Trace element determination in diesel particulates by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis

Particulate matter of Diesel emissions collected from diluted exhaust durin g standard test runs with two Diesel fuels of different sulfur content was analysed by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). The trace elements determined were S, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb. Additionally, some fi lter materials were tested with respect to their applicability for sample c ollection. Quartz fibre filters were found to be most suitable, both from a technical and a chemical point of view. A clear reduction of total particu late emissions during the whole test was observed when the fuel with very l ow sulfur content was used. In addition, it was found that the wear metal c ontent of particulate matter emitted by a cold engine was higher than that observed during normal engine working temperature.