Integrated model for microsimulating vehicle emissions, pollutant dispersion and population exposure

This paper models traffic at the individual vehicle level, estimates emissions from on-road vehicle sources accounting for drive cycles, estimates how those emissions are dispersed through the atmosphere; and finally estimates the exposed population at times of peak emissions. In the study area, the Toronto Waterfront Area, emissions are highest on the high capacity roadways, and higher in the peak direction of traffic. Pollutant concentrations are higher along the freeways. However, population exposure to these pollutants is highest in the central business district due to the higher population density. Evaluation of scenarios shows significant NOx and HC reduction of 12% and 4% when medium duty diesel trucks are converted to ultra-low emission vehicles.

► A model of traffic simulation, emissions, dispersion and exposure is applied to the Toronto Waterfront study area.
► Pollution concentration is highest along freeways, but exposure is highest in the central business area.
► Conversion of medium duty to low emission trucks produces significant reductions in NOx and hydrocarbons.