Spatiotemporal variations of ambient air pollutants and meteorological influences over typical urban agglomerations in China during the COVID-19 lockdown

To investigate the air quality change during the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed spatiotemporal variations of six criteria pollutants in nine typical urban agglomerations in China using ground-based data and examined meteorological influences through correlation analysis and backward trajectory analysis under different responses. Concentrations of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂ and CO in urban agglomerations respectively decreased by 18%–45% (30%–62%), 17%–53% (22%–39%), 47%-64% (14%–41%), 9%–34% (0%–53%) and 16%-52% (23%–56%) during Lockdown (Post-lockdown) period relative to Pre-lockdown period. PM_2.5 pollution events occurred during Lockdown in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebe (BTH) and Middle and South Liaoning (MSL), and daily O₃ concentration rose to grade Ⅱ standard in Post-lockdown period. Distinct from the nationwide slump of NO₂ during Lockdown period, a rebound (～40%) in Post-lockdown period was observed in Cheng-Yu (CY), Yangtze River Middle-Reach (YRMR), Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Pearl River Delta (PRD). With slightly higher wind speed compared with 2019, the reduction of PM_2.5 (51%–62%) in Post-lockdown period is more than 2019 (15%–46%) in HC (Harbin-Changchun), MSL, BTH, CP (Central Plain) and SP (Shandong-Peninsula), suggesting lockdown measures are effective to PM_2.5 alleviation. Although O₃ concentrations generally increased during the lockdown, its increment rate declined compared with 2019 under similar sunlight duration and temperature. Additionally, unlike HC, MSL and BTH, which suffered from additional (> 30%) air masses from surrounding areas after the lockdown, the polluted air masses reaching YRD and PRD mostly originated from the long-distance transport, highlighting the importance of joint regional governance.     

Chemical characteristics, oxidative potential, and sources of PM2.5 in wintertime in Lahore and Peshawar, Pakistan

The chemical characteristics, oxidative potential, and sources of PM_2.5 were analyzed at the urban sites of Lahore and Peshawar, Pakistan in February 2019. Carbonaceous species, water soluble ions, and metal elements were measured to investigate the chemical composition and sources of PM_2.5. The dithiothreitol (DTT) consumption rate was measured to evaluate the oxidative potential of PM_2.5. Both cities showed a high exposure risk of PM_2.5 regarding its oxidative potential (DTT_v). Carbonaceous and some of the elemental species of PM_2.5 correlated well with DTT_v in both Lahore and Peshawar. Besides, the DTT_v of PM_2.5 in Lahore showed significant positive correlation with most of the measured water soluble ions, however, ions were DTT-inactive in Peshawar. Due to the higher proportions of carbonaceous species and metal elements, Peshawar showed higher mass-normalized DTT activity of PM_2.5 compared to Lahore although the average PM_2.5 concentration in Peshawar was lower. The high concentrations of toxic metals also posed serious non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the residents of both cities. Principle component analysis coupled with multiple linear regression was applied to investigate different source contributions to PM_2.5 and its oxidative potential. Mixed sources of traffic and road dust resuspension and coal combustion, direct vehicle emission, and biomass burning and formation of secondary aerosol were identified as the major sources of PM_2.5 in both cities. The findings of this study provide important data for evaluation of the potential health risks of PM_2.5 and for formulation of efficient control strategies in major cities of Pakistan.     

Preparation and characterization of boron-doped corn straw biochar: Fe (Ⅱ) removal equilibrium and kinetics

Nowadays, iron ions as a ubiquitous heavy metal pollutant are gradually concerned and the convenient and quick removal of excessive iron ions in groundwater has become a major challenge for the safety of drinking water. In this study, boron-doped biochar (B-BC) was successfully prepared at various preparation conditions with the addition of boric acid. The as-prepared material has a more developed pore structure and a larger specific surface area (up to 897.97 m²/g). A series of characterization results shows that boric acid effectively activates biochar, and boron atoms are successfully doped on biochar. Compared with the ratio of raw materials, the pyrolysis temperature has a greater influence on the amount of boron doping. Based on Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of 800B-BC_1:2 at 25 °C, 40 °C, 55 °C are 50.02 mg/g, 95.09 mg/g, 132.78 mg/g, respectively. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model can better describe the adsorption process, the adsorption process is mainly chemical adsorption. Chemical complexation, ions exchange, and co-precipitation may be the main mechanisms for Fe²⁺ removal.     

安全技术说明书在油田化学助剂危害因素识别中存在问题探讨

以3种化学助剂的化学品安全技术说明书(SDS)信息与气相色谱-质谱联用仪定性分析结果为对比,探讨了油田化学助剂安全技术说明书在完整性、真实性、准确性等方面存在的问题,建议完善SDS审核与监督机制,在识别有害因素时根据SDS、定性定量检测结果、生产工艺及原辅材料分析等内容做出综合判断,使用化学助剂时核实SDS准确性及化学助剂安全性,以采取正确的防控措施。     

Effect of ambient O3 on mortality due to circulatory and respiratory diseases in a high latitude city of northeast China

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In recent years, O3 pollution had been worsening in China and became a major challenge for human health. To evaluate the O3 effects on circulatory and...     

Spatial and seasonal variation and sources of deposition fluxes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Shanghai

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Spatial and temporal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) deposition fluxes and sources may significantly facilitate risk evaluation...     

Preparation and evaluation of humic acid–based composite dust suppressant for coal storage and transportation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - To mitigate environmental pollution caused by the escape of dust during coal storage and transportation, humic acid (HA) and grafted acrylamide (AM)...     

A comparative study on adsorption behavior of iodinated X-ray contrast media iohexol and amidotrizoic acid by magnetic-activated carbon

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - As persistent and ubiquitous contaminants in water, iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICM) pose a non-negligible risk to the environment and human...     

What are the disease burden and its sensitivity analysis of workers exposing to Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosol during warm and cold periods in a wastewater treatment plant?

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Biological treatment in wastewater treatment plants releases high amounts of pathogenic bioaerosols. Quantitative microbial risk assessment is a...     

A global comprehensive analysis of ambient low temperature and non-communicable diseases burden during 1990–2019

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Climate change and health are inextricably linked, especially the role of ambient temperature. This study aimed to analyze the non-communicable...