Construction Pre and Post Analyses of Air Quality Parameters (PM2.5, PM10 and CO) and Noise Levels: A Case Study of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Underpass, Lahore, Pakistan.

Abstract

Daily high traffic loads were reported at junctions, resulting in increased fuel consumption and air pollution at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar underpass in Lahore. The post-EIA monitoring of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Particulate Matter (PM2.5 / PM10) and noise levels were done near Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Underpass in four different seasons. Pre-EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) monitored levels of CO, PM2.5, and PM10 of the underpass were used for the comparison. Sensor MQ7 was used for monitoring CO levels in the air, and HT608 air quality detector gas checker tester environmental meter was used to monitor particulate matter 2.5 and 10. BeneTech GM1356 digital sound level meter was used for noise level monitoring. For southwest monsoon and winter seasons, CO emissions exceeded the limit for the post-EIA phase (from 7.85 to 8.96 mg/m3). PM2.5 emissions exceeded the normal range both during pre/post-EIA phases. In all seasons, their emissions were constantly increasing (from 40-49 mg/m3) to the pre-EIA phase. Similarly, PM10 emissions exceeded the normal range during pre/post-EIA phases. In all seasons, their emissions have constantly been increasing (from 152-160 g/m3) during the pre-EIA phase. In the pre-EIA phase, the noise level was 81 dB(A), whereas, during the post-EIA phase, the noise level range was from 85-96 dB(A) with a maximum in spring. A significant difference existed for PM2.5 and PM10 between pre-EIA data with post-EIA data. The general trend reveals that carbon monoxide, PM2.5 and PM10 emissions are rising. Poor quality car fuel, unnecessary honking, increased automobile sales, new car manufacturers in Pakistan, very little use of efficient vehicles, and very few public transportation options are the causes of rising air pollution and noise levels following the completion of this underpass's megaproject. The optimal solution to ease traffic congestion and conflicts is to build another underpass/flyover at the next intersection.