Identification and chemical characterization of industrial particulate matter sources in southwest Spain

A detailed physical and chemical characterization of coarse particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the city of Huelva (in Southwestern Spain) was carried out during 2001 and 2002. To identify the major emission sources with a significant influence on PM10 and PM2.5, a methodology was developed based on the combination of: (1) real-time measurements of levels of PM10, PM2.5, and very fine particulate matter (PM1); (2) chemical characterization and source apportionment analysis of PM10 and PM2.5; and (3) intensive measurements in field campaigns to characterize the emission plumes of several point sources. Annual means of 37, 19, and 16 microg/m3 were obtained for the study period for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, respectively. High PM episodes, characterized by a very fine grain size distribution, are frequently detected in Huelva mainly in the winter as the result of the impact of the industrial emission plumes on the city. Chemical analysis showed that PM at Huelva is characterized by high PO4(3-) and As levels, as expected from the industrial activities. Source apportionment analyses identified a crustal source (36% of PM10 and 31% of PM2.5); a traffic-related source (33% of PM10 and 29% of PM2.5), and a marine aerosol contribution (only in PM10, 4%). In addition, two industrial emission sources were identified in PM10 and PM2.5: (1) a petrochemical source, 13% in PM10 and 8% in PM2.5; and (2) a mixed metallurgical-phosphate source, which accounts for 11-12% of PM10 and PM2.5. In PM2.5 a secondary source has been also identified, which contributed to 17% of the mass. A complete characterization of industrial emission plumes during their impact on the ground allowed for the identification of tracer species for specific point sources, such as petrochemical, metallurgic, and fertilizer and phosphate production industries.     

Assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in cheese from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are among the most toxic environmental pollutants. Food, especially animal based, has been described as the major source for human exposure to PCBs. We investigated PCB levels (congeners 10, 28, 52, 153, 138, and 180) in cheese from 14 cities of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The fat was extracted using sodium sulfate and petroleum ether, and PCBs purification was conducted using florisil and hexane. The identification and quantification were made in a gas chromatograph with microelectron capture detector (GC-microECD). PCB congeners were found (lower bound data as ngg(-1) fat) in the following rank: 52 (15.75)>180 (4.91)>28 (3.43)>153 (3.00)>10 (2.38)>138 (1.37). Summation operatorPCB contamination ranged from 0 to 78.32 ngg(-1) fat. Differences in PCB levels between industrialized (33.32 ngg(-1) fat) and homemade (26.58 ngg(-1) fat) cheese and between two different regions (36.19 vs. 26.95 ngg(-1) fat) were not statistically significant. For university students, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of PCBs from cheese ranged from 0 to 3.13 pgkg(-1) b.w. EDI was significantly higher for industrialized than homemade cheese, and for cheese from Mountain/Porto Alegre region than from Santa Maria/South/Western region. No sample exceeded maximum level of PCBs allowed in dairy products in the European Community.     

Use,exposure, and environmental impacts of pesticides in Pakistan: a critical review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The excessive use of pesticides is posing major threats to humans and the environment. However, the environmental exposure and impact of pesticides in...     

Water reuse in industries: analysis of opportunities in the Paraíba do Sul river basin,a case study in Presidente Vargas Plant,Brazil

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In recent years, the demand for clean water has been growing all over the world despite the different threats posed, including increasing pollution,...     

Exploring the impact of sustainability (ESG) disclosure on firm value and financial performance (FP) in airline industry: the moderating role of size and age

Environment, Development and Sustainability - This study aims at exploring the impact of ESG scores on the value and FP of firms in the airline industry. The potential moderating role of firm size...     

Optimal Pollution Control in a Dynamic Multi-echelon Supply Chain

Environmental Modeling & Assessment - Today supply chains must internalize the impact of transport on the environment in their cost models. Therefore, managers must reduce green house gas...