Air Quality Status of an Open Pit Mining Area in India

This investigation presents the assessment of ambient air quality carried out at an open pit coal mining area in Orissa state of India. The 24-h average concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable particulate matter (RPM, particles of less than 10 m aerodynamic diameter), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) were determined at regular interval throughout one year at 13 monitoring stations in residential area and four stations in mining/industrial area. During the study period, the 24-h and annual average SPM and RPM concentrations exceeded the respective standards set in the Indian ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) protocol in most of the residential and industrial areas. However, the 24-h and annual average concentrations of SO₂ and NO_x were well within the prescribed limit of the NAAQS in both residential and industrial areas. A management strategy is formulated for effective control of particulate matter at source and other mitigative measures are recommended including implementation of green belts around the sensitive areas.     

Ambient Air Quality Status in Raniganj-Asansol Area, India

This investigation presents the assessment of ambient air quality with respect to suspended particulate matter (SPM), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) at four sites (RGC, SRS, BBC and BCC) in the Raniganj-Asansol area in West Bengal, India. Ambient air was monitored with a sampling frequency of twenty four hours (3 × 8 hours) at each site on every alternate day (3 days a week) covering a period of one year. A total of 429 samples were collected from RGC, 429 from SRS and 435 each from the BBC and BCC sites. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind-speed and wind-direction were also recorded simultaneously during the sampling period. Monthly and seasonal variation of these pollutants have been observed and recorded. The annual average and range values have also been calculated. Results of the investigation indicates that the 95th percentile values of SPM levels exceed the limits (200 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites and is within the limit of 500 g m^-3 at the BCC sites. The 95th percentile values of SO₂ levels did not exceed the reference level at any of the monitoring stations. The 95th percentile values of NO_X are found to be exceeding the limit (80 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites but is within the prescribed limit of 120 g m^-3 at the BCC site. Further, it has been observed that the concentrations of the pollutants are high in winter in comparison to the summer or the monsoon seasons. Results of the investigation indicates that industrial activities, indiscriminate open air burning of coal by the local inhabitants for cooking as well as coking purposes, vehicular traffic, etc. are responsible for the high concentration of pollutants in this area.     

PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations from the Qalabotjha Low-Smoke Fuels Macro-Scale Experiment in South Africa

This article presents results from the particulate monitoringcampaign conducted at Qalabotjha in South Africa during the winter of 1997. Combustion of D-grade domestic coal and low-smoke fuels were compared in a residential neighborhood to evaluate the extent of air quality improvement by switchinghousehold cooking and heating fuels.Comparisons are drawn between the gravimetric results from the two types of filter substrates (Teflon-membrane and quartz-fiber) as well as between the integrated and continuous samplers. It is demonstrated that the quartz-fiber filters reported 5 to 10% greater particulate mass than the Teflon-membrane filters, mainly due to the adsorption of organic gases onto the quartz-fiber filters. Due to heating of sampling stream to 50 °C in the TEOM continuous sampler and the high volatile content of the samples, approximately 15% of the particulate mass was lost during sampling.The USEPA 24-hr PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 65 g m^-3 and 150 g m^-3, respectively, were exceeded on several occasions during the 30-day field campaign. Average PMconcentrations are highest when D-grade domestic coal was used, and lowest between day 11 and day 20 of the experiment when a majority of the low-smoke fuels were phased in. Source impacts from residential coal combustion are also found to be influenced by changes in meteorology, especially wind velocity.PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass, elements, water-soluble cations (sodium, potassium, and ammonium), anions (chloride, nitrate, and sulfate), as well as organic and elemental carbonwere measured on 15 selected days during the field campaign. PM_2.5 constituted more than 85% of PM₁₀ at three Qalabotjha residential sites, and more than 70% of PM₁₀ at the gradient site in the adjacent community of Villiers. Carbonaceous aerosol is by far the most abundant component, accounting for more than half of PM mass at the three Qalabotjha sites, and for more than a third of PM mass at the gradient site. Secondary aerosols such as sulfate, nitrate,and ammonium are also significant, constituting 8 to 12% of PM mass at the three Qalabotjha sites and 15 to 20% at the Villiers gradient site.     

