Particulate Matter Emissions Research Articles

The joint impact of PM2.5, O3, and CO2 on the East Asian Summer Monsoon in 2013 and 2018 due to contrasting emission reduction

With the rapid urbanization and the implementation of a series of air pollution control measures, significant changes have occurred in the emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3) precursors, and CO2 in China. In this study, we comprehensively assess the impact of emission variations on the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) climate from 2008 to 2018 using a regional-chemistry-ecology model RegCM-Chem-YIBs. The investigations indicated a strengthening of the EASM from 2008 to 2018, with all four EASM Indices exhibiting an increase trend ranging from 0.08 to 1.09 per year based on the simulations. Since 2008, alterations in the emissions of PM2.5 and O3 precursors in 2013 and 2018 led to a rise in near-surface temperatures in China by 0.5–1.5 K, thereby enhancing the EASM. Conversely, the changed CO2 emissions, through its influence on radiative balance and altering BVOCs (Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions via its effect on vegetation growth, decreased temperatures by 0.5–1.5 K, thus weakening the EASM. However, when considering the combined effects of total emissions changes in PM2.5, O3 precursors, and CO2, surface temperatures increased by 0.5–2 K, ultimately strengthening the EASM. In addition, compared to 2013, EASM was strongly enhanced in 2018 due to the notable increase in CO2 and significant reduction of PM2.5 and O3 precursors. Our study underscores the significant influence of variations in PM2.5, O3 precursors, and CO2 emissions on EASM climate and emphasizes the importance of coordinated governance of air pollution and climate change.

Parameterization of H2SO4 and organic contributions to volatile PM in aircraft plumes at ground idle

ABSTRACT Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) emissions are challenging to measure and quantify, since they are not present in the condensed form at the engine exit plane and they evolve to first form in the aircraft plume and then continue to grow and change as they mix and dilute in the ambient atmosphere. To better understand the issues associated with the initial formation and growth of vPM, a modeling study has been undertaken to examine several key parameters that affect the formation and properties of the vPM that is created in the initial cooling and dilution of the aircraft exhaust. A modeling tool (Aerosol Dynamic Simulation Code, ADSC) that was developed and enhanced over a series of past research projects supported by NASA, DoD’s SERDP/ESTCP, and FAA was used to perform a parametric analysis of vPM. The parameters of fuel sulfur content (FSC), emitted condensable hydrocarbon (HC) concentrations, and the species profile of the HCs were used to construct a computational matrix that framed a wide range of expected parameter values. This computational matrix was executed for two representative commercial aircraft engines at ground idle and results were obtained for distances of 250 m and 1000 m downstream. From prior results, the most significant vPM emissions occur at the lowest power settings, so an engine power condition of 7% rated thrust was used. A primary goal of the parametric study is to develop an updated vPM modeling methodology and also to help interpret data collected in experimental campaigns. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. The aim is to provide additional understanding on how the vPM properties vary with fuel and engine parameters to increase the utility of vPM predictions. Implications: Volatile Particulate Matter (vPM) is an important contribution to the total PM emitted by aviation engines. While vPM is not currently a part of engine emissions certification regulations, vPM is used in aviation environmental impact assessments and for air quality modeling in and around airports. Current methods in use, such as FOA, were developed before many recent advances in experimental data acquisition and in understanding of vPM processes. The parameterization proposed here allows the vPM emission composition and particle numbers to be estimated in greater detail than current methods. These estimates can be used to develop inventories and provide a better estimate of total emission for most aviation engines. Its use in international regulatory tools can inform possible future regulatory actions regarding vPM.

Novel biofuel blends for diesel engines: Optimizing engine performance and emissions with C. cohnii microalgae biodiesel and algae-derived renewable diesel blends

