Development of Transportation Technology to Reduce Air Pollution: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract: This narrative review aims to examine the impact of transportation technology on the reduction of air pollution. Airborne pollutants from transportation, including NOx, CO, VOC, SO 2, and PM, have significant adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Drawing on findings from numerous studies and pollution dispersion models, specific interventions - such as the adoption of fleet public transportation, the construction of ring roads, regular vehicle maintenance, and the provision of essential roadway infrastructure - are projected to reduce transportation-related pollutant emissions by 13 by 2055. In this study, the databases utilized include ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed Central (through PubMed), Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The article's search terms encompassed: 'air pollution,' 'transportation,' and 'air pollutants.' In addition, the integration of functional models, alongside national and international initiatives, is expected to reduce total emissions by 2035 to 30.2, 24.3, 18.8, 5.3, and 21.4 for NOx, CO, VOC, SO 2, and PM, respectively. This review highlights the crucial role of transportation technologies, in tandem with individual efforts, in mitigating vehicular pollution, and emphasizes the importance of applying model outputs in achieving significant reductions in emissions. © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.