Spectroradiometric and PAH chemical characterization of vehicle particulate emissions at the chassis dynamometers

Particulate matter emitted by vehicles is responsible for many human health problems and the knowledge concerning exhaustion processes is a key issue. Detailed investigations are necessary in order to better understand how technological improvements are working on emission reduction: combined approaches can satisfy this demand. A combined methodology based on a non-destructive technique (Vis-NIR spectroradiometry) and a very precise method (Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbon "PAH" characterization) is presented. Particles produced by different types of vehicles (cars, heavy duty, etc.) were simulated on a chassis dynamometers by EniTecnologie, San Donato Milanese (Italy): collected filters were treated in order to acquire spectroradiometric signatures and to perform PAH characterization. Different driving conditions were taken into consideration: five cycles simulating driving conditions in an Italian-town and two experimental cycles set down by the current American and European legislation. This multiple approach represents a screening tool for targeting the most representative samples on which it is possible to perform very precise analyses. The added value of this methodology is to evaluate physical, chemical and toxic proper-ties on the same sample of particulate matter. reducing and simplifying sampling procedures.