Influence of in-tunnel environment to in-bus air quality and thermal condition in Hong Kong

In this study, the potential exposure of bus commuters to significant air parameters (CO(2), CO and RSP) and thermal environment (air temperature and relative humidity) when buses traveled through tunnels in Hong Kong was investigated. It was found that air-conditioned buses provided a better commuting environment than non-air-conditioned buses. The blate increasing trend was found on air-conditioned buses as the in-bus air parameters concentration levels rose slowly throughout the traveling process. In contrast, the in-bus environment varied rapidly on non-air-conditioned buses as it depended on the out-bus environment. The measured in-bus CO concentration was 2.9 ppm on air-conditioned buses, while it was 4.6 ppm (even reaching the highest level at 12.0 ppm) on non-air-conditioned buses. Considering the in-bus thermal environment, air-conditioned buses provided thermally comfortable cabins (about 24 degrees C and 59% of relative humidity). However, on non-air-conditioned buses, the thermal environment varied with the out-bus environment. The mean in-bus air temperature was about 34 degrees C and 66% of relative humidity, and the in-bus air temperature varied between 29 and 38 degrees C. Also, the lower-deck to upper-deck air parameters concentration ratios indicated that the vertical dispersion of air pollutants in tunnels influenced non-air-conditioned buses as higher air parameters concentration levels were obtained on the lower-deck cabins.     

Indoor air quality investigation at air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned markets in Hong Kong

To characterize indoor air quality at the markets in Hong Kong, three non-air-conditioned and two air-conditioned markets were selected for this study. The indoor air pollutants measured included PM(10) (particulate matters with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microm), total bacteria count (TBC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and sulfur dioxide (SO(2)). The indoor and outdoor concentrations of these target air pollutants at these markets were measured and compared. The effects of air conditioning, temperature/relative humidity variation and different stalls on the indoor air quality were also investigated. The results indicated that all of the average indoor concentrations of PM(10), TBC, CO and NO(2) at the markets were below the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objectives (HKIAQO) standards with a few exceptions for PM(10) and TBC. The elevated PM(10) concentrations at Hung Hom, Ngau Tau Kok and Wan Chai markets were probably due to the air filtration of outdoor airborne particulates emitted from vehicular exhaust, whereas high concentrations of airborne bacteria at Sai Ying Pun and Tin Shing markets were linked to the use of air conditioning. Correlation analysis demonstrated that indoor bacteria concentrations were correlated with temperature and relative humidity. The operation of air conditioning did not significantly reduce the levels of air pollutants at the markets. However, the higher indoor/outdoor ratios demonstrated that the operation of air conditioning had influence on the levels of bacteria at the markets. It was found that average PM(10) concentration at poultry stalls was higher than the HKIAQO standard of 180 microg/m(3), and was over two times that measured at vegetable, fish and meat stalls. Furthermore, the concentration of airborne bacteria at the poultry stalls was as high as 1031 CFU/m(3), which was above the HKIAQO standard of 1000 CFU/m(3). The bacteria levels at other three stalls were all below the HKIAQO standard. Statistical analysis indicated that there were no significant differences among the four stalls for CO, NO(x) and SO(2).     

Mass concentrations of BTEX inside air environment of buses in Changsha,China

In order to estimate the mass concentrations of benzene (B), toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E) and xylenes (X) inside air environment of buses and to analyze the influencing factors of the BTEX pollution levels, 22 public buses were investigated in Changsha, China. The interior air was collected through activated charcoal adsorption tubes and then the air samples were analyzed with thermally desorbed gas chromatograph. The mass concentrations ranged from 21.3 to 106.4 μg/m³ for benzene, from 53.5 to 266.0 μg/m³ for toluene, from 19.6 to 95.9 μg/m³ for ethylbenzene and from 46.9 to 234.8 μg/m³ for xylenes. Their mean values were 68.7, 179.7, 62.5 and 151.8 μg/m³, respectively. The rates of buses tested where the interior concentrations exceeded the limit levels of Chinese Indoor Air Quality Standard were 45.5% for toluene and 13.6% for xylenes. The BTEX levels increased when in-car temperature or relative humidity rose, and decreased when car age or travel distance increased. The BTEX concentrations were higher in leather trims buses than in non-leather trims ones, in air-conditioned buses than in non-air-conditioned ones, and in high-grade buses than in low-grade ones. According to the analysis of multiple linear regression equation, car age and in-car temperature were two most important factors influencing the BTEX pollution levels in the cabins of public buses.     

