Monitoring Of Vehicles Derived Particulates Using Magnetic Properties Of Leaves

Biomonitoring of vehicle-derived particulates is conducted by taking magnetic measurements of roadside tree leaves. Remanent magnetization (IRM_{300 mT}) of more than 400 Delbergia sissoo leaves was determined and IRM_{300 mT} normalized for the leaf area. The normalized 2-D magnetization as shown by results is dominantly controlled by the tree's distance to the road. The spatial and temporal variations of vehicle-derived particulates were mapped using magnetic analysis. 2D-magnetizations values were higher for leaves collected adjacent to major road sections than for those from village road suggesting vehicle emissions, rather than resuspended road dust, as the major cause of magnetic particles of roadside tree leaves. Vehicles derived particulates are responsible for tree leaf magnetism, and the leaf magnetizations values fall significantly from high values proximal to the roadside to lower values at the distal side. This suggests the ability of trees to reduce particulates concentrations in the atmosphere. The rainfall produces a net decrease in the leaf magnetic dust loadings.     

Monitoring of Particle Mass and Number in Urban Air

Measurements of aerosol particles in the air of an urban area in the UK have been made. Ambient air was sampled and the particulates measured after passing through a size selective PM₁₀ inlet. Particle mass was measured using a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). Particle number and size distributions were obtained using an Electrical Aerosol Analyser (EAA) and an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS). Measurements were also made of local meteorological parameters. Fine particle number concentrations were found to show better temporal agreement, including diurnal variation, with particle mass concentrations than the coarser particle number concentrations.     

Contribution to biomonitoring of some trace metals by deciduous tree leaves in urban areas

Leaves of the deciduous tree species, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) and Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna L.) were used as accumulative biomonitors of trace metal pollution in the urban area of Belgrade. Using differential pulse anodic stripping voltametry, trace metal concentrations (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd) were determined at the single leaf level (ten leaves per species, per month), during two successive years with markedly different atmospheric level of trace metals. Increased trace metal concentrations in the leaves of A. hippocastanum reflected elevated atmospheric trace metal pollution, whereas C. colurna L. did not respond accordingly. The contents of Pb and Zn in soil over the same period also followed this trend. Anatomical analyses, in young as well as in old leaves of both species, indicated typical foliar injuries of plants exposed to stressful air conditions. Water relations that correspond to leaf age may have contributed to the considerable trace metal accumulation in leaves.     

Evaluation of air pollution phytotoxicity in a seasonally dry tropical urban environment

This study was conducted in the urban environment of Varanasi, India, to evaluate the plant responses to urban air pollution. Twenty sites were selected in four different zones of the city. At each site, seven woody perennials of same age classes were selected. Out of the four zones (I, II, III and IV), zone IV was used as a reference (control) zone as it received the minimum pollution input. Plant species growing in polluted and control areas were compared with respect to foliar dust load, per cent leaf area injury, leaf area, specific leaf weight and chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, SO ₄ ^2– S and total N concentration in the leaves. Results indicated that the air pollution level in Varanasi causes leaf damage, reduces leaf area, specific leaf weight and chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and total N concentrations in the leaves. Sulphur concentration in leaves increased with increasing level of SO₂ in the ambient air. The magnitude of such changes was maximum at the zone receiving maximum pollution load. Carissa carandas was found to be the most sensitive species and Bougainvillea spectabilis, the least. The study shows that the urban air pollution level in Varanasi is detrimental for the growth of plants involved in this study.     

Physical characterization,magnetic measurements,REE geochemistry and biomonitoring of dust load accumulated during a protracted winter fog period and their implications

The winter fog in India is a recurrent phenomenon for more than a decade now affecting the entire Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions covering an area of nearly 500,000 km². Every winter (December–January), the air and surface transports in cities of northern India (Amritsar, New Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Allahabad) are severely disrupted with visibility reduced to <50 m at times. Since dust particles are known to act as nuclei for the fog formation, this study is aimed to carry out physicochemical characterization of the dust particulates accumulated during a protracted fog period from one of the severely fog affected cities of north India (Allahabad; 25°27′33.40″N–81°52′45.47″E). The dust-loaded tree leaves belonging to Ficus bengalensis and Ficus religiosa from 50 different locations between January 24 and 31, 2010 are sampled and characterized. The mass of dust, color, grain shape, size, phase constituents, and mineral magnetic parameters, such as magnetic susceptibility, SIRM, χ _fd%, and S-ratio, show minor variation and the regional influence outweighs local anthropogenic contributions. The dust compositions show fractionated rare earth element pattern with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly similar to upper continental crust and further suggesting their derivation from sources located in parts of north and central India.     

