The Influence of an Oxidation Catalytic Converter on the Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Diesel Exhaust Emissions

The reduction of diesel engine exhaust emissions was investigated using a conventional low-sulphate catalyst, manufactured by Svenska Emissionsteknik AB, Sweden.

Measurements were made of regulated pollutants (HC, CO, NO_x and particulates) and also some unregulated pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)). The mutagenic potential of the emissions were investigated by Ames test (Salmonella typhimurium) using tester strains TA98, TA98NR and TA100 both with and without metabolic activation. In general, it appeared that the use of an oxidation catalytic converter decreased pollutants emission.