Qualitative Evaluation of Particulate Matter Inside Public Transit Buses Operated by Biodiesel~!2009-12-20~!2009-12-30~!2010-03-04~!

Abstract

The Environmental scanning electron microscopy {(ESEM)} has been used in a preliminary study to determine the size and morphology of fine particulate matter {(PM).} This was done with several samples collected inside public transit buses fueled with a 20 percent biodiesel blend of biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur diesel {(B20).} As the technique is nondestructive, particles of interest can be relocated for further analysis. The practical issue of instrumentation compatibility is addressed. In addition, results showing {SEM} chemical images from several {PM} of particle size less than 10 ..m {(PM10)} samples are reported. Shape analysis suggested the possible sources. Particle size distribution suggested a median and mean diameter of particles counted was 0.24±0.02..m and 0.27±0.04..m, respectively. The conclusion is that {SEM} methodology is a valuable tool for studying the distribution of particulate pollutants.