Advanced methodologies for remediation of combustion-generated particulate matter (soot) from the environment (Chapter 9)

Abstract

The increasingly stringent emission regulations for particulate matter (PM) reduction mandate the inclusion of contemporary strategies to mitigate this solid-phase pollutant. These PM having diameter of 2.5 Mu m or less (PM sub(2.5)) generated through fossil fuel combustion are commonly referred to as soot. Its condensed state properties originate around nucleation time toward poly-dispersed aggregates of nearly spherical primary particles consisting of amorphous carbon. These carbonizations and catenations further lead to surface growth, oxidation, and aggregation to form bigger mature soot particles having polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as their base. Soot is greatly responsible for haze formation and acidification of water bodies. It is conspicuously accountable for a considerable percentage of global warming along with being a cause for lung and respiratory diseases and also interfering in DNA modifications, all serious enough to cause premature death. While emission control measures have been used for decades, prevention is frequently more cost-effective than control and is now highly recommended principally with the introduction of biofuels and engine modification systems. Although catalytic converters and particulate filters are being extensively employed, there is a need to recondition and upgrade this technology to increase efficiency and meet regulatory standards. There is therefore now an obligation to devise new, improved energy and environmentally efficient methods. This chapter delivers a comprehensive overview of the formation, classification, and kinetics of soot along with state-of-the-art mitigation techniques such as low-temperature combustion systems, use of fuel-borne catalysts, and novel additives and blended formulations. An overview of all the existing mitigation strategies along with prospective future developments has also been discussed.