• Title/Summary/Keyword: Urban roadsides

Search Result 17, Processing Time 0.026 seconds

Vehicle-related Fine Particulate Air Pollution in Seoul, Korea

  • Bae, Gwi-Nam;Lee, Seung-Bok;Park, Su-Mi
    • Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
    • /
    • v.1 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-8
    • /
    • 2007
  • Vehicle exhaust is a dominant source of air pollutants in urban areas. Since people are easily exposed to vehicle exhaust particles while driving a car and/or traveling via public transportation, air pollution near traffic has been extensively studied in developed countries. In this paper, investigations on vehicle-related fine particulate air pollution at roadsides and on roads in Seoul, Korea were reviewed to understand air pollution near traffic. Comparison of $PM_{10}$ concentrations in Seoul showed that roadside air is more contaminated than urban air, implying that exposure levels near vehicular emissions are more critical to sensitive persons. Concentrations of ultrafine particles and BC (black carbon) at roadsides of Seoul fluctuate highly for short durations, responding to traffic situations. Diurnal variations of ultrafine particles and BC concentrations at roadsides seem to be affected by traffic volume, mixing layer height, and wind speed. Concentrations of ultrafine particles and BC decrease as distance from the road increases due to dilution during transport. On-road air pollution seems to be more severe than roadside air pollution in Seoul. Since nearby traffic air pollution has not been well understood in Seoul, further studies including various vehicular air pollutants and representative locations are needed.

A Study on a Permissible Range of the Indicators to Manage Streetscapes by Dynamic Simulation - Focusing on Shape and Layout of Buildings - (동적 시뮬레이션에 의한 도시가로경관 관리지표의 허용범위 연구 - 건축물 형태 및 배치를 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Doo-Wun;Byeon, Jae-Sang;Im, Seung-Bin
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
    • /
    • v.35 no.6
    • /
    • pp.74-83
    • /
    • 2008
  • As urban residents' standard of living has recently risen, efforts to improve urban landscapes have increased. It is very important to manage streetscapes to improve the urban landscape because they are one of the essential elements in city construction and urban landscaping. This study focuses on the indicators that manage streetscapes more accurately and realistically. To achieve this purpose, this study used dynamic simulations considering shape and layout of buildings, the primary factors in streetscapes. This study can be summarized as follows: 1. Two indicators to manage streetscape were investigated in previous studies: one to increase visual openness and the other to reduce visual overstimulation. These indicators had high correlation with scenic beauty. Therefore, increasing openness and reducing overstimulation are essential to improve streetscapes. 2. Two household tower type buildings should be arranged along roadsides to increase openness and scenic beauty. However, low tower buildings with two household are not suitable along roadsides because they create monotony and intervals are needed between buildings. 3. To increase openness, the angled arrangement of buildings is suggested $75^{\circ}{\sim}90^{\circ}(105^{\circ}{\sim}135^{\circ})$ for low buildings, $30^{\circ}{\sim}45^{\circ}(135^{\circ}{\sim}150^{\circ})$ for mid-sized buildings, and $75^{\circ}{\sim}90^{\circ}(105^{\circ}{\sim}135^{\circ})$ for high buildings. 4. To reduce overstimulation, the height and setback control regulations should be at an angle of less than $45^{\circ}$. This study suggests more accurate management guidelines by organizing the indicators that could effectively manage streetscapes and by overcoming limitations of reality shown in a static simulation.

Distribution of Taraxacum in the Western Area of Kyonggido, Korea (경기도 서부 일원의 민들레속 식물의 분포)

  • 박헌우;박인근
    • The Korean Journal of Ecology
    • /
    • v.20 no.1
    • /
    • pp.1-8
    • /
    • 1997
  • This study was conducted to investigate the distributions of the native and introduced dandelins in the western Kyonggido area and to determine the environmental factor influencing distribution of dandelions. One hundered and thirty seven study sites were randomly selected along roadsides in urban areas, arable lands, apartment areas and industry regions, and vegetation, dandelion's seed characters and soil acidity were sureyed. Throughout the areas the introduced dandelions were more widely distributed than the native ones. The native dandelions were scarcely distributed in the developed areas and roadsides. The introduced dandelions were dominantly distributed in the new environments where soils were alkalized by the trban development, road pavement, and construction of new buildings, while the native ones were mostly distributed in the rural area with weakly acid soil. The seed production of the introduced ones were two times more than that of the native ones. The seed of the introduced ones were lighter than that of the native ones. The introduced ones yield seeds more than four times a year. These results suggested the urbanization and the seed characters to bet the two dominant factors influencing the distribution of dandelions.

