Investigation of a possible natural or artificial barrier to reduce urban CO2 concentration

Abstract

As the population and CO2 level in urban areas are increasing day-by-day, attention should be given to identify sources, sinks and influence of CO2 in urban areas. This research focuses on identifying a possible natural or artificial barrier to reduce urban CO2 concentration, mainly produced due to the urban traffic. The study was done along byroads in Ratmalana, Dehiwala and Wellawatta urban areas and the CO2 variations on these roads were compared with the physical features besides these roads. The results of this study reveal a relationship between physical features and CO2 variation along byroads. Vegetation cover, arrangement of the buildings and the building size are very much related with the CO2 variation along byroads. Presence of thick vegetation fences rather than walls beside the roads and more space between buildings help to reduce a significant amount of CO2 concentration. Existence of high buildings and high walls increase CO2 concentration at those locations.