Study of Meteorological Aspects and Urban Concentration of SO2 in Atmospheric Environment of La Plata, Argentina

This article presents and discusses SO₂ (ppbv) concentration measurements combined with meteorological data (mainly wind speed and direction) for a five-year campaign (1996 to 2000), in a site near an oil refinery plant close to the city of La Plata and surroundings (aprox. 740.000 inh.), considered one of the six most affected cities by air pollution in the country. Since there is no monitoring network in the area, the obtained results should be considered as medium term accumulated data that enables to determine trends by analyzing together gas concentrations and meteorological parameters. Preliminary characterization of the behaviour of the predominant winds of the region in relation with potential atmospheric gas pollutants from seasonal wind roses is possible to carry out from the data. These results are complemented with monthly averaged SO₂ measurements. In particular, for year 2000, pollutant roses were determined which enable predictions about contamination emission sources. As a general result we can state that there is a clear increase in annual SO₂ concentration and that the selected site should be considered as a key site for future survey monitoring network deployment. Annual SO₂ average concentration and prevailing seasonal winds determined in this work, together with the potential health impact of SO₂ reveals the need for a comprehensive and systematic study involving particulate matter an other basic pollutant gases.     

Analyzing SO 2 concentrations and wind directions during a short monitoring campaign at a site far from the industrial pole of La Plata, Argentina

This article presents and discusses SO2 air quality concentrations (ppbv) together with wind velocities and directions measurements carried out between September 1st and December 21st 2005 at a site located 8.5 km away from the Industrial Pole of La Plata area. As the city and its surroundings have no official monitoring network, the current work enlarges the air quality information available from the zone and sets some initial considerations to the future siting of monitoring stations. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using techniques of tests for outliers and trends, dissimilarity measures and robust regression. In relation to SO2 concentrations, low values were found during this short campaign considering daily averages (with a maximum of 8.5 ppbv) and hourly averages (with a maximum of 25.9 ppbv); World Health Organization guidelines were never surpassed. Nevertheless, a strong dependence between wind directions carrying air pollutants from the Industrial Pole and hourly concentration peaks were found. Due to low monthly SO2 concentrations and because a decreasing time trend was found, the authors propose, as an example, the implementation of an alternative discontinuous method to the continuous analyzer used in the current campaign. Our results state that sampling every 7 days at 13:00-13:59 hours (local time) would be enough to get representative values of the air quality. As a general remark it is possible to highlight that longer and systematic studies should be encouraged to confirm the seasonal wind pattern and to evaluate the air quality.     

Trace metal levels in Prochilodus lineatus collected from the La Plata River, Argentina

Most of the industrial, urban and sewage discharges are released into the La Plata River, Argentina without any previous treatment. However, few works have investigated the extent of metal contamination. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in liver and gills of adults Prochilodus lineatus collected from three sampling stations along the coast of the La Plata River: Berazategui, Berisso and Atalaya (from north to south). Samplings were performed during 2002 and 2004. Berazategui and Berisso were located nearby the main ducts that discharge the urban and domestic waste disposal from the cities of Buenos Aires and La Plata, respectively. The third station, Atalaya, was free of sewage discharges. Levels of cadmium and copper in liver were always higher than those found in gills. Instead, for lead and zinc, high levels were observed either in liver or gills, depending on the sampling station and the sampling period. In both tissues, the concentrations of metals did not differ significantly between male and female fish. In liver samples, the concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc tended to increase from north to south. Instead, the levels of lead followed an opposite pattern. No clear tendencies were observed in gill samples. The data may be useful as reference levels of metal contaminants in P. lineatus, the most important fish species in the La Plata River system.     