  • PDF

Involvement of leaf characteristics and wettability in retaining air particulate matter from tropical plant species

  • Barima, Yao Sadaiou Sabas;Angaman, Djedoux Maxime;N'gouran, Kobenan Pierre;Koffi, N'guessan Achille;Tra Bi, Fidele Zamble;Samson, Roeland
    • Environmental Engineering Research
    • /
    • v.21 no.2
    • /
    • pp.121-131
    • /
    • 2016
  • In most African urban areas, Particulate Matters (PM) concentration exceeds by far the WHO limits. In these areas, plants can play a key role in removing particles. In this study, we evaluated three ornamental species (Jatropha interrigima, Ficus benjamina, Barleria prionitis) used in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Leaf-encapsulated saturation isothermal remnant magnetisation (SIRM) were measured and the relationship between PM captured and leaf wettability were done. The sampling were performed at roadsides and Parks. Firstly, Leaf-encapsulated and total leaf SIRM were quantified and the wettability was determined by drop contact angles (DCA). Secondly, the relationship between leaf SIRM and wettability was found. Results showed that leaf SIRM was two to ten times higher at roadsides than in Parks. Total leaf SIRM was also higher on mature leaves in Main roads suggesting a particle accumulation in leaves over time especially in waxy species (Ficus benjamina). This species encapsulated other than 20% of total leaf SIRM. All tested species were highly-wettable ($40^{\circ}$ < DCA < $90^{\circ}$). Thus, Jatropha interrigima with its leaf trichomes and F. benjamina with its leaf waxes were more wettable. A significantly positive correlation was found between wettability intensity and leaf SIRM.

A Study on Effects of Artificial Structures on Bryophyte Diversity in Urban Greenery

  • Yoshitaka Ohishi;Ukihiro Morimoto
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture International Edition
    • /
    • no.2
    • /
    • pp.109-113
    • /
    • 2004
  • It is important to consider urban parks and greenery not only from the viewpoint of amenity or aesthetics but also from the viewpoint of biodiversity. In this study, we focused on bryophytes (mosses), and analyzed how existence of artificial structures in urban greeney, such as concrete curbs and stone walls, affect species diversity of bryophytes. Kyoto Gyoen in Kyoto City, western Japan, was selected as the study site. In consideration of kinds of substrates on which bryophytes grow, microhabitats of Kyoto Gyoen were divided into ten types including concrete curbs and stone walls. In each type of microhabitats, we selected the area where bryophyte diversity was highest, and established a quadrat for bryophyte flora survey. Our results showed that the number of bryophyte species and growth forms and the value of diversity indices on concrete curbs or stone walls were higher than the averages of those. The bryophyte species were divided into the four groups by TWINSPAN as follows: Group A (epiphyte species), Group B (rocky species), Group C (roadsides, grassland or forest species), and Group D (waterside species). Bryophytes classified into Group B (rocky species) were mainly recorded on concrete curbs or stone walls. It was considered that the existence of artificial structures (concrete curbs and stone walls) provided favorite habitats for the bryophytes classified into Group B (rocky species), which mainly grows on concrete or rocks, and enhanced species diversity of bryophytes in Kyoto Gyoen.

  • PDF

Evaluation Method of Urban Development Location by APEI (Air Pollution Exposure Index) (대기오염 노출지표에 의한 도시개발 입지의 평가에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Ki-Bum;Kwon, Woo-Taeg;Kim, Hyung-Chul
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
    • /
    • v.16 no.4
    • /
    • pp.267-275
    • /
    • 2007
  • In this study, relationship between the air pollution of Siheung city and the relative contribution of automobiles to the city's pollution was evaluated for the first time. Then, new air pollution exposure index was developed through simulation. Using the newly developed index, two different urban development scenarios were compared to present a sustainable urban development plan to reduce air pollution from the land utilization point of view. According to the result of this simulation, air quality of the city was found to be affected significantly by human activities. More populated area showed worse level of air quality. Any development in the city resulted in more automobile activity and deterioration of air quality. This simulation result thus explains that a rapid increase of automobiles accompanied by the land development near local roadsides in the city is the major cause of air pollution in Siheung city. In this study, if urban activities are vigorous in an area with high air pollution, people are more likely to be exposed to air pollutant under the bad environmental conditions. On the other hand, if urban activities are less vigorous in an area with high pollution or if urban activities are vigorous in an area with less pollution, the environmental condition was positive. The APEI (Air Pollution Exposure Index) was developed based on these considerations. Scenarios 1 and 2 were compared and analyzed using APEI. In result, scenario 1 is the case in which land is developed and used in an environmentally favorable manner. From this study, it was proved that the impact of air pollution on human health can be minimized with proper land use. The result form the current study can be used as the basic information to solve problems from improper land utilization and air pollution (by road traffic). It also can be utilized to evaluate air pollution level according to land use and road characteristics and to help to choose the best location of land use to comply with the road function and status.