RELEVANT ASPECTS OF AIR QUALITY IN OPORTO (PORTUGAL): PM10 AND O3

The air quality Framework Directive (FWD) and the correspondent Daughter Directives defined the new strategy for air quality management in Europe. In general, the new standards are more restrictive than those established by the previous legislation. In Portugal, some difficulties can be previewed to achieve those new standards. Thus, this paper aims at evaluating the impact of application of the FWD to Oporto Metropolitan Area in what concerns to the most critical air pollutants in the area (PM₁₀ and O₃). The specific objectives were: i) to analyse the concentration exceedances between 1999 and 2001; ii) to identify the main emission sources; iii) to evaluate the possibility of a new redistribution of the existing monitoring sites; iv) to contribute to the definition of a new strategy for air quality management. The results showed that; i) the standard values for PM₁₀ and O₃ were largely surpassed, possibly concluding that the FWD application implies a strong impact on the air quality management strategies; ii) the main emission sources (road traffic and the neighbour stationary sources localised upwind) affect all the Metropolitan area through intra-region pollutant transport; iii) it is safer maintaining the site localisation to avoid previewing exceedances through mathematical correlations; iv) the reduction of PM₁₀ and of ozone precursors must be performed considering new technologies for cleaner production and gaseous depuration, a rigorous urban and territory planning, the creation of an efficient public transport network and the definition of strict measures for car maintenance.     

Monitoring of Daily Integrated Exposure of Outdoor Workers to Respirable Particulate Matter in an Urban Region of India

It is more and more recognised that an estimation of the exposure of the population to air pollutants is more relevant than the ambient air quality, since it gives a better indication of health risk. Outdoor workers in an urban region are generally of low income status and are exposed to higher levels of both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Hence respondents from this population subgroup have been selected for this study. Outdoor workers are divided into two categories, viz. traffic constables and casual outdoor workers like watchmen, roadside shopkeepers etc. Most of the respondents are from the lower income group. Each respondent is monitored for a continuous 48-hour period. The sampling frequency is once a week.The study region is situated in the north-west part of the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation. It can be classified as industrial cum residential area. The daily integrated exposure of the outdoor workers consists of two major micro-environments, viz. occupational and indoor residential.A personal air sampler was used along with a cyclone to measure levels of Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM). The cyclone has a 50% removal efficiency for particle diameter of 5 m. Paired samples of PM10 (ambient) and RPM (personal) were collected to establish the correlation between them. The average 24-hour integrated exposure to RPM was 322 g/m3 and exceeded the corresponding PM10 level observed at the nearest Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station by a factor of 2.25. The 90% confidence interval for this exposure is 283–368 g/m3. This study clearly demonstrates that the daily integrated exposure and therefore the health risk of outdoor workers in an urban area is significantly more serious than that indicated by ambient air quality data.     

Air Pollution Concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 at Ambient and Kerbsite and Their Correlation in Metro City – Mumbai

Ambient concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are of concern with respect to effects on human health and environment. Increased levels of mortality and morbidity have been associated with respirable particulate air pollution. In India, it is not yet mandatory to monitor PM_2.5 levels therefore very limited information is available on PM_2.5 levels. To understand the fine particle pollution and also correlate with PM₁₀ which are monitored regularly in compliance with ambient air quality standards. This study was carried out to monitor PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ for about one year in a residential cum commercial area of Mumbai city with a view to understand their correlation. The average PM_2.5 concentration at ambient and Kerbsite was 43 and 69 μg/m³. The correlation coefficients between PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ at ambient and Kerbsite were 0.83 and 0.85 respectively thus indicating that most of the PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ are from similar sources. TSP, PM₁₀ levels exceeded Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) standard during winter season. PM_2.5 levels also exceeded 24 hourly average USEPA standard during winter season indicating unhealthy air quality.     