Fossil diesel is a significant global fuel; however, environmental concerns and resource scarcity necessitate alternative fuels. Third-generation microalgae biodiesel (MB), despite its carbon neutrality, leads to higher oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions and poor engine performance. Renewable diesel (RD), also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), could reduce these issues. A quasi-dimensional multi-zone combustion model is employed in this study to look into how different fuel blends of diesel, C. cohnii MB, and algae-derived RD affect the performance, combustion, and emissions of a compression ignition (CI) engine. The study uses a 2000 rpm engine arrangement with different engine loads, and validates the computational analysis with an experimental test engine arrangement. The study aims to explore the potential of sustainable biofuels in CI engines. D70MB30 (70 vol% diesel, and 30 vol% MB) fuel blend leads to a higher ignition delay period (IDP) while lowering peak cylinder pressure (PCP) and peak heat release rate (PHRR) compared to D100; however, when RD is added to diesel-MB fuel blends, it reduces IDP and increases PCP and PHRR. Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) for the D70MB30 blend rises by 5.28–8.9 %, while brake thermal efficiency (BTE) reduces by 0.98–4.27 %. However, RD in MB blends reduces BSFC by 1.57–3.41 % and marginally enhances BTE, resulting in greater fuel economy and efficiency. D70MB30 fuel blend results in higher specific carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions while lowering particulate matter (PM) and smoke emissions compared to neat diesel due to its high intrinsic oxygen content. In contrast, RD with the MB blend reduces specific CO2 and NOx emissions; however, it increases PM and smoke emissions due to the NOx-PM trade-off. The optimum results occur with a full load and D70MB15RD15 (70 vol% diesel, 15 vol% MB, and 15 vol% RD) fuel blend. Compared to the D70MB30 blend, D70MB15RD15 reduces BSFC, specific CO2, and NOx by 2.15 %, ∼1%, and 8.37 %, respectively, while increasing PM emissions at 100 % load.

Investigation on combustion and emission characteristics of diesel polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers blend fuels with exhaust gas recirculation and double injection strategy

As a kind of renewable and high oxygen content fuel, polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (PODE) can be added in diesel to realize energy saving and emissions reduction. To evaluate the combustion and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with diesel and diesel/PODE mixtures, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and main-pilot injection strategies with various injection timings were applied. PODE was blended with diesel by volume to form mixtures which were marked as D100 (pure diesel), D90P10 (90% diesel + 10% PODE), and D80P20 (80% diesel + 20% PODE). The results showed that the ignition delay (ID) and combustion duration (CD) of D80P20 were the shortest because of the highest cetane number (CN) and high oxygen content of PODE, indicating more concentrated heat release. At low and medium loads, D80P20 achieved the highest peak heat release ratio (PHRR) and peak combustion temperature (PCT) among the three fuels, and it was 14.3% and 3.6% higher than those of D100. PODE blending with diesel can significantly reduce particulate matter (PM) and D80P20 has the lowest PM emissions at all loads. Compared with D100, both PM and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of PODE blends decreased simultaneously with 20% EGR at all loads. With the increase of pilot-main interval, the ID and CD of all test fuels increased, while the NOx and PM emissions decreased. The conclusions of the present research provide a state of the application in light-duty engines fueled with diesel/PODE blends in future work.

Bioavailable fractions of heavy metals in the road dust during infrastructure construction at urban Coimbatore and its potential health implications, India.

Over the past two decades the Global South is witnessing unprecedented economic transformation and Asian Cities in particular have a remarkable upsurge. Coimbatore, an industrial city in Southern India with an estimated population of 2 million (in 2022) is witnessing a rapid transition in terms of infrastructure development. In this context, the present study attempts to assess the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) emissions at road network construction sites and the heavy metal fractionation in the road dust/sediment samples with a core focus to quantify the bioavailable fraction of metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) and its source apportionment in the road side dust/sediment samples. About 60 composite road dust/sediment samples were collected for heavy metal fractionation analysis in the six arterial roads that undergo core developments like construction of road over bridges, additional road incorporation and street expansions. PM monitoring revealed that 24h average PM2.5 (47µg/m3) and PM10 (69µg/m3) concentrations at many construction sites exceeded 24h average recommended by WHO guidelines [PM2.5 (15µg/m3) and PM10 (45µg/m3), respectively]. The bioavailable fractions of Fe, Cu, Cr and Cd are notably higher in the roadside sediment samples at road construction sites. Health Risk assessment, such as carcinogenic risks (Children-4.41 × 10-2, Adult-3.598 × 10-6) and non-carcinogenic risks, inferred substantial risks at high intensity construction sites with statistical analyses, including PCA and cluster analysis, indicating considerable anthropogenic influences in the heavy metal fractions.

