Influence of stove type and cooking pot temperature on particulate matter emissions from biomass cook stoves

A large fraction of the world's population burns biomass fuels indoors using primitive cook stoves. The emissions from this form of inefficient combustion are a significant contributor to human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although many studies have examined the mass of particulate matter released from such cook stoves, a few studies have characterized the size distribution of emitted aerosol. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of stove design, stove temperature, and cooking pot temperature on the mass and size of particles emitted by biomass cook stoves. Results indicate that the temperature of the cooking pot has a substantial impact on emitted particles. Correlations were also found between particle production rate, combustion efficiency, and stove firepower. The concept of a lower bound on particle emissions due to inorganic materials present within biomass fuels is discussed.

► Particle size distribution was evaluated for a range of cook stove designs. ► Cook pot temperature has a significant impact on particle size distribution. ► Stove construction material did not have a significant impact on particle size. ► Particle size, and corresponding health implications will change with cooking habit. ► Test protocol used will influence predicted health implications of stove designs.