Contamination, fractionation and mobility of traffic related elements in road environments

The purpose of this research is to extend the current knowledge of traffic-related metals bounded in roadside topsoil. Traffic generated particles (e.g. brake dust and tyre dust) are key tracers of non-exhaust emissions. In... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of this research is to extend the current knowledge of traffic-related metals bounded in roadside topsoil. Traffic generated particles (e.g. brake dust and tyre dust) are key tracers of non-exhaust emissions. In order to assess and recognize road-specific contamination in the urban environment, sites characterized by heavy traffic and congestions were selected in Krakow, Warsaw as well as in Wroclaw and Opole. In each of the eight research sites, samples of road dust and roadside topsoil were collected during summer, autumn, winter and spring. Results (ICP-MS, ICP-OES and AAS) revealed that roadside topsoil is especially contaminated with Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, Ba and Ti. These metals are key tracers of non-exhaust brake wear emissions. The concentrations of the majority of these elements were significantly elevated when compared with the concentrations found in roadside topsoil sampled from relatively traffic-unpolluted areas. Moreover, SEM-EDS analysis of road dust have confirmed the presence of brake-lining components and significantly amount of particles of geogenic origin. Studies on metal forms in road dust and roadside topsoil revealed that e.g. Zn is significantly mobile and constitutes a potential source of contamination derived from wear and tear of tyres.
Acknowledgments:
The research leading to these results has received funding from the Polish-Norwegian Research Programme operated by the National Centre for Research and Development under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 in the frame of Project Contract No Pol-Nor/208849/106/2015