Realisation of Low Temperature Combustion in an Unmodified Diesel Engine

Heavy-duty diesel engines are an essential part of road transportation. Since viable alternatives are not expected in the short and medium term, the problematic emission characteristics of compression ignition engines have to be addressed. Low temperature combustion (LTC) is an alternative combustion method for compression ignition engines that allows low particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions while improving efficiency. To overcome the difficulties of market introduction, the realization of such alternative combustion methods should come with marginal engine modifications. Thus, this work investigates the possible realization of LTC in an unmodified diesel engine. LTC methods with and without injection strategy modifications were also studied to provide sufficient recommendations for other researchers. It was concluded that techniques requiring early direct injection, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) require a narrow cone angle injector to reduce wall impingement. It was also concluded that modulated kinetics (MK) type LTC can be easily achieved by applying a conventional injection strategy and high amounts of cooled exhaust gas recirculation. The realized MK combustion resulted in an enhanced NOx-PM trade-off and a lower peak pressure rise rate compared to normal operation.

Characterization of PM2.5 Carbonaceous Components in a Typical Industrial City in China under Continuous Mitigation Measures.

The goals of the "dual carbon" program in China are to implement a series of air pollution policies to reduce the emission of carbon-bearing particulate matter (PM). Following improvements in the reduction in carbon emissions in Handan City, China, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was collected in the winters from 2016 to 2020 to characterize the concentrations and sources of carbonaceous components in PM2.5. Trend analysis revealed that both organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations significantly decreased. The proportion of total carbon aerosol (TCA) in PM2.5 decreased by 47.0%, highlighting the effective reduction in carbon emissions. Secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentrations increased from 2016 (12.86 ± 14.10 μg·m-3) to 2018 (36.76 ± 21.59 μg·m-3) and then declined gradually. SOC/OC was larger than 67.0% from 2018 to 2020, implying that more effective synergistic emission reduction measures for carbonaceous aerosol and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were needed. In the winters from 2016 to 2020, primary organic carbon (POC) concentrations reduced by 76.1% and 87.6% under a light/moderate pollution period (LP) and heavy/severe pollution periods (HPs), respectively. The TCA/PM2.5 showed a decreasing trend under LP and HP conditions, decreasing by 42.1% and 54.7%, respectively. Source analysis revealed that carbonaceous components were mainly from biomass burning, coal combustion and automotive exhaust emissions in the winters of 2016 and 2020. OC/EC and K+/EC analysis pointed out that air pollutant reduction measurements should focus on rectification biomass fuels in the next stage. Compared with 2016, the contributions of automotive exhaust emissions decreased in 2020. OC and EC concentrations decreased due to control measures on automotive exhaust emissions.

Air pollution over southern Africa: Impact on the regional environment and public health implication

Air pollution is one of the problems in many countries posing serious challenges the world is facing today. This is a global public health and environmental issue with multiple facets; it affects all aspects -human health, development, economy, land use and the environment. Although industrial revolution has been a great advancement in human life in terms of technology, societal development, creation and provision of multiple services, it has also resulted in the production of large quantities of unpleasant substances the atmosphere. It is no doubt that worldwide urbanization and industrialization are escalating at a high rate and reaching unprecedented proportions in many countries. In this article, we revisit the state of air pollution over southern Africa and assess the extent to which this can impact on the regional environment. The study is qualitative but also employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative evidence on the status of Air Quality (AQ) over southern Africa. The subcontinent is now a significant source of atmospheric and environmental pollution, having transformed from a rural to one of the more developing regions in the world. There is an influx of particulate and gas pollution from both local and remote sources. Prominent hotspots can be observed on satellites for Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM) and Biomass Burning (BB) emissions around active areas. Depending on the nature of pollutant generation and amount, there are often differing levels of exposure to certain toxic elements, some of which are more harmful to human life. Increase in seasonal/annual pollution, in accordance with continued human development and industrial revolution can have a dire effect on the region, especially considering the growing African population. Comprehensive long-term AQ management programs are therefore needed to ensure that tolerable pollution levels are not exceeded, and that population exposure is taken care of.

