Persistent organochlorines in human breast milk from major metropolitan cities in India

The present study was carried out to understand the current contamination status of organochlorine compounds (OCs) in human breast milk from three metropolitan cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata). Among the OCs analyzed, DDTs were predominant followed by HCHs and PCBs. CHLs and HCB levels were much lower. Contamination patterns were different in human milk found in our previous study in Chennai, a metropolitan city in southern India, indicating region specific exposure routes and variable sources. In comparison with previous data, levels of DDTs and HCHs generally declined with time, implying the effect of various bans and restrictions on their usage. No association between concentrations of OCs and demographic characteristics such as parity and age of mothers was observed which might be due to narrow range of mother's age. Estimated daily intake shows that some infants are exposed to OCs to a greater extent, particularly HCHs than the guideline standard.     

Fine particulate phase PAHs in ambient atmosphere of Chennai metropolitan city,India

Background  

Airborne fine particulates (PM 2.5) and its associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are reportedly hazardous in urban environment due to the presence of multiple emission sources.     

Monitoring of air pollution in Indian metropolitan cities: modelling and quality indexing

Air quality in cities is the result of a complex interaction between natural and anthropogenic environmental conditions. Delhi, as well as many other cities in India, is facing problems concerning air pollution. The increase in industrialisation and the vehicle fleet, poor control on emissions and little use of catalytic converters, produce a great amount of particulate and toxic gases. Data on air pollutants and meteorological variables were collected in the metropolitan cities Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai for the period July–August, 2001. Data were treated with the bivariate regression model to explore the influence of the meteorological variables on air pollutant concentrations, and were also used to compute an Air Quality Index, using the weighted arithmetic mean method. The proposed index seems to be applicable in the assessment of overall air quality with respect to air pollutants.     

Comparative assessment of ambient air quality in two typical Mediterranean coastal cities in Greece

Air quality data (O3, NO2, NO, CO and SO2) of two Greek coastal cities, Patras and Volos, were analyzed and compared to evaluate: (a) the exceedances of air quality EU threshold values, (b) the diurnal patterns of air pollutants and (c) the "weekend effect" on ozone levels. High ozone levels, close to the thresholds for human health and clearly above the threshold for the protection of plants and ecosystems, were observed in Volos. O3 levels in Volos were higher than those in Patras. NOx levels in Patras were significantly higher than the limits for human health and plants' protection. Both, NOx and SO2 levels were higher in Patras than in Volos. The Patras' harbor high traffic seems to drive the diurnal pattern of SO2 in that city. The examination of the rate of ozone accumulation, during the high O3 period (Apr.-Sep.), revealed the occurrence of two phases, a fast and a slow one, with different durations in each city. We suggest that the occurrence of such two phases' patterns should be considered in relevant ozone studies. In both towns, the O3 levels were higher during weekends in comparison to midweek days, although NO levels were lower. Our results support the hypothesis that the weekend O3 effect is due to a combination of VOC sensitivity of the studied areas and the reduced NOx emissions during weekends. Based on the comparison of the weekend effect in the two cities, we suggest the occurrence of a feedback mechanism between peri-urban natural ecosystems (forests) and the polluting anthropogenic ones (cities).     

Spatio-temporal assessment of ambient air quality,their health effects and improvement during COVID-19 lockdown in one of the most polluted cities of India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present work aims to investigate seasonal variations in air pollution levels in Lucknow and assess the ambient air quality of the city together...     

