Formaldehyde Concentrations Inside Private Residences: A Mail-Out Approach to Indoor Air Monitoring

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to monitor the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the stack gas released from organic chemical industrial plants to determine emission factors. Samples from 52 stacks, with or without air pollution control devices (APCDs), from seven industrial processes were taken and VOCs measured using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 18. These 7 processes, including 26 plants, were the manufacturers of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylic resin (ACR), vinyl chloride (VC), para–terephthalic acid (PTA), and synthetic fiber (SYF). The results clearly indicate significant variations of emission factors among the various industrial processes, particularly emission factors for those without APCDs. As expected, those with APCDs yield much less emission factors. Regardless of those with or without APCDs, the order of manufacturing processes with regard to VOC emission factors is SYF > ABS > PS > ACR > PTA > PVC > VC. The emission factors for some processes also differ from those in EPA–42 data file. The VOC profiles further indicate that some VOCs are not listed in the U.S. VOC/Particulate Matter Speciation Data System (SPECIATE). The potential O₃ formation is determined from the total amount of VOC emitted for each of seven processes. The resultant O₃ yield varied from 0.22 (ACR) to 2.33 g O₃ g^–1 VOC (PTA). The significance of this O₃ yield is discussed.     

A Device for Measuring Volatile Organic-Carbon Emissions from Cooling-Tower Water

A manual method for measuring reduced sulfur compounds in kraft pulp mill and sulfur recovery plant emissions was evaluated. The method involves removing SO₂ from the gas stream (if present) with a citric acid-potassium citrate buffer that passes reduced sulfur compounds; thermal oxidation of all reduced sulfur compounds to SO₂; collection of the SO₂ in H₂O₂; and a titrimetric analysis of the H₂O₂ for SO₄ ^2?. A heated filter removes alkaline particulate matter that would produce a negative interference if absorbed by the buffer. When used at kraft pulp mills, the method agrees closely with Reference Method 16, provided that nonregulated reduced sulfur compounds, such as carbonyl sulfide, are not present in the emissions. At sulfur recovery plants, nonregulated reduced sulfur compounds, such as thiophene, are likely to be present in the emissions and will produce a positive bias in the results obtained with this method. The precision of the method ranges from 1 to 7 percent relative standard deviation.     

A Movable Laboratory for Controlled Clinical Studies of Air Pollution Exposure

The cause of the Yokkaichi asthma episode (1960-1969) has been analyzed. It Is concluded that the respiratory diseases were due not to sulfur dioxide but to concentrated sulfuric acid mists emitted from stacks of calciners of a titanium oxide manufacturing plant located windward of the residential area.     

Scenario Development as a Basis for Formulating a Research Program on Future Agriculture: A Methodological Approach

To increase the awareness of society to the challenges of global food security, we developed five contrasting global and European scenarios for 2050 and used these to identify important issues for future agricultural research. Using a scenario development method known as morphological analysis, scenarios were constructed that took economic, political, technical, and environmental factors into account. With the scenarios as a starting point future challenges were discussed and research issues and questions were identified in an interactive process with stakeholders and researchers. Based on the outcome of this process, six socioeconomic and biophysical overarching challenges for future agricultural were formulated and related research issues identified. The outcome was compared with research priorities generated in five other research programs. In comparison, our research questions focus more on societal values and the role of consumers in influencing agricultural production, as well as on policy formulation and resolving conflicting goals, areas that are presently under-represented in agricultural research. The partly new and more interdisciplinary research priorities identified in Future Agriculture compared to other programs analyzed are likely a result of the methodological approach used, combining scenarios and interaction between stakeholders and researchers.     

