Spatial Trend of Particulate Matter (PM) in the Near Roadside Environment: A Case Study of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Particulate Matter (PM) are emitted into the ambient air through several sources such as vehicular emissions, emissions from power plants, dust emissions from construction sites, industrial processes emissions, and many more. The concentration of PM with respect to distance from roadside environments in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom was determined in this study using the Osiris particulate monitor. This instrument measures the mass concentration of PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, and PM₁ in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). The sampling locations were major roads and bus stops within Central Milton Keynes. The results from the particle sampling campaign showed a higher concentration of PM on non-grid roads. The PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ mass concentrations decrease with respect to distance from the roadside environment. Also, low vehicle speeds at traffic light junctions and bus stops caused an increase in concentrations of PM at major bus stops. The decrease in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ concentrations with respect to distance from the roadside environment is attributed to increased particle dilution and dispersion in air. It was observed that PM concentrations at any of the sampling locations did not exceed the WHO, EU, and UK air quality standards. It is recommended that an appropriate distance of about 15 m is required from the traffic roadside environment for housing development, as this will reduce exposure to traffic-generated particulate matter. Also, further studies should be carried out both in the winter and summer months to enhance the understanding of PM trends in the near roadside environments and the extent of contribution of traffic-emitted PM to the total ambient PM concentrations.