Assessment of the Health Impacts of Particulates from the Redevelopment of Kings Cross

The Kings Cross/St. Pancras area has been a rail transport hub from Central London to the Midlands and North Eastern England since the middle of the nineteenth century and dust from the Kings Cross railway lands was even described by Charles Dickens.¹ The Channel Tunnel high speed Rail Link (CTRL) is being constructed between 2001 and 2007 to connect continental Europe to Central London. The CTRL and associated development will help regenerate an area that is surrounded by deprived high density housing estates. London Borough of Camden has set up an extensive particulate monitoring programme to determine if there are any health impacts on local residents from emissions from the demolition and construction work. This article assesses the results from particulate measurements in 2003–2004 and compares this to baseline conditions before the redevelopment work began. The evidence suggests that although 2003 had higher than average pollution levels in the UK as a whole, even higher levels of particulates in the size range PM₁₀–PM_2.5 (defined as PM_coarse) were measured in Kings Cross. Due to the size of these particulates, they tend to be released from construction works rather than transport or secondary particulate sources. Concentrations in 2004 were lower than 2003, but this was primarily due to meteorological conditions. The paper also looks at the health of the local population and discusses whether these elevated levels are creating a problem and legally constitute a statutory nuisance. The Council continues to work with the contractors to try and ensure best practical means to minimise dust emissions and their effect on local residents. ¹Our Mutual Friend     

Impact of Coal Power Plant Emission on the Foliar Elemental Concentrations in Plants in a Low Rainfall Tropical Region

A field study was conducted around two thermal power plants of India to quantify the changes in foliar elemental concentrations due to emission in a low rainfall tropical area. Sulphur dioxide and particulates were at high levels which may cause serious ecological effects. Emission from the power plants has altered the elemental concentrations in the leaves of evergreen and deciduous plants. The foliar total-S and SO₄ ^2–-S levels were significantly higher in all the plants growing at polluted sites. However, the organic-S content was more or less unaltered. In evergreen plants, the SO₄ ^2–-S content increased gradually from summer through winter, whereas in the deciduous plants there was a higher magnitude of increase after onset of new leaves during summer. With the increasing pollution load, foliar Ca²⁺ and K⁺ contents increased, whereas N content decreased. The reduction in N content was greater during summer in evergreen plants and during winter in deciduous plants. The plants growing closer to the power plants accumulated more trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb and Ni) as compared to those growing at distant sites. In deciduous plants the leaf fall during winter lowered down the trace element     

中国北方地区采暖期颗粒物污染现状

分析了2013—2016年冬季采暖期与非采暖期中国北方地区颗粒物污染现状及时空变化特征。结果表明:中国北方地区空气污染比较严重,采暖期尤为突出。2016年,中国北方地区重度及以上污染天数比例超过10%,采暖期优良天数比例较非采暖期下降22.8%,重度及以上污染天数比例升高10.1个百分点。颗粒物浓度呈现明显的冬季高、夏季低的特点,最高值一般出现在12月至次年1月,最低值一般出现在7—9月。2013—2016年,北方地区空气质量呈较为明显的改善趋势,PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)浓度总体呈下降趋势,但2014年以来采暖期同期比较显示,PM2.5浓度呈缓慢升高趋势,采暖期空气污染形势十分严峻。颗粒物浓度呈现明显的空间分布规律,采暖期石家庄、保定、衡水、邢台、邯郸、安阳等城市为京津冀区域污染最严重的城市。     

北方某市环境空气颗粒物中重金属污染状况研究

对我国北方某市大气颗粒物的污染状况进行了研究。在主导风向上设置采样点,于冬季、夏季分别采集TSP、PM₁₀、PM_2.5 3种不同动力学直径的大气颗粒物。采用ICP-MS对TSP、PM₁₀、PM_2.5中的元素浓度进行分析,并对3种不同粒径颗粒物中的10种重金属采用富集因子法进行评价。结果表明,北方某市环境空气颗粒物中富集程度最严重的为Cd、Pb;在采暖期,随着颗粒物粒径变小,Pb、Cd的富集指数呈现逐渐增大的趋势;非采暖期则无此趋势。     

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.     

