Measurement and toxicity of combustion generated nanoparticles

This thesis is focused on nanoparticles produced by internal combustion engines utilized in vehicles. It deals with spatial distribution of nanoparticles within urban areas, impact of alternative fuels usage on particle production and toxicity, and a particle toxicological testing methodology. Monitoring of airborne nanoparticles identified traffic as the main source of airborne nanoparticles in places with heavy traffic load (Prague), as well as in a small city with only local traffic (Čelákovice). Most particles were likely emitted during short episodes of high emissions (e.g. uphill acceleration). During the measurements, high-emission vehicles responsible for a large fraction of the air pollution were also identified. On the other hand, small non-road internal combustion engines, which are not subject to any limit on particle emissions, such as a lawn mower, were operated during the measurement and generated a large number of nanoparticles. The amount and characteristics of the particles produced by combustion depend on the combustion technology and the fuel composition. A large part of the thesis deals with alternative fuels and their effects on the quantity of produced particles and toxicity of organic matter adsorbed on the particles. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) exhibited the lowest..