Thesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012. / Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known harmful chemicals which require urgent remediation, monitoring and assessment in the environment. The predominant current methods used to analyze PCBs involve expertise and are cost intensive. Most of these methods are chromatographic based techniques which are difficult to sustain in Africa due to the expensive nature of the instrument, costly running expenses and skilled labour required. These limitations face Africans, who are the most affected by the presence of PCBs in their environment as a result of improper disposal and usage of these compounds.

Recent approval of emission standards for small utility engines by the California Air Resources Board suggested that substantial reductions in emissions from small utility engines will soon be required. Although the 1994 standards can be met by simple engine modifications, the 1999 standards may require the use of emission control technologies such as catalytic converters because they are more stringent. In this research catalytic control of individual hydrocarbons such as methane, ethylene, benzene, and toluene were evaluated. A platinum coated catalyst treated emissions from a 107cc, four-cycle gasoline engine loaded with a 1.4KW portable generator. Determination of emissions was performed at three different load levels: 0%, 50% and 92% of the engine rated load. Among the four hydrocarbons, toluene was oxidized as much as 60%, and benzene 40%, whereas ethylene remained unaffected by the catalyst. Also, a 5% to 10% methane oxidation occurred in one trial. / Master of Science

Automobiles are known to emit polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The literature indicates that the emission levels of these compounds are correlated with oil age, and it has been hypothesized that entry of oil into the combustion chamber is a major cause of these emissions. This experiment investigated the relationship between oil age and these polyaromatic hydrocarbon emissions. It was found that the three polyaromatics of interest seem to be emitted inconsistently and irregularly. It is possible that this was due to a buildup on the combustion chamber walls of these compounds: polyaromatics are formed in the quench layer near these walls and can accumulate there until dynamic equilibrium is reached. This may not have been reached at the time of the investigation since the engine was relatively new. This would be of interest for future investigations. / M.S.

South Africa is coming under increasing pressure to conform to the rest of the world in terms of emissions regulations. The pressure is caused by a number of factors: international organisations requiring local companies to adhere to environmental conservation policies, evidence from within South Africa that efforts are being made to reduce environmental pollution in line with other countries and keeping abreast of the latest technologies that have been incorporated into vehicles to reduce emissions. In light of these problems associated with emiSSions, a study was initiated by the Department of Transport and the School of Bioresources Engineering and Environmental Hydrology at the University of Natal to investigate and develop a method of predicting emissions from a diesel engine. The main objective of this research was to incorporate this model into SimTrans in order to estimate emissions generated from a vehicle while it is travelling along specific routes in South Africa. SimTrans is a mechanistically based model, developed at the School, that simulates a vehicle travelling along a route, requiring input for the road profile and vehicle and engine specifications. After a preliminary investigation it was decided to use a neural network to predict emissions, as it provides accurate results and is more suitable for a quantitative analysis which is what was required for this study. The emissions that were predicted were NOx (Nitric oxide-NO and Nitric dioxide-N02), CO (carbon monoxide), HC (unbumt hydrocarbons) and particulates. The neural netWork was trained on emissions data obtained from an ADE 447Ti engine. These neural networks were then integrated into the existing SimTrans. Apart from the neural network, an algorithm to consider the effect of ambient conditions on the output of the engine was also included in the model. A sensitivity analysis was carried out using the model to prioritise the factors affecting emissions. Finally using the data for the ADE 447Ti engine, a trip with a Mercedes Benz 2644S-24 was simulated using different scenarios over the routes from Durban to Johannesburg and Cape Town to Johannesburg in South Africa to quantify the emissions that were generated. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

