Characterizing the distribution pattern of submicron and coarse particles on high-density container truck roads through mobile monitoring

Since 2010, Shanghai port has been the world's busiest container port in the world. Evidently, it vastly promotes economic development in China. However, it also causes environmental problems, particularly air pollution in Shanghai. Therefore, a series of mobile monitoring experiments were performed to reveal the particle characteristics of high-density container truck roads in the port area of Shanghai, China. First, mobile monitoring of submicron (PM1) and coarse (PM10) particles on container truck, residential, riverside, and elevated roads was conducted. The particle concentrations on the container truck road were higher than those on other roads. Based on this, the impacts of traffic and seasonal factors were explored. The percentage of container trucks was found to significantly contribute to particle concentrations. In contrast to summer, the particle concentrations on all types of roads in winter were higher, and the difference between the four road types was smaller. Finally, the dispersion process of particles on all road types was simulated using a simulation model. The PM1 and PM10 concentrations showed a negative exponential decay along all roads. These findings reveal the distribution characteristics of particulate matter on container truck roads and provide valuable insights for air pollution mitigation from container trucks in port cities.