Also discussed here: (Rav Casley Gera, Clean Technica, Dec. 28,2011)
And here: Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Today, we review a new approach being trialed in London to reducing pollution hotspots by applying a chemical to the road which attracts particulate matter and allows that to be washed away by rain. The other action being taken to improve air quality on central London on the eve of the 2012 summer Olympic Games is an expansion and continuation of the Low Emission Zone which is being extended to larger vans and minibuses this month (January 2012).
Key Quotes:
“Transport for London (TfL) announced today that it is rolling out a £200,000 trial of dust suppressants at 15 locations in five London boroughs under a new initiative with the Environment Agency…The new scheme expands on trials carried out on two locations in Central London last year..studies showed repeated applications could reduce particulates by around 10 per cent at pollution hotspots over 24-hour periods.”.
“Calcium magnesium acetate has the effect of attracting fine dust particles in the air and binding them to the road, where they can be picked up by car tires or washed away by rain”
“Suppressants may achieve compliance in localised areas near monitoring stations and avoid further action from the European Commission, but they address the symptoms and not the causes of the problem,”
“The technique was developed in Scandinavia to tackle dust from road break-up when cars with snow chains damaged road surfaces”
“the trial is part of an accelerated programme funded by a £5m Department for Transport Clean Air Fund, which is intended to help the UK meet legal limits for PM10 pollution”
Related articles
- "Pollution Glue" on London Roads Could Improve Air Quality (treehugger.com)
- London Using Glue to Clean Up Air (environmenteng.wordpress.com)
- London 'glues' pollution to roads (bbc.co.uk)
- Air pollution and congestion charges in London, England (pollutionfree.wordpress.com)
- Mayor announces innovative bus technology set to deliver cleaner air across London (tfl.gov.uk)
- Letters: Museum must drop West Bank link (independent.co.uk)
- London Olympics: politics, pollution and plague (guardian.co.uk)
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