掺混聚甲氧基二甲醚对柴油机排放的影响

为研究聚甲氧基二甲醚（PODE）/柴油混合燃料对柴油机颗粒物（PM）粒径分布和各模态颗粒捕集效率的影响,将PODE按照体积百分比0%、10%、20%和30%与柴油混合,在不对柴油机做任何改动的情况下,进行排放测试,测量NO_x排放和DPF前后的颗粒粒径分布.结果表明：随着PODE掺混比提高,NO_x排放在10%~50%负荷工况下呈上升趋势,75%~100%负荷工况下呈先上升后下降的趋势;NO₂/NO_x随着PODE掺混比的提高呈上升趋势.PODE的添加可有效降低PM排放.与柴油相比,燃用PODE掺混比20%的混合燃料时,降低PM效果最好;100%负荷工况下,PM总数量浓度降低了18.93%,总体积浓度降低了31.27%.掺混PODE,使DPF对PM的捕集效果减弱,10%~50%负荷工况下较为明显,但捕集率依然可以达到95%以上.     

室内颗粒物的稳态置换流净化机制

对室内颗粒物输运扩散进行了机理上的探讨.用时间空间尺度分析方法,把颗粒物通量分解为宏观平均运动δ尺度的平移滑移,湍流运动的η微尺度的湍流扩散,以及分子运动λ尺度的布朗运动4部分,得到颗粒物通量的系综平均表达式及模式计算表达式,并以此分析总结出提高室内颗粒物净化效率的方法,即低流速及低湍流度梯度.采用数值计算比较了稳态置换流与常规点状上进风上排风形成流场的区别,通过现场实测比较了不同方式安装稳态置换流装置的2个房间的颗粒物数浓度随时间变化,提出并应用剂量加权净化效率对净化效果进行了比较.结果表明,稳态置换流的维持弱正压、线状斜对边进排气口布局、低流速及低湍流度等做法能有效提高净化效率并降低能耗.     

颗粒物污染对高血压门急诊就诊人数的影响-时间序列研究

为探讨颗粒物对金昌市高血压门急诊就诊人数影响的暴露反应关系,本文收集甘肃省金昌市2012年1月1日~2015年12月31日大气PM₁₀、SO₂、NO₂数据及2014年1月1日~2015年12月31日大气PM_2.5污染物监测数据及同期气象观测数据,同时收集近年金昌市三家综合医院的高血压门急诊日就诊病例.采用广义相加模型,分析不同大气污染物与高血压门急诊日就诊人数的关联性.结果表明,在单污染物模型中,滞后L07d时PM₁₀平均浓度每升高一个IQR,高血压日门急诊人数增加2.30%（95% CI：1.30%~3.32%）,L6d时PM_2.5平均浓度每升高一个IQR,高血压日门急诊人数增加2.53%（95% CI：1.45%~3.62%）.PM₁₀和PM_2.5对男性、65岁以上高血压患者门急诊影响更高.SO₂和NO₂与颗粒物之间存在协同效应,沙尘天气下PM₁₀对高血压门急诊人数的影响由2.30%增加到2.36%,PM_2.5的影响由2.53%减少到2.39%.研究得出颗粒物污染对金昌市高血压门急诊就诊人数具有不同程度的影响,其中细颗粒物（PM_2.5）的效应更强.     

Chemical characterization of fine and ultrafine PM, direct and indirect genotoxicity of PM and their organic extracts on pulmonary cells

Particulate matter in ambient air constitutes a complex mixture of fine and ultrafine particles composed of various chemical compounds including metals, ions, and organics. A multidisciplinary approach was developed by studying physico-chemical characteristics and mechanisms involved in the toxicity of particulate atmospheric pollution. PM_(0.3–2.5) and PM_(2.5) including ultrafine particles were sampled in Dunkerque, a French industrialized seaside city. PM samples were characterized from a chemical and toxicological point of view. Physicochemical characterization evidenced that PM_(2.5) comes from several sources: natural ones, such as soil resuspension and marine sea-salt emissions, as well as anthropogenic ones, such as shipping traffic, road traffic, and industrial activities. Human BEAS-2 B lung cells were exposed to PM_(0.3–2.5), or to the Extractable Organic Matter(EOM) of PM_(0.3–2.5) and PM_(2.5). These exposures induced several mechanisms of action implied in the genotoxicity, such as oxidative DNA adducts and DNA Damage Response. The toxicity of PM-EOM was higher for the sample including the ultrafine fraction(PM_(2.5)) containing also higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These results evidenced the major role of organic compounds in the toxicity of PM.     

