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AUTOMOTIVE SULFATE EMISSIONS

Sulfuric acid emissions result from the catalytic oxidation of exhaust sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide which then hydrates to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The use of a catalyst on a vehicle can result in greatly increased quantities of sulfates. The SO2 in the exhuast results from combustion of the sulfur compounds (e.g., thiophene) that occur naturally in gasoline. Though automotive sulfate emissions to the atmosphere should be small in comparison with those from stationary sources, it is possible that localized concentrations of H2SO4 could occur. Such circumstances would most likely arise along portions of heavily traveled freeways and could represent a significant health hazard. The results obtained by the industry from running sizeable test fleets under similar conditions may make these results of primarily academic interest. Those tests have indicated that some of the worries which prompted this investigation were unnecessary, since natural turbulence from the traffic stream and other, more weather related conditions, generally do not permit environmental build-ups in localized areas to the levels which may be indicated here under controlled conditions of testing.

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 26-31
  • Serial:
    • Automotive Engineering
    • Volume: 85
    • Issue Number: 6
    • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
    • ISSN: 0098-2571

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00172479
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Engineering Index
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: May 3 1978 12:00AM