Chapter 6: Use of Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy for the detection and analysis of road transport pollution

In this chapter we review the applications of Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy for analysis of the road transport pollution. Raman spectroscopy has been applied on roadside soils and plants and on buildings facades in order to detect traffic emitted compounds. The emission of particles by diesel engines is another important field of study regarding to the air pollution in urban areas. In this sense, apart from Raman spectroscopy, the use of scanning electron microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) plays an important role. In the literature appear several works which focus on the analysis of road dust; particles emitted by brake and tire wear are characterised by SEM images together with X-ray absorption spectra (EDS).