Concentrations of PM2.5-associated OC, EC, and PCDD/Fs measured during the 2003 wildfire season in Missoula, Montana

Throughout August and September, 2003, wildfires burned in close proximity to Missoula, Montana, with smoke emanating from the fires impacting the valley for much of the summer. This presented the perfect opportunity to measure the levels of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) comprising ambient forest fire smoke particles impacting the Missoula Valley. An air sampler at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) compliance site in Missoula measured hourly averages of PM₁₀ throughout the fire season. Three collocated PM_2.5 cyclones collected 24-h smoke samples using quartz filters and Polyurethane Foam (PUF) sorbent cartridges. From the quartz filters, concentrations of Organic and Elemental Carbon (OC/EC) were measured, while PCDD/F were measured from one set of a filter (particle phase) and PUF (vapor phase) aggregate of samples in an attempt to also investigate the different phases of PCDD/F in forest fire smoke impaired communities.Hourly PM₁₀ concentrations peaked at 302.9 μg m⁻³ on August 15. The highest OC concentration (115.6 μg m⁻³) was measured between August 21–22, and the highest EC concentration of 10.5 μg m⁻³ was measured August 20–21. Measurable concentrations of PM_2.5 associated PCDD/Fs were not detected from a representative aggregate sample, with the exception of small amounts of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzodioxin and octachlorodibenzodioxin. PM_2.5 samples collected during the smoke events were composed of approximately 65% OC. However, the OC fraction of the particles collected in the smoke impaired Missoula valley was not composed of significant amounts of PCDD/F.     

Ozone and/or Water Stresses Could have Influenced the Betula ermanii Cham. Forest Decline Observed at Oku-Nikko, Japan

A serious forest decline of Betula ermanii Cham. has been observed at Mt. Mae-Shirane, Oku-Nikko, Japan, where high ozone (O₃) concentration and severe water deficiency have been measured. In order to consider the possibility whether O₃ and/or water stresses could have been the causes of the forest decline of B. ermanii, plant growth experiments were conducted in environment-controlled growth cabinets. Two-year-old seedlings of B. ermanii were exposed to either charcoal-filtered air (O₃ concentration <5 ppb) or 50 ppb O₃ (daily average, ranging between 20–100 ppb) for 123 days at 20.0/12.5 ± 1.0°C (day/night) and 70/80 ± 7% relative humidity (day/night). Simultaneously, seedlings were treated with three watering regime: 1.0 < pF < 1.8 (no water stress), 1.8 < pF < 2.5 (mild water stress) or 2.5 < pF < 3.0 (severe water stress). O₃ exposure significantly reduced the dry weights of leaf, root and the whole plant, while water stress significantly reduced the dry weights of each organ and the whole plant. Significant reductions of net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance were also observed under O₃ and/or water deficiency treatments, while contents of RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), chlorophyll _a+b and some essential nutrient elements (N, P, K, Mg and Ca) were not markedly changed. It was suggested that the decrease in net photosynthetic rate induced mainly by stomatal closure was the major cause of the growth reduction under O₃ and/or water stresses. No significant interactions between O₃ and water stresses were observed in terms of the depression of dry matter production, which suggested that simultaneous stress treatments of O₃ exposure and water deficiency could affect the tree growth of B. ermanii additively.     

