Integrating real-time monitoring and dispersion modelling to evaluate vehicular emission impacts in urban environments: a case study in Southern Italy

This research, carried out within the framework of the PNRR Italian National Centre for Sustainable Mobility CNMS (European Union – Next Generation EU – PNRR – MISSIONE 4 – COMPONENTE 2 – INVESTIMENTO 1.4 – Spoke 7 – Code CN00000023, CUP: F83C22000720001), investigates the impact of vehicular emissions in urban environments, with a particular emphasis on the vicinity of sensitive receptors such as schools and densely populated residential areas. Recent studies suggest that current legislation limits may not adequately safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents.

To address this issue, a network of high-resolution monitoring instruments will be deployed in Lecce and its surrounding areas (Southern Italy). Specifically, measurement campaigns will take place in urban sites and on a bridge outside the urban area. The setup includes AIRQINO air quality and meteorological stations, as well as vehicle-counting cameras. These instruments will continuously collect data on key atmospheric parameters (wind speed and direction, temperature, precipitation, humidity, solar radiation) and traffic patterns (vehicle classification and speed). The collected data will be integrated into the ADMS-Roads dispersion model, simulating pollutant dispersion dynamics, while air quality measurements will validate the model outputs for NOx, PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations.

The complementary use of urban and extra-urban sites will provide a more comprehensive characterization of pollution transport mechanisms and their dependence on meteorological and traffic conditions. This approach enhances the accuracy of dispersion modeling and enables a detailed evaluation of emission hotspots.

By combining real-time monitoring with advanced dispersion modeling, this study will develop targeted mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution exposure in high-risk urban areas, providing scientific evidence to support air quality policies and public health protections, particularly for vulnerable populations in sensitive locations.