Assessment of Air Quality and Its Degrading Impact on the Archaeological Materials of Abu Seifain Church, Akhmim, Sohag, Egypt

Assessment of Ambient Air Quality in an Urban Ecosystem

Europe is a highly urbanised continent. In 1990, more than 70% of its total population lived in cities. The concentration of human activities on a relatively small area causes enormous pressure on the natural system and has led to numerous environmental problems. In the last decade air quality problems and associated topics like exposure of citizens have been addressed through case studies. One of the first attempts to describe the air quality in a number of cities and investigate (dis)similarities between them was made within the GEMS-AIR project. In 1992, WHO/UNEP published a report “Urban Air Pollution in Megacities of the World”, summarising air quality data for the 20 most populated cities of the world (WHO/UNEP, 1992). WHO recently published their Concern for Europe’s Tomorrow study (WHO, 1994) in which an assessment of urban air quality and potential population exposure is given for European cities with more than 50.000 inhabitants; however this was not done through comparative city analysis but through statistical analysis of European air pollution concentration and population density fields.

Data science and IoT based mobile monitoring framework for hyper-local PM2.5 assessment in urban setting

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in order to provide the public with an overall assessment of daily air quality. PSI values are determined from measured concentrations of five criteria air pollutants carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (PM-10). In general, the PSI can be considered a useful tool in the assessment of air quality as it relates to health effects. However, the current method of PSI calculation is subject to certain inherent limitations. These limitations include the fact that the PSI neglects the role of synergism between the individual pollutants in affecting air quality and health. It is very likely that the combination of certain pollutants is more harmful than each acting individually. Since the general population is exposed to more than one of the criteria pollutants at a given time, revising the current PSI methodology to account for such synergism would be useful and helpful to the public. In the current work, two methodologies for synergistic PSI calculation have been evaluated. The first option (Option 1) is dominated by the principle of threshold levels. When further research determines more accurate levels, the methodology may be of value for future synergistic PSI evaluations. The second option (Option 2) is an attempt to incorporate the correlation of pollutant concentrations with health effects (as determined by increased hospital admissions) into the synergism evaluation. The underlying philosophy of this methodology holds the most promise for accurate synergistic PSI calculation. Comprehensive research and experimentation would be beneficial in creating a more accurate PSI function equation. The main advantage of these hypothetical methodologies is that the current PSI method would still be valid for initial PSI calculation. The dissimilarity is in the calculation of the critical (i.e. reportable) PSI value. It is no longer a matter of the highest PSI value among the pollutants being an accurate representative of air quality. Instead, each of the PSI values obtained is applied to a separate equation to determine a synergistic PSI. When above-average pollutant concentrations are recorded, the possibility of synergistic behavior increases and would be demonstrated with the application of both options. The advantage of Option 1 (versus Option 2) is that the equation was derived from a recognized approach to synergism in combination with the ideas of threshold levels. The advantage of Option 2 is that it is an attempt to correlate concentration levels with health effects observed in the health industry. It is possible that a combination of both philosophies will eventually lead to the development of a synergistic PSI methodology worthy of approval by the EPA.

In recent years, Mizoram has made immense progress in various sectors and initiated developmental programmes for its economic growth. An important contributing factor to this development and growth is the transport connectivity projects. Although connectivity projects can boost economic growth, its negative effects cannot be neglected. In view of this, the present research studies the impacts of Champhai – Zokhawthar road construction on the air quality and noise quality of the region. This comparative study of the impact on the quality of air and noise pollution in the pre-construction phase and construction phase provide a clear-cut example of the negative impacts caused by road construction and provide a fresh outlook for formulation of improved management plans. Air quality assessment was carried out using High Volume Air Sampler and the following parameters were monitored – suspended particulate matter (SPM), respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). The results indicate that mean SPM concentration was increased by 22.82 µg/m3; RSPM concentration by 14.67 µg/m3; NO2 concentration by 4.08 µg/m3; and SO2 concentration was increased by 0.06 µg/m3 from the pre-construction phase to construction phase. Noise quality assessment was carried out at three sites – Zotlang, Melbuk and Zokhawthar by using Lutron SL-4001 Sound Level Meter and Leq, Lmax and Lmin were recorded and calculated. The mean noise level at Zotlang wasincreased by 8.72 dB (A) and at Melbuk the mean noise level was increased by 9.35 dB (A). However, at Zokhawthar, there was a decrease in mean noise level by 0.13 dB (A). From the present study, it is evident that road construction poses a threat to the air quality and noise quality of the study area and improved measuresneed to betaken to curb its negative impacts

