Analysis of the impact of the eastern ring road of Lodz on selected components of the environment

Janas, Monika; Alicja, Zawadzka · 2018 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/20182801014

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Summary

This study investigates the environmental impact of the eastern ring road of Lodz, a 30-kilometer section of the A1 motorway commissioned in July 2016. While road infrastructure is critical for Poland’s socio-economic development and traffic safety, it inevitably alters the natural environment through air and soil pollution, noise generation, and habitat disruption. The research aims to assess short-term changes in atmospheric air quality, soil contamination, and acoustic climate resulting from the construction and operation of this new motorway, providing a baseline for future comparative analyses. The methodology involved periodic measurements conducted under specific meteorological conditions (wind speed below 5 m/s, no precipitation) during peak traffic hours. Seven measurement points were established along the motorway section, with two additional comparison points in Strykow and central Lodz. Air samples were collected 10 to 50 meters from the road edge to determine sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations via gas chromatography. Soil samples were taken from the surface humus layer (5 cm depth) at similar distances and analyzed for heavy metals, including zinc, lead, copper, nickel, cobalt, and chromium, using atomic absorption spectrometry and argon emission spectrometry. Noise levels were measured using an integrating sound level meter placed 1.7 meters above ground, with profiles extending from 100 to 300 meters from the road edge. The results indicate that air pollution levels along the eastern ring road were significantly lower than permissible limits. Instantaneous SO₂ concentrations ranged from 5 to 10 μg/m³, and NO₂ concentrations ranged from 15 to 26 μg/m³, with the lowest values recorded behind energy-absorbing barriers. Soil analysis revealed heavy metal accumulation, particularly zinc (35–85 mg/kg dry matter) and lead (20–40 mg/kg), attributed to brake wear and tire degradation. However, these concentrations remained well below regulatory thresholds, such as the 300 mg/kg limit for zinc. Noise measurements showed that permissible levels were exceeded in the immediate vicinity of the road, reaching 70–71 dB(A) at certain locations. Noise intensity decreased steadily with distance, showing significant reduction at 250 meters from the road edge. The study concludes that while the motorway contributes to environmental changes, its immediate impact on air and soil quality is minimal and within safe regulatory limits, likely due to the road's recent commissioning and modern vehicle technologies. However, noise pollution remains a significant issue near the road, necessitating distances of 200–300 meters between highways and residential areas or the implementation of natural green barriers. The findings serve as an initial monitoring stage, highlighting the need for long-term assessment to fully understand the cumulative environmental effects of this infrastructure.

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• roadway lighting effects