Reduced exposure to air pollution on the boardwalk in Dublin, Ireland. Measurement and prediction

This paper outlines an air pollution study carried out on Dublin city's recently completed boardwalk along the side of and overhanging the River Liffey. Air quality samples were taken along the length of the boardwalk to investigate whether pedestrians using the boardwalk would have a lower air pollution exposure than those using the adjoining footpath along the road. The results of the study show significant reductions in pedestrian exposure to both traffic derived particulates and hydrocarbons along the boardwalk as opposed to the footpath. Computational fluid dynamics was also used to model the outcome of these field measurements and shows the importance of the boundary wall between the footpath and boardwalk in reducing air pollution exposure for the pedestrian, the results of which are also presented herein.     

马颊河水系三条河流水质变化及污染物入海通量分析

分析了徒骇河、德惠新河与马颊河2003~2010年入海断面水质变化状况及入海通量的变化趋势。结果表明：徒骇河与德惠新河主要超标污染物为CODCr、CODMn、BOD5、NH3 N、石油类，主要表现为耗氧类有机污染与有机有毒类污染。马颊河主要超标污染物除CODCr、CODMn、BOD5、NH3 N、石油类外，还包括TP与VHB，以上各水质指标浓度分别超过III类水质标准的9、7、12、6、7、9、13倍，表现为耗氧类有机污染、营养盐类污染及有机有毒类污染问题。3条河流中，马颊河污染最为严重。研究期间，除德惠新河的无机无毒类与有机有毒类分类综合污染指数呈一定的上升趋势外，其它类别分类综合污染指数均呈下降趋势，表明3条河流的污染程度有所缓解。徒骇河TN、TP的入海通量总体上呈下降的趋势，其他两条河流污染物的入海通量均有所增加，至2010年，3条河流CODCr、CODMn、NH3 N、TN、TP及石油类入海通量分别为73 871、12 963、1 025、26、69、162 t，16 075、2 997、365、304、13、31 t及51 571、10 801、1 738、626、934、140 t；且3条河流主要污染物入海通量的贡献顺序为徒骇河>马颊河>德惠新河     

A new conceptual model for quantifying transboundary contribution of atmospheric pollutants in the East Asian Pacific rim region

Transboundary transport of air pollution is a serious environmental concern as pollutant affects both human health and the environment. Many numerical approaches have been utilized to quantify the amounts of pollutants transported to receptor regions, based on emission inventories from possible source regions. However, sparse temporal–spatial observational data and uncertainty in emission inventories might make the transboundary transport contribution difficult to estimate. This study presents a conceptual quantitative approach that uses transport pathway classification in combination with curve fitting models to simulate an air pollutant concentration baseline for pollution background concentrations. This approach is used to investigate the transboundary transport contribution of atmospheric pollutants to a metropolitan area in the East Asian Pacific rim region. Trajectory analysis categorized pollution sources for the study area into three regions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan cities. The occurrence frequency and transboundary contribution results suggest the predominant source region is the East Asian continent. This study also presents an application to evaluate heavy pollution cases for health concerns. This new baseline construction model provides a useful tool for the study of the contribution of transboundary pollution delivered to receptors, especially for areas deficient in emission inventories and regulatory monitoring data for harmful air pollutants.     

The effects of ventilation on residential air pollution due to emissions from a gas-fired range

The use of indoor combustion appliances can cause an increase in the levels of many different pollutants. The work presented here shows the usefulness of a model for extrapolating environmental chamber results on pollutant emissions from combustion appliances to determine indoor pollutant concentrations in actual residences. In addition, the effects of infiltration, whole-house ventilation, and spot ventilation on pollutant levels are investigated. The results show that a range hood is the most effective means of removing pollutants emitted from a gas-fired range; removal rates varied from 60% to 87%.     

