How Does The Transport Sector Contribute To PM Emissions?

In the public debate on the environmental implications of traffic, we often hear about nitrogen oxide emissions. However, it’s not the most dangerous component of the exhaust fumes. The fine particles pose a greater danger to both human health and the environment. What are they composed of, and which engines emit more of them?

Car traffic is often listed as one of the main sources of air pollution. The truth, however, is a little more complex. There is no doubt that the environment doesn’t benefit from the emissions of exhaust fumes in any way. Nevertheless, the contribution of the transport sector to the overall air pollution varies depending on the particle.

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According to the EEA 2019 data, traffic is responsible for over 50% of all the emissions of nitrogen oxides in Europe. The levels go down when it comes to other gases and particulate matter. Notwithstanding, the contribution to the emissions of PM 2.5 and PM 10 reaches around 20%, which is still relatively high.

The fine particles come not only from burning the fuel in the engine but also from the traffic itself. The car tires are subject to abrasion – that’s another source of particulate matter that can be dangerous to human health.

Which engines pollute more – diesel or petrol?

When it comes to CO2 emissions, which are the main culprit for climate change, petrol engines are definitely worse. However, it’s the diesel ones that emit more nitrogen dioxide and fine particles. They can contain soot and volatile substances such as aromatic hydrocarbons or ammonia.

That, of course, refers to the older models of diesel engines. The newly produced ones are required to meet the new environmental standards established by the relevant entities. Thus, they have built-in efficient filters and the SCR system for Adblue. Due to these systems, t’s not uncommon nowadays that the fumes are cleaner than the air they get released to.

How to lower the fine particle emissions in the exhaust fumes?

The installation of the DPF filter is the most efficient way. In the newer diesel engines (produced after 1996), the filters are already included, but the older models may not have them. They remove 85% up to 100% of the particulate matter that could get into the atmosphere otherwise.

Due to strict regulations, many drivers choose to install an emulator DPF instead to meet the norms without compromising the performance of the vehicle. You can get to know more about this type of equipment on https://www.bluetruck24.eu/

However, before installing it, check the local restrictions.

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