Nanoparticles from non-exhaust emissions: lung deposition and potential health impacts

With the ongoing transitions to hybrid and electric vehicles, tailpipe emissions will continue to fall but non-exhaust emissions are expected to rise. While a large body of research has been already done on the quantification of tailpipe emissions, their atmospheric fate, and their impact on public health, such information for non-exhaust emissions is currently scarce.  

The aim of this PhD project is to fill the gap of knowledge on non-exhaust emissions, through an in-depth size and chemical characterisation and by assessing their intrinsic ability to cause lung inflammation and exacerbate diseases.

PhD student: Siriel Saladin
Cohort: 4
Lead supervisors: Dr Chiara Giorio
Institution: University of Cambridge

The impact of aircraft engine emissions and alternative fuels on contrail formation

Contrails are a large contributor to the climate impact of aircraft, new fuels have been proposed to reduce this impact, but their efficacy is currently unclear. This project will use satellite data to measure the development of contrails, developing accurate estimates of the impact of alternative fuels to meet climate targets.

PhD student: Oliver Driver
Cohort: 4
Lead supervisor: Dr Edward Gryspeerdt
Institution: Imperial College London

Transport and dispersion of non-exhaust pollutants

The most damaging form of pollution is particulate matter, which can be formed by brake wear, tyre wear and resuspension. This project will investigate the transport and dispersion of non-exhaust pollutants in the flow around a vehicle, with the aim of predicting the exposure of pedestrians and other road users.

PhD student: Aaron Varzdari Barber
Cohort: 3
Lead supervisor: Dr Megan Davies Wykes
Institution: University of Cambridge

This project is an industry funded studentship supported by The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight.

Microscale dynamics and light scattering characteristics of ice crystals in contrails

The climate impact of flying is dominated by the effect of contrails, white streaks you often see trailing behind an aircraft in the sky. This project will reduce uncertainty and fill gaps in our understanding of the aerosol processes that affect how contrails form, survive and contribute to climate change.

PhD student: Joel Ponsonby
Cohort: 3
Lead supervisor: Dr Marc Stettler
Institution: Imperial College London

Evaluation of the health impacts of aircraft nanoparticles using a surrogate soot source and in vitro cell exposure

Aircraft engines emit nanoparticles that may have specific health consequences due to their size and composition, especially near airports. This project will develop a laboratory source of surrogate aircraft soot particles that will be deposited on cell cultures to evaluate cellular responses and advance understanding of nanoparticle health impact pathways.

PhD student: Georgia Gamble
Cohort: 2
Lead supervisor: Dr Marc Stettler
Institution: Imperial College London

Particle Transport and Losses in Sampling Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Combustion Emissions

Understanding soot formation and transport at the interface between engine exit and the combustor of a large gas turbine aircraft engine remains a significant challenge. This project will look to elucidate the problem, working closely with Rolls Royce, and will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the environmental impact of engines.

PhD student: Fergus Lidstone-Lane
Cohort: 2
Lead supervisor: Dr Paul I Williams
Institution: The University of Manchester

This project is an industry funded studentship supported by Rolls Royce.

Damage to jet engines by airborne particulates; Detection and mitigation