Estimation of effect of gasoline quality improvement on reduction of air toxic emissions in Dhaka

摘要

Gasoline quality improvement alone can reduce total pollution load from vehicles to a considerable extent. A spreadsheet-based model has been developed in the present study to demonstrate this. An annual emission inventory for gasoline-driven vehicles was prepared with respect to volatile organic compounds, toxic air pollutants and nitrogen oxides using vehicle population data, growth rate of vehicles and usage characteristics in Dhaka. Results of the present and projected air toxic emission inventory using planned improvement in gasoline quality reveal that an emission reduction of about 20% may be achieved. A significant reduction of about 60% in pollutants like benzene justifies gasoline quality improvement in a developing country like Bangladesh.