Diesel particulate matter: Chemical and biological assays

This study involves the chemical characterization and biological assay of diesel particulate matter generated from a single-cylinder, direct-injected diesel engine. This engine was powered with a pure hydrocarbon fuel. The total extract obtained with this fuel had a positive biological activity by various biological assays, although the raw particulate matter was negative. The methodology of sampling and the assays are discussed together with the implications of the results to date.