Vehicular Pollution
In urban areas Both developing and developed countries, it is predominately mobile or vehicular Pollution that contributes to air quality problem. The worst thing about vehicular pollution is that it cannot be avoided as the emissions are emitted at the near-ground level where we breathe
Evaporative Emissions
Hydrocarbon pollutants also escape into the air through fuel evaporation .Evaporative emissions occur several ways:
DIURNAL
Gasoline evaporation increases as the temperature rises during the day, heating the fuel tank and venting gasoline vapors.
RUNNING LOSSES
The hot engine and exhaust system can vaporize gasoline when the car is running.
HOT SOAK
The engine remains hot for a period of time after the car is turned off, and gasoline evaporation continues when the car is parked.
REFUELING
Gasoline vapors are always present in fuel tanks. these vapors are forced out when the tank is filled with liquid fuel
Exhaust Pollutants
HYDROCARBONS
Hydrocarbon emissions result when fuel molecules in the engine do not burn or burn only partially. Hydrocarbons react in the presence of nitrogen oxides and sunlight to form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of incomplete combustion and occurs when carbon in the fuel is partially oxidized rather than fully oxidized to carbon
CARBON DIOXIDE
Carbon dioxide does not directly impair health, but it is a greenhouse gas human
Gasoline and diesel fuels are mixtures of hydrocarbons, compounds which contain hydrogen and carbon atoms In a perfect engine, oxygen in the air would convert all the hydrogen in the fuel to water and all the carbon in the fuel tocarbon dioxide. Nitrogen in the air would remain unaffected. In reality, the combustion process cannot be perfect, and automotive engines emit several types of pollutants
Perfect Combustion
FUEL (Hydrocarbons) + AIR (oxygen and nitrogen) = CARBON DIOXIDE + water + unaffected nitrogen
High vehicle density in Indian urban centers. Increase in Traffic Inadequate inspection and maintenance facilities. Predominance of two stroke two wheelers. Outdated combustion technology for fuel vehicles High levels of pollution at traffic intersections Uncontrolled Industrial growth
Bad fuel quality Absence of effective mass rapid transport system & intra-city railway networks. Poor Maintenance of existing vehicles Improper traffic management system and road conditions. Increasing dependence on Automobiles for Transportation Population Explosion in the urban centers
Buses
Can affect the central nervous system, vision and judgement, creating nausea and headaches, reducing worker productivity and increasing personal discomfort.
Lead
Can cause brain damage to children resulting in lower IQ, death, hyperactivity and reduced ability to concentrate.
Pollu-tants
Nitrogen Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can NO and NO2 can Oxides affect the respiratory system. contribute (NOX) Nitrogen monoxide (NO) and significantly to acid
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), where they play a part in photochemical some formation, may contribute indirectly to increased susceptibility to infections, pulmonary disease, impairment of lung function and eye, nose and irritations. deposition damaging aquatic eco-systems and other eco-systems such as forests NOx can also have a fertilizing effect on forests.
Pollu-tants
Sulphur Oxides Suphur dioxide (SO2) can affect lung functioning (SO2) system in the body
Sulphur oxides can contribute significantly to acid deposition impairing aquatic and forest ecosystems. Sulphates can affect the perception of the environment by reducing visibility even at low concentrations
Pollu-tants
Particul ate Matter (SPM) & (RPM)
Fine particulate matter may be toxic in itself or may carry toxic (including carcinogenic) trace substance, and can alter the immune system.Fine particulate can penetrate deep into the respiratory system irritating lung tissue and causing long-term disorders.
Fine particulate can significantly reduce visibility. High dust and soot levels are associated with a general perception of dirtiness of the environment.
Heavy vehicles like the BEST buses should not be converted to CNG but should be retrofitted with converters, as CNG installation is not economical. Maintenance of cars is in the citizen's hands. They should be made aware of the ill effects of vehicular pollution, as they are lethargic and do not undertake regular maintenance Use of alternative fuels i,e. vegetable oils,alcohol,etc Use of Electric Cars which run on batteries producing 0% pollution.
Contd
It was emphasized that old polluting vehicles that are generating pollution should be retrofitted with air pollution control devices Tamperproof system for Petroleum Tankers Insurance firms can play a major role in curbing vehicular air pollution. The car should be checked for pollution before issuing the yearly premium receipts. Free check-up of vehicles for air pollution should be provided by service stations of car manufacturers.
Contd
The traffic police should be trained to check vehicles for air pollution. Strict action needs to be taken against the polluter Increasing Public Transport System Increased usage of L.P.G which creates very less pollution
Road and Traffic Management Introduction of more stringent Emission Standards Introduction of Hydrogen fuel cells , which creates no emissions ,except water vapour
Fact Sheet
It is estimated that approximately 70% of Delhi's air pollution is from vehicles Six metropolitan cities, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai account for almost one third of the total vehicle population in India. It was only in 1991 that the first stage emission norms came into force for petrol vehicles and in 1992 for diesel vehicles
Fact Sheet
(contd)
Banning vehicles that do not adhere to Euro II norms can reduce pollution by 55%
By the year 2050, if we keep increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the world could be 3 degrees Celsius warmer than it is today.
In India the vehicle population is approximately 40 million
Every progressive city has shown that improving public transport is the best way to clean up the air. By contrast, Mumbai is moving in the opposite direction. It is doing everything possible to cater to the 9% of the population which uses private vehicles. The 55 flyovers, sea links and coastal highways that have been completed in recent years or are still being built are all examples of topsy-turvy priorities. The main culprit is the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, which is constructing these facilities for owners of motorised vehicles which contribute 60% of the citys air pollution and is completely ignoring all planners and experts who are pleading for better public transport instead.
Personal Recommendations
Allowing odd and even numbered cars / Scooters / Motor cycles etc. only on alternate days (Monday Odd Numbers, Tuesday Even numbers Wednesday Odd etc.) Increase the Road Tax on Scooters, Motor Cycles & Cars, (especially on Diesel Cars) registered in the City. To encourage private enterprise in the Mass Transport system, reduce taxes on large passenger vehicles like Bus.