The Analysis of Exhaust Composition Serves as the Foundation of Sustainable Road Transport Development in the Context of Meeting Emission Standards

Anna Kochanek (), Józef Janczura, Sławomir Jurkowski, Tomasz Zacłona, Anna Gronba-Chyła and Paweł Kwaśnicki
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Anna Kochanek: Faculty Engineering, State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sącz, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland
Józef Janczura: Motor Vehicle Expert, Technical Services, Czerniec 180, 33-390 Łącko, Poland
Sławomir Jurkowski: Faculty Engineering, State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sącz, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland
Tomasz Zacłona: Faculty of Economic Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sącz, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland
Anna Gronba-Chyła: Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1 H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
Paweł Kwaśnicki: Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1 H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: The main objective of the research presented in this article was to analyze the composition of exhaust gases from passenger cars undergoing periodic inspections and to determine the influence of vehicle age, mileage and the applicable EURO emission standard on the level of emissions of individual components of exhaust gases and thus on the environment. The research was carried out at the District Vehicle Inspection Station in Nowy Sącz, using methods for analyzing the composition of exhaust gases and smoke opacity. The results obtained make it possible to assess whether exhaust emission diagnostics can form the basis for the implementation of a sustainable road transport policy. The study showed that older vehicles emit higher concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), and diesel cars manufactured before 2010 are characterized by increased smoke opacity. A reliable analysis of the emissions performance of vehicles on the road enables more effective measures to be taken to reduce emissions and improve air quality through regulation, the introduction of clean traffic zones and raising environmental awareness among drivers. This is especially important in regions with specific geographical conditions, such as the Nowy Sącz district, where the terrain—Nowy Sącz is located in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges—favors the accumulation of pollutants and hinders the natural air circulation, leading to the long-term persistence of smog.

Keywords: climate change; exhaust emissions; motor vehicles; environmental protection; EURO standards; CO 2 emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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