Cadmium,zinc and total mercury levels in the tissues of several fish species from La Plata river estuary,Argentina

A survey of the concentrations of heavy metals — cadmium, zinc and total mercury — in the tissues of fifteen fish species from Samborombón Bay, La Plata river estuary, in Argentina, has been carried out. Liver appeared to be the main organ accumulating cadmium and zinc, while both liver and muscle showed a similar ability for accumulating mercury. The bioaccumulation process was verified for the three metals analyzed, even though low concentrations have been determined. The biomagnification process of the metals studied was not verified in this environment. The highest metal concentrations were recorded in Mugil liza, and particulate matter and sediments — which are closely related to its trophic and ecological habits — seemed to be the main source of metals for this species. Both Micropogonias furnieri and Mugil liza were recognized as possible indicator species for future monitoring programmes for heavy metals in Samborombón Bay. Considering the present results, this area of La Plata river estuary is characterized as a non-polluted environment.Scientific Researcher from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Researches (CONICET), of Argentina     

Weekly variation of atmospheric particle micromorphology and chemistry in Brussels urban environment

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of urban activities on airborne particle dynamics during weekend periods in Brussels urban area. Differences in the granulometry and micromorphology between particles sampled on working days and weekends were studied. We quantified the area, size, number, and the chemistry parameters of the airborne particles and compared between Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We report and analyze data on airborne particles up to PM10, measured in the Brussels region from October 2002 to September 2003. Our investigation reveals detailed information regarding chemical composition of the airborne particles over the weekend period in the Brussels urban area. Furthermore, the majority of the airborne particles in the Brussels region may belong to sources geographically outside the (in situ) Brussels area.     

Determination of O3, NO2, SO2, CO and PM10 measured in Belgrade urban area

O(3), NO(2), SO(2), CO and PM(10) concentrations, simultaneously determined for the first time in Belgrade urban area in the autumnal period of 2005, are presented. The obtained results display similar behaviour of SO(2), NO(2), CO, PM(10) opposite from that of O(3). The weekend effect was also investigated showing diminution of average daily concentrations of SO(2), NO(2), PM(10) and CO for 72, 40, 37 and 42% respectively, and increase of the average daily concentration of O(3) for 56%. Influence of meteorological conditions on observed concentration levels was studied, too. The observed influence of wind speed on the O(3) nightly concentration levels was analyzed pointing to the phenomena of O(3) transport during episodic measurements. To make an identification of possible pollution sources and analyse the influence of meteorological parameters on pollution levels, air back trajectories for high level concentrations episodes were calculated and analysed. A multivariate receptor modelling (Principal Component Analysis, Cluster Analysis) has been applied to a set of data in order to determine the contribution of different sources. It was found that the main principal components, extracted from the air pollution data, were related to gasoline combustion, oil combustion and ozone transport.     

Particulate matter concentration levels during intense haze event in an urban environment

This study assessed concentration levels of particulate matter (PM) in the ambient environment of Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria, during haze episodes. Meteorological data (wind speed and direction, rainfall data, sunshine data, relative humidity and temperature) were obtained. Aerocet 531S particle counter (MetOne Instruments, USA) was used to measure four mass concentration ranges of PM (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and the total suspended particles (TSP)) in 10 locations taking into consideration land use patterns. Surfer® version 8 (Golden Software LLC, USA) was used to model the spatial variation of particulate matter concentration levels using kriging interpolation griding method. Human exposure assessment was done using the total respiratory deposition dose (TRDD) estimates and statutory limit breach (SLB) approaches. The appearance of dominating weak southern atmospheric wind flow was observed as wind speed ranged from 0 to 6.811 m/s while solar radiation periods ranged from 0.3 to 3.5 h/day. The relative humidity of the metropolis ranged between 28 and 57%, while daily temperature was 15 to 36 °C. Highest concentration levels of PM measured were 73.4, 562.7, 7066.3 and 9907.8 μg/m³ for PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and TSP, respectively. Very strong negative correlations existed between the PM concentration levels and microclimatic parameters. Spatial variation of the concentration level as modelled using Surfer® version 8 indicated that particulate concentration level increases from south to north. Concentration levels of PM for the 24-h averaging period were generally above the 24-h threshold limit value set by the regulatory agencies for all the locations.     

