Application of a Microscale Emission Factor Model for Particulate Matter to Calculate Vehicle–Generated Contributions to Fine Particulate Emissions

Abstract

This paper discusses the evaluation and application of a new generation of particulate matter (PM) emission factor model (MicroFacPM). MicroFacPM that was evaluated in Tuscarora Mountain Tunnel, Pennsylvania Turnpike, PA shows good agreement between measured and modeled emissions. MicroFacPM application is presented to the vehicle traffic on the main approach road to the Ambassador Bridge, which is one of the most important international border entry points in North America, connecting Detroit, MI, with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. An increase in border security has forced heavy–duty diesel vehicles to line up for several kilometers through the city of Windsor causing concern about elevated concentrations of ambient PM. MicroFacPM has been developed to model vehicle–generated PM (fine [PM_2.5] and coarse ≤10 μm [PM₁₀]) from the on–road vehicle fleet, which in this case includes traffic at very low speeds (10 km/h). The Windsor case study gives vehicle generated PM_2.5 sources and their breakdown by vehicle age and class. It shows that the primary sources of vehicle–generated PM_2.5 emissions are the late–model heavy–duty diesel vehicles. We also applied CALINE4 and AERMOD in conjunction with MicroFacPM, using Canadian traffic and climate conditions, to describe the vehicle–generated PM_2.5 dispersion near this roadway during the month of May in 2003.