Graphical abstract Display Omitted

    Highlights A “river-tunnel” effect explains some of the variability in NYC subway station PM2.5 concentrations. Stations next to river-tunnels have higher PM2.5 concentrations than those 2 or 3 stops away. These results were not observed between stations on a line which crosses the river over a bridge. Other potential factors such as station age, depth, or size could not explain the variability as well.

    Abstract It is well-documented that subway stations exhibit high fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. Little is known about the potential of river-tunnels to increase PM2.5 concentrations in subways. We hypothesized a “river-tunnel” effect exists: Stations adjacent to poorly ventilated tunnels that travel beneath rivers exhibit higher PM2.5 concentrations than more distant stations. Accordingly, the PM2.5 concentrations were monitored at stations adjacent to and two- and three-stations distant from the river-tunnel. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to disentangle how proximity to a river-tunnel and other factors (e.g., depth) influence concentrations. Stations adjacent to a river-tunnel had 80–130% higher PM2.5 concentrations than more distant stations. Moreover, distance from a river-tunnel was the strongest PM2.5-influencing factor This distance effect was not observed at underground stations adjacent to a river-bridge. The “river-tunnel” effect explains some of the inter-station variability in subway PM2.5 concentrations. These results support the need for improving ventilation systems in subways.


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    Title :

    Investigation of a river-tunnel effect on PM2.5 concentrations in New York City subway stations


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2022-12-14




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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