太湖地区典型小流域非点源污染物流失规律 --以宜兴梅林小流域为例

由农业产生的非点源污染是湖泊的主要污染源。为了研究太湖流域非点源污染负荷流失规律,选择了宜兴梅林小流域为研究对象,对降雨过程中径流流量及其污染物浓度随降雨—径流变化过程进行监测研究。采用统计和系统分析方法,建立径流量和非点源污染负荷输出量之间的数学统计模型,得出该流域非点源污染物流失规律,此方法可以推广到与该流域相似的其它地区的非点源污染研究中,应用于太湖流域水污染综合治理。     

The Spanish project on energy and environment: ENMA

The project ENMA assesses the atmospheric pollution caused by the transformation and consumption of energy. The project is in the following stages: (a) estimation of annual overall average emissions; (b) estimation of annual average concentrations of pollutants; and (c) estimation of doses. Estimation of annual overall average emissions is estimated, separately, for urban areas and point sources. Concentrations of pollutants are obtained for urban areas and point-sources by means of two different gaussian models. Finally, doses are calculated assuming that the effects of all pollutants are linear at low doses. Doses for each pollutant, and doses for exposure to several combined pollutants, are defined. The doses on population are also defined, assuming that the significance of pollution depends on the number of people exposed.     

三峡水库入库污染负荷研究(Ⅰ)--蓄水前污染负荷现状

分析蓄水前三峡水库入库污染负荷,包括库区污染负荷,如城市生活污水、工业废水、农业面源、船舶流动污染源;主要干支流长江、嘉陵江、乌江的入库背景污染负荷,包括上游天然背景负荷和上游污染贡献负荷,为三峡水库水污染防治提供理论依据。研究表明：①进入三峡库区的污染源主要来自长江、嘉陵江、乌江上游输入的背景负荷,包括上游贡献负荷和天然背景负荷,其中：CODCr的天然背景负荷与上游污染贡献负荷较为接近,BOD5、NH3-N的上游贡献负荷略大于天然背景负荷;TP的上游贡献负荷远大于天然背景负荷。因此,“三江”上游区域的污染治理工作应为今后三峡水库水污染防治的重点;②库区内排放的主要污染物是TP、BOD5、TN、CODCr等有机污染物,其累计等标污染负荷比达到98%以上。库区内的主要污染源为农田径流,其等标污染负荷比为77.85%;其次为城市污水,其等标污染负荷比为19.45%,工业废水的等标污染负荷比只占1.62%。因此,农田面源将是今后库区污染防治的重点。     

Indoor air quality modeling: Compartmental approach with reactive chemistry

Data on indoor/outdoor pollutant and tracer concentrations were collected during different periods in 1981 at a residence in Newton, MA. Special studies within the kitchen were conducted to determine the vertical and horizontal variability of pollutant and tracer gas concentrations. A reactive chemistry model incorporating simplified NO_x chemistry was developed to simulate pollutant concentrations indoors. Multicompartmental mathematical modeling tools were also developed and tested to estimate efficiently the effective, emission, ventilation, and removal rates, as well as the intercompartmental pollutant exchange coefficients. Model studies utilizing two- and three-compartment systems and tracer measurements proved that the dynamics of pollutant mixing inside a kitchen is not only complex but may be quite important in controlling spatial and temporal variability of reactive species. Further monitoring and modeling studies to investigate the critical aspects of the short-term dynamics of the reactive pollutants inside homes with gas cooking stoves are recommended.     

南京市典型工业区耕地中多环芳烃源解析

多环芳烃作为重要的环境激素类物质，对环境和人类健康具有严重危害而受到人们的广泛重视。选择南京市某一大型钢铁集团周边耕地土壤为研究对象，对研究区域内多环芳烃（PAHs）残留量进行调查，并对其污染来源进行解析，为该区域土壤PAHs的综合防治提供参考依据。结果表明：PAHs总残留量范围为312.2~27 580.9 ng/g，且以4环以上多环芳烃组分为主。单一污染物以芘、屈、荧蒽、苯并［a］芘、蒽、菲、苯并［a］蒽、苯并［k］荧蒽、茚并［1,2,3 cd］芘、苯并［g,h,i］苝为主。不同样区土壤PAHs残留量受常年风向影响明显。推测工业区的气体性排放物是本研究区域土壤中PAHs的主要来源。大气沉降可能是导致本研究区PAHs污染的重要途径之一。另外，地表径流、固体废弃物排放、生活燃煤等导致部分采样点含量较高。在对下风向区域中距中心污染源不同距离采样点PAHs含量分析时发现，高环PAHs总量总体表现出随污染源距离的增加，污染程度递减的规律。在对多环芳烃源成分谱轮廓特征的分析基础上，利用各种参数，从分子量优势度、环数相对丰度、特征指数等方面，分别对各区域土壤中多环芳烃来源进行比较分析，据此推断，四区域PAHs污染均在不同程度上受化石的燃烧所致，但各区域的PAHs污染源不同。钢铁企业内的炼焦厂是该区域多环芳烃主要污染源之一.     

