See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/272828957

Study of Vehicular Pollution and its Mitigation Measures

Conference Paper · December 2014

CITATIONS READS

5 11,281

2 authors:

Aditya Kumar Sushanta Tripathy

Tata Institute of Social Sciences KIIT University
3 PUBLICATIONS   5 CITATIONS    66 PUBLICATIONS   563 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Survey Questionnaire for Ph.D Research: Supply and Value Chain in University Education System View project

University as a Center for Value Creation View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Aditya Kumar on 17 November 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Study of Vehicular Pollution and its Mitigation
Measures
Aditya Kumar1, Sushanta Tripathy2
1
Mechanical Engineering (Automobile), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar
2
School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar
Abstract - The paper has been divided into five sections.
The section I starts with introduction followed by factors
II. Factors affecting Vehicular
responsible for vehicular pollution, their effects on Pollution
environment and human health, mitigation measures
and conclusion in sections II, III, IV and V respectively. The adverse effect of vehicular pollution on
This will help manufacturers to identify critical factors human health is marked by the symptoms like
contributing to vehicular pollution and will also enable cough, headache, nausea, irritation in eyes, etc.
them to get idea about proper use different mitigation
methods. There are some major factors which influence the
Keywords: Vehicular pollution, effect of pollutants, vehicular pollution worldwide in urban areas.
mitigation measures
A. Vehicle Population
I. Introduction The rapid growth in vehicle population is being
In today’s world of quick industrialization, along observed since the beginning of 20th century. The
with the emergence of automobile industries as vehicle population in 1950 was observed to be
the leading factor for contribution to world around 70 million which increased to about 700
economy, it has also emerged as the main source million in 1996 (fig. 2). USA and Europe together
of urbanenvironmental pollution in developing have 2/3 of vehicle population of the world. After
countries. The developing countries have observed 1980 the annual growth rate of vehicle population
a tremendous increase in the dominating use of is observed to be 3% and for the developing
motorized vehicles in the passenger and transport countries the rate is even higher. In 2020 the
market due to its flexible and versatile nature with world vehicle population is estimated to be about
low initial cost.There are other sources of 1.1 billion with developing countries constituting
pollution in the world but vehicular pollution is 44% of the total population. The large vehicular
the major factor which contributes to clean air population results in increased vehicular emission
pollution (fig. 1). leading to high air pollution. As urban areas have
more vehicle population than rural areas, so,
vehicle pollution in urban localities is much high
as compared to rural localities. The personal
automobile is the key source of pollution in cities
and driving a private car is considered the daily
polluting activity of any citizen.

Figure 1Sources responsible for the deteriorating

quality of air in the world

49
 odourless, tasteless and colourless property.The
pollution due to CO is the main concern in areas
with low population of modern three way catalyst
gasoline vehicles. When gasoline vehicle remain
in idling condition in traffic with cold and poor
maintained engines then CO worsens the
condition as they do not
disperse.

Figure 2 Global increase in trend of motor

vehicles

B. Combustion Process and Vehicle

Emissions
Hydrogen and carbon atoms together make
hydrocarbons which constitute gasoline and Figure 3 Contribution of Carbon Monoxide in
diesel. In case of a perfect combustion the oxygen atmosphere by different sources
converts all hydrogen to water and carbon to
2. Nitrogen oxides (NOx):
carbon dioxide. But this perfect combustion is not
applicable for vehicles due to emission of various NOx represents both nitric oxide (NO) and
pollutants. nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The vehicular emissions
are responsible for 50% of NOx in the world (fig.
The various pollutants from the emission pollute
4). The urban regions experience major trouble
the air as they mix with them and have harmful
due to NOx due to heavy road transport. The
effects on human beings and environment. The
human health is not affected by inhalation of nitric
vehicular pollution is difficult to avoid as the
acid with concentration present in atmosphere but
emissions from the vehicles take place at a very
nitrogen dioxide is dangerous for human health if
low height. This is the level of atmosphere where
inhaled at higher concentrations. The atmospheric
people reside and breathe. The major pollutant
life of the nitrogen oxide is observed to be about 1
constituents of vehicular emissions responsible for
day after which it gets converted into nitric acid
environment pollutions are:
and other chemical compounds. NOx also acs as a
source for secondary pollutants such as
1. Carbon Monoxide (CO): particulates and ozone.

