Commuter exposure to black carbon, carbon monoxide, and noise in the mass transport khlong boats of Bangkok, Thailand

This work quantifies commuter exposure to black carbon, CO and noise when waiting for and travelling in the mass transport khlong (canal) boats in Bangkok, Thailand. Exposure to toxic pollutants and acute noise is similar or worse than for other transportation modes. Mean black carbon concentrations observed at one busy pier and along the main canal were much higher than ambient concentrations at sites impacted by vehicular traffic. Concentrations of CO were similar to those reported for roadside areas of Bangkok. The equivalent continuous sound levels registered at the landing pier were similar to those reported for roadsides, but values recorded inside the boats were significantly higher.

► These are serious pollution problems associated with the commuter boats used on Bangkok’s canals. ► Commuters are exposed to high concentrations of black carbon and carbon monoxide, and noise level. ► Continuous noise landing piers is similar at roadsides, but higher inside boats.