Human beings need to breathe oxygen diluted in certain quantity of inert gas for living. In the atmosphere, there is a gas mixture of, mainly, oxygen and nitrogen, in appropriate proportions. However, the air also contains other gases, vapours and aerosols that humans incorporate when breathing and whose composition and concentration vary spatially. Some of these are physiologically inert. Air pollution has become a problem of major concern in the last few decades as it has caused negative effects on human health, nature and properties. This book presents the results of research studies carried out by international researchers in seventeen chapters which can be grouped into two main sections: a) air quality monitoring and b) air quality assessment and management, and serves as a source of material for all those involved in the field, whether as a student, scientific researcher, industrialist, consultant, or government agency with responsibility in this area.

<b>Introduction:</b> To our knowledge, in Athens, there are only few studies that associate hospital admissions for COPD and Asthma with air pollution. <b>Aim:</b> The primary objective is to investigate if air pollutants, recorded from 1/1/2012 to 31/12/2013, increased hospital admissions. A secondary objective is to make an overall assessment of air quality. <b>Methods:</b> All admissions for COPD AND ASTHMA (2012-3) to the two main respiratory hospitals in Athens (covering every day with ER) were associated with the daily mean levels of CO, NO2, NO, NOx, SO2, O3, PM10, PM2,5 in the atmosphere. Daily counts of hospital admissions for total respiratory conditions (5.7 day^-1), COPD (4.6 day^-1) and BA (1.1 day^-1) were analyzed. The results were weighed according to the temperature, humidity and also seasonal and long-term trends. They were statistically analyzed with negative binomial regression. <b>Results:</b> The most significant associations between increased air pollutants and hospital admissions are demonstrated in Figure1. In the multipollutant model, NO and PM2,5 remained strong indicators of total admissions with an increase of 33% (p= 0.002) and 13% (p=0.027) respectively. In the assessment of air quality with an internal score of pollution, respiratory admissions increased by 3% (p = 0.036) for every one unit increase of pollutants. <b>Conclusion:</b> NO and PM2,5 levels are related with increased hospital admissions of patients with COPD and BA in Athens. This is may be due to heavy traffic and biomass combustion.

The incidence of air pollution in industrial and mining areas is a common observed phenomenon worldwide. The detrimental effect of atmospheric pollution specifically PM10, PM2.5 on the health of native population is a major concerning area required to be assessed under serious notion. In this context, this research study has aimed to carry out an assessment of air quality and simultaneously, the resulting impacts on public health of the interviewed local residents from 10 selected sites within the Joda-Barbil mining industrial areas of the Keonjhor district, Odisha, India. The air quality measurement and field study had conducted during 2018–19. The large scale of excavation due to mining operations has led to a substantial volume of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) discharge in the atmosphere, which ultimately leads to a decline in air quality and causing health problems among local residents. As per the obtained results, the air quality is within the recommended standard in monsoon, however, it exceeds the recommended standards during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons respectively. The study also reveals that large number of interviewed people had suffered from various diseases including Asthma, Tuberculosis Bacillus, Pneumoconiosis, etc. mainly because of air pollution. Therefore, appropriate implementation of air pollution curbing policies, usage of modern environment-friendly technologies, may prove to be effective to mitigate the problem in the region.

This paper deals with assessment of air quality in Haora River basin using two techniques. Initially, air quality indices were evaluated using a modified EPA method. The indices were also evaluated using a fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA) method. The results obtained from the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method were compared to that obtained from the modified EPA method. To illustrate the applicability of the methodology proposed herein, a case study has been presented. Air samples have been collected at 10 sampling sites located along Haora River. Six important air pollutants, namely, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, suspended particulate matter (SPM), PM10, and lead, were monitored continuously, and air quality maps were generated on the GIS platform. Comparison of the methodologies has clearly highlighted superiority and robustness of the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method in determining air quality indices under study. It has effectively addressed the inherent uncertainties involved in the evaluation, modeling, and interpretation of sampling data, which was beyond the scope of the traditional weighted approaches employed otherwise. The FCA method is robust and prepares a credible platform of air quality evaluation and identification, in face of the uncertainties that remain eclipsed in the traditional approaches like the modified EPA method. The insights gained through the present study are believed to be of pivotal significance in guiding the development and implementation of effective environmental remedial action plans in the study area.

