Characterization and Identification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Diesel Particulate Matter

Emission of toxic exhaust from diesel engines is one of the major problems associated with the use of petroleum fuels. Particulate matter emission is perceived as a major pollutant, detrimental to the human health and environment, and has led to considerable study. Vehicular emissions comprise toxic pollutants that include unburnt hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and others. In this study, experiments have been carried out with the objective of determining overall particulate matter chemical composition and size. Electron microscopic images of the emitted soot were studied for average particle size distribution. More than 50 percent of the particles were in the range of 25 to 35 nanometers. Approximately 7, 9, 16, and 5 percent of the measured particles were from 35 to 40, 40 to 45, 45 to 50, and 50 to 55 nanometers, respectively. Determined elements were Al, Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Ti, Zn, and Zr at concentrations of 727, 53, 1100, 701, 1145, 638, 177, and 800 micrograms per milliliter respectively. Fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in the extracts of filters and their concentrations were estimated. This investigation allows the comparison of particulate matter from different fuels and their blends.