Study of urban atmospheric pollution in Navarre (Northern Spain)

An ambient air quality study was undertaken in two cities (Pamplona and Alsasua) of the Province of Navarre in northern Spain from July 2001 to June 2004. The data were obtained from two urban monitoring sites. At both monitoring sites, ambient levels of ozone, NO_x, and SO₂ were measured. Simultaneously with levels of PM₁₀ measured at Alsasua (using a laser particle counter), PM₁₀ levels were also determined at Pamplona (using a beta attenuation monitor). Mean annual PM₁₀ concentrations in Pamplona and Alsasua reached 30 and 28 μg m⁻³, respectively. These concentrations are typical for urban background sites in Northern Spain. By using meteorological information and back trajectories, it was found that the number of exceedances of the daily PM₁₀ limit as well as the PM₁₀ temporal variation was highly influenced by air masses from North Africa. Although North African transport was observed on only 9% of the days, it contributed the highest observed PM₁₀ levels. Transport from the Atlantic Ocean was observed on 68% of the days; transport from Europe on 13%; low transport and local influences on 7%; and transport from the Mediterranean region on 3% of the days. The mean O₃ concentrations were 45 and 55 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and Alsasua, respectively, which were above the values reported for the main Spanish cities. The mean NO and NO₂ levels were very similar in both sites (12 and 26 μg m⁻³, respectively). Mean SO₂ levels were 8 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and 5 μg m⁻³ in Alsasua. Hourly levels of PM₁₀, NO and NO₂ showed similar variations with the typically two coincident maximums during traffic rush hours demonstrating a major anthropogenic origin of PM₁₀, in spite of the sporadic dust outbreaks.     

Meteorological influence on predicting surface SO2 concentration from satellite remote sensing in Shanghai,China

In this study, we explored the potential applications of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite sensor in air pollution research. The OMI planetary boundary layer sulfur dioxide (SO₂_PBL) column density and daily average surface SO₂ concentration of Shanghai from 2004 to 2012 were analyzed. After several consecutive years of increase, the surface SO₂ concentration finally declined in 2007. It was higher in winter than in other seasons. The coefficient between daily average surface SO₂ concentration and SO₂_PBL was only 0.316. But SO₂_PBL was found to be a highly significant predictor of the surface SO₂ concentration using the simple regression model. Five meteorological factors were considered in this study, among them, temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and wind speed were negatively correlated with surface SO₂ concentration, while pressure was positively correlated. Furthermore, it was found that dew point was a more effective predictor than temperature. When these meteorological factors were used in multiple regression, the determination coefficient reached 0.379. The relationship of the surface SO₂ concentration and meteorological factors was seasonally dependent. In summer and autumn, the regression model performed better than in spring and winter. The surface SO₂ concentration predicting method proposed in this study can be easily adapted for other regions, especially most useful for those having no operational air pollution forecasting services or having sparse ground monitoring networks.     

差分光谱法连续监测空气中SO2、NO2、苯、甲苯方法探讨

差分光谱法(简称DOAS)已广泛用于空气中SO2、NO2、苯、甲苯监测.通过对差分光谱法监测结果与其他传统仪器进行时比,发现用DOAS监测SO2、NO2与点式仪器有较好的一致性,但用DOAS系统监测苯、甲苯与气相色谱法有机物连续监测结果差异较大,相关性较差,运行有一定的局限性.另外,本文对DOAS的最佳运行条件进行了探讨,发现影响光强的氙灯老化和气候条件对DOAS系统运行有较大影响.     

