An Analysis of the Relationship between Air Pollutants and Urban Characteristics using the Trajectory Model: The case of Seoul, Korea

Abstract

In Korea, there have been a number of efforts to resolve environmental problems which are caused by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and excessive concentrations of the population. As a result of these efforts, various environmental problems have been mitigated. However, the air pollutant, NO2, is still difficult to control in major cities such as Seoul, the capital of Korea, due to continuous increases of traffic volume and energy use. For more effective management of NO2, the emission volume of air pollutants needs to be controlled. Therefore, in this study the location and emission volume of air pollutant sources were identified by using a trajectory model that conversely applies the air dispersion process. The simulation results of the trajectory model were sorted by 'seasonal' and 'hourly', and the relationship between the air pollutants’ emission and spatial characteristics such as density, landuse, and traffic volume were identified. The results of this study show that the emission of NO2 is mainly influenced by the variables of naturalness, land-uses, and the intensity of human activities. In particular, this research shows that industrial land-use and main roads have a considerable impact on NO2 emission. Therefore, the allocation of land-use and traffic volume needs to be considered in the process of urban planning and management to improve air quality.