Indoor air quality at nine shopping malls in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the most attractive shopping paradises in the world. Many local people and international tourists favor to spend their time in shopping malls in Hong Kong. Good indoor air quality is, therefore, very essential to shoppers. In order to characterize the indoor air quality in shopping malls, nine shopping malls in Hong Kong were selected for this study. The indoor air pollutants included carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbons (THC), formaldehyde (HCHO), respirable particulate matter (PM10) and total bacteria count (TBC). More than 40% of the shopping malls had 1-h average CO2 levels above the 1000 ppm of the ASHRAE standard on both weekdays and weekends. Also, they had average weekday PM10 concentrations that exceeded the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objective (HKIAQO). The highest indoor PM10 level at a mall was 380 microg/m3. Of the malls surveyed, 30% had indoor airborne bacteria levels above 1000 cfu/m3 set by the HKIAQO. The elevated indoor CO2 and bacteria levels could result from high occupancy combined with insufficient ventilation. The increased PM10 levels could be probably attributed to illegal smoking inside these establishments. In comparison, the shopping malls that contained internal public transport drop-off areas, where vehicles were parked with idling engines and had major entry doors close to heavy traffic roads had higher CO and PM10 indoor levels. In addition, the extensive use of cooking stoves without adequate ventilation inside food courts could increase indoor CO2, CO and PM10 levels.     

城市用地“3D”发展模式研究——一种基于减少机动化需求的规划理念

基于我国当前城市空间蔓延、功能分区单一以及"以车为本"的场所设计带来的个体机动化出行增加、公共交通效率低下、步行环境欠佳等问题,提出需要建立沿公交走廊的密度点轴结合发展(density)、用地混合多元布局(diversity)以及步行友好场所设计(design)的用地"3D"发展模式,以减少机动化出行需求。在此思路下,借鉴香港地区轨道沿线用地发展经验,研究香港实现"3D"模式的具体方法与措施,并以广州花都CBD为例,运用"3D"理念,对花都CBD内轨道沿线的用地密度、混合度、场所进行规划设计,以探索城市用地"3D"发展模式在我国发展的适应性。     

Evaluation of lighting performance in office buildings with daylighting controls

Lighting control integrated with daylighting is recognised as an important and useful strategy in energy-efficient building designs and operations. It is believed that proper daylighting schemes can help reduce the electrical demand and contribute to achieving environmentally sustainable building development. This paper presents field measurements on daylighting for a fully air-conditioned office building in Hong Kong. Electricity consumption by the fluorescent luminaires, indoor illuminance levels and the room parameters affecting daylighting designs were recorded and analysed. The measurements covered several cellular offices facing opposite orientations with and without daylighting controls. The findings suggest that daylighting schemes can result in substantial energy savings in air-conditioned office buildings in Hong Kong. Results are presented and the design implications are discussed.     

从集聚到紧凑：香港港铁站域空间居住建筑分布特征研究

站点周边居住建筑的密度直接影响乘坐轨道交通的总量,轨道站域范围内居住建筑分布的整体比重与轨道交通分担出行的比例相关。针对香港74个港铁站域空间居住建筑形态特征的研究重点分析了居住单元的分布情况,站域范围的居住建筑的密度与港铁乘坐量密切相关;站域空间范围的分布情况与非轨道站影响区域的比较发现,以轨道站为核心的居住建筑集聚特征是支持香港轨道系统高效率的重要空间特征之一。围绕轨道站的居住建筑集聚能够通过居民出行活动的集聚引导商业和社会服务设施分布密度的提高,是促进紧凑空间形态的形成的基本动力。归纳在轨道系统建设、站域空间发展的不同阶段影响紧凑形态形成的各类因素,有利于合理制定以轨道站为导向的紧凑城市空间形态策略。     

CFD analysis of ventilation effectiveness in a public transport interchange

A study was conducted into the ventilation effectiveness of a ventilation system within a public transport interchange (PTI) in Hong Kong. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD), steady state computational model of the PTI was used to investigate and predict the typical pollutant emission pattern for buses. In Hong Kong, the displacement ventilation (DV) scheme is often employed for the PTI. The numerical simulation investigates the effectiveness of the DV system in removing pollutants from the occupied zone. An alternative model is proposed where the supply is located at the ceiling and the exhausts are located at the lower part of the columns. It was found that both systems could adequately ventilate the PTI; however, the ceiling based air supply system is able to provide improved thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ).     

