Interactions between Vehicular Emissions of Platinum Group Elements in Roadside Soils and the Legatum Prosperity Index: A Mini-Review

A catalytic converter mitigates exhaust gas toxicity by transforming harmful emissions into less harmful substances. Platinum group elements (PGEs) are essential components of vehicle exhaust catalysts (VECs) that alleviate environmental pollution. However, the increasing reliance on PGEs in VECs has resulted in the release of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) particles into the environment, contributing to pollution. Research has concentrated on roadside soils in urban areas or near highways, as these locations are close to catalytic converter contamination sources. Studies have indicated that PGE concentrations in roadside soils exceed the average global crustal levels. The Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI) evaluates national prosperity through ۱۲ pillars, including economic quality, investment environment, governance, education, health, enterprise conditions, infrastructure and market access, safety and security, personal freedom, social capital, living conditions, and the natural environment. Based on these dimensions, the LPI categorizes countries into low, middle, and high-welfare groups. It is hypothesized that countries with higher LPI rankings exhibit reduced pollutant emissions, particularly PGEs from automotive sources, compared to those with lower LPI rankings.  This review examines catalytic converters, catalyst classifications, PGE characterization, and their worldwide industrial distribution. It discusses emission sources and soil contamination, emphasizing the relationship between LPI and PGE emissions in countries with differing welfare levels to promote further research on this topic.

کلیدواژه ها:

Automobiles ، Catalyst ، Platinum group elements ، Roadside soil ، Legatum prosperity index ، Natural environment pillar