Seasonal evaluation and spatial variability of suspended particulate matter in the vicinity of a large coal-fired power station in India—A case study

Coal combustion in the power sector gives rise to the emission of primary and secondary particulate pollutants. Since the emission of pollutants depends on coal quality and combustion technology, and given that transport, transformation and deposition of contaminants depend on regional climatic conditions, specific studies for the power stations is needed to evaluate their environmental impacts. Monitoring of ambient respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels around a large coal-fired power station in India was carried out. The specific objectives were the determination of spatial and seasonal variability in RSPM and SPM levels, and their relationship with meteorological parameters such as wind velocity and relative humidity. The results have shown a marked seasonal trend and spatial variability in RSPM and SPM levels in the study area. Higher concentrations of ambient RSPM and SPM were found in downwind monitoring stations compared to upwind direction. Ratios of RSPM to SPM and correlation coefficient values between RSPM and SPM along with meteorological parameters were also worked out. Relative humidity and wind velocity have shown an inverse relation with particulate deposition pattern.     

The Influence of the Biometric Parameters on Metallothionein and Metal Level in the Heat-Treated Cytosol of the Whole Soft Tissue of Transplanted Mussels

The influence of the biometric parameters (shell mass, whole soft tissue mass, condition index) on MT and metal levels in the heat-treated cytosol of the whole soft tissue of transplanted mussels was studied over the period of one year. The positive correlation of three metals (Cd, Fe, Zn) with the shell mass indicated to time-dependent increase of their contents. Strong correlation of Mn content with the whole soft tissue mass (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001), and almost identical changes of these two parameters over the year make Mn a good indicator of mussel's condition. As opposed to the other metals, Cu content does not exhibit connection with biometry. On the other hand, MTs are highly influenced by biometry. As much as 65% of their variability could be explained by the changes of the shell mass and the whole soft tissue mass. Consequently, it is difficult to distinguish if the obtained positive correlation between Cd and MTs (r = 0.48, p < 0.05) reflects MT induction by Cd, or Cd accumulation as a result of age-dependent increase of MTs. Due to the strong influence of the biometry on MT level, the whole soft tissue is not considered as the best choice for measuring MTs as a biomarker. Better option would be to isolate a specific tissue that shows indisputable connection between MT induction and metal accumulation.     

Effect of particulate matter, atmospheric gases, temperature, and humidity on respiratory and circulatory diseases’ trends in Lisbon, Portugal

This study addresses the significant effects of both well-known contaminants (particles, gases) and less-studied variables (temperature, humidity) on serious, if relatively common, respiratory and circulatory diseases. The area of study is Lisbon, Portugal, and time series of health outcome (daily admissions in 12 hospitals) and environmental data (daily averages of air temperature, relative humidity, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO, NO₂, CO, and O₃) have been gathered for 1999–2004 to ascertain (1) whether concentrations of air pollutants and levels of temperature and humidity do interfere on human health, as gauged by hospital admissions due to respiratory and circulatory ailments; and (2) whether there is an effect of population age in such admissions. In general terms, statistically significant (p?<?0.001) correlations were found between hospital admissions and temperature, humidity, PM₁₀, and all gaseous pollutants except CO and NO. Age appears to influence respiratory conditions in association with temperature, whereas, for circulatory conditions, such an influence likely involves temperature as well as the gaseous pollutants NO₂ and SO₂.     