Indoor air quality at restaurants with different styles of cooking in metropolitan Hong Kong.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) of a restaurant has increasingly received a lot of public concerns in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, there is limited data about the IAQ of Hong Kong restaurants. In order to characterize the current IAQ of local restaurants, four restaurants in metropolitan Hong Kong including a Korean barbecue style restaurant, a Chinese hot pot restaurant, a Chinese dim sum restaurant and a Western canteen were selected for this study. The results of this study showed that the mean concentrations of CO2 at restaurants with gas stoves for food cooking in dining areas exceeded the range from 40 to 60% indoor CO2 concentrations at restaurants without gas stoves in dining areas. The average levels of PM10 and PM2.5 at the Korean barbecue style restaurant were as high as 1442 and 1167 microg/m3, respectively. At the Korean barbecue and Chinese hot pot restaurants, the levels of PM2.5 accounted for 80-93% of their respective PM10 concentrations. The 1-h average levels of CO observed at Korean barbecue style and hot pot restaurants were 15,100 and 8000 microg/m3, respectively. Relatively high concentrations of CO2, CO, PM10, PM2.5 benzene, toluene, methylene chloride and chloroform were measured in the dining areas of the Korean barbecue style and the Chinese hot pot restaurants. The operations of pan-frying food and boiling food with soup in a hot pot could generate considerable quantities of air pollutants.     

Fine particle (PM2.5) personal exposure levels in transport microenvironments, London, UK.

In order to investigate a specific area of short-term, non-occupational, human exposure to fine particulate air pollution, measurements of personal exposure to PM2.5 in transport microenvironments were taken in two separate field studies in central London, UK. A high flow gravimetric personal sampling system was used; operating at 16 l min(-1); the sampler thus allowed for sufficient sample mass collection for accurate gravimetric analysis of short-term travel exposure levels over typical single commute times. In total, samples were taken on 465 journeys and 61 volunteers participated. In a multi-transport mode study, carried out over 3-week periods in the winter and in the summer, exposure levels were assessed along three fixed routes at peak and off-peak times of the day. Geometric means of personal exposure levels were 34.5 microg m(-3) (G.S.D.= 1.7, n(s) = 40), 39.0 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 1.8, n(s) = 36), 37.7 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 1.5, n(s) = 42), and 247.2 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 1.3, n(s) = 44) for bicycle, bus, car and Tube (underground rail system) modes, respectively, in the July 1999 (summer) measurement campaign. Corresponding levels in the February 2000 (winter) measurement campaign were 23.5 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 1.8, n(s) = 56), 38.9 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 2.1, n(s) = 32), 33.7 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 2.4, n(s) = 12), and 157.3 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 3.3, n(s) = 12), respectively. In a second study, exposure levels were measured for a group of 24 commuters travelling by bicycle, during August 1999, in order to assess how representative the fixed route studies were to a larger commuter population. The geometric mean exposure level was 34.2 microg m(-3) (G.S.D. = 1.9, n(s) = 105). In the fixed-route study, the cyclists had the lowest exposure levels, bus and car were slightly higher, while mean exposure levels on the London Underground rail system were 3-8 times higher than the surface transport modes. There was significant between-route variation, most notably between the central route and the other routes. The fixed-route study exposure was similar in level and in variability to the 'real' commuters study, suggesting that the routes chosen and the number of samples taken provided a reasonably good estimate of the personal exposure levels in the transport microenvironments of Central London. This first comprehensive PM2.5 multi-mode transport user exposure assessment study in the UK also showed that mean personal exposure levels in road transport modes were approximately double that of the PM2.5 concentration at an urban background fixed site monitor.     

Iron (III) aquacomplexes as effective photocatalysts for the degradation of pesticides in homogeneous aqueous solutions

This study evaluated in-car and in-bus exposures to methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), benzene, and toluene on actual commuting routes, not hypothetical routes as used in many previous in-vehicle exposure studies of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It focuses on four potentially influencing factors (transportation mode, passenger-car type, time of day, and season). A total of 40 passenger car commuters and 20 public bus commuters were recruited. The same commuters participated in both the summer and winter studies. The transportation mode, passenger-car type and commute season were all found to affect the in-vehicle levels of the target VOCs. Conversely, the commute time of day had little effect on the in-car and in-bus levels of the target compounds. The present study also confirmed that under Korean commuting conditions, passenger car and public bus interiors are important microenvironments for exposure to MTBE, benzene and toluene. This is supported by a previous finding that both in-car and in-bus air levels of the target VOCs tend to be much higher than ambient air levels of the compounds. Meanwhile, some spurious gasoline sold during the experimental periods appears to have elevated the in-car and in-bus exposures to toluene compared with those reported by some previous studies conducted in the same study area.     