This is one of the major pollutants present in the

vehicle emission. It is a toxic gas formed in the
combustion chamber of vehicles due to
insufficient supply of oxygen. About 90% of the
carbon monoxide in atmosphere comes from
gasoline engines and forest fires (fig. 3). It has
very harmful effect on health of human beings.
The oxygen carrying capacity of blood reduces
when anyone gets exposed to this gas, which
results in headache, respiratory problems and even
death. The person exposed to the surrounding of
this gas is not aware of the gas due to its
50
 increase in traffic congestion results in decrement
of the average speed of all vehiclesbelow the eco-
friendly speed leading to the rise in rate of
emissions per kilometre [16]. The VOCs and
carbon dioxide are observed to be 250% more in
congested areas than the areas with free moving
traffic. The VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
are the chemical compounds which includes
hydrocarbons, halocarbons and oxygenates. The
compounds results in formation of secondary
pollutants such as ozone.
Figure 4 Contribution of Nitrogen Oxide in
atmosphere by different sources D. Technical Issues of gasoline engines:
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Some technical factors are also responsible for
The increase in level of carbon dioxide in vehicular pollution in case of gasoline engines.
atmosphere is a result of various human activities. 1. Crankcase blow by:
In present scenario, the vehicular emission is
responsible for 25% of the total increase in carbon This issue is observed in four stroke gasoline
dioxide all over the world. Today, CO2 is one of engines when combusted fuel and air-fuel mixture
the major factor for global warming. This gas do from carburettor escape past the piston rings and
not have any serious harmful effect on human enter the crank case and then gets leaked into the
health but it is considered as the environmental atmosphere through vents [15].
pollutant to its property of global warming. 2. Evaporative Emissions:
According to various research, the rapid increase
in carbon dioxide in world has resulted in rise in In this the fuel gets mixed with the atmosphere by
temperature of the earth by 1oC for every thirty getting evaporated from fuel tanks or carburettors.
years. Fig. 5 and 6 shows percentage contribution of
4. Particulate Matter (PM): technical issues and emissions to the pollution by
2-stroke and 4-stroke gasoline engines
The minute particles which are solid in nature respectively.
(dust, dirt, soot, smoke) and droplets of liquids are
referred to as Particulate Matter. These can be
emitted in the atmosphere by natural (windblown
dust, fires, etc.) or man-made (vehicles,
construction processes, etc.) means. In case of
motor vehicles the particulate matters are formed
by the condensation and transformation of gases
constituting emission such as nitrogen dioxide,
sulphur dioxide, etc.

C. Traffic Congestion:
The congestion of traffic is also responsible for
vehicular pollution. Generally, all big urban cities
Figure 5 Percentage contribution of technical
are crowded. So, any addition of the motor vehicle
issues and emissions to the pollution by 2-stroke
to the existing crowded area leads to increase in gasoline engines.
travel time for rest of the passengers. This

