Margaret Bell

Bio: Margaret Bell is an academic researcher from Newcastle University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Air quality index & Traffic congestion. The author has an hindex of 34, co-authored 209 publications receiving 3864 citations. Previous affiliations of Margaret Bell include University of Nottingham & University of Leeds.

Toward reconciling instantaneous roadside measurements of light duty vehicle exhaust emissions with type approval driving cycles.

Abstract: A method is proposed to relate essentially instantaneous roadside measurements of vehicle exhaust emissions, with emission results generated over a type approval driving cycle. An urban remote sensing data set collected in 2008 is used to define the dynamic relationship between vehicle specific power and exhaust emissions, across a range of vehicle ages, engine capacities, and fuel types. The New European Driving Cycle is synthesized from the remote sensing data using vehicle specific power to characterize engine load, and the results compared with official published emissions data from vehicle type approval tests over the same driving cycle. Mean carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline-powered cars ≤ 3 years old measured using remote sensing are found to be 1.3 times higher than published original type approval test values; this factor increases to 2.2 for cars 4-8 years old, and 6.4 for cars 9-12 years old. The corresponding factors for diesel cars are 1.1, 1.4, and 1.2, respectively. Results for nitric oxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter are also reported. The findings have potential implications for the design of traffic management interventions aimed at reducing emissions, fleet inspection and maintenance programs, and the specification of vehicle emission models.

An environmental sensor system for pervasively monitoring road networks

Abstract: This paper describes the on-going research at Newcastle University in the MESSAGE project which is a major environmental monitoring project funded jointly by the EPSRC and DfT. The MESSAGE project investigates the use of low cost wireless sensors and their deployment to create a dense, pervasive, ad-hoc network for monitoring traffic pollution in a road environment. Each of the wireless devices carries one or more sensor payloads which will capture one or more of the pollutants directly associated with road vehicle emissions. This paper will provide an overview of the deployment of a MOTES network in Gateshead, UK, to measure a variety of pollutants and also explore whether other pervasive sensors, such as vehicle detectors can be included in the overall monitoring package. The research will cover three distinct areas: the network development; the applications developed for monitoring pollutants; and an investigation as to how the data collected could be used to validate and calibrate emissions and dispersions models. A final step will be to explore how this vast array or real-time data could be used to modify and influence real traffic control schemes, to give environmental measurements a clear, policy-sensitive role in future traffic management and control schemes.

Environmental factors in intelligent transport systems

Abstract: Increased car use has highlighted the problem of congestion, not only as a threat to economic growth but also as a substantial contributor to poor air quality, noise, health risk and global warming. This paper draws on the literature to try to heighten the awareness of the issues regarding the environment and health impacts of traffic related pollution. It shows how vehicle technologies and intelligent transport systems can play an important role in addressing environmental problems in urban areas. This review aims to stimulate interest that will hopefully result in a change in perspective so that intelligent transport system implementation is considered, not simply as a tool to reduce delays and lower the risk of accident, but also, through integration of technologies, to deliver good air quality and quieter soundscapes, and thus better quality of life and long-term sustainability of towns and cities.

The carbon footprint of UK Cities: 4M: measurement, modelling, mapping and measurement

