Review on pollutant dispersion in urban areas-part B: Local mitigation strategies, optimization framework, and evaluation theory. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Zhengtong; Ming, Tingzhen; Shi, Tianhao; Zhang, Hao; Wen, Chih-Yung; Lu, Xuesong; Dong, Xu; Wu, Yongjia; de Richter, Renaud; Li, Wei; Peng, Chong
• Is Part Of: Building and environment. Volume 198(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Pollutant dispersion -- Local mitigation strategy -- Optimization framework -- Evaluation theory -- Urban design; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Technique de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 696
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.107890
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Outdoor air pollution is a significant global issue because it poses a major long-term health risk. A growing number of studies are conducted to develop local mitigation strategies for improving air quality. This review paper critically evaluates the available literature to provide a better understanding of potential local mitigation strategies and ascertain the methods for reducing local air pollution exposure. For these purposes, the first part of the review is categorized into three groups: (i) improving urban ventilation and turbulence level for pollutant dispersion. (ii) controlling source-receptor pathways by constructing barriers. (iii) capturing and mitigating air pollution by introducing pollutant sinks. Subsequently, a series of studies on optimization frameworks are summarized. It is found that surrogate model-based optimization frameworks efficiently handle multi-objective optimizations at a low computational cost. Finally, this review examines publications on the evaluation theory for pollutant dispersion to determine feasible methods for the removal of pollutants from urban areas. This study is useful for urban planners and architects responsible for decision-making. Highlights: Improving ventilation and turbulence are critical in mitigating air pollution. Controlling source-receptor pathways is only beneficial at the pedestrian level. Capturing air pollution by introducing sinks in strategic locations is effective. Developing optimal frameworks is vital to enhance mitigation strategies' benefits. Developing evaluation theories is required before new strategies are proposed.