Analysis of the association between air pollution and allergic diseases exposure from nearby sources of ambient air pollution within elementary school zones in four Korean cities

The objectives of this study were to survey elementary school students regarding the environmental conditions of their elementary schools and to assess the relationship between air pollution and allergic disease using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Therefore, this study was designed as a cross-sectional study. In this study, seven elementary schools were selected and they were classified into three categories. The selection included one school with no traffic-related or other pollutants, three with traffic-related pollutants, and three with traffic-related and other pollutants from industrial and filling station sources. The ISAAC questionnaire survey was given to all of the students except to those in the 1st grade who were presumed to be less likely to be exposed to the school environment than the remainder of the students attending those seven schools. The assessment of allergic disease was conducted on a total of 4,545 students. Three school zones with critical exposure were selected within each school and they were evaluated based on the levels of black carbon (BC), PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, and O₃. There was a significant increase in the risks based on the odds ratios of treatment experiences (within 1 year) for allergy-related diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (a) in the school group with traffic-related pollutants and the school group with complex pollutants were 2.12 (1.41–3.19) and 1.59 (1.06–2.37), respectively, in comparison to the school groups with no exposure to pollutants. This was determined based on the odds ratio of symptoms and treatment experiences for allergy-related diseases by group based on the home town zone as a reference. Also, in the case of atopic dermatitis, the odds ratio of treatment experiences (within 1 year) was 1.42 (1.02–1.97), which indicated elevated risks compared to the students in the S1 school. A regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the substances and the symptomatic experiences within the last year. There were significant increases in the odds ratio of the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and the BC and SO₂ in the complex pollution areas. The results of the assessment of the relationship between atopic dermatitis-associated symptoms and O3 showed that the odds ratio increased with statistical significance.     

A structural decomposition analysis of air pollution from fossil fuel combustion in India

During the last decade, there has been worldwide concern with global climate change, which has been induced by greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to the use of fossil fuels. The CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion have been identified as the single most significant source of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Realising the need to control and regulate emissions of pollutants, the objective of the present study estimates the trend of CO₂, SO₂ and NO_x between the periods 1991-92 and 1996-97. An input-output structural decomposition analysis approach is used to determine their sources of change. It also provides a set of alternative scenarios for the year 2001-2 and 2006-7. The sources of changes in the amount of CO₂, SO₂ and NO_x emissions are categorised into four factors: the ecoefficiency, the structure of production, the structure of demand, and the volume of demand. Results indicate that the electricity sector contributes more towards direct, as well as indirect, emission coefficients. The petroleum product sector also contributes more in this respect. The dominant role is played by the structure of demand and the volume of demand.     

Nonlinear analysis and prediction of coarse particulate matter concentration in ambient air

This study attempts to characterize and predict coarse particulate matter (PM10) concentration in ambient air using the concepts of nonlinear dynamical theory. PM10 data observed daily from 1999 to 2002 at a site in Mumbai, India, was used to study the applicability of the chaos theory. First, the autocorrelation function and Fourier power spectrum were used to analyze the behavior of the time-series. The dynamics of the time-series was additionally studied through correlation integral analysis and phase space reconstruction. The nonlinear predictions were then obtained using local polynomial approximation based on the reconstructed phase space. The results were then compared with the autoregressive model. The results of nonlinear analysis indicated the presence of chaotic character in the PM10 time-series. It was also observed that the nonlinear local approximation outperforms the autoregressive model, because the observed relative error of prediction for the autoregressive model was greater than the local approximation model. The invariant measures of nonlinear dynamics computed for the predicted time-series using the two models also supported the same findings.     

Instrumental recording and biomonitoring of ambient ozone in the Greek countryside

Among eight commercial Greek varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) tested for their ozone-sensitivity levels, the Zichnomirodata (KK6/5) variety was found to be the most sensitive, although less sensitive than the well-known super-sensitive Bel-W3. Besides qualitative differences in the appearance of macroscopic symptoms these two varieties can be used simultaneously as a reliable pair of ozone bioindicators. The occurrence of ozone in the Greek countryside was surveyed by biomonitoring in 14 rural regions over the country and by a simultaneous biomonitoring and instrumental recording of ozone concentrations at a single remote side (Pournaria, Arcadia). Phytotoxic symptoms were observed mainly on the leaves of Bel-W3 and occasionally on those of Zichnomirodata varieties, suggesting that ozone levels were high enough to affect at least sensitive species. The instrumental monitoring (during a total period of 912 h) revealed maximum hourly O3 concentration 62 ppb, while the thresholds of 30, 40 and 50 ppb were exceeded for 40%, 20% and 6% of the recording period, respectively. The accumulated exposure over 40 ppb (AOT40) for the daylight hours over the 38 monitored days was 680 ppb h.     

