PhD Studentship: Investigating the Impact of Vehicle Emissions on Urban Air Quality and Mitigation Strategies

Vehicular emissions are one of the leading sources of air pollution, particularly in urban areas. With rapid urbanization and increasing vehicular use, cities around the world face deteriorating air quality, contributing to adverse health effects and environmental degradation.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), poor air quality is responsible for millions of premature deaths annually, with transportation accounting for a significant portion of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The proposed research seeks to examine the extent of vehicle emissions' impact on air quality and evaluate mitigation strategies, including policy measures and technological innovations.

Research questions:

• What is the contribution of vehicular emissions to the degradation of urban air quality in the selected study area?
• Which specific pollutants from vehicle emissions have the most significant impact on air quality?
• What are the most effective technological and policy interventions that can mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality?
• How does the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and cleaner fuels compare to conventional vehicles in improving air quality? 

Objectives:

• Analyse the impact of vehicle emissions on urban air quality in the selected study area.
• Identify the specific pollutants from vehicle emissions that most significantly affect air quality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing emission control policies.
• Assess the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuel sources as solutions for reducing air pollution.
• Propose recommendations for improving urban air quality through better transportation policies and practices.

The research will focus on a number of case studies, (urban areas with significant vehicle density and known air quality issues).

• Data Collection: The study will use both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data will include on-site air quality monitoring (e.g., NOx, PM2.5 levels) at key traffic locations using traffic data, and emission inventories from government and non-governmental agencies.
• Emission Modelling: Develop emission modelling tool that will be used to simulate the contribution of vehicle emissions to air pollution.
• Analysis: The data will be analysed to determine the correlation between vehicular activity and pollutant concentrations. Statistical analysis will help in determining the significance of these correlations.
• Comparative Assessment: Emission levels from conventional vehicles will be compared with electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies to assess the potential reduction in air pollutants.
• Policy Evaluation: A review of current vehicle emission policies in the study area will be conducted, with recommendations for improvement.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Andrew Watson

Secondary supervisor: Kambiz Ebrahimi

Entry requirements

A 2.1 degree in a relevant subject or international equivalent.

Fees and funding

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. 

How to apply

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select *AACME/ AAE*. Please quote the advertised reference number: * AACME-24-024 * in your application.

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