Spatio-temporal prediction of atmospheric benzene (Part I)

Benzene is a carcinogenic and genotoxic pollutant which mainly affects the people health through the inhalation. Nevertheless, this pollutant is not frequently measured by air-quality networks. To solve this problem, some models have been published to estimate benzene concentrations in the atmosphere. However, the lack of measures makes difficult the application of complex models in order to get a detailed spatio-temporal analysis, namely in urban areas. In this work was developed a simple semi-empirical model to predict benzene concentrations based on the ratio of benzene and carbon monoxide concentrations in order to predict the concentrations of this pollutant in large areas and periods with lack of benzene measurements but with higher impact in the human health. The model was applied to an urban area, the Metropolitan Area of Oporto, for a period of 12 years (1995–2006). Monthly correlations between benzene and carbon monoxide concentrations at Custóias air-quality station are significant (p = 0.01) and higher in winter (r _s > 0.7) than in summer (0.3 > r _s > 0.7). Estimate of the monthly ratio of the concentration of these two pollutants range between 199 and 305. The methodology validation shows good results (r _s = 0.81) which allow, assuming the availability of carbon monoxide data, the use of this tool for areas with low benzene recorded data. The application of this methodology in the study area shows an annual average trend decrease of benzene concentrations during the study period, which may be linked to a general trend decrease of benzene emissions in European urban areas, including the study domain.     

Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Particulates and Atmospheric Pollutants at Taichung Harbor Sampling Site

Atmospheric aerosol particles and metallic concentrations, ionic species were monitored at the Experimental harbor of Taichung sampling site in this study. This work attempted to characterize metallic elements and ionic species associated with meteorological conditions variation on atmospheric particulate matter in TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10. The concentration distribution trend between TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10 particle concentration at the TH (Taichung harbor) sampling site were also displayed in this study. Besides, the meteorological conditions variation of metallic elements (Fe, Mg, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn and Pb) and ions species (Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NH₄ ⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺) concentrations attached with those particulate were also analyzed in this study. On non-parametric (Spearman) correlation analysis, the results indicated that the meteorological conditions have high correlation at largest particulate concentrations for TSP at TH sampling site in this study. In addition, the temperature and relative humidity of meteorological conditions that played a key role to affect particulate matter (PM) and have higher correlations then other meteorological conditions such as wind speed and atmospheric pressure. The parameter temperature and relative humidity also have high correlations with atmospheric pollutants compared with those of the other meteorological variables (wind speed, atmospheric pressure and prevalent wind direction). In addition, relative statistical equations between pollutants and meteorological variables were also characterized in this study.     

Patchy Distribution Fields: Sampling Distance Unit of an Interleaved Survey and Reconstruction Adequacy

A mathematical model was used to examine the effects of choosing various units of sampling distance of an interleaved (two-pass) acoustic survey on the adequacy of reconstructing patchy distribution fields. The model simulates fish or plankton patches (or gaps) of different shapes and spatial orientations, and an interleaved survey by parallel or zigzag transects, along which a unit of sampling distance is set. The efficiency of a survey is determined by the adequacy of a reconstructed field to that originally generated, which is evaluated by calculating their correlations (r). Regarding immovable fields, the experiments conducted indicate that a patchy field can be reconstructed properly (r ² > 0.70) if the distance between transects D < (1.5–2.0)R and the unit of sampling distance d < (1.5– 2.0)R _p. As, for regular surveys d < (1.0–1.5)R _p, it may be concluded that interleaved surveys are more efficient than regular ones because of the factor studied. In regard to movable fields, a comparison of the results of interleaved surveys with those of regular surveys directly indicates that the former may ensure a more adequate field reconstruction than the latter do. This fact confirms the previous conclusion that an interleaved survey is expedient in cases where there is no preference regarding the position of a vessel for further work.     

Influence of aerosol spectrum and air pollutants on fog formation in urban environment of megacity Delhi, India

