A Review of Toxicity Analysis of Particulate Emissions from Conventional and Low-Temperature Combustion Engines

Automotive engines produce pollutant species which has the potential to damage human health as well as the environment. The toxicity potential of these species depends on the concentration, route, and exposure time. Toxicity studies are required in the current scenario due to increased pollution levels by vehicles used for transportation. This study is a review focused on the toxicity analysis of particulate, elemental (particle associated as soot), and organic carbon (organic fraction, PAHs) emission from the internal combustion engine with conventional and alternative fuels like biodiesel and alcohol. The study is focused on the formation, characterization, and quantification of particulate matter, elemental and organic carbon, and their effect on human health. The other part of the study is focused on mutagenicity (mutation in DNA) and cytotoxicity (cell toxicity) of the particulate emitted from the engines. Mutagenicity analysis determines the carcinogenic nature of a chemical species. The present study investigates the reasons for the formation of such pollutant, their morphology, and role in the toxicity of ambient air. Additionally, the paper provides new insight into the investigation of particulate matter’s nature and its effect on human health and the environment.