Size distribution and source of heavy metals in particulate matter on the lead and zinc smelting affected area

In order to understand the size distribution and the main kind of heavy metals in particulate matter on the lead and zinc smelting affected area, particulate matter(PM) and the source samples were collected in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province from December 2011 to January 2012 and the results were discussed and interpreted. Atmospheric particles were collected with different sizes by a cascade impactor. The concentrations of heavy metals in atmospheric particles of different sizes, collected from the air and from factories, were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). The results indicated that the average concentration of PM, chromium(Cr), arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd) and lead(Pb) in PM was177.3 ± 33.2 μg/m~3, 37.3 ± 8.8 ng/m~3, 17.3 ± 8.1 ng/m~3, 4.8 ± 3.1 ng/m~3 and 141.6 ± 49.1 ng/m~3,respectively. The size distribution of PM displayed a bimodal distribution; the maximum PM size distribution was at 1.1–2.1 μm, followed by 9–10 μm. The size distribution of As, Cd and Pb in PM was similar to the distribution of the PM mass, with peaks observed at the range of1.1–2.1 μm and 9–10 μm ranges while for Cr, only a single-mode at 4.7–5.8 μm was observed. PM(64.7%), As(72.5%), Cd(72.2%) and Pb(75.8%) were associated with the fine mode below 2.1 μm,respectively, while Cr(46.6%) was associated with the coarse mode. The size distribution characteristics, enrichment factor, correlation coefficient values, source information and the analysis of source samples showed that As, Cd and Pb in PM were the typical heavy metal in lead and zinc smelting affected areas, which originated mainly from lead and zinc smelting sources.     

Seasonal evaluation and spatial variability of suspended particulate matter in the vicinity of a large coal-fired power station in India—A case study

Coal combustion in the power sector gives rise to the emission of primary and secondary particulate pollutants. Since the emission of pollutants depends on coal quality and combustion technology, and given that transport, transformation and deposition of contaminants depend on regional climatic conditions, specific studies for the power stations is needed to evaluate their environmental impacts. Monitoring of ambient respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels around a large coal-fired power station in India was carried out. The specific objectives were the determination of spatial and seasonal variability in RSPM and SPM levels, and their relationship with meteorological parameters such as wind velocity and relative humidity. The results have shown a marked seasonal trend and spatial variability in RSPM and SPM levels in the study area. Higher concentrations of ambient RSPM and SPM were found in downwind monitoring stations compared to upwind direction. Ratios of RSPM to SPM and correlation coefficient values between RSPM and SPM along with meteorological parameters were also worked out. Relative humidity and wind velocity have shown an inverse relation with particulate deposition pattern.     

interactions amongst policies designed to resolve individual air issues

Six air issues are currently on science and policy agendas in Canadaand elsewhere. These are climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion(increased UV-B radiation), acidic deposition, SMOG (increasedground-level ozone), suspended particulate matter, and hazardous airpollutants. Atmospheric scientists and decision makers have largelyaddressed these issues individually resulting in single-issue policies. However, it is now recognized that these issues are inter-related, andthey may interact to cause negative as well as some beneficial effects,not only on the state of the atmosphere but also on societal andecological systems. This paper illustrates through several examples theatmospheric dysfunction caused by the linkages among the six airissues. It also points to potentially conflicting policies arising from thesingle-issue approach, and it emphasizes the need for better integrationof air issues. The linkages are summarized qualitatively in Table I.     

Pollution and Genetic Structure of North American Populations of the Common Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)

Assessing the genetic structure of natural populations differentially impacted by anthropogenic contaminants can be a useful tool for evaluating the population genetic consequences of exposure to pollution. In this study, measures of genetic diversity at variable-number-tandem-repeat loci in six dandelion populations (3 urban and 3 rural) showed patterns that may have been influenced by exposure to environmental contaminants. Mean genetic similarity among individuals within a population was significantly and positively correlated with increasing levels of airborne particulate matter ( 10 m, PM₁₀) and soil concentrations of four metals (Cd, Fe, Ni and Pb). In addition, mean genetic similarity was always significantly higher at the urban sites compared to rural sites. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of genotypes at a site and increasing amounts of PM₁₀, concentrations of five soil metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb), leaf tissue levels of Fe and a significant positive correlation between the extent of clonality at a site and levels of PM₁₀ and soil concentrations of five metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb). Although, this study does not directly establish a causal link between the specific contaminants detected at the study sites and differences in genetic diversity, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that pollution-induced selection has contributed in some fashion to the lower genetic diversity found at the urban sites.     