Abstract: Introduction The planet is threatened by the emission of human-made greenhouse gasses, and in particular carbon dioxide (CO 2) from the combustion of fossil fuels. In 2009, average annual CO 2 emissions were 4.1 t CO 2 per person worldwide, although in developed countries this was substantially higher at 11.5 t CO 2 per person (IEA, 2009). Atmospheric CO 2 concentration has reached 380 ppm globally, with levels increasing by 1.9 ppm annually between 1995 and 2005 (IPCC, 2007). The world's population currently stands at 6.8 billion and is set to rise to c.8 billion by 2050 (PRB, 2009). In 2008, for the first time, over half of all people lived in cities and by 2030 this is expected to rise to nearly two-thirds (UNFPA, 2007). The high density of people in cities, who use energy for transport, food, and consumer goods and services, make them major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. The need to reduce CO 2 emissions from cities is clear. International negotiations to curb emissions have had mixed outcomes, but notwithstanding, national and sub-national initiatives proliferate. Policies and economic instruments to cut CO 2 emissions need to operate in a manner that preserves, or even enhances, cities' functioning and environment. Transport emissions have to be curbed without impinging on necessary travel, building energy use needs to be controlled without rendering them inoperable , and emission reduction practices need to impact as little as possible on key ecosystem services 1. Importantly, emissions reduction in all of these areas can go hand-in-hand with improvements to lifestyles and well-being: reduced traffic improves air quality and therefore human health, more energy efficient buildings lower fuel costs to occupants , and green spaces can sequester carbon whilst improving the aesthetic environment and human health and well-being. Thus, a low carbon city can be a cleaner, quieter, healthier and more enjoyable city. The 4M project is examining these issues by estimating key components of the carbon footprint (Wiedmann & Minx, 2008) of the city of Leicester in the UK. The project adopts a multi-disciplinary perspective and is being progressed through collaboration between researchers from five UK universities and Leicester City Council. This enables a rounded view of proposed carbon reduction initiatives to be evaluated in the real social and economic context of a functioning and dynamic city. The project has four activities, measuring, modelling, mapping and managing carbon emissions-hence 4M. The project …

openair - An R package for air quality data analysis

Abstract: openair is an R package primarily developed for the analysis of air pollution measurement data but which is also of more general use in the atmospheric sciences. The package consists of many tools for importing and manipulating data, and undertaking a wide range of analyses to enhance understanding of air pollution data. In this paper we consider the development of the package with the purpose of showing how air pollution data can be analysed in more insightful ways. Examples are provided of importing data from UK air pollution networks, source identification and characterisation using bivariate polar plots, quantitative trend estimates and the use of functions for model evaluation purposes. We demonstrate how air pollution data can be analysed quickly and efficiently and in an interactive way, freeing time to consider the problem at hand. One of the central themes of openair is the use of conditioning plots and analyses, which greatly enhance inference possibilities. Finally, some consideration is given to future developments.

A review and evaluation of intraurban air pollution exposure models

Abstract: The development of models to assess air pollution exposures within cities for assignment to subjects in health studies has been identified as a priority area for future research. This paper reviews models for assessing intraurban exposure under six classes, including: (i) proximity-based assessments, (ii) statistical interpolation, (iii) land use regression models, (iv) line dispersion models, (v) integrated emission-meteorological models, and (vi) hybrid models combining personal or household exposure monitoring with one of the preceding methods. We enrich this review of the modelling procedures and results with applied examples from Hamilton, Canada. In addition, we qualitatively evaluate the models based on key criteria important to health effects assessment research. Hybrid models appear well suited to overcoming the problem of achieving population representative samples while understanding the role of exposure variation at the individual level. Remote sensing and activity-space analysis will complement refinements in pre-existing methods, and with expected advances, the field of exposure assessment may help to reduce scientific uncertainties that now impede policy intervention aimed at protecting public health.

An updated roadmap for the integration of metal–organic frameworks with electronic devices and chemical sensors

Abstract: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are typically highlighted for their potential application in gas storage, separations and catalysis. In contrast, the unique prospects these porous and crystalline materials offer for application in electronic devices, although actively developed, are often underexposed. This review highlights the research aimed at the implementation of MOFs as an integral part of solid-state microelectronics. Manufacturing these devices will critically depend on the compatibility of MOFs with existing fabrication protocols and predominant standards. Therefore, it is important to focus in parallel on a fundamental understanding of the distinguishing properties of MOFs and eliminating fabrication-related obstacles for integration. The latter implies a shift from the microcrystalline powder synthesis in chemistry labs, towards film deposition and processing in a cleanroom environment. Both the fundamental and applied aspects of this two-pronged approach are discussed. Critical directions for future research are proposed in an updated high-level roadmap to stimulate the next steps towards MOF-based microelectronics within the community.