Little vehicles—big problems
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In major Pakistan cities, motor vehicle emissions account for 90% of the total emission of hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and carbon monoxide. And according to local environmental agencies, a small, common vehicle is responsible for a lot of the damage.
In April 1996, EC’s Mobile Sources Emissions Division (MSED) and the Government of Balochistan co-organized a vehicle emissions control workshop in Quetta, Pakistan. Pakistani participants identified their concerns and priorities concerning transportation related pollution. Canadian experts presented information on emission control technologies and strategies which may be applicable to the Pakistan situation.
Pakistan’s Transportation Problems
Auto-rickshaws—three wheeled taxis—are powered by two stroke gasoline engines which burn a gasoline-oil mixture. The vehicles cause concern because of high emission levels which result from poor maintenance; used oils added to the gasoline at levels much higher than manufacturer’s recommendations; and the extensive use of leaded gasoline.
Rickshaw emissions must be cut, but it’s not easy. Reduction programs are hard to implement, and the rickshaws—a major source of employment—cannot be banned from use. Unleaded fuel programs are presently being proposed to mitigate the lead emissions problem, but the other noxious emissions will continue to be disproportionately high due to poor maintenance and oil use.
Some Solutions
In one strategy, the Pakistan government is turning to natural gas, a cheaper, less polluting alternative to gasoline. Light passenger cars are being retrofitted to use natural gas, but these conversion systems are not suitable for rickshaws. A Canadian company, Yugo-Tech, has developed a gaseous fuel injection system for the two stroke engine, and through a joint project with EC’s Emissions Research and Measurement Division, emission reductions and system durability are being optimized.
A proposed related project is the partnership between the Canadian private sector and a Pakistani partner, as well as between EC and the local and provincial environmental protection agencies. Primarily, the project will introduce this technology as a potential control measure for rickshaw pollution in Pakistan and throughout Asia. The new project will also provide the opportunity to forge long-term working relationships between the various participants.
Tags: aldehydes, Auto-rickshaws, carbon monoxide., Emissions Division, gasoline engines, hydrocarbons