SPME-based air sampling method for inhalation exposure assessment studies: case study on perchlorethylene exposure in dry cleaning

Exposure to perchlorethylene, especially for dry cleaning workers and for people living near dry cleaning shops, could lead to several diseases and disorders. This study examines the value of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for sampling perchlorethylene in the atmosphere of dry cleaning shops. Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) in 0.5-cm retracted mode was selected. There were no significant differences between sampling rates at different temperatures (range of 20 to 30 °C) and air velocities (2 to 50 cm/s). On the opposite, relative humidity (RH) had a significant effect on sampling rates. Method reproducibility was realized in the laboratory and field conditions and was 6.2 % and 7 to 11 %, respectively. Repeatability was also determined as 8.9 %. Comparison of the results according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association exposure assessment strategy showed the SPME sampler yields more conservative results in comparison with traditional standard method.     

The effect of artificial smoke compound on physiological responses,cognitive functions and work performance during firefighting activities in a smoke-diving room: an intervention study

This study investigated the combined effect of firefighting operations and exposure to smoke on physiological responses, cognitive functions and physical performance among firefighters. Each firefighter was engaged in two experimental conditions: (a) without artificial smoke, control (NS); (b) with artificial smoke (WS). The results of data analysis revealed that heart rate and body temperature increased significantly after the firefighting activities in the two conditions relative to baseline. In addition, reaction time (RT) and correct response (CR) decreased after the activity relative to baseline and there was a significant difference in RT and CR between the NS and WS conditions. There was also a significant difference in performance time between the NS and WS conditions. These findings demonstrated that a smoke compound has an insignificant effect on physiological responses during firefighting activity. On the contrary, the smoke compound has a detrimental influence on cognitive and physical performance.     

Pseudomonas sp. (Strain 10–1B): A potential inoculum candidate for green and sustainable remediation

Soil pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a consequence of various industrial processes which destabilizes the ecosystem. Bioremediation by bacteria is a cost‐effective and environmentally safe solution for reducing or eliminating pollutants in soils. In the present study, we artificially polluted agricultural soil with used automobile engine oil with a high PAH content and then isolated bacteria from the soil after 10 weeks. Pseudomonas sp. strain 10–1B was isolated from the bacterial community that endured this artificial pollution. We sequenced its genomic DNA on Illumina MiSeq sequencer and evaluated its ability to solubilize phosphate, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and produce indoleacetic acid, in vitro, to ascertain its potential for contribution to soil fertility. Its genome annotation predicted several dioxygenases, reductases, ferredoxin, and Rieske proteins important in the ring hydroxylation initiating PAH degradation. The strain was positive for the soil fertility attributes evaluated. Such combination of attributes is important for any potential bacterium partaking in sustainable bioremediation of PAH‐polluted soil.     

Parametric uncertainty analysis on hydrodynamic coefficients in groundwater numerical models using Monte Carlo method and RPEM

Groundwater resources are the only source of water in many arid and semi-arid regions. It is important to manage these resources to have a sustainable development. However, there are many factors influencing the accuracy of the results in groundwater modeling. In this research, the uncertainty of two important groundwater model parameters (hydraulic conductivity and specific yield) were considered as the main sources of uncertainty in estimating water level in an unconfined aquifer, in Iran. For this purpose, a simple method called Rosenblueth Point Estimate Method (RPEM) was used to assess groundwater modeling parametric uncertainty, and its performance was compared with Monte Carlo method as a very complicated and time-consuming method. According to calibrated values of hydraulic conductivity and specific yield, several uncertainty intervals were considered to analyze uncertainty. The results showed that the optimum interval for hydraulic conductivity was 40% increase–30% decrease of the calibrated values in both Monte Carlo and RPEM methods. This interval for specific yield was 200% increase–90% decrease of the calibrated values. RPEM showed better performance using the evaluating indices in comparison with Monte Carlo method for both hydraulic conductivity and specific yield with 43% and 17% higher index values, respectively. These results can be used in groundwater management and future prediction of groundwater level.

     

The effect of air pollution on drivers’ safety performance

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Numerous studies have determined the adverse effects of air pollution on the health, welfare, and comfort of humans. More recently, the effects of air...     

Decision-making for sustainable location of a cement plant in the state of Florida

Site selection is a typical strategic decision for many industries that deals with specifying the most appropriate location for a facility. In the context of sustainable development, site selection decisions need to be improved by adopting environmental, economic and social requirements. This study aims to frame sustainable location decisions by conducting a case study of siting a new cement plant in the state of Florida. As a part of the study, a wide range of technical and sustainability criteria has developed. These criteria can help decision-makers in the cement industry evaluate the selection of a location with the requirements of sustainable development. The sustainability characteristics of alternative sites in the state of Florida are evaluated based on the criteria to identify the most appropriate ones. The analytical hierarchy processand geographic information system techniques are utilized to weight the criteria and evaluate the characteristics of site candidates.     

Real-world fuel use and gaseous emission rates for flex fuel vehicles operated on E85 versus gasoline

Flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) typically operate on gasoline or E85, an 85%/15% volume blend of ethanol and gasoline. Differences in FFV fuel use and tailpipe emission rates are quantified for E85 versus gasoline based on real-world measurements of five FFVs with a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS), supplemented chassis dynamometer data, and estimates from the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model. Because of inter-vehicle variability, an individual FFV may have higher nitrogen oxide (NO_x) or carbon monoxide (CO) emission rates on E85 versus gasoline, even though average rates are lower. Based on PEMS data, the comparison of tailpipe emission rates for E85 versus gasoline is sensitive to vehicle-specific power (VSP). For example, although CO emission rates are lower for all VSP modes, they are proportionally lowest at higher VSP. Driving cycles with high power demand are more advantageous with respect to CO emissions, but less advantageous for NO_x. Chassis dynamometer data are available for 121 FFVs at 50,000 useful life miles. Based on the dynamometer data, the average difference in tailpipe emissions for E85 versus gasoline is ?23% for NO_x, ?30% for CO, and no significant difference for hydrocarbons (HC). To account for both the fuel cycle and tailpipe emissions from the vehicle, a life cycle inventory was conducted. Although tailpipe NO_x emissions are lower for E85 versus gasoline for FFVs and thus benefit areas where the vehicles operate, the life cycle NO_x emissions are higher because the NO_x emissions generated during fuel production are higher. The fuel production emissions take place typically in rural areas. Although there are not significant differences in the total HC emissions, there are differences in HC speciation. The net effect of lower tailpipe NO_x emissions and differences in HC speciation on ozone formation should be further evaluated.

Implications: Reported comparisons of flex fuel vehicle (FFV) tailpipe emission rates for E85 versus gasoline have been inconsistent. To date, this is the most comprehensive evaluation of available and new data. The large range of inter-vehicle variability illustrates why prior studies based on small sample sizes led to apparently contradictory findings. E85 leads to significant reductions in tailpipe nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and carbon monoxide (CO) emission rates compared with gasoline, indicating a potential benefit for ozone air quality management in NO_x-limited areas. The comparison of FFV tailpipe emissions between E85 and gasoline is sensitive to power demand and driving cycles.     

Wavelet transform-based artificial neural networks (WT-ANN) in PM10 pollution level estimation, based on circular variables

Introduction  

In this paper, a novel method in the estimation and prediction of PM₁₀ is introduced using wavelet transform-based artificial neural networks (WT-ANN).     

A metric-based assessment of climate and tourism in major cities of Pakistan

Environment, Development and Sustainability - Tourism plays an essential role in the economic development of a country and has become a growing phenomenon of global importance. The climate change...