Effect of dust load on the leaf attributes of the tree species growing along the roadside

Dust is considered as one of the most widespread air pollutants. The objective of the study was to analyse the effect of dust load (DL) on the leaf attributes of the four tree species planted along the roadside at a low pollution Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus and a highly polluted industrial area (Chunar, Mirzapur) of India. The studied leaf attributes were: leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), relative water content (RWC), leaf nitrogen content (LNC), leaf phosphorus content (LPC), chlorophyll content (Chl), maximum stomatal conductance (Gs_max), maximum photosynthetic rate (A _max) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (WUEi). Results showed significant effect of sites and species for DL and the leaf attributes. Average DL across the four tree species was greater at Chunar, whereas, the average values of leaf attributes were greater at the BHU campus. Maximum DL was observed for Tectona grandis at Chunar site and minimum for Syzygium cumini at BHU campus. Across the two sites, maximum value of SLA, Chl and Gs_max were exhibited by S. cumini, whereas, the greatest value of RWC, LNC, LPC, A _max and WUEi were observed in Anthocephalus cadamba. A. cadamba and S. cumini exhibited 28 and 27 times more dust accumulation, respectively, at the most polluted Chunar site as compared to the BHU campus. They also exhibited less reduction in A _max due to dust deposition as compared to the other two species. Therefore, both these species may be promoted for plantation along the roadside of the sites having greater dust deposition.     

Parameters affecting partitioning of 6 PCB congeners in natural sediments

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released by bottom sediments were determined by experiments in which the sediments were artificially resuspended using sediment contaminated with PCBs in a particle entrainment simulator (PES). Sediment cores, spikedwith PCBs, were collected from the Housatonic River in Connecticut and run in the PES at simulated shear stresses from 0 to 0.6 N m^-2. Experimental results from these simulations have shown that mean concentration of PCBs in thesolid phase for sites with high volatile organic carbon (VOC) were significantly greater than samples with low VOC; the reversewas true for the water phase. In addition, on a mass load basis,the amount of PCBs found in sediment increased when shear stresses were increased from 0 to 0.6 N m^-2, beyond which shear stress did not affect mass loads in the watercolumn. Partition coefficients (K _p) were determined from PESsediment and water data for the following congeners: PCB 28, PCB 52, PCB 101, PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180. K _p was determined to be inversely proportional to total suspended solids (TSS), butdirectly proportional to chlorine content of the congener. Because of the strong influence of TSS and VOC concentrations onK _p values, agitation of samples using a PES better simulatedreal environmental conditions when compared to jar studies where no agitation was employed. Therefore, a device like the PES is more appropriate in obtaining K _p that would be found underreal stream flow conditions when compared to the traditionalway of measuring K _p using the jar study technique.     

合肥市冬季灰霾天气PM_(2.5)源解析

于2016年12月30日—2017年2月4日,利用单颗粒气溶胶飞行时间质谱仪(SPAMS),对合肥市PM_(2.5)开展来源解析连续监测,共捕捉到4次较为明显的灰霾过程,对颗粒物种类及质谱特征进行了分析。结果显示,监测期间合肥市主要颗粒物成分为元素碳(EC)(31. 9%)、富钾(K)(16. 6%)、有机碳(OC)(16. 0%)及混合碳颗粒(ECOC)(15. 0%)等。主要污染源为机动车尾气源(24. 5%)、工业工艺源(22. 7%)、燃煤源(14. 1%)、二次无机源(13. 5%)等。污染天气发生时,工业工艺源占比上升2. 2个百分点,生物质燃烧和燃煤源占比分别下降1. 7和2. 7个百分点,机动车尾气和扬尘源基本持平,表明此次污染过程主要受到工业工艺源的累积影响。     

A new method for the characterisation and quantitative speciation of base metal smelter stack particulates

