An evaluation of the emission profile for two-wheelers at a traffic junction

Abstract

Two-wheeler vehicles are an important mode of transportation in developing countries. However, the emissions from two-wheeler vehicles are significant. Urban two-wheeler vehicles with gasoline-fueled engines produce NOx and particulate matter emissions that affect urban air quality. During traffic light stops and programmed stops, for instance, pollutants are emitted and are dangerous to human health. In this experimental study, two-wheeler vehicles with different makes, technologies and engine capacities were tested for exhaust emissions including gravimetric and online measurements at different engine speeds and a no load condition at a simulated traffic junction. Gravimetric measurements were performed by collecting the particulate mass (at two engine speeds: 1500 and 2500rpm) from a diluted engine-out exhaust on quartz filter paper. Next, these collected particulates were used to determine the presence of metals, as well as the benzene soluble organic fraction (BSOF). The total particulate mass, BSOF and trace elements were slightly higher at a higher engine speed (2500rpm). Online measurements were performed by sampling the engine exhaust (at four engine speeds: 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000rpm) and using online instruments to determine the particle number and size distribution, the particle-bound polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the gaseous emissions and the smoke opacity. Engines with higher cubic capacity emitted a higher concentration of nano-particles. The particle-bound PAH concentration increased as the engine speed increased, but this concentration was notably low for the highest engine speed tested (3000rpm). The regulated gaseous emissions increased as the engine speed increased for all vehicles.