteristics of air pollutants. We mounted a sensor package on an electric bicycle and conducted mobile measurements of CO, NO2 and SO2 on a circular road in the center of Shaoxing, a city in the center of the Yangtze Delta, China. The CO, NO2 and SO2 concentrations were observed to be higher in the morning and evening rush hours, and the three pollutants show different seasonal and spatial variation characteristics. CO concentration was higher in urban arterial and crossroads. NO2 concentration was variable, alternating between high and low concentrations. SO2 concentration was relatively stable and aggregated. This study provides important information on the spatial and temporal variations of TRAPs, which helps commuters understand how to effectively reduce pollutant exposure during personal travel.