Base metal smelters may be a source of particulates containing metals of environmental concern released to the atmosphere. Knowledge of the quantitative chemical speciation of particulate releases from base metal smelters will be of value in smelter emission fingerprinting, site-specific risk assessments, predictions of the behaviour of smelter stack particulates released to the environment and in resolving liability issues related to current and historic releases. Accordingly, we have developed an innovative approach comprising bulk chemical analysis, a leaching procedure, X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy/electron probe microanalysis characterisation in a step-wise apportioning procedure to derive the quantitative speciation of particulate samples from the stacks of three copper smelters designated as A, B and C. For the A smelter stack particulates, the major calculated percentages were 29 CuSO₄, 20 ZnSO₄.H₂O, 13 (Cu_0.94Zn_0.06)₂(AsO₄)(OH), 11 PbSO₄ and four As₂O₃. For the B smelter stack particulates, the primary calculated percentages were 20 ZnSO₄.H₂O, 20 PbSO₄, 12 CuSO₄ and nine As₂O₃. Finally, we calculated that the C smelter stack particulates mostly comprised 34 ZnSO₄.H₂O, 19 (Cu_0.84Zn_0.16)(AsO₃OH), 11 PbSO₄, 10 As₂O₃ and nine Zn₃(AsO₄)₂. Between 56% and 67% by weight of the smelter stack particulates, including the As, was soluble in water. For these and other operations, the data and approach may be useful in estimating metals partitioning among water, soil and sediment, as well as predictions of the effects of the stack particulates released to the environment.     

Inorganic chemical composition of native trees of the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest with its exuberant vegetation of high level of biodiversity is classified as one hotspot of the world. Chemical composition of leaves from native trees and underlying soils was evaluated by INAA. The predominant species Euterpe edulis, Bathysa meridionalis, Hyeronima alchorneoides, Marlierea tomentosa, Gomidesia flagellaris, and Gomidesia spectabilis belonging to the diverse plant families were studied. Euterpe edulis, the most abundant understory specie, presented the lowest element concentrations except for Zn. Some variation in chemical composition was noted, however, the chemical specificity of tree species can be more predominant than the soil variability for the obtained leaf concentrations. Factor values obtained through the Monte-Carlo assisted factor analysis were used for species discrimination. The results indicate that chemical investigation of native trees is a quite promising tool for biodiversity studies in the Atlantic Forest.     

重庆城区不同粒径颗粒物元素组分研究及来源识别

为研究重庆市大气颗粒物的污染特征及其来源,于2010年3—10月在主城区分别采集PM_1.0、PM_2.5和PM₁₀3种粒径的颗粒物样品,利用XRF分析其中的26种元素浓度。结果表明,重庆市主城区S元素在各粒径中含量都较高,细粒子中K的含量较高,粗粒子中Si、Ca和Fe的浓度较大。富集因子分析表明,主城区Cd、S、Se等污染元素的富集系数较大,且粒径越小,富集现象越明显。利用因子分析得出土壤风沙、扬尘、燃煤的燃烧、机动车燃油产生的尾气排放、生物质燃烧排放是重庆市颗粒物污染的主要来源。     

Early Responses to Acute Ozone Exposure in Two Fagus Sylvatica Clones Differing in Xeromorphic Adaptations: Photosynthetic and Stomatal Processes, Membrane and Epicuticular Characteristics

Two Fagus sylvatica L. clones were used to investigate the early responses to acute O₃ exposure (150 nL L⁻¹, i.e., 1.35× ambient hourly peak in rural Italy) and whether xeromorphic adaptations affect gas exchange, membrane, and epicuticular responses. One clone originated in a wet and temperate climate in Central Italy (Tuscany); the other clone originated in a warmer and drier climate in the southern-most part of the F. sylvatica distribution (Sicily). Because of higher base gas exchange rates, the most negative effects of O₃ exposure (gas exchange impairment, uncoupling between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, increased membrane lipid peroxidation) were found in the southern clone. Xeromorphic adaptations (higher epicuticular waxes and stomatal density, lower leaf wettability and size) were found in this clone. Our results suggest that xeromorphism may increase O₃ sensitivity in species not adapted to face water stress, like the mesophilic F. sylvatica, when experiments are carried out with full irrigation. We present evidence describing the relationship between gas exchange and number and status of stomata. Stomatal density and the structural damage to stomata resulting from O₃ exposure did not affect gas exchange: In fact, non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis prevailed over stomatal limitations.     

空气质量AQI实时发布的改进探讨

针对《环境空气质量指数(AQI)技术规定(试行)》(HJ 633-2012)中对空气质量AQI实时发布存在的欠缺,从增加颗粒物1 h浓度的AQI分级浓度限值及颗粒物24 h滑动平均值计算方法改进着手,解决PM2.5和PM10的24 h滑动平均值实时延迟、1 h平均值代替24 h滑动平均值偏高等问题。