The Dispersion of Traffic Related Pollutants Across a Non-Homogeneous Street Canyon

Abstract

Traffic emissions are measured at several locations along and across a non-homogeneous symmetrical street canyon in Nicosia, with a single off-centre traffic lane. Under several background wind conditions, CO concentrations were higher on the pavement near the traffic lane at various locations and heights within the street, as opposed to predicted flow regimes for street canyons in these winds. The levels of pollution experienced at ground level, depending greatly on street geometry and local wind conditions, are affected by the location of the traffic lanes, and thus might exceed safe pollution levels for long periods in time.