基于系统聚类方法划分中国PM2.5防治区域

中国各城市细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))环境空气质量差异较大,呈现明显的区域污染特征。合理划分PM_(2.5)污染防治区域、开展区域性大气环境管理,是改善区域空气质量的重要途径。根据2015年全国108个重点城市大气PM_(2.5)的日均浓度数据,使用系统聚类方法对各城市的PM_(2.5)全年污染变化特征进行分析,从而划分出不同防治区域。依据聚类分析的3项原则,综合比较4种不同聚类方法及结果,最后提出可以划分出8个PM_(2.5)污染防治区域:a赣鄂湘接壤地区(长株潭及周边城市),b成渝及周边地区,c粤桂地区,d闽浙沿海城市群,e东三省地区,f长三角地区,g山东及周边地区,h京津冀、山西中北部、陕西关中城市群。     

Beryllium Concentrations in Ambient Air and Its Source Identification

Beryllium concentrations in atmospheric particulate and soil samples in and around a Beryllium Processing Facility (BPF) have been measured. The mean air concentration level of beryllium in and around the fence line of the BPF is 0.48 ± 0.43 ng m^-3 (n = 397) and is mostly influenced by diurnaland seasonal changes. The observed air concentration levelswere well below the prescribed ambient air quality (AAQ)standard of 10 ng m^-3. The soil concentration levels ofberyllium in the study area were found to be in the range of 1.42–2.75 g g^-1. The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD)of beryllium aerosols in ambient air was found to be 6.9 m.Source identification using the Enrichment Factor (EF) approachindicates soil as the predominant contributory source for air concentrations at the site.     

烟花爆竹禁燃对春节期间东北地区空气质量影响评估

利用2015—2017年春节期间东北地区主要大气污染物(PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)、SO_2、NO_2、CO和O3)质量浓度监测资料及相应气象因子(温度、湿度、风速和气压)观测资料,分析了春节期间烟花爆竹禁燃对东北地区空气质量的影响。结果表明:随着东北地区主要城市禁燃力度的增强,空气质量逐年提升,PM_(2.5)和SO_2浓度逐年大幅度下降。禁燃可明显降低城区PM_(2.5)浓度,而由于春节期间污染源整体减少,城区和城郊监测点PM_(2.5)浓度值差异减小。烟花爆竹对PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度影响高于对气体污染物SO_2、NO_2和CO的影响。此外,气象条件对东北地区春节期间禁燃改善空气质量的效果也有明显影响。因此,结合春节期间的气象条件,在东北地区实施禁燃政策动态调整非常必要。     

Extreme Nitrogen Oxide and Ozone Concentrations in Athens Atmosphere in Relation to Meteorological Conditions

In the present study, we investigate the variation of NO _x (NO + NO₂) and O₃ concentrations and the relation between the extreme events (episodes) of NO _x and O₃ concentrations and the relevant meteorological conditions in the urban atmosphere of the Athens basin. Hourly data of NO, NO₂ and O₃ concentrations from 10 representative monitoring sites located in the Athens basin were used, covering the 10-year time period from 1994 to 2003. The results of our analysis show that the concentrations of air pollutants differ significantly from one monitoring site to another, due to the location and proximity of each station to the emission sources. For each site, there are also significant differences in NO _x and O₃ concentrations from day to day, as well as from month to month and/or from season to season. The annual and seasonal variations show higher NO values in winter and lower in summer. On the contrary, NO₂ and O₃ values are higher in summer (photochemical production of O₃) and lower in winter. These differences are attributed, to a large extent, to the prevailing synoptic and meteorological conditions, the most important between them being the wind direction and speed as well as the atmospheric pressure. Our analysis of the identified 179 extreme NO _x air pollution events shows that most of them took place under anticyclonic conditions, associated with calm or weak winds (speed <2.5 ms⁻¹) of mostly southern to southwestern directions, as well as with low air temperatures and intense stable surface atmospheric conditions. There exists a significant decreasing tendency in NO _x air pollution episodic events over the 10-year study period, resulting in very few to none events in the period from 2000 to 2003. As far as it concerns the extreme O₃ concentrations, 34 air pollution events were identified, occurring under high air temperatures, variable weak winds and intense solar irradiation. The trends of O₃ concentrations are stronger in suburban sites than in urban ones.     

