Traffic emissions introduce in urban environments low-reflectance matter, which affects the optical properties of atmosphere and consequently of soils, where particulate matter is accumulated. Radiometric techniques, focused on the 350-2500 nm wavelength range, were applied to investigate the alteration of optical properties of soils in urban environments. An integration between radiometric data and geochemical analyses was made to estimate the relationship occurring between optical properties of soils and their heavy metals content, which may trace traffic pollution. Soil samples were sampled in two study areas and treated to perform geochemical analyses and spectroradiometric acquisitions. An experimental analytical protocol was developed to study the optical properties of soils. The optical properties of urban soils are influenced by the deposition of carbonaceous particles and by the interaction between soil phases and traffic emissions. Results showed that the integrated approach of radiometric and geochemical investigations is a valid tool for monitoring traffic emissions in urban environments. © 2007 WIT Press.

cited By 1; Conference of 15th International Conference on Modelling,Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution, AIR POLLUTION 2007, AIR07 ; Conference Date: 23 April 2007 Through 25 April 2007