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ABSTRACT: Recent Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicle emission standards are the first ever initiative to control particles on a number basis at the source. Related standards are also desirable for ambient nanoparticles (taken in this article to be those below 300 nm) to protect against possible adverse effects on public health and the environment. However, there are a number of technical challenges that need to be tackled before developing a regulatory framework for atmospheric nanoparticles. Some of the challenges derive from a lack of standardisation of the key measurement parameters, including sampling, necessary for robust evaluation of particle number concentrations, especially in the context of insufficient knowledge of the physicochemical characteristics of emerging sources (i.e. bio-fuel derived and manufactured nanoparticles). Ideally, ambient concentrations of primary particles could be linked to primary particle emissions by use of nanoparticle dispersion models, and secondary nanoparticles using photochemical modeling tools. The limitations in these areas are discussed. Although there is inadequate information on the exact biological mechanism through which these particles cause harm, it is argued that this should not in itself delay the introduction of regulation. This article reviews the missing links between the existing knowledge of nanoparticle number concentrations and the advances required to tackle the technical challenges implied in developing regulations.
Particuology 12/2011; 9(6):566-571. · 1.42 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Reducing exposure to atmospheric nanoparticles in urban areas is important for protecting public health. Developing new or improving the capabilities of existing dispersion models will help to design effective mitigation strategies for nanoparticle rich environments. The aims of this review are to summarise current practices of nanoparticle dispersion modelling at five local scales (i.e. vehicle wake, street canyons, neighbourhood, city and road tunnels), together with highlighting associated challenges, research gaps and priorities. The review begins with a synthesis of available information about the flow and mixing characteristics in urban environments which is followed by a brief discussion on dispersion modelling of nanoparticles. Further sections cover the effects of transformation processes in dispersion modelling of nanoparticles, and a critical discussion on associated structural and parametric uncertainties in modelling. The article concludes with a comprehensive summary of current knowledge
Journal of Aerosol Science 09/2011; 42(9):580-603. · 2.45 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The likely health and environmental implications associated with atmospheric nanoparticles have prompted considerable recent research activity. Knowledge of the characteristics of these particles has improved considerably due to an ever growing interest in the scientific community, though not yet sufficient to enable regulatory decision making on a particle number basis. This review synthesizes the existing knowledge of nanoparticles in the urban atmosphere, highlights recent advances in our understanding and discusses research priorities and emerging aspects of the subject. The article begins by describing the characteristics of the particles and in doing so treats their formation, chemical composition and number concentrations, as well as the role of removal mechanisms of various kinds. This is followed by an overview of emerging classes of nanoparticles (i.e. manufactured and bio-fuel derived), together with a brief discussion of other sources. The subsequent section provides a comprehensive review of the working principles, capabilities and limitations of the main classes of advanced instrumentation that are currently deployed to measure number and size distributions of nanoparticles in the atmosphere. A further section focuses on the dispersion modelling of nanoparticles and associated challenges. Recent toxicological and epidemiological studies are reviewed so as to highlight both current trends and the research needs relating to exposure to particles and the associated health implications. The review then addresses regulatory concerns by providing an historical perspective of recent developments together with the associated challenges involved in the control of airborne nanoparticle concentrations. The article concludes with a critical discussion of the topic areas covered.
Atmospheric Environment 12/2010; 44(39):5035-5052. · 3.46 Impact Factor