Comparability between PM2.5 and particle light scattering measurements

Particle light scattering and PM_2.5 (particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 m) concentration data from air quality studies conducted over the past ten years wereexamined. Fine particle scattering efficiencies were determinedfrom statistical relationships among measured light scattering and fine and coarse mass concentrations. The resulting fine particle scattering efficiencies ranged from 1.7 m² g^-1at Meadview in the Grand Canyon to over 5 m² g^-1 in Mexico City. Most of the derived fine scattering efficiencieswere centered around 2 m² g^-1, which is considerablylower than most values reported from previous studies.     

Air quality assessment in Southern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers

Measurements of fortnightly average concentrations of NO, NO₂, SO₂, H₂S, NH₃, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (aromatics = benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m + p-xylene, ethyl benzene; non-aromatics = nonane and octane) were carried out in the period from 26/10/05 to 24/11/05 at 20 points in the southern part of Kuwait as part of a baseline environmental impact assessment study requested by Kuwait National Petroleum Company. Two waves of triplicate diffusive passive samplers were used. A high volume air sampler was used to measure PM₁₀ too. During the sampling period, the wind was observed to be mainly from the west and northwest with an average of 4.28 m/s. The consistency of the results allowed the production of spatial distribution maps of the pollutants measured and consequently the comparison between levels of air pollution at different locations. A comparison between the measured concentrations and the applicable air quality standards promulgated by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) showed that those compounds had low concentrations compared to both industrial and residential KEPA standards. For other compounds which are not covered by KEPA standards, the results were compared with relevant limits of US Environment Protect Agency (USEPA) and US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The comparison showed that the measured compounds had low concentrations compared to the existing standards and, accordingly, no violation of air quality standards is reported.     

Photoacoustic measurements of black carbon light absorption coefficients in Irbid city, Jordan

The goal of this work is the analysis of air quality levels in the area of Volos, a city of average size on the eastern seaboard of Central Greece. For this purpose, concentration measurements of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen dioxide, for a 4-year period (2001–2004) are analyzed. Air pollution data were obtained by a monitoring station, fully automated, which was established by the Hellenic Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning, and Public Works, in order to measure air pollution levels in Volos, a medium-sized city, which faces the effects of industrialization. The main conclusions from the statistical analysis of the 4-year measurements of hourly SO₂, NO₂, and NO concentrations in the city of Volos, showed that the mean seasonal variation of the examined air pollutant concentration presents a minimum during the warm period of the year and a maximum during the cold period. Although the local geomorphology and meteorology encourage particularly the accumulation of air pollutants, the analysis shows that the SO₂ and NO₂ concentration levels remain lower than corresponding thresholds for human health protection set by the European Union, in this urban measuring site, during the examined period. The application of harmonic analysis revealed the difference between the annual variation of the SO₂ and NO _x concentrations. Regarding NO _x , the variation is mainly due to the first harmonic term (anthropogenic factor), while the SO₂ variation is interpreted by the two harmonic terms, which represent the anthropogenic and meteorological factors, respectively.     

Study of urban atmospheric pollution in Navarre (Northern Spain)

