Revealing Nighttime Construction-related Activities from a Distributed Air Quality Sensor Network
Loading...
No Access Until
Permanent Link(s)
Collections
Other Titles
Authors
Abstract
Coarse particulate matter (PMc) refers to aerosol particles between 2.5 and 10 μm in diameter. Exposure to ambient PMc has been associated with adverse health effects such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory mortality. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal patterns of PMc levels in a 165-node PM monitoring network in Xi’an, China. We employed a technique called network analysis, focusing on peer-to-peer comparison within the network. The network analysis revealed that the highest PMc concentrations in the city occurred during late night and early morning. Through further analysis using satellite-based aerial imagery and data mining of internet resources, we confirmed with high confidence that the construction-related emission sources, both at the construction sites and from traffic transporting construction materials and debris, are a key contributor. It could be found that both local policies and construction practices incentivized construction contractors to implement earthwork at nighttime, leading to distinct peak PMc concentrations from late night to early morning, which often triggered both noise and air pollution complaints from residents. Our work demonstrated the potential of utilizing air quality monitoring networks for construction-related environmental monitoring and enforcement. Based on our findings, we also recommend that policymakers re-assess construction-related policies by considering the trade-offs among efficiency, safety, air quality, and noise.
Journal / Series
Volume & Issue
Description
82 pages
Sponsorship
Date Issued
2022-08
Publisher
Keywords
Air quality; Coarse particles; Construction dust; Environmental policy
Location
Effective Date
Expiration Date
Sector
Employer
Union
Union Local
NAICS
Number of Workers
Committee Chair
Baker, Shefford P.
Zhang, K.Max
Zhang, K.Max
Committee Co-Chair
Committee Member
Degree Discipline
Materials Science and Engineering
Degree Name
M.S., Materials Science and Engineering
Degree Level
Master of Science
Related Version
Related DOI
Related To
Related Part
Based on Related Item
Has Other Format(s)
Part of Related Item
Related To
Related Publication(s)
Link(s) to Related Publication(s)
References
Link(s) to Reference(s)
Previously Published As
Government Document
ISBN
ISMN
ISSN
Other Identifiers
Rights
Rights URI
Types
dissertation or thesis