Asia Pacific Environmental and Occupational Health Journal

Objective: To assess levels of traffic-related air pollution (PM2.5, PM10 and ozone (O3)) along designated walking area at three rush hours within university campus. Method: Particulates and gaseous concentrations (PM2.5, PM10 and ozone (O3)) were measured on two walking routes in a designed circuit (Route 1 and Route 2) in a university campus. Route 1 (R1) is located within academic area and Route 2 (R2) is located nearby residential colleges. All measurements were made in separated days at different traffic peaks (morning, afternoon and evening). Researcher carried handheld instruments including Dust Trak II to measure PM10. Aeroqual S500 and SidePak were used to measure O3 and PM2.5 levels respectively were fitted at the side pockets of researcher’s backpack. Vehicles traffic count were conducted simultaneously during the sampling exercises along the designated walking circuit at R1 and R2 respectively. Result: Maximum average of PM2.5 (51.2 ± 12.1 µg/m3) and PM10 (94.7 ± 27.7 µg/m3) were recorded during morning commute at R1. In contrast, both levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were recorded highest during evening commute within R2. Mean O3 showed highest levels during afternoon and evening for R1 and R2 respectively. Traffic count showed the highest number of vehicles using R1 during morning rush hour (N=234) compared to R2 (N=164). This study found higher traffic volumes were significantly associated with increased of PM10 concentrations (r = 0.65, p<0.05) at R2. Strong correlations were observed between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations observed at both sampling routes (r >0.8). Conclusion: The findings should encourage the university management to reduce the use of vehicles around campus areas and promote walking as alternative to reduce emissions of traffic-related air pollutants. Therefore, of these will highlight the needs to improve pedestrian facility in the campus areas.