Prediction of PM_2.5 along urban highway corridor under mixed traffic conditions using CALINE4 model

The present study deals with spatial-temporal distribution of PM_2.5 along a highly trafficked national highway corridor (NH-2) in Delhi, India. Population residing in areas near roads and highways of high vehicular activities are exposed to high levels of PM_2.5 resulting in various health issues. The spatial extent of PM_2.5 has been assessed with the help of CALINE4 model. Various input parameters of the model were estimated and used to predict PM_2.5 concentration along the selected highway corridor. The results indicated that there are many factors involved which affects the prediction of PM_2.5 concentration by CALINE4 model. In fact, these factors either not considered by model or have little influence on model's prediction capabilities. Therefore, in the present study CALINE4 model performance was observed to be unsatisfactory for prediction of PM_2.5 concentration.