Developing an early-warning system for air quality prediction and assessment of cities in China

Extended air pollution index (API) as tool of sustainable indicator in the air quality assessment: El-Nino events with climate change driven

The pollutants emission during the process of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is of great concern due to its hazardous effect on the environment and living organisms. An assessment of the air quality of MSWM sites was made after having 16 repetitive visits at solid waste disposal sites and transfer stations of Lahore during wet and dry seasons. Pollution parameters such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and greenhouse gases (GHG) were measured along with meteorological parameters. PM2.5 measurement was made by using particle counter Dylos and TSI’s Dust Trak. Both of these instruments were positioned simultaneously at the source site and downwind (50 m). CH4 and meteorological parameters were measured by Aeroqual 500 series, while the Extech CO220 monitor was used to measure CO2 concentration. An assessment of air quality showed the levels of their mean values as CH4 and CO2 ranged between 1.5–13.7 ppm and 443.4–515.7 ppm, respectively. The PM2.5 ranged between 127.1 and 307.1 µg/m3 at sources and 172.3 and 403.8 µg/m3 downwind (50 m). GHG showed lower levels than the proposed limit value, which could not cause any health issues, while PM2.5 was 6–10 times higher than the Pak-EPA established standards. Higher pollutant concentration was recorded in the dry season than the wet season. Regression analysis was performed to predict correlation of PM2.5 with GHG and meteorological parameters. GHG as well as meteorological parameters also exhibited a correlation with PM2.5. It was estimated that the ambient air of such sites is not safe for public health. So, it is necessary to use safe practices for MSWM and its emission control to prevent nearby communities and the environment.

This paper studies the development of air quality surveillance network in Croatia. The pollution levels and trends have been analysed and related to developments and changes in energy production and road traffic as well as to reduction activity caused by the aggression on Croatia. The present situation has been assessed by comparing the SO_2, smoke, TSP and Pb concentrations in the air of urban and industrial areas during 1995/96 with Recommended and Limit Air Quality Values recently laid down by Croatian Government following the Law on Air Quality Protection which came into force in 1995.

We investigate PM2.5 data reliability in five major Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shenyang by cross-validating data from the US diplomatic posts and the nearby Ministry of Environmental Protection sites based on three years' data from January 2013. The investigation focuses on the consistency in air quality assessment derived from the two data sources. It consists of studying (i) the occurrence length and percentage of different PM2.5 concentration ranges; (ii) the air quality assessment for each city; and (iii) the winter-heating effects in Beijing and Shenyang. Our analysis indicates that the two data sources produced highly consistent air quality assessment in the five cities. This is encouraging as it would inject a much needed confidence on the air pollution measurements from China. We also provide air quality assessments on the severity and trends of the fine particulate matter pollution in the five cities. The assessments are produced by statistically constructing the standard monthly meteorological conditions for each city, which are designed to minimize the effects of confounding factors due to yearly variations of some important meteorological variables. Our studies show that Beijing and Chengdu had the worst air quality, while Guangzhou and Shanghai faired the best among the five cities. Most of the five cities had their PM2.5 concentration decreased significantly in the last two years. By linking the air quality with the amount of energy consumed, our study suggests that the geographical configuration is a significant factor in a city's air quality management and economic development.

Air pollution and air quality assessment is a serious problem for a big cities, considering the increasing of air contamination. In this work, an air quality assessment on three monitoring points located in three different districts from Lima city, Peru, was conducted. The method used in this study was the grey clustering method, which is based on the grey system theory. This method has advantages, as it considers the uncertainty into its analysis, and air quality assessment is a topic with high level of uncertainty. The results revealed that the three monitoring points presented a good air quality according to Peruvian law. This is due to the fact that the districts on which are locates the monitoring points are new relatively; in addition, the wind from ocean helps to disperse the air pollution. The results of this study could to help to local and central authorities to make the best decision on air quality assessment. In addition, government from Peru could use the method applied in this word as an alternative to assess the air quality from other points of country.