Spatial variation of carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen concentrations inside residences

A spatial comparison of pollutant concentrations within the residential environment is undertaken, comparing pollutant concentrations from three indoor sampling locations (zones). The indoor air quality base was obtained from sampling the indoor air of 12 residential sites and two office buildings in the metropolitan Boston area. Each residential site was monitored continuously for two weeks, and data were reduced into hourly averages. Interzonal comparisons of the mean of hourly averages, 24-h averages, and daily maximum hourly concentrations were made at all sites. Linear regressions were computed between daily maximum hourly concentrations and mean 24-h concentrations of NO, NO₂, and CO for kitchens to determine whether maximum hourly concentrations could be predicted from the 24-h concentration. These pollutants show interzonal statistical differences in residences with gas-fired cooking facilities but not in residences with electric cooking facilities. It was determined that, while one indoor sampling zone is not sufficient to specify indoor pollutant concentration maxima in residences having indoor sources of pollution, the daily mean of hourly pollutant concentrations obtained from one indoor zone can adequately describe the indoor environment. In addition, the maximum indoor hourly concentration for NO, NO₂, and CO can be estimated for residences with all electric facilities, by using the mean 24-h concentration. The reliability of similar estimates for NO, NO₂, and CO in residences with unvented gas appliances is reduced because of substantially more scatter in the paired data point, particularly at higher pollutant concentrations.     

The toxicology of climate change: Environmental contaminants in a warming world

Climate change induced by anthropogenic warming of the earth's atmosphere is a daunting problem. This review examines one of the consequences of climate change that has only recently attracted attention: namely, the effects of climate change on the environmental distribution and toxicity of chemical pollutants. A review was undertaken of the scientific literature (original research articles, reviews, government and intergovernmental reports) focusing on the interactions of toxicants with the environmental parameters, temperature, precipitation, and salinity, as altered by climate change. Three broad classes of chemical toxicants of global significance were the focus: air pollutants, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including some organochlorine pesticides, and other classes of pesticides. Generally, increases in temperature will enhance the toxicity of contaminants and increase concentrations of tropospheric ozone regionally, but will also likely increase rates of chemical degradation. While further research is needed, climate change coupled with air pollutant exposures may have potentially serious adverse consequences for human health in urban and polluted regions. Climate change producing alterations in: food webs, lipid dynamics, ice and snow melt, and organic carbon cycling could result in increased POP levels in water, soil, and biota. There is also compelling evidence that increasing temperatures could be deleterious to pollutant-exposed wildlife. For example, elevated water temperatures may alter the biotransformation of contaminants to more bioactive metabolites and impair homeostasis. The complex interactions between climate change and pollutants may be particularly problematic for species living at the edge of their physiological tolerance range where acclimation capacity may be limited. In addition to temperature increases, regional precipitation patterns are projected to be altered with climate change. Regions subject to decreases in precipitation may experience enhanced volatilization of POPs and pesticides to the atmosphere. Reduced precipitation will also increase air pollution in urbanized regions resulting in negative health effects, which may be exacerbated by temperature increases. Regions subject to increased precipitation will have lower levels of air pollution, but will likely experience enhanced surface deposition of airborne POPs and increased run-off of pesticides. Moreover, increases in the intensity and frequency of storm events linked to climate change could lead to more severe episodes of chemical contamination of water bodies and surrounding watersheds. Changes in salinity may affect aquatic organisms as an independent stressor as well as by altering the bioavailability and in some instances increasing the toxicity of chemicals. A paramount issue will be to identify species and populations especially vulnerable to climate–pollutant interactions, in the context of the many other physical, chemical, and biological stressors that will be altered with climate change. Moreover, it will be important to predict tipping points that might trigger or accelerate synergistic interactions between climate change and contaminant exposures.     