A Chemical Mass Balance for Volatile Organics in Chicago

Increasing attention to the presence of atmospheric volatile organic compounds has focused interest on the sources and fate of organics in ambient air. The purpose of this study was to develop a chemical mass balance receptor model (CMB) to determine the contributions of major organic pollution source types to ambient pollution levels. Twenty mid-day ambient air samples were analyzed for the presence of volatile hydrocarbons by gas chromatographlc procedures. Based on these measurements, contributions from vehicles, gasoline vapor emissions, and petroleum refineries to ambient organic concentrations were estimated. For the receptor site studied, vehicles were the dominant source type and accounted for 60.8 percent of the organics evaluated. Contributions from refineries, gasoline vapor, and all other sources were 10.1, 11.1, and 17.9 percent, respectively. Validation of the predictions showed that the model is sensitive to the effect of overall upwind emissions. The CMB model was shown to produce reasonable predictive results for vehicles, gasoline vapor, and refinery contributions to ambient non-methane organic concentrations.     

Evaluation of Methodologies for Exposure Assessment to Atmospheric Pollutants from a Landfill Site

Abstract

Epidemiological studies around landfill sites are limited by several factors, particularly a lack of accurate exposure assessment. Traditionally, exposure estimates are based on distance between place of residence and the landfill site. However, this measure of exposure ignores the effects that environmental factors may have upon exposure. A previous epidemiological study at a landfill site in the United Kingdom provided the basis for a case study to investigate exposure assessment methodologies that could support ongoing and future epidemiological work. Estimation of relative exposure to atmospheric pollutants near the site was refined using the Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling System (ADMS) 3.1. Annual average concentrations were calculated around the landfill site, which was modeled as an area source with a steady release rate over its entire active surface. Local meteorological and terrain data were used in the assessment. A geographical information system (GIS) was then used to link the results of the modeling to population and other data. Sensitivity studies were included to examine the variation of predicted exposure with several modeling assumptions and hence set other uncertainties in context. No simple relationship existed between the relative individual exposure measured by distance from the site and by dispersion modeling. A reassessment of exposure assessment in epidemiological studies around landfill sites was then undertaken with the refined estimates of exposure. This concluded that use of distance from the site as a proxy for exposure could lead to significant exposure misclassification in comparison with exposure assessment using atmospheric dispersion modeling and GIS. The study also indicated that assessment of peak exposure rates (i.e., extreme concentration levels) might be necessary in some epidemiological work. Optimum strategies for increasing the probability of observing effects in the more highly exposed population can be derived by combining the results of dispersion modeling with population data and, where feasible, knowledge of the toxicology of the substances of interest.     

用鱼养水生物控制饮用水源蓝藻暴发

饮用水源藻类污染已越来越引起人们的关注，作者简述了塔山水库饮用水源地蓝藻暴发的过程及原因，提出了用鱼养水生物措施控制饮用水源蓝藻暴发的对策。     

Validation of Models for Predicting Formaldehyde Concentrations in Residences due to Pressed-Wood Products

This paper describes a laboratory project to assess the accuracy of emission and indoor air quality models to be used in predicting formaldehyde (HCHO) concentrations in residences due to pressed-wood products made with urea-formaldehyde bonding resins. The products tested were partlcleboard underlayment, hardwood- plywood paneling and medium-density fiberboard (mdf). The products were initially characterized in chambers by measuring their formaldehyde surface emission rates over a range of formaldehyde concentrations, air exchange rates and two combinations of temperature and relative humidity (23° C and 5 0% RH; 26°C and 60% RH). They were then installed in a two-room prototype house in three different combinations (underlayment flooring only; underlayment flooring and paneling; and underlayment flooring, paneling, and mdf). The equilibrium formaldehyde concentrations were monitored as a function of air exchange rate. Particleboard underlayment and mdf, but not paneling, behaved as the emission model predicted over a large concentration range, under both sets of temperature and relative humidity. Good agreement was also obtained between measured formaldehyde concentrations and those predicted by a mass-balance indoor air quality model.     

Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere Using Two Complementary Analysis Techniques

ABSTRACT

During a preliminary field campaign of volatile organic compound (VOC) measurements carried out in an urban area, two complementary analysis techniques were applied to establish the technical and scientific bases for a strategy to monitor and control VOCs and photochemical oxidants in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. Integrated sampling was conducted using Tenax sorbent tubes and laboratory analysis by gas chromatography, and grab sampling and in situ analysis also were conducted using a portable gas chromatograph. With the first technique, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons appeared as the compounds with the higher mean concentrations. The second technique allowed the systematic analysis of eight chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons. Results of comparing both techniques, as well as the additional information obtained with the second technique, are included.     