An ambient air quality study was undertaken in two cities (Pamplona and Alsasua) of the Province of Navarre in northern Spain from July 2001 to June 2004. The data were obtained from two urban monitoring sites. At both monitoring sites, ambient levels of ozone, NO_x, and SO₂ were measured. Simultaneously with levels of PM₁₀ measured at Alsasua (using a laser particle counter), PM₁₀ levels were also determined at Pamplona (using a beta attenuation monitor). Mean annual PM₁₀ concentrations in Pamplona and Alsasua reached 30 and 28 μg m⁻³, respectively. These concentrations are typical for urban background sites in Northern Spain. By using meteorological information and back trajectories, it was found that the number of exceedances of the daily PM₁₀ limit as well as the PM₁₀ temporal variation was highly influenced by air masses from North Africa. Although North African transport was observed on only 9% of the days, it contributed the highest observed PM₁₀ levels. Transport from the Atlantic Ocean was observed on 68% of the days; transport from Europe on 13%; low transport and local influences on 7%; and transport from the Mediterranean region on 3% of the days. The mean O₃ concentrations were 45 and 55 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and Alsasua, respectively, which were above the values reported for the main Spanish cities. The mean NO and NO₂ levels were very similar in both sites (12 and 26 μg m⁻³, respectively). Mean SO₂ levels were 8 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and 5 μg m⁻³ in Alsasua. Hourly levels of PM₁₀, NO and NO₂ showed similar variations with the typically two coincident maximums during traffic rush hours demonstrating a major anthropogenic origin of PM₁₀, in spite of the sporadic dust outbreaks.     

Air quality effects of traffic in a canyon-like street (Falmouth,U.K.)

It has been suggested that in relation to air quality impacts, roads with low (<20 000 vpd) traffic flow need not be consideredas significant. This study examines this suggestion more closelyby comparing real-time monitoring of traffic related pollutants (NO₂, PM₁₀ and PAH) at two sites (including a `canyon-street') in Falmouth, Cornwall in relation to traffic flow. For comparison, real-time monitoring data for NO₂ and PM₁₀ is also taken from a well ventilated site in Camelford, Cornwall. The data obtained suggest that roads with traffic flow considerably lower than 20 000 vpd can give rise topollutant levels which have implications for human health. The application of simple linear regression techniques to the datasuggests that under certain conditions simple estimates can be made in relation to likely traffic-related air quality effects in canyon-like streets.     

2001年～2008年及奥运会期间天津市大气污染特征分析

根据天津市大气质量监测数据,对2001年～2008年及奥运会期间天津市大气污染特征和主要大气污染物的变化规律进行了分析。结果表明,2001年～2008年天津市的PM10、SO2和NO2污染总体呈下降趋势,但质量浓度仍相对较高。2008年8月奥运会期间天津市PM10和SO2质量浓度达到国家空气质量二级标准,NO2质量浓度达到国家空气质量一级标准,空气质量良好。天津市PM10污染相对稳定,SO2和NO2的污染分布呈现明显的季节性,时间上表现为冬强夏弱。气象条件对污染物浓度影响明显,沙尘、大雾等天气可使污染物浓度急剧升高。     

Indoor air quality modeling for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 in naturally ventilated classrooms of an urban Indian school building

Assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ) in classrooms of school buildings is of prime concern due to its potential effects on student??s health and performance as they spend a substantial amount of their time (6?C7 h per day) in schools. A number of airborne contaminants may be present in urban school environment. However, respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) is of great significance as they may significantly affect occupants?? health. The objectives of the present study are twofold, one, to measure the concentrations of PM₁₀ (<10  $\upmu $ m), PM_2.5 (<2.5  $\upmu $ m), and PM_1.0 (<1.0  $\upmu $ m) in naturally ventilated classrooms of a school building located near a heavy-traffic roadway (9,755 and 4,296 vehicles/hour during weekdays and weekends, respectively); and second, to develop single compartment mass balance-based IAQ models for PM₁₀ (NVIAQM_pm10), PM_2.5 (NVIAQM_pm2.5), and PM_1.0 (NVIAQM_pm1.0) for predicting their indoor concentrations. Outdoor RSPM levels and classroom characteristics, such as size, occupancy level, temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ concentrations have also been monitored during school hours. Predicted indoor PM₁₀ concentrations show poor correlations with observed indoor PM₁₀ concentrations (R ² = 0.028 for weekdays, and 0.47 for weekends). However, a fair degree of agreement (d) has been found between observed and predicted concentrations, i.e., 0.42 for weekdays and 0.59 for weekends. Furthermore, NVIAQM_pm2.5 and NVIAQM_pm1.0 results show good correlations with observed concentrations of PM_2.5 (R ² = 0.87 for weekdays and 0.9 for weekends) and PM_1.0 (R ² = 0.86 for weekdays and 0.87 for weekends). NVIAQM_pm10 shows the tendency to underpredict indoor PM₁₀ concentrations during weekdays as it does not take into account the occupant??s activities and its effects on the indoor concentrations during the class hours. Intense occupant??s activities cause resuspension or delayed deposition of PM₁₀. The model results further suggests conductance of experimental and physical simulation studies on dispersion of particulates indoors to investigate their resuspension and settling behavior due to occupant??s activities/movements. The models have been validated at three different classroom locations of the school site. Sensitivity analysis of the models has been performed by varying the values of mixing factor (k) and newly introduced parameter R _c. The results indicate that the change in values of k (0.33 to 1.00) does not significantly affect the model performance. However, change in value of R _c (0.001 to 0.500) significantly affects the model performance.     