Short-term effects of air pollution on respiratory morbidity at Rio de Janeiro — PART I: Air Pollution Assessment

Exposure to air pollution has been related with the most varied adverse health outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of air pollution on the emergency hospitalization for respiratory disease in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was divided in two parts: Part I specifically addressing the air pollution assessment and Part II addressing the health assessment. Accordingly, this Part I aims to: i) evaluate the concentrations of PM₁₀, SO₂ and CO at two sites in Rio de Janeiro and compare them; ii) analyse the concentrations observed according to the national and international standards; and iii) analyse the air pollutants behaviour, namely, annually, seasonally, daily and considering weekdays/weekends variations. The pollutant concentrations were measured at two different sites in Rio de Janeiro and the analysis was performed for the period between September 2000 and December 2005. Results showed that PM₁₀ concentrations in Rio de Janeiro exceeded the daily and annual standards imposed by the European Union, the Brazilian legislation and WHO guidelines. Regarding SO₂ and CO, concentrations were, generally, below both European and Brazilian standards. Nevertheless, considering WHO guidelines, SO₂ threshold for daily concentrations (20 μg m^− 3) was exceeded around 150 times. Behaviour assessment showed that the influence of traffic is a major factor affecting the air pollution in Rio de Janeiro.Considering the results achieved and the proven health effects of air pollution, strategies should be defined for its reduction, particularly concerning particulate matter, and consequently contribute to the protection of public health.     

Characterizing multi-pollutant air pollution in China: Comparison of three air quality indices

Multi-pollutant air pollution (i.e., several pollutants reaching very high concentrations simultaneously) frequently occurs in many regions across China. Air quality index (AQI) is used worldwide to inform the public about levels of air pollution and associated health risks. The current AQI approach used in China is based on the maximum value of individual pollutants, and does not consider the combined health effects of exposure to multiple pollutants. In this study, two novel alternative indices – aggregate air quality index (AAQI) and health-risk based air quality index (HAQI) – were calculated based on data collected in six megacities of China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shjiazhuang, Xi'an, and Wuhan) during 2013 to 2014. Both AAQI and HAQI take into account the combined health effects of various pollutants, and the HAQI considers the exposure (or concentration)-response relationships of pollutants. AAQI and HAQI were compared to AQI to examine the effectiveness of the current AQI in characterizing multi-pollutant air pollution in China. The AAQI and HAQI values are higher than the AQI on days when two or more pollutants simultaneously exceed the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) 24-hour Grade II standards. The results of the comparison of the classification of risk categories based on the three indices indicate that the current AQI approach underestimates the severity of health risk associated with exposure to multi-pollutant air pollution. For the AQI-based risk category of ‘unhealthy’, 96% and 80% of the days would be ‘very unhealthy’ or ‘hazardous’ if based on AAQI and HAQI, respectively; and for the AQI-based risk category of ‘very unhealthy’, 67% and 75% of the days would be ‘hazardous’ if based on AAQI and HAQI, respectively. The results suggest that the general public, especially sensitive population groups such as children and the elderly, should take more stringent actions than those currently suggested based on the AQI approach during high air pollution events. Sensitivity studies were conducted to examine the assumptions used in the AAQI and HAQI approaches. Results show that AAQI is sensitive to the choice of pollutant irrelevant constant. HAQI is sensitive to the choice of both threshold values and pollutants included in total risk calculation.     

