Investigation into the Effect of a Ceramic Particle Trap on the Chemical Mutagens in Diesel Exhaust

摘要

Dr. Bagley and her coworkers examined the effectiveness of ceramic porous traps for removing particulate hydrocarbons from diesel emissions, and also determined what effect this has on the mutagenic activity associated with these emissions. A 10.4-liter displacement medium-duty engine (Caterpillar 3208) was run under defined conditions. The levels of total particulate matter, soluble organic fraction, and volatile organic fraction were measured in the emissions both with and without a ceramic trap and at different engine speeds. The results showed an increase in the proportion of nonparticulate hydrocarbons, but the total hydrocarbon levels remained constant. The nonparticulate material had reduced direct-acting mutagenicity, whereas the particulate-associated hydrocarbons (while reduced in proportion) showed increased mutagenicity. Possible explanations for the effect are discussed. (Copyright (c) 1987 by Health Effects Institute.)