Integration of GIS, Traffic Volume, Vehicular Speed and Road Grades Related-Air Pollution in Amman

Abstract

This study involves field data and analytical technique into spatially map air pollution levels on account of traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and grades of roads at relatively high traffic volumes signalized intersections in Amman; capital of Jordan . The study was conducted by collecting traffic and air pollution data at twelve locations in four streets, each street located in a different zone. Also the data collection process was conducted at many highly jam traffic time periods. The highest air pollution level was measured at 7th circle in Abdullah Gosheh street, where was the maximum Average traffic volume. And the least air pollution level of the studied areas was at Anas Bin Malek Street which is located in Ras Al-Ain zone , so that it can be an acceptable residential area. Results showed clearly that the highest air pollution levels found near traffic signals and at the stop lines of them, and theses concentrations decrease while being more far from traffic signals. Also, increasing in road gradients leads to a decrease in speed of vehicles, this leads to an increase in the pollutants concentrations. The highest air pollution concentrations were 0.7, 0.6, 9.9, and 0.6 (in ppm) of NO2, SO2, CO and SPM respectively. The R-square value, square of relative coefficient, of the relationships between NO2, SO2, CO & SPM concentrations and traffic volume were approximately: 0.9135, 0.8822, 0.8977, and 0.8934 respectively. It is noticed that traffic volume is the most significant factor that affects SO2, NO2, CO & SPM concentrations. This research has illustrated that the pollutants’ concentrations are larger than recommended concentrations of World Health Organization (WHO) in most locations of the studied areas, and that showing a necessity for a standard air quality monitoring, traffic management arrangement and effective procedures should be followed to reduce the resulted pollution.