Measurement and Analysis of Particulate Matter Exposure in Subway Commuting in High-Density Residential Areas

Mou Jinchao; Wang Lewen; Wang Yuxin; Lin Danting; Wu Yizheng

doi:10.20174/j.JUSE.2026.02.36

Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering >

2026 , Vol. 22 >Issue 2: 742 - 752

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20174/j.JUSE.2026.02.36

Measurement and Analysis of Particulate Matter Exposure in Subway Commuting in High-Density Residential Areas

Mou Jinchao ,
Wang Lewen ,
Wang Yuxin ,
Lin Danting ,
Wu Yizheng

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1. Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Big Data Application Technologies for Comprehensive Transport, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, P.R. China;
2. Chongqing Solid Waste Management Service Center Co., Ltd., Chongqing 401121, P.R. China

Received date: 2025-05-29

Online published: 2026-04-28

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Abstract

Subways, as a primary component of urban public transportation, harbor particulate matter within their microenvironments that pose health risks to commuters. To enhance the health of individuals during their subway commutes, a study was conducted to analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) concentrations in the subway microenvironment. The results show that: The PM_2.5 concentration in underground train carriages on weekdays (113.67 μg/m³) is higher than on non-working days (47.62 μg/m³), and the PM_2.5 concentration in underground train carriages is significantly higher than in above-ground and elevated sections (seven times higher); lines constructed earlier have higher PM_2.5 concentrations than newly built lines; the PM_2.5 concentration on platforms exhibit a cyclical trend with the arrival and departure of trains; fully enclosed screen doors are more effective than full-height security doors in controlling the accumulation of particles;the PM_2.5concentration during off-peak hours (75 μg/m³) is lower than during peak hours (102 μg/m³). Furthermore, the study analyzed the potential impact of off-peak travel strategies on the PM_2.5 exposure levels of commuters, the results suggests that off-peak travel could reduce exposure by 25.58% during a single commute. The results of the study provide data support for the prevention.

Key words： subway; commute; public transportation travel; PM_2.5; exposure

Cite this article

Mou Jinchao , Wang Lewen , Wang Yuxin , Lin Danting , Wu Yizheng . Measurement and Analysis of Particulate Matter Exposure in Subway Commuting in High-Density Residential Areas[J]. Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering, 2026 , 22(2) : 742 -752 . DOI: 10.20174/j.JUSE.2026.02.36

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