| Summary, etc |
Traffic slows; pollution rises-Balzain Highway's invisible health crisis. This study investigates the connection between road traffic congestion and the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM10) along Balzain Highway in Tuguegarao City. As urban development accelerates in the Philippines, traffic congestion has emerged as a significant factor contributing to local air pollution. The objective of this study was to analyze how characteristics of vehicle flow-namely flow rate, speed, and density are related to ambient concentrations of CO2 and PM in utilizing empirical data gathered through systematic monitoring. Traffic data were obtained from video recordings and evaluated using traffic flow models such as the Greenshields model. Simultaneously, roadside levels of CO2 and PM10 were measured with portable air quality monitoring equipment during peak and non-peak hours in the morning and afternoon. The research indicated that congestion peaked between 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM, which also coincided with higher levels of pollutants. The highest concentration of PMs reached 81 mu*g / (m ^ 3) during the afternoon rush, while CO2 levels peaked at 582 ppm in the morning. Vehicle speed data further validated the congestion levels: at Point 1, the average speed was 34.67 km/h (SD 1.58; variance 2.48), fluctuating between 31.22 km/h and 37.97 km/h. At Point 2, the average speed was 33.60 km/h ( SD = 2.38 ; variance 5.67), with speeds ranging from 30.32 km/h to 37.73 km/h. These relatively low and narrow speed ranges demonstrate frequent slowdowns and traffic congestion. The analysis revealed a strong inverse correlation between vehicle speed and levels of pollutants; slower vehicle speeds correlated with increased CO2 and PM10 concentrations. Higher traffic density was also associated with elevated pollution levels, supporting the hypothesis that road traffic congestion has a major impact on roadside air quality. The results underscore the importance of implementing urban traffic management strategies, such as improved public transportation, stricter vehicle emission standards, and adaptive traffic signal systems. This research contributes to the expanding body of literature regarding the environmental consequences of traffic congestion in rapidly urbanizing regions and offers practical suggestions for enhancing air quality in Tuguegarao City
Keywords: Carbon Emissions, Traffic Congestion, Particulate Matter 10, Average Speed |