Secondary aerosol formation from engine exhaust emissions
This project aims to investigate the role of reactive volatile organic compounds from vehicles using alternative fuels in the formation and evolution of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Expected outcomes of the project include greatly improved understanding of the mechanisms and precursors of SOA formation. The benefits should provide the knowledge needed to set vehicle emission regulations that can properly control urban air pollution episodes because the mechanisms and precursors of its formation will be better understood. The project will also provide an experimental framework that will guide policy formulation and provide the science needed for development of strategies to improve air quality and health.
The project outputs will be improved understandings of the impact of alternative fuels on diesel engine emissions and the role of their reactive volatile organic compounds in the development of photochemical smog. The outcome will be better directed air quality policies and targeted alternative fuel technologies. Benefits will be reduced risk in decision making by minimising negative impacts of alternative fuel use on human health and the environment.
Prof Zoran Ristovski, Dr Branka Miljevic, Prof Richard Brown, Dr Svetlana Stevanovic (Nanotechnology and Molecular Science, Atmospheric Sciences) received $354,636 for this project.