Vehicular air pollutant emissions in a developing economy with the widespread use of biofuels

• Published in: Urban climate 2021-07, Vol.38, p.100889, Article 100889
• Main Authors: dos Santos, Fábio Soares, Andreão, Willian Lemker, Miranda, Gisele Alves, de Carvalho, Amanda Noronha Moreira, Pinto, Janaina Antonino, Pedruzzi, Rizzieri, Carvalho, Vanessa Silveira Barreto, de Almeida Albuquerque, Taciana Toledo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Biofuels; Fleet; Urban areas; Vehicular air pollutant emission inventory
• ISSN: 2212-0955; 2212-0955
• DOI: 10.1016/j.uclim.2021.100889

One of the main tools for air quality management is the emission inventory of atmospheric air pollutants. The present work evaluated and quantified atmospheric emissions from vehicle sources for the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil). Using the top-down methodology, CO, NOX, SO2, NMHC, RCHO, and PM emissions were estimated for 2015. Of the six million vehicles accounted, 5291 t.year−1 (tonne per year) of PM2.5 was estimated, with the exhaust being the source that represented the highest emission rates (63.9%), followed by tire and brake wear (22.5%) and road surface wear (13.6%). NOx (117.708 t.year−1) and CO (103.295 t.year−1) were the most emitted pollutants. Light commercial vehicles were responsible for the emission of almost 64% of NMHC. Ethanol cars were significant contributors to RCHO (48.6%). The obtained results can assist in understanding the vehicular air pollutant emissions in regions with data scarcity, such as in Brazilian areas, and also contribute with improvements in scientific knowledge about vehicular air pollutant emissions in countries with the widespread use of biofuels. •Vehicle emissions for Minas Gerais (Brazil) were quantified and discussed.•Light vehicles were responsible for the emission of almost 64% of NMHC.•5291 t per year of PM2.5 was estimated.•Exhausts were the sources that contributed most to VOC and PM emissions.•Ethanol automobiles were significant contributors to RCHO.