A model for positive environmental control

In the control of pollution, two apparently important facts are often negelected: (1) removal of a particular pollutant from a particular source and location may merely result in transforming it into a pollutant, or pollutants of different forms, in other locations; (2) the activity of pollution control itself requires inputs, the production of which may generate additional pollutants. In order to achieve positive environmental control, these two facts must be considered in selecting control processes and in determining optimum control standards. It is necessary that an integrated approach to pollution control be taken, making allowances for ecological inter-relations. As practiced today, pollution control is handled as separate problems of disposing gas, liquid and solid wastes. This paper proposes a model for evaluating the total environmental impact of a pollution control process or method. Theoretical criteria for determining an optimum control level with or without resource constraint are also derived.     

我国技术变迁对环境影响的计量分析

为了促进技术变迁因素在我国环境保护中发挥更大的作用，需要分析其以往对环境的影响，为我国的技术政策提供支持。使用动态基期，用统计方法定量计算了 1994~2004年各年度技术变迁因素对我国主要空气和水污染物排放量的影响。按是否以削减污染为直接目标，可将技术变迁分为2类：(1)生产工艺的变化。这种技术变化不以污染削减为直接目标，但会影响到生产投入物的数量和种类、生产过程中污染物的产生量并因此影响到最终的污染强度和排放量。(2)污染削减技术的变化。这种技术变化以污染削减为直接目标。利用环境统计年鉴中的污染削减量数据将技术效应分解为2部分：源自污染削减技术和源自生产工艺，发现从总体上看技术变迁降低了所有污染物的排放量，其中污染削减技术对所有污染排放量的下降都起了积极作用，但伴随较大的年度变化。生产工艺变化对不同污染物的影响方向不同。可见中国目前的污染削减主要依靠“末端”污染削减技术，“过程控制型”生产工艺没有充分发挥应有作用，也反映出目前技术变迁尚未向“环境友好型”演进。因此，要促使我国技术变迁向“环境友好型”演进，特别需要促进清洁生产技术的开发和推广,在生产过程中减少污染物的产生.     

开放经济、环保财政支出与污染治理——来自中国省级与行业面板数据的经验证据

首先按照各省环保财政支出占GDP比重与按主成分分析法计算的地方环境污染物排放综合指数的排名情况把中国30个省份分成两个区域,区域1环保财政支出污染治理效应较强,区域2环保财政支出污染治理效应较弱。区域1包括北京、海南等14个省市,区域2包括天津、上海等16个省市。其次基于2007—2014年中国省级和行业面板数据,分析开放经济、环保财政支出对污染治理的影响。最后借鉴门限回归模型检验开放经济是否存在环保财政支出与污染治理的门槛效应。结果显示:(1)环境污染物排放存在区域差异和行业差异,区域1呈现出开放程度和污染物排放双低的特征,而区域2则表现为双高特征。制造业、电力、煤气及水的生产和供应业污染物排放较高,采掘业污染物排放年均增长速度最快。(2)样本期内省级和行业面板数据均表明开放经济与环境污染物排放显著负相关,对外开放不是助推环境污染的原因。(3)中国环保财政支出与环境污染物排放显著负相关,环保财政支出具有显著的污染治理效应。(4)开放经济对环保财政支出的污染治理效应具有门槛效应,当进口和出口贸易总额高于门槛值-1.221、-1.016时环保财政支出的污染治理效应很难发挥。(5)以进、出口贸易总额为门槛变量时,有107个观测值低于门槛值,占总观测值的44.58%,其中有59个位于区域1,占55.14%。鉴于此应继续加大环境保护财政支出,进一步提升环保财政专项支出在GDP中所占比重,保持适度的对外开放,优化能源消费结构和实现产业结构升级,全面改善环境质量,提升开放经济下环保财政支出的污染治理效应。     

Photochemical smog effects in mixed conifer forests along a natural gradient of ozone and nitrogen deposition in the San Bernardino Mountains

