Levels of PM2.5 in Great Mendoza (Argentina) and its impact on bicyclists

MARIA FLORENCIA TAMES; PULAFITO ENRIQUE SALVADOR; JOSEFINA URQUIZA; ARIEL SCAGLIOTTI

On - line

Congreso; 16th IGAC Scientific Conference Atmospheric Chemistry from a Distance: Real Progress through Virtual Interaction; 2021

International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main air pollutants in cities being its primary source the vehicular traffic emission. Many cities are promoting the use of bicycles as a decarbonized transportation mode, motivated by a range of environmental, economic, health, and social benefits. But cyclists are exposed to air pollutants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate PM2.5 concentrations in Great Mendoza to determine the health impact on bicyclists, using low-cost PM2.5 sensors and WRF-CALPUFF modeling. University student volunteers belonging to UTN-FRM carried OpenSeneca equipment on their bicycles, mounted with SPS30 sensors and GPS, during their rides in Great Mendoza during August and September 2019, thus collecting geolocated PMconcentration data in the city. The information was organized with a GIS system and modeled with WRF-CALPUFF, in a 23 km x 30 km modelling domain, with 350 resolution grid. The PM2.5 Inhaled Dose in real time was calculated, for each lap of the route discriminating city zones. The results show an hourly profile in the city, with PM2.5 levels higher in the midday hours and in the evening at sunset, and higher PM2.5 levels on main streets, to which cyclists are exposed. These findings provide valuable information for deciding the design of future bikeways.