Long-term relationships between SO2 and NOx emissions and SO4(2-) and NO3- concentration in bulk deposition at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH

A highly significant second-order polynomial relation between SO(2) emissions and SO(4)(2-) concentrations during 1970-2000 (r(2)= 0.80, p= <0.001), and a linear relation between NO(x) and NO(3)(-) concentrations during 1991-2000 (r(2)= 0.67, p= 0.004) in bulk precipitation were found for the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH based on emissions from a 24 h, back-trajectory determined source area. Earlier periods (1965-1980) for SO(2)ratio SO(4)(2-) and longer periods (1965-2000) for NO(x)ratio NO(3)(-) had poorer linear relations, r(2)= 0.03, p= 0.51 and r(2)= 0.22, p= 0.004, respectively. Methodology by the US Environmental Protection Agency for calculating emissions data during this period has changed significantly and frequently, making trend analysis difficult. Given the large potential for errors in estimating emissions and to a lesser extent, deposition, the robust relations between SO(2) emissions and SO(4)(2-) concentrations in bulk precipitation at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest show that careful, long-term measurements from a single monitoring site can provide sound and reasonable data on trends in air pollution.     

青岛市区大气环境中苯系物的污染状况及变化规律的研究

研究了青岛市大气环境中苯系物的污染状况和变化规律,青岛市大气中苯、甲苯、乙苯、二甲苯的年平均浓度分别为9.20土1.21、9.80±1.18、2.62±0.256、7.09士0.71/m3/m3,年变化规律是以冬季最高,昼夜变化规律是苯在630～830和1630～1830时间内有两个峰值,与一氧化碳的变化规律相吻合,在苯系物中以苯和甲苯的相关性最好,青岛市苯系物中苯所占的比例明显高于国外.     

Case studies on summertime measurements of O3, NO2, and SO2 with a DOAS system in an urban semi-industrial region in Athens, Greece

The objective of this study is to analyze the concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, and O₃ measured by a Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) system that was operating at the campus of Technological Education Institute of Piraeus during 2008 and 2009 warm periods (July to September) in relation to the prevailing meteorological conditions. The DOAS system was operating in a particularly polluted area of the West part of Attica basin on a continuous basis, measuring the concentration levels of the main pollutants (O₃, NO₂, and SO₂) as well as aromatic hydrocarbon substances (benzene, toluene, and xylene). According to the analysis, the SO₂ concentration levels at this measuring site are rather high and this may be attributed to the characteristics of this measuring site. Proximity of roadways and local circulation are just some of the factors that can affect the concentration levels of monitoring of pollutant concentrations such as NO₂ and surface ozone. The results provide evidence for the occurrence of an atmospheric phenomenon that produces higher ozone concentrations during weekends despite lower concentrations of ozone precursors. This phenomenon is known as the weekend effect.     

Correlation between SO2 and NO2 measured in an atmospheric column by a Brewer spectrophotometer and at ground-level by photochemical techniques

An investigation to determine the correlation of atmospheric amounts of SO₂ and NO₂ between columnar measurements from the ground and ground point determinations has been performed. The experimental data have been obtained from a Brewer spectrophotometer for columnar measurements and standard analytical techniques for ground measurements.The results show that the Brewer can give a correct indication of the trend of these pollutants on a monthly averaged basis. The possibility of deducing the mixing layer depth from the measured data has also been investigated but the results obtained are not conclusive due to the lack of an accurate experimental verification.     

大气环境质量模糊评价的可视化实现

以模糊聚类法为算法基础,运用计算机可视化技术,进行大气环境质量评价初步探索。计算机技术在环境评价中的应用,可以方便数据处理和资源共享。选用武汉市大气环境监测资料,应用该方法评价和分析武汉市大气环境质量,取得了令人满意的结果。     

Seasonal characteristics of SO2, NO2, and CO emissions in and around the Indo-Gangetic Plain

