DustRail - Size dependent and spacial resolution of traffic induced wear pollutants and from particulate matter

In order to achieve the goal of a significant reduction in environmental pollution while at the same time increasing mobility needs of the population and the economy, sustainable transport development requires not only modes of transport-specific, but also comprehensive approaches to emissions and air quality problems. The nature, extent and distribution of fine dust and abrasion emissions from the transport sector play a role that should not be underestimated. When considering the environmental impact, rail transport has advantages over other modes of transport in terms of pollutant emissions, energy balance and land consumption. However, rail operations also have an impact on the environment. Inorganic and organic material inputs from rail operations and the associated infrastructures are of particular importance here. In particular, the subject of unregulated air pollutants and operational abrasion release (rail transport) is a research area that has so far been little investigated or little considered. Studies from Switzerland show that significantly fewer abrasion emissions (fine dust PM10) enter the environment than previously estimated, but still make up the majority of the fine dust emissions caused by rail traffic. Iron is the main component of particles due to possible sources of abrasion and components in rail traffic (brakes, wheels, rails, contact wire and pantographs). Despite initial research efforts, there are still considerable information and data deficits with regard to the emission quantities, the particle size distribution, the release of gaseous pollutants, the chemical composition or the spread and impact in / on various environmental compartments (water, soil, air). Due to the very heterogeneous data situation with regard to abrasion emissions from the various modes of transport, this research project is intended to identify possible data deficits and make an important contribution to closing the knowledge gaps. As part of the project, cross-mode comparisons are also to be made based on the abrasion emissions of rail traffic.