Air quality improvement at urban bus stops: Optimal air purification placement using CFD

Abstract

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels are often elevated near roadways due to vehicle emissions, while sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is predominantly found near petrochemical complexes as a result of industrial activities such as oil refining and chemical manufacturing. Considering the detrimental effects of these emissions on the environment and human health, the optimal placement of air purification systems at two bus stops in Ulsan, a heavily industrialized city in South Korea, was investigated in this study to reduce NO₂ and SO₂ concentrations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to identify strategic installation locations, resulting in a significant reduction in pollutant levels. The largest impact was noted for the Deokha Market bus stop, whereby the added health risk (AR) decreased by 1.93 % and the exposure reduction effectiveness (ERE), a measure of air purification system efficiency, increased by 13.8 %. Similarly, at the Hyomun Intersection bus stop, placing the system near the sidewalk led to a significant reduction in AR by 1.60 % and an increase in ERE by 11.63 %. Additionally, air purification systems at Ulsan bus stops are expected to reduce NO2 levels by 9.1 ppb, decreasing mortality risk by 1.44 %, saving 7 lives annually, and yielding an economic benefit of 33.06 million USD.