Anthropogenic emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO) exert significant influence on local and regional atmospheric chemistry. Temporal and spatial variability of these gases are investigated using surface measurements by the Central Pollution Control Board (India) during 2005–2009 over six urban locations in and around the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and supported using the satellite measurements of these gases. The stations chosen are Jodhpur (west of IGP), Delhi (central IGP), Kolkata and Durgapur (eastern IGP), Guwahati (east of IGP), and Nagpur (south of IGP). Among the stations studied, SO₂ concentrations are found to be the highest over Kolkata megacity. Elevated levels of NO₂ occur over the IGP stations of Durgapur, Kolkata, and Delhi. Columnar NO₂ values are also found to be elevated over these regions during winter due to high surface concentrations while columnar SO₂ values show a monsoon maximum. Elevated columnar CO over Guwahati during pre-monsoon are attributed to biomass burning. Statistically significant correlations between columnar NO₂ and surface NO₂ obtained for Delhi, Kolkata, and Durgapur along with very low SO₂ to NO₂ ratios (≤0.2) indicate fossil fuel combustion from mobile sources as major contributors to the ambient air over these regions.     

Outdoor-indoor air quality in Riyadh: SO2, NH3, and HCHO

A funded research project was conducted during the period July1992 through November 1994. The project was designed to evaluateindoor and ambient air quality in and around buildings of different types and uses in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.Thirty intercity buildings and two outercity (background) siteswere carefully selected and monitored for air quality. Ten airpollutants, together with relevant meteorological parameters, were monitored indoor and outdoor at each site continuously andsimultaneously for a period of two weeks covering summer and winter seasons.This article discusses the results obtained for sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃) and formaldehyde (HCHO). Results of this investigation revealed that most sites had on the averageexceeded the recommended standards for SO₂ and NH₃ bothindoor and outdoor, with indoor levels being worse than outdoorduring winter time. Several sites also showed high levels of HCHO, with outdoor levels being consistently higher than indoor.Statistical and frequency analyses were performed on the collected data, showing seasonal and sector by sector variability, and outdoor-indoor correlations.     

Characteristics and transport of organochlorine pesticides in urban environment: air, dust, rain, canopy throughfall, and runoff

Characteristics and transport of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in urban multiple environments, including air, dust, rain, canopy throughfall, and runoff water, are explored in this study. Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) dominated in both air and rain water, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) related substances showed a higher affinity to dust. Relatively high concentrations of DDT and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in air, rain and dust imply that technical DDT in the environment has been degrading, and there may be unknown local or regional emission sources that contain DDTs in the study area. Source identification showed that DDTs in Beijing urban environments with a fresh signature may originate from the atmospheric transport from remote areas. The ratio of α-/γ-HCH in dust, rain, canopy throughfall and runoff were close to 1, indicating the possible use of lindane. OCPs in runoff were transported from various sources including rain, dust, and canopy throughfall. In runoff, DDTs and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were mainly transported from dust, and HCHs were mainly from rain and canopy throughfall.     

Biomonitoring of heavy metals by pollen in urban environment

Abstract Industrial development and consumption of petroleum products leads to increase air pollution levels especially in urban and industrial areas. Heavy metal components associated with air pollutants have far reaching effects with respect to economic and ecological importance of pollens. The pollens are male reproductive organs of the plant and travel through air from flower to flower for pollination purpose. During this period they are exposed to air pollutants. Present investigation thus pertains to study of effect of air pollutants on pollens especially biosorption and bioaccumulation of heavy metals. The pollens of three commonly occurring plants namely Cassia siamea, Cyperus rotundus, Kigelia pinnata have been studied from the NH-6 of Nagpur city, India. The pollens exposed to polluted air showed the presence of higher concentrations of Ca, Al and Fe as compared to unexposed pollens. Higher concentration of these metals was observed in Cyperus rotundus followed by Cassia siamea and Kigelia pinnata. These results indicate that pollens act as good indicator of air pollution giving results in short time of exposure of 5–10 h. Apart from this, it is also reported that some of these metals play crucial role in the metabolic activity in pollens for example Calcium is necessary for growth of pollen tube and other metabolic activities in pollens. The presence of these metals in pollens may also enhance the allergenicity of the pollens. Similarly accumulation of heavy metals may also deteriorate the quality of pollen for their economical use. The viability of pollen is also affected by these pollutants in sensitive species leading to impairment of their fertility.