Low-condensation diesel use contributes to winter haze in cold regions of China

The application of low-condensation diesel in cold regions with extremely low ambient temperatures (−14 to −29 °C) has enabled the operation of diesel vehicles. Still, it may contribute to heavy haze pollution in cold regions during winter. Here we examine pollutant emissions from low-condensation diesel in China. We measure the emissions of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), and elements, including heavy metals such as arsenic (As). Our results show that low-condensation diesel increased EC and OC emissions by 2.5 and 2.6 times compared to normal diesel fuel, respectively. Indicators of vehicular sources, including EC, As, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn), increased by approximately 20.2–162.5% when using low-condensation diesel. Seasonal variation of vehicular source indicators, observed at road site ambient environments revealed the enhancement of PM2.5 pollution by the application of low-condensation diesel in winter. These findings suggest that −35# diesel, a low-cetane index diesel, may enhance air pollution in winter, according to a dynamometer test conducted in laboratory. It raises questions about whether higher emissions are released if −35# diesel is applied to running vehicles in real-world cold ambient environments. [Display omitted] •Low-condensation diesel (−35#) contributes to increased air pollution in cold regions.•The use of −35# diesel increases the emissions of carbonaceous matter in PM2.5.•The proportions of toxic heavy metals emitted from −35# diesel are significantly higher than normal diesel.