Emission of Harmful Substances from the Combustion of Wood Pellets in a Low-Temperature Burner with Air Gradation: Research and Analysis of a Technical Problem

This paper includes a discussion of the results of tests concerning changes in the thermal and emission parameters of a boiler fuelled with wood biomass under the influence of air gradation in the combustion process. The test results ensure insight into the combustion process of wood biomass with air gradation, which significantly affected the operation of the device, increasing the mass concentration of the emitted nitrogen oxide (NOx) by combustion temperature lowering, especially in the afterburning zone. The authors observed an increase in the emission of particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) related to the change in the combustion process stoichiometry. The tests were carried out with the use of a heating boiler equipped with an automatic pellet burner. Apart from the mass concentration measurement of the pollution emitted, the tests focused on the measurements of temperature and oxygen levels in the flue gas. The objective of the tests was to confirm the applicability of the air gradation techniques in biomass combustion in order to reduce the emission of harmful substances from heating boilers, which is a technique that has recently been used in this group of devices. The test results obtained confirm the necessity for reorganising the technical systems of the currently used pellet burners and implementing further empirical tests.

Assessment of ammonia-diesel fuel blends on compression ignition engine performance and emissions using machine learning techniques

This study investigates the performance and emission characteristics of a multi-cylinder, naturally aspirated, compression ignition diesel engine using ammonia as a secondary fuel under full load conditions across various engine speeds. Ammonia dispersed with neat diesel at the concentration of 5, 10, and 15 liters per minutes via inlet manifold. Experimental tests assessed the impact of diesel-ammonia fuel mixtures at operating speeds of 1000 rpm to 3000 rpm. The performance metrics such as brake thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature, and emissions characteristics were determined. Moreover, the study employed predictive models such a simple extraction, linear regression, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to analyze engine behaviour. The results demonstrated that increasing ammonia concentration improved brake thermal efficiency and reduced brake specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature across all tested speeds. Specifically, ammonia additions led to significant decreases in carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions due to reduced carbon content in the fuel mix, while nitrogen of oxides emissions presented a more complex pattern. Inclusion of the ammonia increases the NOx due to the inherent nitrogen content. Particulate matter emissions were also reduced, highlighting ammonia’s potential to mitigate particulate formation. Compared to difference prediction models, LSTM showed superior capability in capturing complex non-linear relationships and temporal dependencies in engine performance data, outperforming traditional linear models.

Analyzing Carbon and Particulate Matter Emissions in Compression Ignition Engines with Biodiesel and Nanoparticle Additives

Analyzing Carbon and Particulate Matter Emissions in Compression Ignition Engines with Biodiesel and Nanoparticle Additives

A review on effects of diethyl ether on cyclic variations in diesel engines

Diethyl ether (DEE) can be used in diesel engines as a fuel or fuel additive. The review study was compiled from the findings of several studies in this area. The diverse techniques are employed to mitigate the detrimental pollutants emitted by diesel engines. The first approach to reducing emissions involves altering the fuel system and engine design to improve combustion, but this is an expensive and time–consuming process. The utilization of various exhaust gas devices, such as a particle filter and catalytic converter, is necessary for the second way. However, the engine performance could be negatively impacted by these tools. Additionally, these exhaust devices increases the vehicle and maintain costs. The use of different alternative fuels or fuel additives is the third way that reduces emissions while improving engine performance. The particulate matter (PM), smoke, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the main environmental pollutants released by diesel engines into the atmosphere. The decreasing PM and NOx emissions at the same time is practically very difficult. The majority of researches indicate that using alternative fuels, such as natural gas, biogas, and biodiesel, or blending additives with conventional or alternative fuels, is the best way to reduce emissions. However, the characteristics of the fuel have a significant influence on cycle variations, which have a significant impact on engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions. Therefore, it is very important that the results of studies on the impact of DEE on cyclic variation are evaluated together to practice applications and to guide future studies. As a result, the primary focus of this study is on the usage of DEE as a fuel or fuel additive with different diesel engine fuels. The aim of this review is to investigate, using the available knowledge in literature, how DEE affects cyclic variations.