Energy impact assessment for the reduction of carbon dioxide and formaldehyde exposure risk in air-conditioned offices

Treatment of fresh air in ventilation systems for air-conditioning consumes a considerable amount of energy and affects the indoor air quality (IAQ). In this study, energy impact on ventilation systems was examined against certain IAQ objectives for indoor formaldehyde exposure risk in air-conditioned offices of Hong Kong. Thermal energy consumptions for ventilation systems and indoor formaldehyde exposure concentrations based on some regional surveys of typical offices in Hong Kong were reviewed. The thermal energy consumptions of ventilation systems operating for CO₂ exposure concentrations between 800 ppmv and 1200 ppmv for typical office buildings and the corresponding formaldehyde exposure risks were evaluated. The results showed that, for a reference indoor environment at a CO₂ exposure concentration of 1000 ppmv, the average thermal energy saving of ventilation system for a unit increment of the acceptable formaldehyde exposure limit of 1 h (loss of life expectancy of 0.0417 day) was 280 MJ m⁻² yr⁻¹; and for a unit decrement of the exposure limit of 1 h, an additional average thermal energy consumption of 480 MJ m⁻² yr⁻¹ was expected. This study would be a useful source of reference in evaluation of the energy performance of ventilation strategies in air-conditioned offices at a quantified exposure risk of formaldehyde.     

Studies on commuters' exposure to BTEX in passenger cars in Kolkata, India

Commuters' exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) especially BTEX travelling in passenger cars in Kolkata, India were quantified in Phase I (2001-2002) and Phase II (2003-2004). Monitoring was made inside and in the immediate outside of passenger cars fitted with and without catalytic converters using different types of fuels, along two congested urban routes. During Phase I of the study, the benzene content in gasoline was 5% and the mean concentration of in-vehicle benzene in cars without catalytic converter was found to be as high as 721.2 microg/m3. In Phase II when the benzene content was reduced to <3% and with modified engine type, the mean in-vehicle benzene concentration was reduced to 112.4 microg/m3. The in-vehicle concentration varied with engine type and age of the vehicle. Roadside ambient mean concentration of benzene was 214.8 microg/m3 and 30.8 microg/m3 in Phase I and Phase II respectively.     

Policies for implementing multiple intensive land use in Hong Kong

The entire Hong Kong SAR acts as a network ofprimary, secondary and tertiary MultipleIntensive Land Use (MILU) zones linked byrelatively cheap and speedy public transport.The MILU forms of Hong Kong have been developedas an efficient design response within a smallcity-state to population growth and shortages of buildable land. However, planning guidelines and development control instruments and policies have promoted public and private sectorcooperation and achieved a high degree ofintegration of residential, commercial and other uses. This paper discusses the design approaches in Hong Kong and examines the basic characteristics of the Hong Kong model of mixed-use development, planning mechanism and relevant policies.     

An energy impact assessment of ventilation for indoor airborne bacteria exposure risk in air-conditioned offices

Treatment of fresh air in ventilation systems for air-conditioned offices consumes a significant amount of energy and affects the indoor air quality (IAQ). In this study, energy impact on the ventilation systems was examined against certain IAQ objectives for indoor airborne bacteria exposure risk in air-conditioned offices of Hong Kong. The relationship between thermal energy consumptions and indoor airborne bacteria exposure levels based on regional surveys was investigated. The thermal energy consumptions of ventilation systems operating for carbon dioxide (CO₂) exposure concentrations between 800 and 1200 ppmv for typical office buildings and the corresponding failure probability against some target bacteria exposure levels were evaluated. The results showed that, for a reference indoor environment at a CO₂ exposure concentration of 1000 ppmv, the predicted average thermal energy saving of ventilation system for a unit increment of the expected risk of unsatisfactory IAQ of 1% was 55 MJ m⁻² yr⁻¹ and for a unit decrement of 1%, the predicted additional thermal energy consumption was 58 MJ m⁻² yr⁻¹ respectively. This study would be a useful source of reference in evaluation of the energy performance of ventilation strategies in air-conditioned offices at a quantified exposure risk of airborne bacteria.     

