Towards a more accurate measurement of particles matter during domestic wood combustion: impact of the sampling point, assessment and chemical characterisation of the condensable fraction

Abstract. Domestic wood combustion emits filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM), although current regulations only consider the filterable fraction. This study developed an experimental procedure to quantify and chemically characterize both fractions emitted by a domestic wood-burning insert under degraded combustion conditions. FPM was collected using filters maintained at 110 or 180 °C, while CPM was trapped in condensed water and isopropanol impingers maintained at 5 °C, followed by an ambient filter. Measurements were performed in the flue duct and near the chimney outlet, and organic compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. CPM accounted for 43–59 % of total particulate matter, demonstrating that it contributed approximately as much as FPM to the emitted aerosol. Isopropanol retained most of the condensable compounds, whereas the downstream ambient filter collected only a negligible fraction. Sampling at 180 °C improved CPM recovery compared with sampling at 110 °C. Similar particulate concentrations and chemical profiles were observed in the duct and near the outlet, indicating limited additional condensation along the insulated flue. Heavy alkanes dominated FPM, while phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated PAHs were identified in the condensable fractions. These results support the inclusion of CPM in future emission standards and certification protocols.