51
 Causes
irritations in
noses and eyes.
Sulphur Causes acid Harmful for
Oxides (SO) rain. Reduces lungs.
visibility.
Particulate Reduces Causes irritation
Matter visibility. in lungs and
Creates dirty long term
locality due to disorder. Alters
dusts. immune system.
Figure 6 percentage contribution of technical
Lead N.A. Causes damage
issues and emissions to the pollution by 4-stroke
to brain, lower
gasoline engines.
IQ in children
and death.
III. Effects of vehicular pollution on
environment and human health
IV. Mitigation measures for impact
The components of vehicular pollution (NOx, CO,
SO, etc.) have harmful effect on both human of vehicular emissions on the
health and environment. The effect of pollutants environment
on human health varies from minor sickness to
As the serious impact of vehicular pollution on
critical disease. Generally, respiratory and
environment has become a worldwide challenge
cardiovascular systems get affected by these
for the researcher and scientists, various measures
pollutants. Table 1 shows adverse effects of
are being used at different levels to control it.
various pollutants on environment and human
Many acts and laws have been implemented by
health.
different Governments in the world to force the
TABLE 1: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT manufacturers to use technical innovations for
POLLUTANTS ON ENVIRONMENT AND controlling pollution. Some major measures used
HUMAN HEALTH. all over the world to control motor vehicle
pollution are:
Effect on Effect on
Pollutants Environment human health A. Alternate fuels:
Carbon N.A. Harmful for
Monoxide cardiovascular To reduce the harmful impact of vehicular
(CO) system, central pollution on the environment the use of alternate
nervous system, fuels is considered to be a useful to a great extent.
pregnant The researchers are continuously trying to develop
women, and clean alternate fuels which may be easily available
young children. at cheap price.
Causes nausea,
headaches and 1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and
drowsiness. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):
Nitrogen Causes acid Affects
Oxides rain. Harmful respiratory At present Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is
(NOx) for fertilization system. used widely as an alternative to gasoline and
of soil. Increases diesel. CNG is a clean fuel for vehicles with
vulnerability to remarkable potential to reduce fine particles from
infections and the vehicular emission. According to Nylund and
lung disease. Lawson, combustion of diesel emits fine particles
52
at the rate of 84 gms/kilometre as compared to Emission Type Reduction in %
that of CNG at 11gms/kilometre. The use of CNG B100 B20
leads to reduction in emission of greenhouse gases Hydrocarbons 67 20
by 12% than those from diesel engines. It has been (Unburnt)
also found that one CNG bus leads to reduction in Carbon Monoxide 48 12
emission equivalent to removal 85 to 94 cars from Particulate Matter 47 12
the road. Table 2 shows percentage reduction in NOx +10 (increment) +2 to -
different pollution parameters due to use of CNG 2
as an alternative fuels. B100 and B20 marks the use 100% and 20%
blend-diesel respectively. Some increment in NOx
TABLE 2: REDUCTION IN DIFFERENT is noticed due to use of bio-diesel as alternative
POLLUTION PARAMETERS BY USING CNG fuels.
Fuel Pollution Parameters 3. Batteries and solar panels:
The problem of pollution by vehicular emission is
CO NOx PM also being eliminating by using batteries and solar
Diesel 2.4 21 0.38 panels as the source of power in motor vehicles. In
gm/km gm/km gm/km such vehicles the emission is zero. The main point
CNG 0.4 8.9 0.012 of research in these vehicles is the feasible method
gm/km gm/km gm/km to fully charge batteries with alternators. Solar
%Reduction 84 58 97 panels fitted with photo voltaic cells are also being
Apart from the use of CNG, Liquefied Petroleum
used according to the aerodynamic design of the
Gas (LPG) is also considered as a good clean
vehicle.
alternative fuel for vehicles. This fuel is a good
choice for internal combustion engines as it is a B. New and innovative Technologies:
fuel with high octane rating which burns with very
less pollutant and the lubricants also do not get With the use of alternatives fuels manufacturers
diluted. Various investigations denote that the use must also focus on the development of new and
of LPG reduces the toxic emissions by 90 % and innovative technology to optimize the pollution
carbon dioxide by 22%-24% as compared to those issues with existing facilities. Some basic
of gasoline. modifications in designs may lead to great
innovations contributing to reduction in vehicular
2. Bio-diesel blends: pollution. Some of the technical measures that can
be taken to improve the condition of environment
To protect the environment from the threat of
are:
pollution many developing countries are looking
forward to the use of bio-diesel blends. These 1. Positive Crank case ventilation:
fuels are a type of mixture of various vegetable
oils which have properties similar to those of To avoid crank case blow by phenomenon, a
diesel. So, these fuel are mostly used as an proper positive ventilation must be provided in
alternative for diesel. Alone in India 300 species crank case. The exhaust emission of vehicles can
of trees are found which are known for producing be controlled by some technical measures such as:
oil seeds. Table 3 shows reduction in various i. Control of oxides of Nitrogen by recirculating
pollutant by using bio-diesel as an alternative fuel. the exhaust gases.
TABLE 3: COMPARISON OF BIO-DIESEL ii. Conversion of hydrocarbons (catalytic or non-
EMISSIONS TO THOSE OF CONVENTIONAL catalytic).
DIESEL iii. Providing low pressure air in the exhaust port
to oxidize carbon monoxide and unburnt
hydrocarbons.
53
iv. Modification in engine designs to reduce the Vehicl emis emission inspecti
emission of pollutants from the exhaust. e sion for new on and
vehicles mainten
2. Control of evaporative emission: ance
Identifica Promoti Compul
The problem of pollution can be eliminated to a tion on of sion on
great extent by controlling the loss of fuel due to green standard use of
evaporation from fuel tanks and carburettors. This vehicles ized less
can be done by providing a proper connection line technolo pollutin
between the fuel pump and the fuel tank which gies g
will allow the vapour formed in the fuel pump to vehicles
return back to the tank. It will also ensure the Low loan Mandato
returning of extra fuel from pump to the tank. costs on ry
new and removal
3. Controlling the formation of NOx: cleaner or repair
vehicles of most
The control on the formation of NOx will also pollutin
help in minimizing pollution from motor vehicles. g
This can be done by making some changes in vehicles
parameters of operation or design to lower the Less
high temperature of combustion accountable for taxes on
NOx. Some high tech device can also be used for clean run
reduction of NOx formation in combustion vehicles
chamber. Fuel Cha Low Quality Econom
rge charges standardy
4. Use of catalytic convertors: on on clean s for
standard
fuel fuel fuel s for
The use of catalytic convertors in the exhaust
fuel
process may help in controlling the formation of
Identifica Ban on Setting
NOx especially in the caseof bio-diesel blend tion of fuel of speed
engines. green causing limits
5. Acts and Policies: fuels extreme
pollutio
The strict enforcement of different acts and n
policies by government may help to control the High
vehicular pollution in a country. Table 4 shows charges
different policies which can be used to mitigate for fossil
pollution from motor vehicles. fuels
Traffic Auc Charges Restricti Restricti
TABLE 4: POLICIES FOR MITIGATION OF tion for on of on on
POLLUTION CAUSED BY MOTOR of congestio traffic use of
VEHICLES rout n zones vehicle
es during
Instruments on Instruments based certain
Type the basis of on Command and times in
Market Control day or
night.
Dire Indirect Direct Indirect Charges Separate
ct for lanes for
Engine Fees Permits Standard Mandato parking buses,
/ for of trades s of ry cars and
54
 bikes