Spatio-Temporal Variations of Sulphur Dioxide Patterns with Wind Conditions in Central Taiwan

Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is one of the main atmospheric pollutants in central Taiwan. This article analyses the SO₂ concentration seasonal variations and spatial distribution using data obtained from ten air quality monitoring stations and the Taiwan Weather Bureau. It reveals that SO₂ concentration is high in winter and low in summer and that high concentration centers are located south of the Taichung coal-fired power plant, the main source of SO₂ emissions in the region.The location of high concentration centers changeswith different prevailing winds. SO₂ variations due towind direction are not unique. During short periods,when meteorological conditions are constant, variationin the pollution sources cause variations in thespatial distribution. This has been deduced byappreciation of Intervention analysis to time seriesof hourly data.     

2017年上半年北京市及周边地区空气质量特征分析

依托北京市、廊坊市和保定市高密度的地面空气质量监测、气象要素监测以及PM_2.5化学组分监测和后向轨迹分析等手段，对2017年上半年三地的空气质量进行分析。研究发现：三地中北京市空气质量较好，保定市较差。分污染物来看，保定市SO₂浓度水平明显高于廊坊市和北京市，颗粒物PM₁₀和PM_2.5也呈现保定市最高、北京市最低的规律。从污染物日变化来看，CO、SO₂、NO₂、PM₁₀和PM_2.5呈双峰型分布，O₃呈单峰型分布。从区域整体分布规律来看，PM_2.5和SO₂呈现明显的"南高北低"特征。PM_2.5化学组分分析结果表明：1—4月燃煤对该区域空气质量的影响较大，5—6月机动车排放的影响更为凸显。后向轨迹分析结果表明：在2017年上半年到达北京市的气流中有24%来自于北京市南部，且这些气流多为低空传输，表明区域传输对于北京市空气质量具有一定的影响。     

南通市区静态管理期间空气质量分析

对南通市区2022年4月初因疫情防控采取全区域静态管理期间的空气质量进行分析,以气象参数、臭氧前体物VOCs和NO_x作为分析对象。结果表明:此次污染过程的主导因素是高温、强辐射、低湿和偏南风的气象条件。南通市区处于VOCs控制区,高温、强辐射使得VOCs挥发性增强,浓度升高。偏南方向的苏通园区和能达公园VOCs浓度较高且升幅较大,源解析结果表明这2个点位涂料溶剂使用占比升幅更高,既容易受附近石化和储油库影响,也容易受偏南风向的污染输送影响。据初步统计,静态管理期间南通市区停工数量为80%左右,污染期间NO₂浓度高值区主要分布在沿江一带,长江南岸的张家港和常熟地区存在多家高排放企业,在偏南风下,张家港和常熟的污染物极易输送至南通市区。基于空气质量模型WRF-CAMx的O₃和PM_2.5来源解析结果显示,静态管理期间外来输送明显,占比为68.7%~84.7%。污染期间的船舶排放和二次转化贡献也不容忽视。建议南通市应重点加强工业、油气挥发和涂料溶剂源减排,同时加强区域联防联控,以便进一步改善空气质量。