Urban areas are facing increasing fog frequencies that may result due to increased air pollution emanating from variety of sources. The increased pollution levels may lead to the atmospheric reactions resulting into the formation of secondary pollutants that may also lead to increased aerosol number concentrations (ANC) in the atmosphere. This could cause enhanced water aerosols in the presence of favourable meteorological conditions and high relative humidity. This study deals with the atmospheric pollution and visibility during winter season of megacity Delhi in order to assess the relationship between the two specifically during fog episodes. Thus, this study analyses the levels of air pollutants, aerosol spectrum and meteorological conditions during one week each in the winter season of the years 2004 and 2006 in order to have an improved understanding of their role in fog formation in mega-city Delhi. More than 300 h of measurements which included episodes of dense, thick and moderate fogs of about 25 h, were studied. The measurements cover most of the accumulation mode and greater size spectrum of aerosols. Thus, the analysis is performed for the entire period, specifically, before the fog sets up, during and afterwards. In general, the relatively small variations in number concentration show larger variations in visibility prior and post dense fog formation than during dense fog episodes. Preliminary analysis of monthly averaged RSPM (Respirable Suspended particulate Matter or PM(10)) concentration values for four winter months for a period of 6 years (1996-2001) and visibility did not show a good correlation with total occurrences of fog. However, daily averaged RSPM concentration showed a good correlation with the occurrences of thick fog. Diurnal variation of Sulfur-dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide were found to have inverse relationship with visibility during fog which may be due to formation of secondary pollutants such as sulfate and to a lesser extent nitrates. Amongst, the daily averaged concentrations of all the criteria pollutants, RSPM was found to be best correlated with the fog in comparison to other pollutants.     

黑龙江省环境空气污染物和气象要素的典型相关分析

通过对黑龙江省4个自然年(2016年1月1日—2019年12月31日)环境空气污染物和气象要素的分析,揭示了黑龙江省气象条件对空气污染物浓度的影响规律与特征。对PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)、SO_2、NO_2、CO和O_3等6项污染物的描述性统计和简单的相关分析显示:黑龙江省环境空气质量呈现逐年变好的趋势,非采暖期环境空气质量好于采暖期,6项污染物中除O_3呈现夏季偏高以外,其余污染物采暖期浓度均高于非采暖期。运用典型相关分析法探究环境空气污染物与温度、降水量、相对湿度、风速和气压5项气象要素之间的关系,并进行统计学检验,结果表明:环境空气污染物与气象要素之间存在显著相关,温度、风速和相对湿度对污染物具有显著影响。非采暖期大气相对湿度对PM_(10)和O_3-8h的影响显著;而在采暖期,风速对PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)的影响显著。     

Measurements of SO2, NO X and SPM in an industrial area at the Aegean coast of Turkey

Data from continuous measurements of SO₂ NO _x , suspended particulate matter (SPM) and meteorological parameters at seven sites around a highly industrialized region in the Aegean coast of Turkey, between July 15, 1991 to July 31, 1992 were used to evaluate spatial and temporal variations of air quality parameters. Low annual averages and insignificant differences between day and night concentrations were observed at stations far from sources. At stations close to sources, annual average concentrations were high and diurnal patterns were significant. Annual average SO₂ and SPM concentrations in all stations used the Krigging technique to assess the impact of industries on air quality in the surrounding airshed. Results have demonstrated that Turkish air quality standards for SO₂ were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 4 km and which was centered on the petrochemical complex and refinery. Similarly, standards for SPM were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 1.2 km and which was centered on the ironwork plants. Both SO₂ and SPM showed well defined diurnal variations, particularly in stations close to sources. The SO₂ concentrations showed a maximum during day-time, while SPM concentrations peaked after midnight. Although annual average SO₂ and SPM concentrations were highly variable depending on distances between stations and sources, background concentrations of the same pollutants, calculated by stripping episodes from data, did not change significantly from one station to another. Long range transport and resuspension of local soil were suggested as sources of background SO₂ and SPM, respectively. The difference between observed and background concentrations of SO₂ and SPM in each station was related to the impact of industries on air quality at that particular site.     