Walkerton's Contaminated Water Supply System: A Forensic Approach to Identifying the Source

In May 2000 an investigation of a contaminated water distribution system in the town of Walkerton, Ontario, was performed by the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Health Unit (BGOSHU), with the assistance of Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the scope, likely cause and contributing factors of an Escherichia coli 0157:H7 outbreak. This investigation-represented the first documented outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 associated with a treated municipal water supply in Canada and the largest multi-bacterial waterborne outbreak in Canada. The investigation proceeded on an expedited basis to determine the extent of damages to the water supply system. Environmental forensic techniques were incorporated into hydrogeological studies, environmental transport assessment, genetic characterization, and fate and transport of contaminants. The probable sources of bacteria contamination included the use of cast-iron pipes, the thickness and concentration of bio-film sediment and mineral, the infiltration of contaminated surface runoff due to heavy rain or flooding, flow velocity related to the diameter of the pipe, and/or surface water.     

Exposure Assessment of methyl mercury from consumption of fish and seafood in Peninsular Malaysia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The concentration of meHg in freshwater fish and seafood was investigated, as well as the consumption patterns of fish and seafood by different...     

长湖水质现状调查及评价

通过对长湖13个点位的采样监测结果表明：（1）长湖的各项主要指标均已超标,特别是化学需氧量（CODcr）、高锰酸盐指数（OC）、总氮（TN）、总磷（TP）等超标严重;（2）从总体上看,长湖水体监测点位的水质是,上游污染情况较重,下游的出水口及大湖湖心水质稍好;（3）采用单项水质参数评价方法对长湖水质进行评价,水体已达到劣Ⅴ类.     

Methodology in Air Pollution Studies Using Irradiation Chambers

Experimentation in large irradiation chambers has been useful in providing insight into the chemistry of the photochemical smog formation problem. Initial efforts to reproduce the atmospheric phenomena artificially at controllable scale were successful in that gross atmospheric smog symptoms were observed in irradiation chambers. However, as the experimentation and evidence produced were becoming more elaborate, the question arose as to how much one could rely on chemical data in understanding and interpreting atmsopheric phenomena. The question becomes highly pertinent in view of the difference in concentration levels between atmosphere and chamber work. This issue was discussed during recent American Chemical Society meetings,^4,8 and the conclusions from presentations and discussions were as follows: (1 ) There is qualitative agreement between chamber data and atmospheric data wherever comparison is feasible. (2) There is need for more precise chamber work at concentration levels more nearly equal to those in the atmosphere. Experimentation in chambers under typical atmospheric conditions presents some special problems associated with the chamber design and chemical analysis. Chamber methodology has been the focus of considerable research effort, and it appears to be an important factor affecting further progress in air pollution research. This paper describes methods and techniques used at the Bartlesville Petroleum Research Center.     

A Comparative Analysis of Modeled and Monitored Ambient Hazardous Air Pollutants in Texas: A Novel Approach Using Concordance Correlation

Abstract

Often, in studies evaluating the health effects of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), researchers rely on ambient air levels to estimate exposure. Two potential data sources are modeled estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assessment System for Population Exposure Nationwide (ASPEN) and ambient air pollutant measurements from monitoring networks. The goal was to conduct comparisons of modeled and monitored estimates of HAP levels in the state of Texas using traditional approaches and a previously unexploited method, concordance correlation analysis, to better inform decisions regarding agreement. Census tract-level ASPEN estimates and monitoring data for all HAPs throughout Texas, available from the EPA Air Quality System, were obtained for 1990, 1996, and 1999. Monitoring sites were mapped to census tracts using U.S. Census data. Exclusions were applied to restrict the monitored data to measurements collected using a common sampling strategy with minimal missing values over time. Comparisons were made for 28 HAPs in 38 census tracts located primarily in urban areas throughout Texas. For each pollutant and by year of assessment, modeled and monitored air pollutant annual levels were compared using standard methods (i.e., ratios of model-to-monitor annual levels). Concordance correlation analysis was also used, which assesses linearity and agreement while providing a formal method of statistical inference. Forty-eight percent of the median model-to-monitor values fell between 0.5 and 2, whereas only 17% of concordance correlation coefficients were significant and greater than 0.5. On the basis of concordance correlation analysis, the findings indicate there is poorer agreement when compared with the previously applied ad hoc methods to assess comparability between modeled and monitored levels of ambient HAPs.     

