Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy technique for detection of trace elements in Particulate Matter emitted from in-use Diesel engine passenger vehicles

The particulate matter (PM) and soot emissions generated from Diesel combustion engine driven vehicles are forming significant sources of toxic and metallic nanoparticles into the air and surrounding atmosphere in heavily traffic areas or locations. Previously, we reported that particulate matter from in-use Diesel engine passenger vehicles are chemically composed of major and minor chemical elements with different concentration. Here, we apply laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique for qualitative comparative study of trace chemical elements adsorbed in different PM and soot matrices. The adsorption of these chemical elements in generated PM exhaust emissions occurs due to the complex combustion processes. The main responsible sources are: injected fuel type (Diese l, Biodiesel), fuel quality, fuel additives, engine lubricants, engine combustion process, incomplete catalytic reaction, inefficient PM filterin g devices, engine failure or polluted intake air. All these factors as well as current engine state alter final chemical composition of particulate matter generated from in-use Diesel engine passenger vehicles -exhaust emissions.