Characterization of particles emitted by domestic heating units fueled by distilled oil

Abstract Aerosol samples were collected from point sources of different capacity fueled by distilled oil, with the aim of determining the amount and composition of particles emitted by domestic units. A physical and chemical characterization of the particles emitted from each source was performed. Mass median aerodynamic diameter and size distributions were determined. Individual particle analyses to examine morphology and elemental composition were performed by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analyser. The results evidence the specific differences existing in the aerosol emissions of the sources studied in comparison with other combustion sources.