What are the environmental impacts of particulate matter emissions from diesel engines?

3 Effects of PM

PM emissions from diesel engines have various negative impacts on human health and the environment. Some of the health effects include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and premature death. Some of the environmental effects include reduced visibility, acid rain, smog, climate change, and damage to crops and ecosystems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to PM2.5 is estimated to cause about 4.2 million deaths worldwide each year.

4 Ways to reduce PM

There are several ways to reduce PM emissions from diesel engines, such as improving fuel quality, optimizing engine design and operation, and installing aftertreatment devices. Improving fuel quality involves reducing the sulfur content and adding additives that enhance combustion and inhibit soot formation. Optimizing engine design and operation involves adjusting the fuel injection timing, pressure, and pattern, as well as the air-fuel ratio, compression ratio, and exhaust gas recirculation. Installing aftertreatment devices involves using filters, catalysts, or scrubbers that capture or convert PM before it leaves the tailpipe.

5 Benefits of reducing PM

Reducing PM emissions from diesel engines can bring many benefits for human health and the environment. Some of the benefits include improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced fuel economy, extended engine life, and lower maintenance costs. According to a study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), implementing the Euro VI emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles in India could prevent about 270,000 premature deaths and save about 12 billion US dollars in health costs by 2030.

6 Challenges of reducing PM

Despite the availability of technologies and policies to reduce PM emissions from diesel engines, there are still some challenges and barriers that hinder their widespread adoption and implementation. Some of the challenges include the lack of adequate infrastructure, regulation, enforcement, and awareness, as well as the high initial and operational costs, technical difficulties, and market resistance. Therefore, there is a need for more collaboration, innovation, and education among the stakeholders, such as the government, industry, consumers, and researchers, to overcome these challenges and achieve cleaner and greener diesel engines.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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