Air Pollution In Large Cities Research Articles

Air pollution: smog and fog in the large cities of Ukraine.

The main factors of air pollution in large cities in Ukraine are described in the article and the main factors of smog have been analyzed on the example of Kyiv in the period January - February 2017. For the analysis of sample contamination points in Kyiv, we used a mathematical model of the spread of solid and gaseous pollutants with the main factors of influence on the scattering process of contaminants in the air: heat, turbulence, chemical kinetics, etc. As a result of the simulation it was confirmed that the smog in Kyiv and surroundings was formed as a result of anticyclone and air pollution by harmful substances, soot and etc.

MONITORING AIR QUALITY USING LICHENS IN CHELYABINSK, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Air pollution in large cities is one of the most serious ecological problems, because emissions always go into the atmosphere. One of the specific methods of pollution monitoring is lichen indication. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of the atmospheric air of Chelyabinsk city (Russian Federation). The results were obtained from samples collected in June-July 2015. The trees for the lichen sampling were chosen from the areas with different pollution levels: relatively clean, moderately polluted, hardly polluted. For the purposes of the comparison lichens were measured in Ilmen reserve, as the protected relatively clean territory. Using the method of lichen indication mapping we identified an indicator species Parmelia sulcate. Based upon epiphytic lichen distribution in sampling areas we distinguished several zones of atmospheric pollution: polluted zone, relatively clean zone, the cleanest zone. Lichen biodiversity and their projective cover are stated to decrease as the anthropogenic load is increasing. In urban and anthropogenic environment lichen population density is declining more intensively than the number of species. Also we measured elemental composition of lichens by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. We have studied the presence of heavy metals. Zink oxide, chrome and mangan oxide rate in the samples from environmentally troubled areas near steel factories and the power plantis almost twice higher.

Methane–hydrogen fuel blends for SI engines in Brazilian public transport: Potential supply and environmental issues

In the last decades, the whole world has been feeling the effects of environmental pollution, especially air pollution in large cities, with the transport sector as a major contributor to this scenario. In this sense, Brazil presents 27 states with great potential for biogas generation from landfills through anaerobic digestion. Only in the year 2016, the calculations presented in this paper point to a methane production in landfills of 5.57E+09 m3. On the other hand, the high number of rivers and hydroelectric dams in the country makes possible the generation of electricity that reached 90.27 TWh in 2016. However, the water that is drained by the floodgates to control the level of the reservoirs becomes an interesting wasted energy source for other uses, such as the production of other clean fuel, hydrogen, through classical processes such as electrolysis. It is pointed out the possibility of producing 2.76E+06 tons of hydrogen only with the energy drained in these hydroelectric plants. These two fuels together can be used to fuel vehicles powered by the hydrogen–methane blends, like HBio95 and HBio60. The promise of harmful and CO2 emissions by focusing on mixture of gases has recently attracted the interest of vehicle manufacturers and transport operators. In this scenario, this work presents an analysis on the use of mixture of gases in the urban bus fleet of the 27 Brazilian states, using as energy source derived from secondary energy from Brazilian hydroelectric plants and biogas from sanitary landfills, comparing this scenario with the use of only methane from landfills or only H2 from hydroelectric plants, assessing issues such as pollutant emissions, engine performance and deployment facilities.

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Death, Attributed to CO Exposure in Tehran Megacity in During a Five-Year Period (2010-2014) by Using AirQ Model

Background: Air pollution in large cities is one of the main difficulties that have harmful effects on humans and the environment and cause various diseases including cardiovascular disease. So, present study with aim of Estimation of Cardiovascular Death, Attributed to CO Exposure in Tehran Megacity in during a five-year period (2010-2014) by using AirQ Model were performed. Materials and Methods: This Study was a descriptive–analytic at first, hourly data of pollutants were taken from the environmental protection agency Tehran and Air Quality Control Company and validated according to the WHO guidelines. Required statistical parameters calculated for health effect quantifying and finally processed data converted to input and requirements AirQ model data and health effects quantifying were performed using this model. The final results on deaths due to cardiovascular disease were presented in tables and graphs format. Results: Results showed annual average concentration of CO in Tehran in 2010-2014 are 49, 31, 11,12,21,76 mg/ m3 respectively. In addition, the number of cardiovascular deaths in 2011-2015 is 52,37,29,31,42 respectively Conclusion: According to the results, CO as well as other pollutants can adversely affect human health. Due to high levels of air pollution and its related health consequences, particularly cardiovascular disease, should take appropriate measures to reduce air pollution.

