Study of Environmental Emissions from Road Transportation: A case of
Bhaktapur Municipality, Nepal
Abstract
The unprecedented growth of emissions has deteriorated air quality
dramatically leading to a pulmonary complication in human health.
Especially during the winter season, the prevalence of Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) increases more in females compared
to males. Selecting different peak and non-peak hours, this study
estimated vehicular emission load with the help of emission factors,
derived equations, field visits, and literature review. The average
annual vehicular energy demand of Bhaktapur Municipality was estimated
at 33,044 GJ while the emission load was estimated at 3,310 tons/year,
including (CO2, CO, NOx, HC, and PM10) of which CO2 accounts for 94.36%
of total emissions followed by CO (4.39%), HC (0.72%), NOx (0.35%),
and PM10 (0.18%), respectively. Statistical analysis showed significant
positive correlation (r = 0.92, p = 0.002) between CO2 and PM10, (r =
0.87, p = 0.009) between CO2 and NOx, (r = 0.90, p = 0.004) between CO
and HC, (r = 0.74, p = 0.05) between NOx and PM10, respectively.
Assuming an inauguration of electric vehicles (Cars, Motorbikes, and
Buses) within the Municipality at the rate of 10%, 20%, and 30%,
showed a significant reduction in emissions by 157, 314 and 471
tons/year, respectively. The CO2 was found more potent to deteriorating
air quality in the future compared to other vehicular pollutants.
Despite lower emission load in Bhaktapur Municipality compared to its
nearest adjacent city Kathmandu, exponential growth in emissions can
become inevitable in the future if clean energy is not promoted in time.