Title : Assessment of particulate matter exposure in in-vehicle microenvironments across urban traffic routes of Patna during winter season
Abstract:
Traffic emission is a major source of air pollution in urban areas of the developing world, significantly impacting environmental quality and posing serious public health concerns. In this study, we examined the PM2.5 (≤2.5 µm) concentrations across two microenvironments (ME’s), namely, in-vehicle (closed window with air conditioning) and open-window (without air conditioning) along major traffic routes in Patna during winter. The monitoring was carried out along five major routes from December 2023 to January 2024 using portable real-time air quality monitoring instruments. The results indicated that average PM2.5 concentrations were 1.2–2.7 times higher under open-window conditions (without air conditioning) than under closed-window conditions (with air conditioning) across the five routes. The results further indicate significant spatial variability in PM?.? concentrations, with notably higher concentrations observed along congested routes from Dakbungalow to Saguna More in Patna, falling within the “Very Unhealthy” air quality category. However, comparatively lower concentrations were observed along less congested routes from Digha Rotary to Gaighat in Patna. Across all routes, pollutant levels remained consistently higher under open-window conditions, underscoring the protective effect of enclosed in-vehicle environments. The study highlights the need for improved traffic management and promotion of cleaner transport systems in Patna.
Keywords: Air pollution, Particulate matter, in-vehicle (closed window with air conditioning) and open window (without air condition), urban city
