ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Non-exhaust PM₂.₅ from Road Dust Resuspension in Tirana Street Canyons: An AP-42 Empirical Approach and Meteorological Influences
 
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1
Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
 
2
Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
 
 
Submission date: 2026-02-03
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-04-02
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-04-09
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-04-19
 
 
Publication date: 2026-04-19
 
 
Corresponding author
Dhurata Premti   

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Bulevardi Zogu I, Tirana 1001, Albania., Bulevardi Zogu 1, 1001, Tirane, Albania
 
 
Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports 2026;36(2):1-15
 
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ABSTRACT
Central Tirana is characterized by high population density and severe traffic congestion, conditions that strongly enhance road dust resuspension as a significant non-exhaust source of fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅). This case study investigates the main features of the phenomenon, with particular attention to the street canyon effect caused by building height and the vertical gradients of pollutant concentration, an aspect that remains largely unexplored in the Albanian urban setting. The U.S. EPA AP-42 empirical model calibrated with local parameters (traffic intensity ≈20,000 vehicles/day, average speed 35 km/h, silt loading 0.6–1.2 g/m²), indicates that, under box-model assumptions (Vmix = 1 × 10⁶ m³/day), resuspension contributions are estimated at 5–15 μg/m³ under typical conditions, with potential increments up to 23–69 μg/m³ in sensitivity scenarios with elevated silt loading (0.4–1.2 g/m²). These values should be interpreted as indicative upper-bound screening estimates rather than precise predictions, due to the simplified nature of the box model and lack of direct vertical concentration measurements. Sensitivity analyses reveal potentially higher increments in scenarios dominated by elevated silt loading from construction and dry seasonal conditions. The proposed “Tirana Urban Canyon Resuspension Trap” is presented as a conceptual framework integrating empirical estimates, observed patterns, and established street-canyon aerodynamics. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mitigation measures, including regular street cleaning and traffic management, in densely built urban areas.
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ISSN:2080-5187
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