An analysis of effects of San Diego wildfire on ambient air quality

The impact of major gaseous and particulate pollutants emitted by the wildfire of October 2003 on ambient air quality and health of San Diego residents before, during, and after the fire are analyzed using data available from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District and California Air Resources Board. It was found that fine particulate matter (PM) levels exceeded the federal daily 24-hr average standard during the fire. There was a slight increase in some of the gaseous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, which exceeded federal standards. Ozone (O3) precursors, such as total hydrocarbons and methane gases, experienced elevated concentration during the fire. Fortunately, the absence of sunlight because of the cloud of thick smoke that covered most of the county during the fire appears to have prevented the photochemical conversion of the precursor gases to harmful concentrations of O3. Statistical analysis of the compiled medical surveillance data has been used to establish correlations between pollutant levels in the region and the resultant health problems experienced by the county citizens. The study shows that the increased PM concentration above the federal standard resulted in a significant increase in hospital emergency room visits for asthma, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and smoke inhalation. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that hospitals and emergency medical facilities engage in pre-event planning that would ensure a rapid response to an impact on the healthcare system as a result of a large wildfire and appropriate agencies engage in the use of all available meteorological forecasting resources, including real-time satellite imaging assets, to accurately forecast air quality and assist firefighting efforts.     

Measurement of phase-distributed nitrophenols in Rome ambient air

Atmospheric nitrophenols (NPs) were determined both in the gas and particle phases by combining the annular denuder sampling technique with GC-MS analysis. The phase distribution of six mono-NPs identified in air sampled in downtown Rome was assessed. 4-NP, 3-methyl-4-NP and 2,6-dimethyl-4-NP were found for more than 75% in the particle phase, whilst 2-NP, 4-methyl-2-NP and 5-methyl-2-NP predominated in the gas phase. Concentration levels lower than 20 ng m-3 were observed for all NPs, among which 4-NP (17.8+/-5.6 ng m-3) and 2-NP (10.4+/-4.2 ng m-3) were the most abundant congeners in the two phases, respectively.     

Elemental analysis of airborne particulates in Chile

Aerosol samples collected in three characteristic Chilean cities-including urban and remote zones-have been analyzed by the PIXE spectroscopic technique. Elemental composition, total suspended particulate matter (TSP), particle size distribution, and the peculiar geographic and meteorological parameters have been included in this study. Santiago--the polluted capital of Chile--registered high TSP indexes and important amounts of hazardous elements in air such as S, V, Cr, Zn, Br and Pb. The atmosphere of Antofagasta city showed marine and mineral activity influence. Results from Chillán city are similar to those from rural environments. Protons and deuterons-provided by the isochronous cyclotron of the University of Chile-were used to excite X-ray radiation from the sample. Signals were processed by an energy dispersive detection system, including a cryogenic Si(Li) detector, electronic for pulse amplification and an analog to digital converter. The absolute elemental concentration of the particulate matter in air was obtained through a fundamental parameter equation. Samples consist of particulate material collected directly on Nuclepore filters or deposited over Kapton foils. Typical elements analyzed were Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Br and Pb.     

Polyfluorinated compounds in ambient air from ship- and land-based measurements in northern Germany