Non-methane hydrocarbons in the atmosphere of Mexico City: Results of the 2012 ozone-season campaign

With the aim to strengthen the verification capabilities of the local air quality management, the air quality monitoring network of Mexico City has started the monitoring of selected non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs). Previous information on the NMHC characterization had been obtained through individual studies and comprehensive intensive field campaigns, in both cases restricted to sampling periods of short duration. This new initiative will address the NMHC pollution problem during longer monitoring periods and provide robust information to evaluate the effectiveness of new control measures. The article introduces the design of the monitoring network and presents results from the first campaign carried out during the first six months of 2012 covering the ozone-season (Mar-May). Using as reference data collected in 2003, results show reductions during the morning rush hour (6–9 h) in the mixing ratios of light alkanes associated with the consumption and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas and aromatic compounds related with the evaporation of fossil fuels and solvents, in contrast to olefins from vehicular traffic. The increase in mixing ratios of reactive olefins is of relevance to understand the moderate success in the ozone and fine aerosols abatement in recent years in comparison to other criteria pollutants. In the case of isoprene, the typical afternoon peak triggered by biogenic emissions was clearly observed for the first time within the city. The diurnal profiles of the monitored compounds are analyzed in terms of the energy balance throughout the day as a surrogate of the boundary layer evolution. Particular features of the diurnal profiles and correlation between individual NMHCs and carbon monoxide are used to investigate the influence of specific emission sources. The results discussed here highlight the importance of monitoring NMHCs to better understand the drivers and impacts of air pollution in large cities like Mexico City.

MODELLING OF CARBON MONOXIDE AIR POLLUTION IN LARG CITIES BY EVALUETION OF SPECTRAL LANDSAT8 IMAGES

Abstract. Air pollution in large cities is one of the major problems that resolve and reduce it need multiple applications and environmental management. Of The main sources of this pollution is industrial activities, urban and transport that enter large amounts of contaminants into the air and reduces its quality. With Variety of pollutants and high volume manufacturing, local distribution of manufacturing centers, Testing and measuring emissions is difficult. Substances such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and unburned hydrocarbons and lead compounds are substances that cause air pollution and carbon monoxide is most important. Today, data exchange systems, processing, analysis and modeling is of important pillars of management system and air quality control. In this study, using the spectral signature of carbon monoxide gas as the most efficient gas pollution LANDSAT8 images in order that have better spatial resolution than appropriate spectral bands and weather meters،SAM classification algorithm and Geographic Information System (GIS ), spatial distribution of carbon monoxide gas in Tehran over a period of one year from the beginning of 2014 until the beginning of 2015 at 11 map have modeled and then to the model valuation ،created maps were compared with the map provided by the Tehran quality comparison air company. Compare involved plans did with the error matrix and results in 4 types of care; overall, producer, user and kappa coefficient was investigated. Results of average accuracy were about than 80%, which indicates the fit method and data used for modeling.

Revisiting the necessity of ecotax on motor vehicles

The article analyzes the motor vehicle taxation system in the RF and in some leading foreign countries. Against the increasing motor vehicle fleet in the RF, which leads to increased air pollution in large cities, current international and statutory documents governing the emission of harmful substances in motor vehicle exhausts are analyzed. Release of solid particles (SP) in exhausts is compared to the amount of solids generated by tyre wear. Tyre wear particles are significantly more (26-60 times with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and 150 times with trucks) than exhaust particles. The author proposes to reconsider the annual ecotax on the basis of environmental damage determined by the procedures of the State committee for environmental protection (1999).

Analysis of Air Pollutant Levels using Artificial Neural Network in Chennai City

Air pollution is one of the important ecological and human health issues. Economic expansion, urbanization, transportation, rapid population growth, industrial wastages are powerful forces of air pollution in large cities. Chennai signifies a diverse pollution challenge in atmosphere. Its annual average pollution levels are lower than other mega cities but the pollution level is still changing between moderate to critical. In this paper Thiy agaraya nagar (T. Nagar), Anna Nagar, Adyar and Kilpauk have been selected for air pollution analysis in Chennai city and it explores respirable suspended particular matter (RSPM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollutants level and compare these air pollutants emission levels in Chennai city. As per the national ambient air quality monitoring standards, the RSPM, SO2 and NO2 levels are 60, 50, and 40 respectively. Outdoor air pollution is the fifth leading cause of deaths in India. The ambient air pollution is a health threat. It is more essential in developing area in Chennai within the environment of pollution level and population density. Refining air quality has significant, determinate and important public health benefits.

Air Pollution in the Mega-cities

Health concerns related to air pollution in large cities have been voiced repeatedly over the last decades. This paper uses two approaches to describe particulate matter (PM) levels in 56 of the largest cities of the world. One is based on data from PM monitoring, collected from various sources by the World Health Organization. The other is based on the combination of atmospheric modelling, satellite remote sensing and surface monitoring data. According to both sources of information, at least 96 % of the populations of the large cities are exposed to PM2.5 exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines levels. The cities with the highest PM concentrations and the lowest rates of air quality improvement over the past decade tend to be in countries at lower levels of economic development. Addressing local pollution sources, including transportation and solid fuel combustion for cooking and heating, may be effective in cleaning the air of the most polluted and less economically developed cities.

대기환경부문 건강위해평가의 국내 연구 동향과 발전방향

Air pollution in large cities is reduced through the environmental health policies, but due to increased population and automobile, some pollutants are still a problem. These air pollutants are known to cause asthma and respiratory diseases. According to an OECD report, the number of premature deaths will increase. Hazardous air pollutants should be managed through a systematic monitoring, risk assessment, and many studies are in progress. In order to manage hazardous air pollutants, transformation of policy for the protection of human health is required. management policy through the calculation of the excess number of deaths that occur from hazardous air pollutants for the public health is necessary. Korea has put a lot of efforts for air quality, but health risk assessment should be more considered.