This thesis presents an analysis of air quality control initiatives in the GVRD. Starting with an examination of deteriorating regional air quality, oxides of nitrogen emissions (NOx), are the focus (as a precursor to ground level ozone.) The research demonstrates that if the status quo is maintained, episodes of ground level ozone will get worse and the effects will be far reaching and expensive. The Greater Vancouver Regional District's Air Quality Management Plan is reviewed, with emphasis on analysis and evaluation of emission reduction strategies. Emission Reduction Measures (ERMs) are various methods of reducing air pollution (including scrubbers on smoke stacks, transportation demand management, alternative fuels and motor vehicle inspection/maintenance programs.) Emission Reduction Measures are viewed as the tools that must be implemented to solve air quality problems. Environmentally, the most desirable solution would be to implement all ERMs. However, factors such as cost effectiveness and social, financial, political and customer service impacts must be considered and the best measures should be implemented first. The best solutions are those that meet as many objectives as possible while causing the least amount of negative impacts on the economy, society, government and the environment. Finding optimal solutions is a task that requires formalization of common sense. Analytical frameworks such as the cost/benefit analysis, decision analysis and the multiple account/objective analysis are considered as potential tools to help "make sense" of the complexity of air quality policy decisions. The intent is to provide useful and readily understandable information to decision makers. The Multiple Account Analysis (as used by The Crown Corporations Secretariat) is applied to an assortment of Emission Reduction Measures to help identify the "best" order for implementation. This method provides results that compare accounts of importance (such as cost effectiveness and emission reduction potential) and presents decision makers with quality information highlighting tradeoffs and preferences. In the scope of this paper, four ERMs are analyzed across accounts and the results presented in a matrix. The AirCare Program appears as the best choice for effective reduction of oxides of nitrogen when compared to alternative fuels, vanpooling and the Burrard thermal generating plant rebuild.

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This thesis presents an analysis of air quality control initiatives in the GVRD. Starting with an examination of deteriorating regional air quality, oxides of nitrogen emissions (NOx), are the focus (as a precursor to ground level ozone.) The research demonstrates that if the status quo is maintained, episodes of ground level ozone will get worse and the effects will be far reaching and expensive. The Greater Vancouver Regional District's Air Quality Management Plan is reviewed, with emphasis on analysis and evaluation of emission reduction strategies. Emission Reduction Measures (ERMs) are various methods of reducing air pollution (including scrubbers on smoke stacks, transportation demand management, alternative fuels and motor vehicle inspection/maintenance programs.) Emission Reduction Measures are viewed as the tools that must be implemented to solve air quality problems. Environmentally, the most desirable solution would be to implement all ERMs. However, factors such as cost effectiveness and social, financial, political and customer service impacts must be considered and the best measures should be implemented first. The best solutions are those that meet as many objectives as possible while causing the least amount of negative impacts on the economy, society, government and the environment. Finding optimal solutions is a task that requires formalization of common sense. Analytical frameworks such as the cost/benefit analysis, decision analysis and the multiple account/objective analysis are considered as potential tools to help "make sense" of the complexity of air quality policy decisions. The intent is to provide useful and readily understandable information to decision makers. The Multiple Account Analysis (as used by The Crown Corporations Secretariat) is applied to an assortment of Emission Reduction Measures to help identify the "best" order for implementation. This method provides results that compare accounts of importance (such as cost effectiveness and emission reduction potential) and presents decision makers with quality information highlighting tradeoffs and preferences. In the scope of this paper, four ERMs are analyzed across accounts and the results presented in a matrix. The AirCare Program appears as the best choice for effective reduction of oxides of nitrogen when compared to alternative fuels, vanpooling and the Burrard thermal generating plant rebuild. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

According to the current governmental regulations, all diesel buses will be replaced in the United States and the European market within the next ten years. There are over 60,000 buses in the United States and each year over 3,000 new buses of approximately 40 feet in length are purchased. The bus market has a growth rate of four to five percent per year over the last two years. The improvements in technology offered by United States companies prove unsatisfactory in terms of bus performance and the emissions of new buses. The energy crisis in the United States and concern over the health hazards of the diesel fuel exhaust gases and particulates, alternative fuel vehicles are in great demand in the transit market world wide.

Thesis (Ph.D)--Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009. / Committee Chair: Noonan, Douglas; Committee Member: Castillo, Marco; Committee Member: Chang, Michael; Committee Member: Cozzens, Susan; Committee Member: Rodgers, Michael. Part of the SMARTech Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Collection.

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