The links between microclimatic and particulate matter concentration in a multi-storey car parking: a case study iran

J Environ Health Sci Eng. 2022 Aug 18;20(2):775-783. doi: 10.1007/s40201-022-00818-x. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Multi-storey cars increasing with population growth have excellent security and temporary parking for cars in big cities, which isn't suitable for parking in the streets. The goals of this study are (1) to determine PM concentrations in the ZGP and (2) to investigate the effect of temperature and humidity on PM concentration in ZGP. This study measured the levels of emitted PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 by GRIMM EDM 107 laser dust monitor in a busy multi-storey parking garage located in Qom. Moreover, the relationship between microclimatic parameters and the contaminants mentioned above was investigated. Samples were collected in two stages in different spatiotemporal conditions, namely, the summer and autumn of 2017. The results indicate that during the sampling period, the daily mean ± standard deviation of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were 120.9 ± 90.6, 28.5 ± 10.4, and 10.8 ± 3.8 µg/m3, respectively. A decrease in pollution level was observed during the measurement period. During rush hours, the levels of particulate matter increased. Also, a significant positive relationship between indoor humidity and particle level was observed, while there was a meaningful, inverse relationship between temperature and particle level. The high PM concentration in the parking garage indicates the necessity of proper management and planning.

Keywords: Indoor air pollution; PM1; PM10; PM2.5; Vertical parking.