Analyzing particulate matter characteristics of the subway system: Case study of Guangzhou

Abstract

This study aims to: (1) evaluate the concentration distribution of particulate matter in the Guangzhou metro system; (2) Compare particulate matter concentrations under different conditions, including time, season, location, subway lines, and sampling height; (3) Compare the concentrations with existing research and propose future improvement measures. The analysis showed that spatial factors were significantly correlated with the particulate matter concentration. We also identified the stratification of PM10 at various heights in both carriages and platforms, with a more notable effect observed in carriages. The PM10 average concentration at 80cm is 14 % higher than at 120cm and 13 % higher than at 150cm. We suggest mitigation measures for particulate matter in both carriage and platform environments.

Keywords

• Subway systems
• Particulate matter
• Seasonal effect
• Time series
• Sampling height