The Characteristics and Distribution of Chemical Components in Particulate Matter Emissions from Diesel Locomotives

The use of diesel locomotives in transport is gradually decreasing due to electrification and the introduction of high-speed electric rails. However, in Korea, up to 30% of passenger and cargo transport still relies on diesel locomotives and vehicles. Many studies have shown that the exhaust gas from diesel locomotives poses a threat to human health. This study examined the characteristics of particulate matter (PM) in diesel locomotive engine exhaust. In a previous study, PM emissions were found to increase as the throttle was moved to a higher notch. The use of a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) in this study did not detect the highest emissions at notch 5, as is commonly found in gravimetric analyses. When comparing the mass concentrations, the notch 1 and 5 results were similar. However, at notch 8, there was a large difference between the mass concentrations collected on the filters. Further, to reduce the fine PM emitted from diesel locomotives, the ionic components, which account for the largest proportion of the total materials in fine PM, should be clearly identified. Therefore, in this study, an analysis of the weight, ionic composition, and metal components of fine PM discharged from a diesel locomotive was performed. Based on the results, Na+ (31%), Ca2+ (27%), NO3- (24%), and SO42- (13%), were the main ionic components, and the most abundant metal components being Ca (45%) and S (20%). In this study, the chemical components generated in diesel engines of other sources were compared, and as a result, different results were shown depending on the engine load and material ingredients. For the first time, a PEMS was used to measure PM from diesel vehicles, and a comparison was made with the results obtained by a gravimetric method. This is the first report of measuring PM concentrations by connecting a PEMS to a diesel locomotive, and of the distribution and characteristics of ions and heavy metals contained in the particles collected in the filter analyzed. The results indicate the importance of identifying the characteristics of fine PM emitted from a diesel locomotive and establishing an effective reduction measurement.

Automated summary

The use of diesel locomotives in transport is on the decline, but in Korea, up to 30% of passenger and cargo transport still relies on them. Studies show that diesel locomotive exhaust poses health risks. This study focused on identifying and reducing the ionic components in fine PM emissions from diesel locomotives, showcasing different chemical compositions depending on engine load. The results highlight the importance of understanding and mitigating fine PM emissions from diesel locomotives.