A Study on the Road Traffic Noise Effect Using a Noise Map - Development of Sihwa Multi Techno Valley - (소음지도를 이용한 도로교통소음에 관한 연구 - 시화멀티테크노밸리 개발사업을 중심으로 -)

  • Jeong, Jea-Hun;Kim, Heung-Man;Kwon, Woo-Taeg;Kim, Hyung-Chol
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
    • /
    • v.18 no.2
    • /
    • pp.89-97
    • /
    • 2009
  • Korean society is faced with various new problems arising from the development projects of new towns, industrial cities, large-scale residential complexes, etc. started from the 1970s. Particularly with the construction of residential and industrial complexes by the roadsides, they are openly exposed to road traffic noise and vibration. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine using noise maps how increasing traffic volume affects road traffic noise and what problems it causes in areas where new towns or complexes are constructed by development projects. According to the results of this study, in areas around the sites of development projects, the noise level increased by road traffic noise compared to that before development and was 1.16~6.92 times higher than the environmental noise standard, but measures to reduce road traffic noise was lukewarm. In addition, areas with soundproof facilities showed a noise level 1~3 step lower than other areas, and in individual buildings, the noise level on the side facing the road was 1~2 step higher than that on the rear side.

Comparative Analyses for the Properties of Surface Soils from Various Land Uses in an Urban Watershed and Implication for Soil Conservation (도시 유역 내에서 토지이용에 따른 표토의 특성 비교 및 표토 보전을 위한 시사점)

  • Park, Eun-Jin;Kang, Kyu-Yi
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
    • /
    • v.12 no.3
    • /
    • pp.106-115
    • /
    • 2009
  • Knowledge about how to stabilize soil structure is essential to conserve soil systems and maintain various biogeochemical processes through soil. In urban area, soil structural systems are degraded with inappropriate management and land use and become vulnerable to erosion. We analyzed the structural changes of surface soils with different land uses, i.e., forests, parks, roadside green area, riparian area, and farmlands (soybean fields), in the Anyang Stream Watershed in order to find the factors influencing the stability of soil structure and the implication for better management of surface soil. Soil organic matter contents of other land use soils were only 18~52% of that in forest soils. Soil organic matter increased the stability of soil aggregates in the order of soybean fields < roadsides < riparian < parks < forests and also reduced soil bulk density (increased porosity). The lowest stability of soybean field soils was attributed to the often disturbance like tillage and it was considered that higher stability of park soils comparing to other land use soils except forests was owing to the covering of soil surface with grass. These results suggest that supply of soil organic matter and protection of soil surface with covering materials are very important to increase porosity and stability of soil structure.

Young Adult Street Vendors and Adverse Respiratory Health Outcomes in Bangkok, Thailand

  • Noomnual, Saisattha;Shendell, Derek G.
    • Safety and Health at Work
    • /
    • v.8 no.4
    • /
    • pp.407-409
    • /
    • 2017
  • Air pollutants of concern include traffic-related air pollution, including particulate matter in respirable coarse and fine size fractions. There are no critical studies to date into associations between knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in using proper respiratory masks and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among urban street vendors in Thailand. In this study, we estimated adverse respiratory health outcomes among street vendors, in particular young adults, in Bangkok, Thailand, using a self-report questionnaire. Street vendors, who were not currently smoking and not having known diagnosed respiratory diseases, were recruited. They were selected from selected roadsides at Chong Nonsi, Bangkok. Participants (n = 30) reported having lower respiratory (50%), upper respiratory (37%), and other symptoms (70%). Also, 53% of participants had never used respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE: masks). Among those using PPE, all used masks not proper for particulate matter. Results suggested knowledge, awareness, and attitudes concerning proper PPE use needs to be increased among street vendors in Bangkok, Thailand.

Foliar Transfer of Dust and Heavy Metals on Roadside Plants in a Subtropical Environment

  • Gajbhiye, Triratnesh;Kim, Ki-Hyun;Pandey, Sudhir Kumar;Brown, Richard J.C.
    • Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
    • /
    • v.10 no.3
    • /
    • pp.137-145
    • /
    • 2016
  • In this study, the contents of dust and associated heavy metals on roadside plants were investigated to assess their foliar transfer. The study was conducted at six different locations (four roadside and two industrial) near an industrial area in Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), India. Six metals (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd) were examined in this study. The concentrations of heavy metals in foliar dust were found to be in the order of Fe>Mn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd. However, this relative order changed in the case of leaf concentrations to Fe>Mn>Cd>Cu>Pb>Cr. The metal concentrations in the dust and leaves can be attributed mainly to industrial and vehicular emissions. In contrast to other metals, Cd showed significant accumulation in the leaves compared to the respective dust samples. This study showed different patterns in the distributions of heavy metals between the dust deposited on the leaves and the metal accumulated in the leaves. These results suggest that the dust retention and heavy metal accumulation in native plant species should be explored in an attempt to manage these hazardous metallic elements.