Toxicity of real-world emissions and impacts on lifecycle assessment from SAF at Copenhagen Airport

This project investigates the public health and environmental impacts of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), which are critical to decarbonising aviation.

Project Summary

While SAFs are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet global climate targets, their real-world effects on air quality remain poorly understood. Minor differences in SAF chemical composition can significantly influence the toxicity of exhaust emissions, particularly ultra-fine particles carrying carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study will collect and analyse emissions from aircraft engines operating on SAF and conventional jet fuel, in collaboration with DCC Shell and SAS at Copenhagen Airport. Using advanced chemical analysis and in-vitro toxicity testing with human airway cells, the project will assess health risks and integrate findings into lifecycle assessments. By bridging emissions science, toxicology, and climate modelling, the research aims to inform SAF development that not only reduces carbon emissions but also protects public health.