Toxic effects of photochemical smog on ponderosa and Jeffrey pines in the San Bernardino Mountains were discovered in the 1950s. It was revealed that ozone is the main cause of foliar injury manifested as chlorotic mottle and premature needle senescence. Various morphological, physiological and biochemical alterations in the affected plants have been reported over a period of about 40 years of multidisciplinary research. Recently, the focus of research has shifted from studying the effects of ozone to multiple pollutant effects. Recent studies have indicated that the combination of ozone and nitrogen may alter biomass allocation in pines towards that of deciduous trees, accelerate litter accumulation, and increase carbon sequestration rates in heavily polluted forests. Further study of the effects of multiple pollutants, and their long-term consequences on the mixed conifer ecosystem, cannot be adequately done using the original San Bernardino Mountains Air Pollution Gradient network. To correct deficiencies in the design, the new site network is being configured for long-term studies on multiple air pollutant concentrations and deposition, physiological and biochemical changes in trees, growth and composition of over-story species, biogeochemical cycling including carbon cycling and sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Eleven sites have been re-established. A comparison of 1974 stand composition with data from 2000 stand composition indicate that significant changes in species composition have occurred at some sites with less change at other sites. Moist, high-pollution sites have experienced the greatest amount of forest change, while dryer low-pollution sites have experienced the least amount of stand change. In general, ponderosa pine had the lowest basal area increases and the highest mortality across the San Bernardino Mountains.     

Air pollution in the semitropical Saudi urban area

This paper presents the outcome of research conducted in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Analysis of recorded meteorological elements shows that the atmosphere of the area favors the accumulation of air pollutants. Dustfall rates were measured at 22 stations in different districts. High rates of dustfall were found in all districts, with maximum recorded values in central urban and industrial districts. Collected samples were analyzed to determine the causes of these excessive precipitations. Suspended particulate matter and other pollutants were found to exceed air quality standards set to meet environmental requirements. Carbon monoxide was found to exceed the air quality standard of 9 μL/L. Concentrations of photochemical oxidants indicated the possibility of Los Angeles-type photochemical smog formation. Geographic distribution of pollutant concentrations and chemical constituents of particulates were found to be influenced by both manmade and natural causes. Results are discussed and several conclusions are given.     

Pollutant emission rates from indoor combustion appliances and sidestream cigarette smoke

Particulate and gaseous emissions from indoor combustion appliances and smoking can elevate the indoor concentrations of various pollutants. Indoor pollutant concentrations resulting from operating one of several combustion appliances, or from sidestream tobacco smoke, were measured in a 27-m³ environmental chamber under varying ventilation rates. The combustion appliances investigated were gas-fired cooking stoves, unvented kerosene-fired space heaters, and unvented natural-gas-fired space heaters. Results showed elevated levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and suspended particles from one or more of the pollutant sources investigated. Our findings suggest that, of the sources examined in this study, nitrogen dioxide from combustion appliances and particles from sidestream cigarette smoke are the most serious contaminants of indoor air, if we use existing standards and guidelines as the criteria. An emission rate model was used to quantify the strengths of the pollutant sources, which are reported in terms of the mass of pollutant emitted per energy unit of fuel consumed (in the case of gas and kerosene appliances) and per mass of tobacco combusted (in the case of smoking).     

三峡库区及上游流域面源污染特征与防治策略

三峡水库自2003年蓄水运行以来，富营养化问题突出，面源污染防治愈发受到关注。依托2004、2005年生态环境调查成果，在分析三峡库区及其上游流域（简称三峡地区）面源污染负荷特征、面源污染发生原因的基础上，提出了区域面源污染防治策略。研究结果表明：入库污染负荷总量组成中，面源贡献占绝对优势；空间分布上，上游长江干流、嘉陵江及乌江流域贡献占绝对优势，库区区间贡献较小；形态特征上，氮对水体的影响以溶解态为主，磷对水体的影响以颗粒态为主。从面源污染发生过程来看，三峡地区生态环境脆弱、土地利用不合理为土壤侵蚀、污染物迁移转化提供了先决条件；而农村经济增长迅速、耕作管理技术落后亦增大了面源污染的风险。结合上述分析以及三峡地区实际情况，针对性地提出污染控制分区策略、工程措施治理策略、生态经济培育策略、农业耕作管理策略，旨在为三峡水库长效环境保护提供借鉴.