Energy performance criteria in the Hong Kong building environmental assessment method

The Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method (HK-BEAM), an environmental assessment method for air-conditioned office buildings, has been developed by the Real Estate Developers Association (REDA) for use in Hong Kong. Two versions of the scheme have been developed; one for new office premises and the other for existing office premises. HK-BEAM embraces a variety of issues related to the global, local and indoor environments. The efficient use of electricity forms a major part of the assessment. The basis for the energy performance assessment method, and the criteria for obtaining the relevant credits are described and discussed.     

Benzene exposure in a sample of population residing in a district of Florence, Italy

OBJECTIVE: Personal exposure to airborne benzene is influenced by various outdoor and indoor sources. The first aim of this study was to assess the benzene exposure of a sample of urban inhabitants living in an inner-city neighborhood of Florence, Italy, excluding exposure from active smoking. The secondary objective was to differentiate the personal exposures according to personal usage patterns of the vehicles. METHODS: A sample of 67 healthy non-smokers was monitored by passive samplers during two 4-weekday campaigns in winter and late spring. Simultaneously, benzene measurements were also taken for a subset of participants, inside and outside their houses. A 4-day time microenvironment activity diary was completed by each subject during each sampling period. Other relevant exposure data were collected by a questionnaire before the sampling. Additional data on urban ambient air benzene levels were also available from the public air quality network. The passive samplers, after automated thermal desorption, were analyzed by GC-FID. RESULTS: Benzene personal exposure levels averaged 6.9 (SD=2.1) and 2.3 (SD=0.7) microg/m(3) in winter and spring, respectively. Outdoor and indoor levels showed high correlation in winter and poor in spring. In winter the highest benzene personal exposure levels were for people traveling by more public transport, followed by users of only car and by users of only bus respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The time spent in-transport for work or leisure makes a major contribution to benzene exposure among Florentine non-smoking citizens. Indoor pollution and transportation means contribute significantly to individual exposure levels especially in winter season.     

Source apportionment of volatile organic compounds in Hong Kong homes

Indoor volatile organic compound (VOC) data obtained in 100 Hong Kong homes were analyzed to investigate the nature of emission sources and their contributions to indoor concentrations. A principal component analysis (PCA) showed that off-gassing of building materials, household products, painted wood products, room freshener, mothballs and consumer products were the major sources of VOCs in Hong Kong homes. The source apportionments were then evaluated by using an absolute principal component scores (APCS) technique combined with multiple linear regressions. The results indicated that 76.5 ± 1% (average ± standard error) of the total VOC emissions in Hong Kong homes attributes to the off-gassing of building materials, followed by the room freshener (8 ± 4%), household products (6 ± 2%), mothballs (5 ± 3%) and painted wood products (4 ± 2%). Analysis on the source strength in the monitored homes revealed that although six indoor sources were identified and quantified in the Hong Kong homes, only some homes were responsible for the elevated concentrations of target VOCs emitted from these sources. The findings provide us the mechanism of reducing levels of indoor VOCs and ultimately lead to cost effective reduction in population exposures.     

Characteristics of electricity consumption in commercial buildings

Average annual electricity use per gross floor area is 236kWh/m²yr for offices and 366kWh/m²yr for hotels. HVAC and lighting account for 70-80% of total energy in fully air-conditioned commercial buildings in Hong Kong and should be a priority for energy management programmes.     

Risks of unsatisfactory airborne bacteria level in air-conditioned offices of subtropical climates

Adjustment of the indoor air temperature and relative humidity set points for energy conservation is adopted in many air-conditioned offices in the subtropics. This study examines the environmental risks in an air-conditioned office with a ‘readjusted’ thermal environment from the perspective of the probable airborne bacteria level exceeding certain limits. In particular, a cross-sectional study of bacteria concentrations in 422 air-conditioned offices in Hong Kong was conducted, and a mathematical expression was proposed to correlate the indoor bacteria level with the indoor air temperature and relative humidity in an air-conditioned office. With the proposed correlation, the probability of an air-conditioned office having an unsatisfactory airborne bacteria level could be determined. The model results were verified with the measurement results from some other studies. This model would be a useful tool for preliminary assessment of the environmental risks, regarding the airborne bacteria level while balancing some energy conservation measures, in an air-conditioned office in the subtropics. The study also provides a template for developing an environmental risk assessment model in air-conditioned spaces elsewhere.