Pollutants Concentration during the Construction and Operation Stages of a Long Tunnel: A Case Study of Lowari Tunnel, (Dir–Chitral), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Long tunnels with significant overburden, changeable geological conditions, a steep gradient, water infiltration, and heavy traffic flow are susceptible to environmental concerns during both construction and operation. The availability of fresh air and visibility is the most important necessity in excavation for tunnel workers inside the tunnel during the construction phase, as well as those crossing the tunnel during operation. Lowari Tunnel’s tunnel air pollutants were researched. Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO), ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM1, PM2.5, PM10, air velocity, dust morphological and particle size distribution analysis are among the parameters under consideration. The findings provide evidence for the development of tunnel air quality.

Keywords

• road tunnel
• construction stage
• operational stage
• gases concentration
• particulate matter
• environmental monitoring and engineering