Motor vehicle emission concentration measurements: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbon

Motor vehicles in the Philippines are poorly maintained causing an increase in the level of air pollution especially in the metropolis. Since there are no data available for the amount of CO, HC and NO2 emitted by various vehicles, this research was conducted for the measurement of CO, HC and NO2 gases present in the exhaust of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles in Metro Manila were pre-selected. These were tested inside the LTO compound for the measurement of CO and HC concentrations. At the same time, NO2 measurements were taken using UV spectrometer. Motor vehicles tested were cars, taxis, buses, jeepneys and tricycles. Data showed that gasoline engines emit greater CO and HC concentrations while diesel engines emit greater NO2 concentrations. In addition, the increase in the concentration of the pollutants was proportional to the age of the vehicle. In the case of gasoline engines, the concentration of pollutants was inversely proportional to the increase in load. On the other hand, the concentration of pollutants in diesel fed engines was proportional to the increase in load. A comparison was made to relate the emissions of the two engines