Mitigation of Suspendable Road Dust in a Subpolar, Oceanic Climate

Brian Charles Barr, Hrund Ólöf Andradóttir, Throstur Thorsteinsson and Sigurður Erlingsson
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Brian Charles Barr: Faculty of Earth Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Hrund Ólöf Andradóttir: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Hjardarhagi 2-6, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland
Throstur Thorsteinsson: Faculty of Earth Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
Sigurður Erlingsson: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Hjardarhagi 2-6, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) are a significant source of atmospheric particulate matter and microplastic loading to waterways. Road wear is exacerbated in cold climate by the widespread use of studded tires. The goal of this research was to assess the anthropogenic levers for suspendable road dust generation and climatic conditions governing the environmental fate of non-exhaust particles in a wet maritime winter climate. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the NORTRIP model for the Capital region of Reykjavík, Iceland (64.1° N). Precipitation frequency (secondarily atmospheric relative humidity) governed the partitioning between atmospheric and waterborne PM 10 particles (55% and 45%, respectively). Precipitation intensity, however, increased proportionally most the drainage to waterways via stormwater collection systems, albeit it only represented 5% of the total mass of dust generated in winter. A drastic reduction in the use of studded tires, from 46% to 15% during peak season, would be required to alleviate the number of ambient air quality exceedances. In order to achieve multifaceted goals of a climate resilient, resource efficient city, the most important mitigation action is to reduce overall traffic volume. Reducing traffic speed may help speed environmental outcomes.

Keywords: particulate matter; microplastics; non-exhaust emissions; NORTRIP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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