Assessing the particulate matter emission reduction characteristics of small turbofan engine fueled with 100 % HEFA sustainable aviation fuel

With the continuous increase in global air transportation, the impact of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) emissions from aviation on human health and environmental pollution is becoming increasingly severe. In addition to carbon reduction throughout the lifecycle, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) also represent a significant pathway for reducing PM emissions. However, due to issues such as airworthiness safety and adaptability, existing research has mostly focused on the emission performance of SAF when blended with traditional fuels at <50 %, leaving the emission characteristics of higher blending ratios to be explored. In this study, using measurement methods recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the PM emission reduction characteristics of small turbofan engines fueled with 100 % Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)-SAF were experimentally evaluated and compared with traditional fuels RP-3 and Diesel, while avoiding the interference of lubricant blending combustion. The results showed that the peak number concentration of particle size distribution (PSD), PM total number, as well as the number and mass concentration of non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) decreased initially and then increased with rising thrust conditions. HEFA-SAF exhibits PSD with smaller diameters, and the Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD) ranges from 7.7 nm to 20.3 nm under all conditions. Both volatile particulates (vPM) and nvPM from HEFA-SAF are significantly reduced, with nvPM number emission index (EIn) being 92 % and 71 % lower than Diesel and RP-3, respectively. The nvPM mass emission index (EIm) also shows reductions of 96 % and 89 % compared to Diesel and RP-3. Microscopic characterization also indicated that using HEFA-SAF emitted fewer and smaller PMs. This study establishes a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of 100 % SAF in reducing PM emissions within the aviation sector, and contributes to the airworthiness regulations development related to the use of SAF in a variety of application environments, alongside enhancing environmental protection measures.

Source apportionment of fine particulate matter in middle Indo-Gangetic Plain by coupled radiocarbon –molecular organic tracer method

Despite significant emissions of fine particulate matter (FPM) from the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) that affect the climate and air quality in the region, the sources of these emissions are not adequately addressed. This research uses a combined radiocarbon-molecular organic tracer technique to investigate the degree of contamination, seasonal fluctuations, and contribution of FPM in the middle IGP (Patna), India. The findings indicated levoglucosan (L) as the single primary BB tracer chemical, ranging from 149 ng/m3 to 490 ng/m3 (median 282 ng/m3). Winter (median 462 ng/m3) showed a 2–3 times higher level of L than the monsoon season (median 180 ng/m3). A significant association of L with other organic tracers such as galactosan (G), mannosan (M), vallinic acid, syringic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHA) and dehydroabietic acid (DHAA)(r = 0.53 to 0.89, p < 0.05), and moderate connection with Cl− (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), SO42− (r = 0.29, p < 0.05), and NO3- (r = 0.22, p < 0.05) indicated significant BB contribution. However, non-sea salt (nss-K+) was not related to L. Based on seven days of air mass back trajectories and MODIS active fire counts analysis, we conclude that OAs composition is not the local origin but is also impacted by long-range atmospheric transport from Pakistan/Afghanistan, followed by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Chemical analysis of organic tracers and positive matrix factorization (PMF) modeling study identified three unique sources, i.e., biomass burning, secondary aerosols formation, and mixed type (fossil fuels and construction dust) as the primary source of FPM in Patna, accounted for 46.1 %, 28.9 %, and 24.9 %, of total emissions, respectively. The radiocarbon (14 C) analysis of total carbon (TC) samples further supported this conclusion. The results of the 14 C study indicated that emissions from BB, such as wood and stubble, were responsible for 57% of the TC concentration.

Warehouse CITY – An open data product for evaluating warehouse land-use in Southern California

Warehouse CITY is an open data product used to visualize and quantify the cumulative impact of warehouses within Southern California. Community groups, researchers, planners, and local agencies apply this open data product in project approval processes, research, lawsuits, and education. Warehouse CITY estimates the cumulative impacts of warehouse counts, acreage, building footprint, heavy-duty truck trips, diesel particulate matter emissions, oxides of nitrogen emissions, carbon dioxide emissions, and jobs. The Warehouse CITY open data product and dashboard is available as a website and at a GitHub repository.

Experimental study of particulate matter emission for a diesel engine fueled with nanoparticles and biofuel / diesel blends

There has been a lot of interest in alternative fuels due to the depletion of petroleum supplies and growing environmental concerns. Biodiesel is made from renewable resources and is one of the many practical and beneficial fuel substitutes for fossil fuels. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have made it feasible to use nanoparticles as fuel additives for internal combustion engines. An earlier study suggested that these compounds might enhance engine performance. There has been a concern that this may increase the particulate matter emitted with the exhaust which adversely affects the air quality. The size-distribution of unregulated particulate matter (PM) emitted with exhaust gases is examined in this work. Under various load conditions, PM exhaust emissions were examined while keeping the engine running at a constant 1350 rpm. A nanoparticles of 50 parts per milligram of Aluminum oxide Al2O3 and Iron oxide Fe2O3 into the jatropha biodiesel / diesel fuel blend. When the engine is fueled with blend of diesel, biodiesel, and nanoparticles ternary fuel, it created fewer particulate matter emissions than the diesel/biodiesel binary blend which contains no nanoparticles. In comparison to pure diesel fuel, the diesel/biodiesel blend binary combination produced 10–15 % less PM1, PM2.5, PM7, and PM10 emissions which is very critical to air pollution problem with the fine/very fine particles.