Neutral volatile and semi-volatile polyfluorinated organic compounds (PFC) and ionic perfluorinated compounds were determined in air samples collected at two sites in the vicinity of Hamburg, Germany, and onboard the German research vessel Atair during a cruise in the German Bight, North Sea, in early November 2007. PUF/XAD-2/PUF cartridges and glass fiber filters as sampling media were applied to collect several fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH), fluorotelomer acrylates (FTA), perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASA), and perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido ethanols (FASE) in the gas- and particle-phase as well as a set of perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCA) and sulfonates (PFSA) in the particle-phase. This study presents the distribution of PFC in ambient air of the German North Sea and in the vicinity of Hamburg for the first time. Average total PFC concentrations in and around Hamburg (180 pg m^?3) were higher than those observed in the German Bight (80 pg m^?3). In the German Bight, minimum–maximum gas-phase concentrations of 17–82 pg m^?3 for ΣFTOH, 2.6–10 pg m^?3 for ΣFTA, 10–15 pg m^?3 for ΣFASA, and 2–4.4 pg m^?3 for ΣFASE were determined. In the vicinity of Hamburg, minimum–maximum gas-phase concentrations of 32–204 pg m^?3 for ΣFTOH, 3–26 pg m^?3 for ΣFTA, 3–18 pg m^?3 for ΣFASA, and 2–15 pg m^?3 for ΣFASE were detected. Concentrations of perfluorinated acids were in the range of 1–11 pg m^?3. FTOH clearly dominated the substance spectrum; 8:2 FTOH occurred in maximum proportions. Air mass back trajectories, cluster, and correlation analyses revealed that the air mass origin and thus medium to long range atmospheric transport was the governing parameter for the amount of PFC in ambient air. Southwesterly located source regions seemed to be responsible for elevated PFC concentrations, local sources appeared to be of minor importance.     

Effect of fireworks on ambient air quality in Malta

Religious festivals (festas) in the densely populated Maltese archipelago (Central Mediterranean) are ubiquitous during summer when 86 of them are celebrated between June and October, each involving the burning of fireworks both in ground and aerial displays over a period of 3 days or longer per festival. We assessed the effect of fireworks on the air quality by comparing PM₁₀ and its content of Al, Ba, Cu, Sr and Sb which materials are used in pyrotechnic compositions. PM₁₀ was collected mainly from two sites, one in Malta (an urban background site) and the other in Gozo (a rural site) during July–August 2005 when 59 feasts were celebrated and September–October 2005 when only 11 feasts occurred. For both Malta and Gozo, PM₁₀ and metal concentration levels measured as weekly means were significantly higher during July–August compared to September–October and there exist strong correlations between PM₁₀ and total metal content. Additionally, for Malta dust, Al, Ba, Cu and Sr correlated strongly with each other and also with total concentration of all five metals. The same parameters measured in April 2006 in Malta were at levels similar to those found in the previous October. Ba and Sb in dust from the urban background site in Malta during July–August were at comparable or higher concentration than recently reported values in PM₁₀ from a heavily-trafficked London road and this suggests that these metals are locally not dominated by sources from roadside materials such as break liner wear but more likely by particulate waste from fireworks. Our findings point to the fact that festa firework displays contribute significantly and for a prolonged period every year to airborne dust in Malta where PM₁₀ is an intractable air quality concern. The presence in this dust of elevated levels of Ba and especially Sb, a possible carcinogen, is of concern to health.     

Pesticide residues in air from coastal environment, south India.

Chlorinated pollutants are transported through atmosphere. India is one of the point source countries for these pollutants [1]. In this study the concentration of DDT and HCH were evaluated in air from a tropical coastal environmental (at Parangipettai--southeast coast of India). DDT and HCH ranged in concentrations from 0.16 to 5.93 ng m-3 and 1.45 to 35.6 ng m-3 respectively. The ban on DDT in agriculture is reflected from the low residue levels recorded, predominantly by metabolites other than the parent compounds.     

Variability of ozone air quality indicators in selected metropolitan statistical areas

This article analyzes numerical variability in ozone air quality data to understand how this variability affects the number of violations seen each year in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Three commonly cited violation indices are used: 1) the annual number of expected exceedances averaged over 3 years is greater than 1; 2) the n+ 1th hourly value in n years of data is greater than 0.12 ppm; and 3) the annual number of expected exceedances is greater than 1. Only the first index is consistent with applicable regulations. The analyses indicate that about 23 percent of all MSAs with valid data had one or more change in their ozone violation status between 1979 and 1987. This change in status occurred for approximately 7 percent of all MSA-years of available data. This statistic was about one-third of the value usually obtained when the two incorrect, but commonly used, criteria of ozone violations are used.