Characterization of Metal and Trace Element Contents of Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) Emitted by Vehicles Running on Brazilian Fuels—Hydrated Ethanol and Gasoline with 22% of Anhydrous Ethanol

Abstract

Emission of fine particles by mobile sources has been a matter of great concern due to its potential risk both to human health and the environment. Although there is no evidence that one sole component may be responsible for the adverse health outcomes, it is postulated that the metal particle content is one of the most important factors, mainly in relation to oxidative stress. Data concerning the amount and type of metal particles emitted by automotive vehicles using Brazilian fuels are limited. The aim of this study was to identify inhalable particles (PM₁₀) and their trace metal content in two light-duty vehicles where one was fueled with ethanol while the other was fueled with gasoline mixed with 22% of anhydrous ethanol (gasohol); these engines were tested on a chassis dynamometer. The elementary composition of the samples was evaluated by the particle-induced x-ray emission technique. The experiment showed that total emission factors ranged from 2.5 to 11.8 mg/km in the gasohol vehicle, and from 1.2 to 3 mg/km in the ethanol vehicle. The majority of particles emitted were in the fine fraction (PM_2.5), in which Al, Si, Ca, and Fe corresponded to 80% of the total weight. PM₁₀ emissions from the ethanol vehicle were about threefold lower than those of gasohol. The elevated amount of fine particulate matter is an aggravating factor, considering that these particles, and consequently associated metals, readily penetrate deeply into the respiratory tract, producing damage to lungs and other tissues.

The authors express their gratitude to the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB); the Department of Atmospheric Sciences of the Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences (IAG/USP); the Laboratory of Analysis of Materials by Ionic Beam (LAMFI) of the Institute of Physics (IF/USP); and the Department of Environmental Health of the School of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (FSP/USP).