Influence of traffic and land use on pollutant transport pathways

Abstract

This chapter discusses the influence of traffic and land use factors on atmospheric pollutants build-up, dry and wet deposition and build-up on urban surfaces. Heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were the focus of discussion in this chapter as these pollutants are ubiquitous in the urban environment, being commonly associated with traffic and anthropogenic activities common to urban areas and are toxic to human and ecosystem health. The research outcomes presented in this chapter confirm the influential role played by atmospheric pollution in stormwater pollution. The study outcomes also highlight the linkage between pollutants species with their potential sources and influential factors. Furthermore, the linkages between pollutants in the atmospheric phase, depositions and build-up on urban surfaces are also identified. For example, Zn was found to be the most abundant heavy metal element present in atmospheric build-up, atmospheric deposition and build-up on road surfaces, whilst light molecular weight PAHs have a higher concentration and spatial variability in both, atmospheric and road surface phases. The analysis also highlighted the influence exerted by heavy duty vehicle traffic on pollution in the urban environment, particularly in industrial land use areas. The knowledge created will contribute to informed decision making for minimising urban stormwater pollution and thereby safeguarding the urban water environment. In addition, these outcomes can also be applied in urban transport planning in order to enhance urban liveability.