Effect of ambient concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) on the in-vehicle concentration of carbon monoxide in Chennai, India

摘要

In this study, ambient concentration of Carbon monoxide (CO) was monitored at two locations, a signalized traffic intersection and at one kilometer away from the intersection in Chennai. The maximum CO concentration was found to be 38.82 mg/m(3) and 1.15 mg/m(3) at signalized traffic intersection and one kilometer away from the intersection, respectively. The 1 h average in-vehide carbon monoxide concentration in cars during Air Conditioner (A/C)-ON redrculation mode, NC-ON fresh air mode and windows open mode are 2.4 mg/m(3), 4 mg/m(3) and 5.7 mg/m(3), respectively. The dilution rates of CO in these modes were found to be 0.14 mg/m(3)/min, 0.51 mg/m(3)/min and 1.71 mg/m(3)/min, respectively. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for NC recirculation, NC fresh air, windows open modes in car and windows open in bus were 2.06, 3.27, 0.79 and 1.82, respectively. For short trips, NC- on recirculation mode was found to be suitable and continuous use of NC in longer trips led to accumulation of CO. It is advisable to switch to either NC on Fresh air mode or windows open mode during longer trips to prevent accumulation of in-vehicle CO.