IT-BEST project aims to characterise the formation, the atmospheric ageing and the toxicological effects of ultrafine particles (UFP) resulting from the combustion of biofuels. Indeed, combustion processes involving biofuels may emit UFP that are actually different in size, chemical composition and health effects than those from conventional fossil fuels.
The special interest in UFP is related to evidence, currently available in the literature, that biofuels reduce the total particulate matter emitted, but simultaneously produce smaller particle size with a relevant number concentration, which are potentially more toxic.
Experimental measurements using an atmospheric simulation chamber, will be performed to determine the effect of different biofuels composition, on UFP numbers, size, chemical composition and their transformation under relevant atmospheric conditions as well as their toxicological assessment.
The expected outcome of the research project will result in a better the understanding of different nature and health-related toxicological effects of the carbonaceous particle formed during the combustion of biofuels.
Call: PRIN2022
Grant Agreement: 2022CH87SA
Project Coordinator: Dario Massabò (UNIGE) and Gianluigi De Falco (UNINA Federico II)
UNIMIB WP leader: Maurizio Gualtieri