Fine Particle and Gaseous Emission Rates from Residential Wood Combustion

Residential wood combustion emissions were analyzed to determine emission rates and to develop chemical emissions profiles that represent the appliances and woods typically used in wood-burning communities. Over 350 elements, inorganic compounds, and organic compounds were quantified. A range of 4−9 g/kg dry fuel of particulate matter (<2.5 μm) and 5−22 g/kg volatile organic compounds were observed. Samples were collected using a dilution stack sampler equipped with a 2.5-μm particle selective cyclone. Emissions were diluted 20−70 times, cooled to ambient temperature, and allowed 80 s for condensation prior to collection. Wood type, wood moisture, burn rate, and fuel load were varied for different experiments. Fine particle and semivolatile organic compounds were collected on filter/PUF/XAD/PUF cartridges. Inorganic samples and mass were collected on Teflon and quartz filters. Volatile organic carbon compounds were trapped with Tenax (C₈−C₂₀), canister (C₂−C₁₂), and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine impregnated cartridges (carbonyl compounds). Analysis of particle and semivolatile organic species was conducted by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Teflon filters were analyzed for mass by gravimetry, trace elements were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence, and ammonium was analyzed by automated colorimetry. Quartz filters were analyzed for organic and elemental carbon by thermal/optical reflectance, and ions were analyzed by ion chromatography. Select quartz filters were analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry for carbon-12 and carbon-14 abundance. Canister and Tenax samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector, and carbonyl compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.