Emission Characterization of Mobile Machinery and Vehicles
Summary
Emission characterisation of mobile machinery and vehicles encompasses the quantification and chemical analysis of pollutants released by engines in both on-road and non-road applications. This field addresses regulated gaseous species such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, alongside particulate matter characterised by size fractions (PM2.5, PM10) and carbonaceous composition (organic carbon, elemental carbon). Methods range from controlled dynamometer cycles to real-world on-board emission measurements and model-based inventories. Advances in sensor technology and portable systems have enabled high-resolution profiles of engine duty cycles, revealing the influence of operational modes, fuel quality and after-treatment devices on emission rates. Chemical speciation of particles—including water-soluble ions, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—illuminates source apportionment and toxicity potential. Integrated inventories and simulation tools link activity data to emission factors, informing policy on air quality, public health and climate impacts. A growing emphasis on non-road mobile machinery recognises its rising contribution to total emissions as on-road sources adopt stricter standards.
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Emission Characterization of Mobile Machinery and Vehicles publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in emission characterization of mobile machinery and vehicles across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Particulate matter (PM): Fine airborne particles classified by aerodynamic diameter (e.g., PM2.5, PM10) that affect air quality and health.
Emission factor: The mass of pollutant emitted per unit of activity, such as fuel consumed, distance travelled or work output.
Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM): Self-propelled equipment not intended for highway use, including construction, agricultural and port engines.
Organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC): Carbonaceous components of particulates, with OC representing organic compounds and EC denoting soot-like material.
Emission inventory: A structured compilation of emission sources, pollutants and activity data over a defined area and time span.
Discrete-event simulation (DES): A modelling approach that represents processes as sequences of distinct events, used to analyse equipment schedules and emissions.
References
- Problems and Directions in Creating a National Non-Road Mobile Machinery Emission Inventory: A Critical Review. Sustainability (2022).
- Non-Road Mobile Machinery Emissions and Regulations: A Review. Air (2022).
- Assessment of Emissions and Energy Consumption for Construction Machinery in Earthwork Activities by Incorporating Real-World Measurement and Discrete-Event Simulation. Sustainability (2022).
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