Roadside Concentration of Gaseous and Particulate Matter Pollutants and Risk Assessment in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

This study used manual air sampling method to assess the contribution of road traffic to air pollution level in Dar-es-Salaam City, Tanzania. Samples were collected from 11 different sites. Parameters measured were: sulphur dioxide using pararosaniline method, nitrogen dioxide using saltzman method, particulate matter and particulate lead using filtration method and atomic absorption spectrometric method, respectively. Results showed that hourly average sulphur dioxide concentration range from 127 to 1385 g/m³. The measured values of sulphur dioxide were above the recommended WHO guidelines with an hourly objective value of 350 g/m³ at 87% of the sampling sites. The hourly average nitrogen dioxide concentration ranged from 18 to 53 g/m³. The maximum hourly nitrogen dioxide concentration at 53 g/m³ was below the WHO guideline value of 200 g/m³. The hourly average suspended particulate matter (SPM) ranged from 98 to 1161 g/m³, exceeding the recommended value of 230 g/m³ by WHO at 87% of the sampling sites. The hourly average lead concentration was found to range from 0.60 to 25.6 g/m³, exceeding again the WHO guideline value of 1.5 g/m³at 83% of the sampling sites. Results predicted by Gaussian model when compared with the measured values were found to have a correlation coefficient of 0.8, signifying a good correlation. The risk assessment was undertaken considering the people who spend a significant portion of their time near the roads, such as the Uhuru primary school pupils and the adult population who reside by the roadside. The unit risk realised was 18.2 × 10^–6 for adult population and 2.2 × 10^–6 for pupils, both scenarios showing risk higher than the United Sates of America Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acceptable limit of 1× 10^–6. Considering the magnitude of the problem at hand, this study recommends an introduction of mandatory emission tests of SPM, lead and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The study further recommends the introduction of continuous and/or regular air quality monitoring and the use non-leaded petrol in Tanzania.     

Correlations between mutagenic activity of organic extracts of airborne particulate matter, NOx and sulphur dioxide in southern Germany: results of a two-year study

Goals, Scope and Background Among other substances, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are parameters which are routinely measured to describe basic air quality. Organic extracts of airborne particulate matter contain mutagenic chemical compounds of different origins. The aim of the study was to find correlations between routine monitoring data and mutagenic activity of organic extracts of simultaneously drawn samples.Methods Specimens were collected over a period of two years at 8 sampling sites in south-west Germany. Simultaneously, concentrations of NO, NO2, and SO2 were measured on-line within the framework of the official air monitoring network of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Dust samples were collected for biotesting using high volume air samplers equipped with glass fibre filters. After sampling was completed, filters were extracted and samples were prepared for biological testing. Mutagenic activity was tested by means of the plate incorporation assay (Ames test) using S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 tester strains. During the first year of the study, all tests have been performed with and without metabolic activation. Additionally, a series of tests has been performed in parallel with TA98 and TA98NR.Results and Discussion Comparison of Ames test data obtained with and without metabolic activation indicates no statistically significant difference between both methods. Therefore, during the second year of the study, all tests have been performed without metabolic activation. Average yearly activities at the sampling sites were between 1 und 27 Revertants per m³ (Rev/m³). High activities were preferably found at congested sites (Karlsruhe, up to 95 Rev/m³). However, peak values of over 100 Rev/m³ were found in other places where pollution by traffic is significantly lower. The reason for these high level values is not evident. Tests performed using TA98NR tester strain indicate a significant share (average 31%) of compounds requiring activation by nitroreductase for mutagenic activity. Average mutagenic activity can be correlated to routine monitoring parameters. Comparison of averaged data for particular sampling sites indicates significant correlation between nitric oxide and mutagenic activity in TA98 (r²=0.90), while correlation between nitrogen dioxide (0.84) or sulphur dioxide (0.52) and mutagenic activity is weaker. For TA100, correlations are generally weaker than for TA98. Comparison of data for mutagenic activity and routine monitoring data of distant sites being sampled simultaneously shows parallel behaviour.Conclusions Results from this study show that mutagenic activity can be compared to seasonal and local variations of gaseous indicator air pollutants. Tester strain TA98 generally shows the best correlations. Although pollution by particle-bound mutagenic substances is significantly higher during the cold season than during summer on average, mutagenic activity of airborne dust is not a continuous effect. During winter, peak levels as well as low pollution periods can occur. Even during winter time mutagenic activity can reach very low levels typical for summertime. Comparison of results for distant sampling sites where samples have been collected simultaneously indicate that “classical” indicators of air pollution and bacterial mutagenicity of organic extracts from airborne particulate matter are influenced by connected effects. Seasonal trend of mutagenic activity, in particular, is similar to the concentrations of nitrogen oxide. NO is a strong indicator for vehicle exhaust gases. It is concluded that the average mutagenic activity at particular sites can be estimated using NO concentrations as an indicator.