Remote sensing of emissions from in-use small engine marine vessels

Environ Sci Technol. 2011 Apr 1;45(7):2894-901. doi: 10.1021/es1027162. Epub 2011 Mar 2.

Abstract

This paper reports the first use of a remote sensing device to measure emissions from in-use marine vessels. Emissions from 307 small marine vessels were measured as they passed through the Hiram M. Chittenden locks near Seattle, WA. Of these vessels, 89 were matched to state registration information to allow for further analysis of emissions vs model year, fuel type, and engine type. Emission factors are reported for CO, HC, and NOx in grams of pollutant per kilogram of fuel. The measured emission factors generally agreed with those derived from laboratory studies. HC emissions are disproportionately skewed across the fleet where 40% of the emissions come from just 10% of the fleet. These are most likely due to the remaining two-stroke engines in the fleet. CO and HC emissions show no improvement with newer vessels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Air Pollution / statistics & numerical data
  • Carbon Monoxide / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Hydrocarbons / analysis
  • Nitrogen Oxides / analysis
  • Remote Sensing Technology*
  • Ships / statistics & numerical data*
  • Vehicle Emissions / analysis*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Carbon Monoxide