An Assessment on Variation of Sulphur Dioxide and Particulate Matter in Erzurum (Turkey)

Sulphur dioxide and PM₁₀ levels are investigated in Erzurum during the periods of 1990–2000 heating season to assess air pollution level. For that reason, emissions of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter were calculated by using consumption of fuels and Turkish emission factors. These emission values were evaluated together with air pollution levels, which were measured at six stations in Erzurum atmosphere during 1990–2000 winter periods. Results reveal that in 1990–1994 heating period, there is an increasing trend in the emissions and air pollution levels over Erzurum, and the air quality limits were not met. The daily 24 h limit (short-term limit) was exceeded 127 days in 1992–1993 winter period. The reason for this increase was found to be the switching to use of low-quality fossil fuels instead of cleaner ones. Results also indicated that there was a considerable decrease in emissions of air pollutants and air pollution levels after 1995. This can be explained by the consumption of more high-quality fossil fuels. The correlation coefficient of SO₂ with PM₁₀ is obtained as r² = 0.85, which is a high value supporting the idea that both pollutants are emitted from the same source.     

Assessing spatio-temporal trend of vector breeding and dengue fever incidence in association with meteorological conditions

Th aim of this study is to investigate spatio-temporal trends of dengue vector breeding and epidemic (disease incidence) influenced by climatic factors. The spatio-temporal (low-, medium-, and high-intensity periods) evaluation of entomological and epidemiological investigations along with climatic factors like rainfall (RF), temperature (T_max), relative humidity (RH), and larval indexing was conducted to develop correlations in the area of Lahore, Pakistan. The vector abundance and disease transmission trend was geo-tagged for spatial insight. The sufficient rainfall events and optimum temperature and relative humidity supported dengue vector breeding with high larval indices for water-related containers (27–37%). Among temporal analysis, the high-intensity period exponentially projected disease incidence followed by post-rainfall impacts. The high larval incidence that was observed in early high-intensity periods effected the dengue incidence. The disease incidence had a strong association with RF (r = 0.940, α = 0.01). The vector larva occurrence (r = 0.017, α = 0.05) influenced the disease incidence. Similarly, RH (r = 0.674, α = 0.05) and average T_max (r = 0.307, α = 0.05) also induced impact on the disease incidence. In this study, the vulnerability to dengue fever highly correlates with meteorological factors during high-intensity period. It provides area-specific understanding of vector behavior, key containers, and seasonal patterns of dengue vector breeding and disease transmission which is essential for preparing an effective prevention plan against the vector.     

Impact of Diwali celebrations on urban air and noise quality in Delhi City,India

A study was conducted in the residential areas of Delhi, India, to assess the variation in ambient air quality and ambient noise levels during pre-Diwali month (DM), Diwali day (DD) and post-Diwali month during the period 2006 to 2008. The use of fireworks during DD showed 1.3 to 4.0 times increase in concentration of respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) and 1.6 to 2.5 times increase in concentration of total suspended particulate matter (TSP) than the concentration during DM. There was a significant increase in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentration but the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) did not show any considerable variation. Ambient noise level were 1.2 to 1.3 times higher than normal day. The study also showed a strong correlation between PM₁₀ and TSP (R ² ≥ 0.9) and SO₂ and NO₂ (R ² ≥ 0.9) on DD. The correlation between noise level and gaseous pollutant were moderate (R ² ≥ 0.5). The average concentration of the pollutants during DD was found higher in 2007 which could be due to adverse meteorological conditions. The statistical interpretation of data indicated that the celebration of Diwali festival affects the ambient air and noise quality. The study would provide public awareness about the health risks associated with the celebrations of Diwali festival so as to take proper precautions.     

First recorded proliferation of Coolia monotis (Meunier, 1919) in the North Lake of Tunis (Tunisia) correlation with environmental factors

Coolia monotis is a potentially toxic epiphytic dinoflagellate widespread along the Mediterranean coasts, where it is frequently detected year round at low concentrations. However, it only proliferates recurrently in some localities. The North Lake of Tunis is one of the affected areas in the southwestern part of the Mediterranean Sea. This site is one of the most productive aquatic Tunisian areas (Recreational Fisheries and shellfish collecting). In the south part of this area of study, recurrent C. monotis proliferation (5 ×10⁵ cells per liter) took place in late spring and early summer of 2006. During this proliferation, the spatial distribution of C. monotis species, phytoplankton community, and abiotic factors were studied. The composition of the phytoplankton community exhibited a clear dominance of dinoflagellates over other genera. We suggest that proliferation development of C. monotis was linked to climatic conditions, water temperature (r?=?0.24, p?<?0.05) and high concentrations of nitrogenous nutrients, essentially NH₄ ^?+? (r?=?0.18, p?<?0.05) and NO₃ ^??? (r?=?0.21, p?<?0.05).     