京杭运河邳州段水质现状评价及污染防治对策

京杭运河邳州段是南水北调东线工程的重要输水通道,为了解其水质状况,利用2005年至2009年度例行监测数据对该段水质进行分析评价,并对造成水质污染内外部问题进行了探讨,提出了下一阶段的防治对策,以保证南水北调工程的如期供水。     

Relevance of Hydro-Climatic Change Projection and Monitoring for Assessment of Water Cycle Changes in the Arctic

Rapid changes to the Arctic hydrological cycle challenge both our process understanding and our ability to find appropriate adaptation strategies. We have investigated the relevance and accuracy development of climate change projections for assessment of water cycle changes in major Arctic drainage basins. Results show relatively good agreement of climate model projections with observed temperature changes, but high model inaccuracy relative to available observation data for precipitation changes. Direct observations further show systematically larger (smaller) runoff than precipitation increases (decreases). This result is partly attributable to uncertainties and systematic bias in precipitation observations, but still indicates that some of the observed increase in Arctic river runoff is due to water storage changes, for example melting permafrost and/or groundwater storage changes, within the drainage basins. Such causes of runoff change affect sea level, in addition to ocean salinity, and inland water resources, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Process-based hydrological modeling and observations, which can resolve changes in evapotranspiration, and groundwater and permafrost storage at and below river basin scales, are needed in order to accurately interpret and translate climate-driven precipitation changes to changes in freshwater cycling and runoff. In contrast to this need, our results show that the density of Arctic runoff monitoring has become increasingly biased and less relevant by decreasing most and being lowest in river basins with the largest expected climatic changes.     

Analysis of Sampling Strategies for Estimating Annual Average Indoor NO2 Concentrations in Residences with Gas Ranges

Abstract

Range gas consumption in households tends to follow an annual cycle resembling a sinusoid, with peak consumption during the winter. When outdoor NO2 concentrations have a constant or small impact, the resulting indoor NO2 concentrations also tend to resemble an annual sinusoid. Optimal monitoring strategies can be designed to take advantage of this knowledge to obtain a better estimate of the true annual average gas consumption or indoor NO2 concentration. Gas consumption data, together with measured outdoor concentrations, house volumes, sampled emission rates, air exchange rates, and NO2 decay rates, are used to model weekly indoor NO2 concentrations throughout the year. Based on the modeling results, various monitoring strategies are evaluated for their accuracy in estimating the annual mean. Analysis of the results indicates that greater accuracy is attained using samples equally spaced throughout the year. In addition, the expected error for various monitoring strategies and various numbers of equally spaced samples is quantified, and their ability to classify homes into correct concentration categories is assessed.     

水中佳乐麝香的固相微萃取-气质联机测定方法

采用聚二甲基硅氧烷膜厚100μm的纤维萃取设备,阐述了测定水中HHCB的固相微萃取-气质联机的检测方法。研究发现,对于水中的HHCB来说,温度控制在35℃,萃取时间为40 min,pH值为7.0,可实现HHCB的有效萃取,水中的离子对萃取效率的干扰较小。使用该方法测得上海龙华污水厂原水中HHCB浓度为286 ng/L,虹口区泗塘河水中HHCB浓度低于检测下限。     

间隔流动分析仪测定水和废水中的总氰化物

利用间隔流动分析仪测定水中的氰化物，对测定方法的检出限、重现性进行了实测，用氰化物的有证标样验证其准确性，其相对标准偏差为1．5％，相对误差为6．2％，测定方法的精密度及准确度均较好，并与国标方法进行了比较。