Geography and Environmental Science - Environmental Monitoring Report on Clean air Routes in Leeds

Environmental Monitoring Report – Clean Air Routes Student Name Institution Course Professor Date Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u List of Figures PAGEREF _Toc187154092 \h 3List of Tables PAGEREF _Toc187154093 \h 3Technical Summary PAGEREF _Toc187154094 \h 4Introduction PAGEREF _Toc187154095 \h 4Purpose PAGEREF _Toc187154096 \h 6Results PAGEREF _Toc187154097 \h 6Route Descriptions PAGEREF _Toc187154098 \h 6Route 1: Headingley to City Centre PAGEREF _Toc187154099 \h 6Route 2: Hyde Park to City Centre PAGEREF _Toc187154100 \h 7PM2.5 Data Analysis PAGEREF _Toc187154101 \h 7Morning and Evening Walks on Nov. 20 PAGEREF _Toc187154102 \h 7Morning Walk on Nov. 21 (Route 1 Only) PAGEREF _Toc187154103 \h 8Comparison of Routes PAGEREF _Toc187154104 \h 9Which Route is Cleaner? PAGEREF _Toc187154105 \h 9Specific Challenges and Hotspots PAGEREF _Toc187154106 \h 9Findings PAGEREF _Toc187154107 \h 10Identified Trends in Air Quality Data PAGEREF _Toc187154108 \h 10Correlation with Environmental Conditions PAGEREF _Toc187154109 \h 10Implications for Clean Air Routes PAGEREF _Toc187154110 \h 10Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc187154111 \h 11Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc187154112 \h 12Short-Term Actions PAGEREF _Toc187154113 \h 12Long-Term Strategies PAGEREF _Toc187154114 \h 13Future Research PAGEREF _Toc187154115 \h 13References PAGEREF _Toc187154116 \h 15 List of Figures TOC \h \z \c "Figure" Figure 1: Comparison Of Average PM2.5 Levels Between Routes PAGEREF _Toc187154025 \h 9 List of Tables TOC \h \z \c "Table" Table 1: PM2.5 summary statistics for the Headingley to City Centre route PAGEREF _Toc187154068 \h 7 Table 2: PM2.5 Summary Statistics For The Hyde Park Route PAGEREF _Toc187154069 \h 7 Table 3 Temporal comparison of PM2.5 levels on 20th and 21st November for Route 1 PAGEREF _Toc187154070 \h 9 Technical Summary This study analyzed PM2.5 air quality data for two key walking routes: Route 1 is Headingley to the City Centre, and Route 2 is Hyde Park to the City Centre. Time-stamped measurements were used for the two-session analysis (9:00–11:00 AM for the morning session and 2:00–4:00 PM for the evening session), conducted on Nov. 20, 2024, and Nov. 21, 2024. The data shows notable temporal and spatial variations in PM2.5 concentrations driven by traffic patterns, proximity to green spaces, and large intersections. Levels for PM2.5 were consistently higher on Route 1, with morning averages of 3.42 µg/m³ and evening averages of 4.81 µg/m³. PM2.5 levels along Route 2 were significantly lower compared to Route 1, averaging 2.41 µg/m³ in the mornings and 3.91 µg/m³ in the evenings, due to its distance from traffic and proximity to parkland. The analysis also identified pollution hotspots near major junctions and bus stops on both routes. Strong temporal trends suggested peak concentrations approaching morning rush hour driven by stagnant atmospheric conditions and increased vehicular activity. There was more variability at evening sessions, initially decreasing levels and spiking near high-traffic zones. Statistical summaries and visualization techniques were employed to compare routes, highlighting Route 2's superior air quality. The findings emphasize the critical role of incorporating green spaces into urban planning and the potential of cleaner pedestrian routes in reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. The study underscores the need for further research to explore seasonal patterns and broader datasets to enhance air quality management strategies for urban environments. Introduction In urban environments, the issue of air quality is a significant concern for public health, urban planning, and environmental policy worldwide. For instance, "The annual health cost to society of the impacts of particulate matter alone in the UK is estimated to be around £16 billion" (Defra, 2013), so not only does better air quality mean that people will become healthier, but it also means that economically we are spending less on treating people who have been impacted by bad air quality. This report focuses on 'clean air routes' for students walking to Leeds Beckett University's city campus, looking at popular routes and pathways that minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants. These routes are simply part of broader efforts to improve the public health and air quality in Leeds' urban space. A growing body of academic literature that examines the sources and consequences of air pollution supports the importance of addressing air quality in cities. Research consistently highlights the negative health impacts of poor air quality, particularly the role of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer (Leeds City Council, 2024). Studies also emphasize the social inequalities associated with air pollution, with lower-income communities and minority groups often experiencing higher levels of exposure. Recent literature also explores innovative urban design solutions to mitigate the impacts of air pollution, such as creating "clean air zones" and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure that reduces vehicular emissions. This report investigates the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing clean air routes for students commuting to Leeds Beckett University's City Campus. These routes would ideally reduce students' exposure to harmful air pollutants while encouraging sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling, and using low-emission vehicles. The report will review existing strategies for improving urban air quality, examine case studies of other cities that have implemented similar initiatives, and discuss the implications for public health, student well-being, and urban mobility in Leeds. It was decided to identify two common walking routes that Leeds Beckett students use to walk to the University (from near the Headingley and Hyde Park areas). Then, air quality monitors were used whilst conducting these routes to and from ourselves, on two separate days (each day conducting both routes) for better comparisons and fairer calculations. This was done to establish a 'clean air route' from a popular location to and from Leeds Beckett University's city campus, helping promote active, sustainable, and healthy transportation options for students, staff, and/or visitors. Purpose The primary objective of this report is to identify and evaluate clean air routes for Leeds Beckett University students commuting from Headingley and Hyde Park to the City Campus. The aim is to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, improve air quality awareness, and encourage sustainable, active transportation such as walking and cycling. Results Route Descriptions Route 1: Headingley to City Centre The approximately 2.5-mile route from Headingley to City Centre is through urban residential and commercial streets. The route is very busy, particularly during peak hours. With limited greenery to abate air pollution, Headingley Lane and Woodhouse Lane form the main road used on this route. This route carried moderate air pollution levels according to corrected PM2.5 levels on Nov. 20, 2024. PM2.5 concentrations were relatively stable during the morning session (9:00–11:00 AM) and associated with vehicular traffic emissions and nearby activities. Variability and concentrations in the evening session (2:00 to 4:00 PM) increased compared to the daytime sessions, and concentrations correlated with rush hour traffic and urban activity at major intersections and bus stops. Session Count Mean Std Dev Min 25% Median 75% Max Morning 8 3.422 1.048 1.86 2.62 3.36 4.05 4.88 Evening 8 4...