Validating the correlation of traffic-associated hydrocarbon and nitrogen dioxide with distance from a trunk road within a rural environment in UK

This study monitored traffic-associated air pollutants at four sampling sites within the A49 trunk road. Measurements of the gaseous air pollutants were carried out at various distances (roadside, 50 m, and 100 m) from the A49 trunk road using short term tubes at breathing heights. Data was collected over a 23-month period (June 2008-April 2010). Statistical analyses of hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) show positive r2 and p-values, and suggest seasonal, intra- and inter-site variations in a distance-decay relationship. Higher mean concentrations were obtained within the winter season and near the roadside with a gradual decline with distance from the emission source. However, at some locations with increased vehicular activities, this relationship was altered. Elevated mean concentrations were observed within 50 m at Craven Arms (CA 50) and Strefford Road (SR 50); suggesting the influence of traffic on the concentration levels of the contaminants.