Yuxuan Guo

Modelling of Air Quality in and around Railway Station Environments

Understanding air quality in urban environments, especially around transportation hubs, is crucial for public health and sustainable urban planning. The railway stations, significant contributors and air pollution victims are my research's focal point.

My research project is an integral part of the STATION-AIR initiative, dedicated to managing and mitigating air pollution in major urban rail hubs across Dublin. The primary focus is developing air quality models for railway station environments and formulating an effective air pollution mitigation framework.

Over the three years, in-depth investigations and modelling activities will be conducted to understand the air quality dynamics in and around railway stations. Different modelling techniques will be employed to address various facets of railway station air quality. A model will be developed to gauge the impact of diesel trains and road traffic around urban rail hubs. In conjunction with a traffic emission system, an atmospheric dispersion modelling system will be used to study the spatial effects of rail hubs on local air quality. This model will also assess the influence of train fleets and schedules on air quality. Also, statistical modelling will be employed to assess air pollution dispersion in stations.

By crafting air quality models specific to railway stations and establishing an air pollution mitigation framework, this project aims to enhance air quality in railway stations and their vicinity, foster healthier environments for commuters, station personnel, and the general public, and provide actionable insights and practical solutions for air quality improvement in urban rail hubs.

Project Homepage: STATION-AIR at TCD

Project Funding: EPA Research Programme 2021-2030 and co-funded by the Department of Transport.

Supervisors: Prof Brian Caulfield, Assistant Prof John Gallagher, and Prof Margaret O'Mahony.