Effect of local measures on the update of the circulating vehicle fleet and the reduction of associated emissions: 10 years of experience in the city of Madrid

This paper presents the effects derived from the application of local policies and measures on the update of the circulating vehicle fleet of the city of Madrid in terms of greenhouse gases and urban pollutants emissions. The identification of said effects has been possible thanks to the use of Vehicle Fleet Characterization Studies (VFCS), which have been applied to Madrid for the last 10 years. It explores the evolution of several indicators, such as fleet age or urban emissions, through the analysis of the results obtained in the VFCS performed in 2013, 2017 and 2022. These studies help decisively in the evaluation of traffic emissions, thus being a compelling tool in the elaboration of the urban inventories. They constitute a cornerstone in the assessment of the city environmental issues and the decision-making process to reduce the environmental impact and minimize transport-related problems.The results show that the renovation of the fleet has diminished the emission of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, improving the air quality. However, the emissions of carbon dioxide stay almost unaffected, which suggests that the climate change policies should be oriented towards the decarbonization of the road traffic, mainly by switching to electric vehicles or low-carbon fuels.

Human activities and increased anthropogenic emissions: A remote sensing study in Cyprus

BackgroundThe effects of human activity on the environment are widespread and widely known. Human activities on most continents can be generalized as shelters and food chains due to the basic requirements of human life. Most of these activities require Land-use Land-cover (LULC) transformations, and their effects can be seen as changes such as increases in the global Land Surface Temperature (LST) and air pollutant concentrations. The present research aims to use remote sensing to monitor LULC transformations in Cyprus. MethodThis research uses Sentinel-3 data, Python programming, geographical information systems, and remote sensing to develop a moving average research method for a case study of Cyprus. Importantly, this work eliminates all political and ethnic boundaries to produce a unified analysis. ResultBased on the research outcomes, the highest mean LST and sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (with a diameter of 10 μm or less) emissions occur in the Limassol, Famagusta, Nicosia, and Larnaca districts. These emissions are mainly attributable to artificial surfaces, agricultural areas, and forested and semi-natural areas. These trends may relate to electric power plants, a cement factory, an airport, and intensified agricultural activities in the research area.

Investigating the Effect of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Emission Reduction on Surface-Level Ozone (O3) during Summer across the UK

Investigating the Effect of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Emission Reduction on Surface-Level Ozone (O3) during Summer across the UK

Environmental Assessment on Fabrication of Bio-composite Filament Fused Deposition Modeling Through Life Cycle Analysis

The environmental effect of a manufacturing or service method is determined by the resource and energy inputs and outputs at each point of the product’s life cycle. In Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), generally, the material used for fabrication is plastic, and the raising of interest from different backgrounds of users could increase the issue of plastic pollution. Therefore, many scholars have proposed an initiative to employ bio-composite in FDM. In this study, an environmental assessment of global warming potential and fine particulate matter emission from the fabrication of bio-composite filament FDM was performed through its life cycle analysis using GaBi Software. Initially, data on resources and energy inputs and outputs were gathered. The functional unit in this study was the 1.0 kg wood/PLA composite filament extruded using a twin-screw extruder. All wastes were collected and recycled. The fabricated composite filaments were transported by container ship with a capacity of 5000 – 200 000 dwt gross weight for 100 km within Malaysia. Based on the results from the GaBi dashboard, the FDM process of bio-composite filament has contributed as much as 138.7 kg CO2 eq on the global warming potential and 1.71e-4 kg N eq. on fine particulate matter by the electricity power generation in extrusion and printing processes. The main factor for this issue is the consumption of coal in electric power generation, which is considered a non-renewable resource. Therefore, it is recommended that natural fibers such as wood fiber be employed in the filament of FDM to reduce the environmental impact. As shown in the study, the materials contribute less to the impact. Further study is suggested to compare the FDM technology with conventional technology using similar materials.