Measurement of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethybenzene, and xylene) levels at urban and semirural areas of Algiers City using passive air samplers

The study presents the levels of air pollution by aromatic organic compounds BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-, m-, and p-xylenes) in the city of Algiers. The sampling was carried out using Radiello passive sampler. Three sampling campaigns were carried out in roadside, tunnel, urban background, and semirural sites in Algiers. In order to determine the diurnal mean levels of air pollution by BTEX to which people are exposed, a modified passive sampler was used for the first time. In addition, monitoring of pollution inside vehicles was also made. In the spring of 2009, more than 27 samplings were carried out. In the background and road traffic sites the Radiello sampler was exposed for 7 days, whereas the time exposure was reduced to 1 day in the case of the vehicle as well as the tunnel. The results indicate that average benzene concentrations in the roadside and inside vehicle exceed largely the limit value of 5 μg m−3 established by the European Community (EC). On the other hand, it has been noticed that the concentration levels of other BTEX are relatively high. Also, in order to identify the origin of emission sources, ratios and correlations between the BTEX species have been highlighted. This study shows that road traffic remains the main source of many local emission in Algiers. Implications The vehicle fleet in Algeria is growing rapidly since the 1990s following economic growth and is responsible for the increasing air pollution in large cities. Because there are no data collection of BTEX carried out by national air quality network, all environmental and transportation policies are based on European emissions standards, but national emission standards are currently not in place. This work will contribute to the analysis of real emissions of BTEX in Algiers, for the development of management and for assessment of population exposure variation depending on the location in the city of Algiers.

Air pollution and population health: a global challenge

"Air pollution and population health" is one of the most important environmental and public health issues. Economic development, urbanization, energy consumption, transportation/motorization, and rapid population growth are major driving forces of air pollution in large cities, especially in megacities. Air pollution levels in developed countries have been decreasing dramatically in recent decades. However, in developing countries and in countries in transition, air pollution levels are still at relatively high levels, though the levels have been gradually decreasing or have remained stable during rapid economic development. In recent years, several hundred epidemiological studies have emerged showing adverse health effects associated with short-term and long-term exposure to air pollutants. Time-series studies conducted in Asian cities also showed similar health effects on mortality associated with exposure to particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and ozone (O(3)) to those explored in Europe and North America. The World Health Organization (WHO) published the "WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), Global Update" in 2006. These updated AQGs provide much stricter guidelines for PM, NO(2), SO(2) and O(3). Considering that current air pollution levels are much higher than the WHO-recommended AQGs, interim targets for these four air pollutants are also recommended for member states, especially for developing countries in setting their country-specific air quality standards. In conclusion, ambient air pollution is a health hazard. It is more important in Asian developing countries within the context of pollution level and population density. Improving air quality has substantial, measurable and important public health benefits.

Exposures and health outcomes from outdoor air pollutants in China.

China's economy has developed rapidly in the recent two decades. Economic development is usually linked with increase in energy consumption and consumption emissions, which in turn leads to worsening of air quality. Due to the adoption of various control measures, the ambient air quality in a number of large cities in China has actually improved. The ambient air TSP and SO(2) levels in China have been decreasing in the last decade. However, ambient air NO(x) level has been increasing due to the increased number of motor vehicles. Coal has been and is still the major source of energy in China. Ambient air pollution in large cities has changed from the conventional coal combustion type to the mixed coal combustion/motor vehicle emission type. A series of epidemiological studies on air pollution and health effects ranging from mortality, morbidity to functional changes have been conducted in China. The results showed that ambient air pollution had acute and chronic effects on mortality, morbidity, hospital admissions, clinical symptoms, lung function changes, etc. The exposure-response relationship between air pollutants and daily mortality, morbidity, hospital admissions, and lung function has been established accordingly.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON URBAN TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN FOUR ASIAN MEGA-CITIES

Among various urban environmental issues, air pollution is a major challenge for many cities in East Asia. Public concerns over air quality increases with the rising standard of living as it exhibits direct risks to human health. Major sources of air pollution in large cities are automobiles, although there are other diverse sources such as factories. Air pollution caused by traffic is most notable and serious in mega-cities in which the number of vehicles is increasing much faster than the pace of population growth. Therefore, this study conducts a comparative analysis of air pollution caused by automobiles, energy consumption and urban transportation system in four mega-cities in East Asia, i. e., Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing and Shanghai.

Suppression of Spurious Signals in Resonance-scattering Laser-radar

SEVERAL authors1–3 have reported the use of laser-radar for probing atmospheric contents. In a laser-radar the Rayleigh or Mie scattered light gives information about the scattering particle density1, whereas the Raman2 or the resonance3 scattered light will give information about the nature of the scatterers as well as their density. It is now of vital importance to reduce air pollution in large cities and around industrial complexes and to do so we must know the kind and the amount of the polluting substances. For this purpose a laser-radar using Raman or resonance scattering provides a convenient probe.