In this communication, accumulated soot from typical Indian share autos and buses has been characterized using FE-SEM coupled with EDS and FTIR spectroscopy for its toxicity level. Analysis reveals the size of spherical-shaped primary particles to be less than 40 nm, which agglomerate to form fractal-like structures. In share autos, average weight percentage of heavy metals such as Cr, Fe, Cu and Pt (except Zn) is higher than that in buses; trace elements include noncarbon elements. FTIR results suggest that share autos contaminate soil of paved and unpaved roadways to a greater extent and at a faster rate compared to buses.

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