Low Promoti
charges on of
for less public
polluting transport
modes
Identifica
tion of
green
transport
facilities

V. Conclusion
In this age of rapid advancement air pollution
due to automobiles has become a critical
concern for the environment. Today, in almost
every country the majority of population is
exposed to the poor quality of environment.
The human beings have become vulnerable to
different disease starting from a headache to
serious diseases such as lungs cancer. This
indirectly leads to the economic loss of a
country as financial resources are need to be
spent for providing required medical facilities
to the affected public.
The pollution from motor vehicles can be
minimized by using new as well as innovative
technology, alternate fuels and government
policies. These methods need to be used in a
proper way to improve the condition of the
environment significantly. The present study
helps the automobile manufacturers for a
better sustainable environment.

References:
2) Automobile Emissions: An Overview, U.S.
1) Asif Faiz, Christopher S. Weaver and Michael Environmental Protection Agency Office of
P. Walsh, Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles Mobile Sources, EPA 400-F-92-007, August
(Standards and Technologies for Controlling 1994, page 1-4.
Emissions), November 1996, page 32 -37.
55
3) Baijayanta KumarMajumdar, Amit Dutta, Measures, Vehicle Engineering(VE) Volume
Shibnath Chakrabarty and Subhabrata Ray, 1 Issue 2, June 2013, page 34-37.
Correction of factors of CALINE 4: AStudy of 15) Thakur Mukesh and Saikhedkar N.K.,
Automobile Pollution in Kolkata, Indian Reduction of Pollutant Emission from Two-
Journal of Air Pollution Control, VolumeVIII wheeler Automobiles usingNano-particle as a
No. 1, March 2008, page 5-7. Catalyst, Research Journal of Engineering
4) Bridgment H.A. (1990). Global Air Pollution: Sciences, Vol. 1(3), 32-37, Sept. (2012), page
Problems for the 1990s, Belhaven Press, 33.
London, page 190. 16) Vinish Kathuria, Vehicular Pollution Control
5) Button, K.J. and Rietveld, P. (1999) Transport – Concept note, Madras School of Economics,
and the environment. Handbook of Chennai, page 3-9.
Environmental and Resource Economics, ed. 17) Watkins L.H. (1991). Air Pollution from Road
J.C.J.M. van den Bergh, Edward Elgar, Vehicles, HMSO Publications Centre, London,
Cheltenham, page 581-589 page 5.
6) Chatwal G.R. (1989). Environmental Air AUTHORS PROFILE
Pollution and its Control, Anmol Pub., New Aditya Kumar is currently a student of B.Tech
Delhi, page 131. Mechanical Engineering (Automobile) in the
7) Faiz A., Weaver C. S., and Walsh M. P. School of Mechanical Engineering, KIIT
(1996). Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles: University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Standards and Technologies for Controlling
Emissions, The World Bank, Washington, D. Sushanta Tripathy is a Professor in the School of
C., U.S.A. page 246. Mechanical Engineering, KIIT University,
8) Gupta R, “Automobile Engineering” Satya Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. He obtained his PhD
Prakashan, New Delhi, 2009, page 979. from the Department of Industrial Engineering
9) HE Kebin, ZHANG Qiang and HUO Hong, and Management, Indian Institute of Technology,
Vehicular Emissions, Department of Kharagpur. He has over 24 years of teaching,
Environment Sciences and Engineering, research and industry experience in India and
Tsinghua University, Beijing,P.R.China, page abroad. His research interests include operations
2-8. management, productivity management and
10) Nylund, N.O., Lawson, A. (2000) Exhaust multivariateanalysis.
emissions from natural gas vehicles.
International Association of natural gas
Vehicles, VTT Energy, Finland.
11) Prashant Gargava, Impact of Control
Measures on Vehicular Emissions - A Case
Study, Central Pollution Control Board,
Parivesh Bhawan, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi -
110 032, India, page 3.
12) Pundir, B.P. (2001), “Vehicular Air Pollution
in India: Recent Control Measures and
Related Issues”, in India Infrastructure Report.
Oxford University Press, Delhi, 2001
13) Sameer Kumar and Dhruv Katoria, Air
Pollution and its Control Measures,
Department of Environment
Engineering,Delhi Technological University
(D.C.E), Bawana, Delhi, India, page 2,4,5.
14) Shivaji Bhandarkar, Vehicular Pollution, Their
Effect on Human Heatlh and Mitigation

56

View publication stats