Measurement of Road Transport Emissions, Case Study: Centinela-La Rumorosa Road, Baja California, México

Abstract

Air pollution is a global issue, and the transportation sector is recognized as the third-largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles emit a range of chemical compounds because of the combustion process. The nature and quantity of these emissions depend on the vehicle’s characteristics, the road, and weather conditions. These emissions require special attention due to the adverse effects contributing to global warming and human health. In this regard, diagnosing and monitoring air quality is crucial for understanding the number of emissions generated by various sources. However, in developing countries, the necessary data for conducting such analyses are not always available. The purpose of this study is to estimate emissions specifically generated from road operations. To achieve this, the HDM-4 calculation tool is utilized to estimate emissions. This tool was applied in Baja California, Mexico, on the Centinela-La Rumorosa highway. The results obtained show that annually, 372.5 tons of pollutant emissions are generated, composed of HC, CO, CO2, NOx, PM, SO2, and PB, covering a mere 128 km of length within a state road network spanning 11,429 km. This highlights the necessity of implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact generated by vehicular operations on roads in developing countries.