PARTICULATE EMISSION RATES FOR UNPAVED SHOULDERS ALONG A PAVED ROAD

This paper reports the first empirical estimate of particle emissions from unpaved shoulders along paved roads.(1) Its objectives are to dev elop and demonstrate an emission rate measurement methodology that can be applied in different areas; identify the mechanisms that suspend d ust from unpaved shoulders and the observables related to this suspens ion process; and quantify PM10 mass emissions in the form of an emissi on rate. To achieve these objectives, fast-response observations from nephelometers and a sonic anemometer were used to characterize short-l ived dust plumes generated by passing vehicles. In addition, detailed soil surface measurements determined the mechanical properties of the shoulder surfaces. Large traffic-induced turbulence events that led to significant dust entrainment were almost exclusively caused by ''larg e'' vehicles such as trucks, semis, and vehicles pulling trailers, all traveling 50-65 mph. PM10 emission rates for these large, fast-travel ing vehicles were determined to be 8 +/- 4 grams per vehicle kilometer traveled under dry conditions. Emissions due to smaller vehicles such as cars, vans, and sport utility vehicles were negligible for normal on-road driving. These results indicate that the majority of PM10 emis sions from unpaved shoulders is caused by relatively few vehicles.