Humic-like Substances (HULIS) in Ship Engine Emissions: Molecular Composition Effected by Fuel Type, Engine Mode, and Wet Scrubber Usage

Abstract

Humic-like substances (HULIS), known for their substantial impact on the atmosphere, are identified in marine diesel engine emissions obtained from five different fuels at two engine loads simulating real world scenarios as well as the application of wet sulfur scrubbers. The HULIS chemical composition is characterized by electrospray ionization (ESI) ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry and shown to contain partially oxidized alkylated polycyclic aromatic compounds as well as partially oxidized aliphatic compounds, both including abundant nitrogen- and sulfur-containing species, and clearly different to HULIS emitted from biomass burning. Fuel properties such as sulfur content and aromaticity as well as the fuel combustion efficiency and engine mode are reflected in the observed HULIS composition. When the marine diesel engine is operated below the optimum engine settings, e.g., during maneuvering in harbors, HULIS-C emission factors are increased (262–893 mg kg–1), and a higher number of HULIS with a shift toward lower degree of oxidation and higher aromaticity is detected. Additionally, more aromatic and aliphatic CHOS compounds in HULIS were detected, especially for high-sulfur fuel combustion. The application of wet sulfur scrubbers decreased the HULIS-C emission factors by 4–49% but also led to the formation of new HULIS compounds. Overall, our results suggest the consideration of marine diesel engines as a relevant regional source of HULIS emissions.