Using Ion-Exchange Resins to Study Soil Response to Experimental Watershed Acidification

Ion-exchange resins (IER) offer alternative approaches to measuring ionic movement in soils that may have advantages over traditional approaches in some settings, but more information is needed to understand how IER compare with traditional methods of measurement in forested ecosystems. At the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine (BBWM), one of two paired, forested watersheds is treated bi-monthly with S and N (28.8 and 25.2kgha⁻¹yr⁻¹ of S and N, respectively). Both IER and ceramic cup tension lysimeters were used to study soil solution responses after ∼11 years of treatment. Results from both methods showed treatments resulted in the mobilization of base cations and Al, and higher SO₄—S and inorganic N in the treated watershed. Both methods indicated similar differences in results associated with forest type (hardwoods versus softwoods), a result of differences in litter quality and atmospheric aerosol interception capacity. The correlation between lysimeter and IER data for individual analytes varied greatly. Significant correlations were evident for Na (r=0.75), Al (r=0.65), Mn (r=0.61), Fe (r=0.57), Ca (r=0.49), K (r=0.41) and NO₃—N (r=0.59). No correlation was evident between IER and soil solution data for NH₄—N and Pb. Both IER and soil solution techniques suggested similar interpretations of biogeochemical behavior in the watershed.     

Effect of metallic pollutants on the physiology of lichen, Pyxine subcinerea Stirton in Garhwal Himalayas

Chl. a, Chl. b, total Chl., Carotenoid, Protein and OD 435/OD 415 ratio were measured to estimate the possible damage caused by the metallic pollutants in the lichen, Pyxine subcinerea Stirton collected from four different sites of Srinagar Garhwal, Uttaranchal, India. Multiple correlation analysis revealed significant correlation (P < 0.001) among the Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb metals analysed. Cd did not correlate with any other metals except Fe (P < 0.05). Cu, Pb and Zn, are the main constituents of the vehicular emissions had significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) with protein content while, the OD 435/OD 415 ratio values decreased statistically (P < 0.001) with increase in amount of Cu, Pb and Zn.     

Seasonal evaluation of bioaerosols from indoor air of residential apartments within the metropolitan area in South Korea

The aims of the present study were to determine the levels of bioaerosols including airborne culturable bacteria (total suspended bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Gram-negative bacteria), fungi, endotoxin, and viruses (influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus types A/B, parainfluenza virus types 1/2/3, metapnemovirus, and adenovirus) and their seasonal variations in indoor air of residential apartments. Of the total suspended bacteria cultured in an indoor environment, Staphylococcus was dominant and occupied 49.0 to 61.3 % of indoor air. Among Staphylococcus, S. aureus were detected in 100 % of households' indoor air ranging from 4 to 140 CFU/m³, and 66 % of households were positive for MRSA ranging from 2 to 80 CFU/m³. Staphylococcus and S. aureus concentrations correlated with indoor temperature (adjusted β: 0.4440 and 0.403, p?<?0.0001). Among respiratory viruses, adenovirus was detected in 14 (14 %) samples and influenza A virus was detected in 3 (3 %) samples regarding the indoor air of apartments. Adenovirus concentrations were generally higher in winter (mean concentration was 2,106 copies/m³) than in spring (mean concentration was 173 copies/m³), with concentrations ranging between 12 and 560 copies/m³. Also, a strong negative correlation between adenovirus concentrations and relative humidity in indoor air was observed (r?=??0.808, p?<?0.01). Furthermore, temperature also negatively correlated with adenovirus concentrations (r?=??0.559, p?<?0.05).     

Statistical Analysis of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters in Afyon, Turkey

In this study, the relation between sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations periodically measured in the city of Afyon’s atmosphere with meteorological factors such as precipitation, humidity, temperature, wind velocity, and inversion were investigated. The mean values of SO₂ and PM concentrations measured during the winter months of October–March 1990–1999 were correlated with the meteorological parameters of the same period. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized to evaluate the contribution of meteorological variables. The statistical results show that the pollutants, i.e., SO₂ and PM are dependent upon humidity, temperature, and inversion at the 1% significance level; while the dependence of both pollutants with temperature is negative when those of humidity and inversion are positive. Two models in which temperature and inversion are dependent with multiple variables are recommended for predicting the contribution of meteorological parameters on SO₂ and PM. In addition, the relationship between humidity, temperature, and inversion with pollutants is also determined using nonlinear (polynomial) models.     

Monitoring of meteorological and hydrological droughts in the Vistula basin (Poland)

The article presents the course of meteorological droughts in Vistula subcatchments in years 1981–2010 and their influence on the occurrence of hydrological droughts. Using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) as an indicator of meteorological drought on the one hand and the Standardized Water-level Index (SWI) and Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) as indicators of hydrological drought on the other, the mutual relationships between precipitation conditions and hydrological conditions were evaluated, as well as the relationships between the two drought types. Studies were conducted for three cumulative periods of these indices, of 12, 24, and 48 months. It was determined that meteorological droughts occurred earliest in the north-western and central part of the basin, and latest in areas lying above 300 m a.s.l. and in the south of Poland. Total duration, depending on the cumulative period, for SPI comprised from 38 to 41% of the analyzed period and for SWI (35–47%) and SRI (24–51%). The strongest relationships were identified in the central part of the Vistula (0.8?<?r?<?0.85), while the weakest relationships were recorded in the foothill region (r?<?0.5). There were also indicated non-climate-related factors influencing those relationships (underground reservoirs, diverse Vistula water resource usage for municipal and industrial intake).     

Atmosphic pollutants study of particles ionic species during high wind speed (>7 m s-1) near Taiwan strait in central Taiwan from 2004 to 2005

This study monitored atmospheric pollutants during high wind speed (> 7 m s⁻¹) at two sampling sites: Taichung Harbor (TH) and Wuci traffic (WT) during March 2004 to January 2005 in central Taiwan. The correlation coefficient (R ²) between TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5−10 particle concentration vs. wind speed at the TH and WT sampling site during high wind speed (< 7 m s⁻¹) were also displayed in this study. In addition, the correlation coefficients between TSP, PM_2.5 and PM_2.5−10 of ionic species vs. high wind speed were also observed. The results indicated that the correlation coefficient order was TSP > PM_2.5−10 > PM_2.5 for particle at both sampling sites near Taiwan strait. In addition, the concentration of Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NH₄ ⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ were also analyzed in this study.     

Study on concentration of ambient NH 3 and interactions with some other ambient trace gases

We present diurnal variation of ambient ammonia (NH₃) in relation with other trace gases (O₃, CO, NO, NO₂, and SO₂) and meteorological parameters at an urban site of Delhi during winter period. For the first time, ambient ammonia (NH₃) was monitored very precisely and continuously using ammonia analyzer, which operates on chemiluminescence method. NH₃ estimation efficiency of the chemiluminescence method (>90%) is much higher than the conventional chemical trapping method (reproducibility 4.5%). Ambient NH₃ concentration reaches its maxima (46.17 ppb) at night and minimum during midday. Result reveals that the ambient ammonia (NH₃) concentration is positively correlated with ambient NO (r ²?=?0.79) and NO₂ (r ²?=?0.91) mixing ratio and negatively correlated with ambient temperature (r ²?=???0.32). Wind direction and wind speed indicates that the nearby (~500 m NW) agricultural fields may be major source of ambient NH₃ at the observational site.