Air Quality Surveillance Research Articles

Enhanced and Sustainable Indoor Carbon Dioxide Monitoring by Using Ambient Light to Power Advanced Biological Sensors

Enhancing carbon dioxide (CO2) detection is crucial for improving indoor air quality and environmental surveillance. Traditional CO2 sensors face drawbacks like high costs, large sizes, environmental impact, and reliance on external power, limiting their practicality for continuous indoor monitoring. In this research, an innovative indoor CO2‐sensing system using a self‐powered bio‐solar cell (BSC) platform is introduced. Utilizing cyanobacteria as a sensitive biocatalyst and sustainable power source, the system offers a cost‐effective, eco‐friendly, and maintenance‐free alternative to conventional sensors. It operates by monitoring electron‐transfer processes in cyanobacteria during photosynthesis, converting CO2 and water into oxygen and chemical energy, enabling accurate CO2 level monitoring. The system responds to CO2 fluctuations and issues alerts when levels are outside the recommended range of 500–1000 ppm for human health and productivity. A self‐sustaining configuration of eight BSCs—one for sensing and others for power generation—ensures continuous operation without external power. An integrated energy‐harvesting board efficiently manages power distribution to a microcontroller and display system for real‐time data visualization, with the array producing up to 400 μW. Additionally, a machine‐learning model interprets BSC outputs to accurately quantify CO2 levels, enhancing the sensor's adaptive performance.

Ultra-sensitive CuAl2O4 Nanoflakes for ppb level detection of Isopropanol

Trace-level detection of isopropanol is important for human health monitoring and air quality surveillance. In this work, we report synthesis of high surface area two-dimensional (2D) nanoflakes of CuAl2O4 using surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process and its application in ppb level detection of isopropanol. X-ray diffraction revealed the polycrystalline nature of the spinel and a nano crystallite size of 42 nm. The 2D morphology of CuAl2O4 was confirmed using field emission scanning electron microscope whereas BET revealed the mesoporous nature and a high surface area of 41.8 m2g-1. The surface oxidation states of the material were found through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The 2D CuAl2O4 demonstrated excellent sensing towards isopropanol with its response varying from 11.8 to 84.5 % (500 ppb–10 ppm) at 300 °C. The limit of detection of the spinel was found to be 56 ppb at its optimum operating temperature of 300 °C. In addition, the sensing layer was found to have response times in range 1101 s for 500 ppb to 168 s for 10 ppm and recovery times in the range 300 s for 500 ppb to 570 s for 10 ppm.

Role of frontline healthcare professionals in improving air quality and climate health surveillance in India

Role of frontline healthcare professionals in improving air quality and climate health surveillance in India

Advancing application of satellite remote sensing technologies for linking atmospheric and built environment to health.

The intricate interplay between human well-being and the surrounding environment underscores contemporary discourse. Within this paradigm, comprehensive environmental monitoring holds the key to unraveling the intricate connections linking population health to environmental exposures. The advent of satellite remote sensing monitoring (SRSM) has revolutionized traditional monitoring constraints, particularly limited spatial coverage and resolution. This innovation finds profound utility in quantifying land covers and air pollution data, casting new light on epidemiological and geographical investigations. This dynamic application reveals the intricate web connecting public health, environmental pollution, and the built environment. This comprehensive review navigates the evolving trajectory of SRSM technology, casting light on its role in addressing environmental and geographic health issues. The discussion hones in on how SRSM has recently magnified our understanding of the relationship between air pollutant exposure and population health. Additionally, this discourse delves into public health challenges stemming from shifts in urban morphology. Utilizing the strategic keywords "SRSM," "air pollutant health risk," and "built environment," an exhaustive search unfolded across prestigious databases including the China National Knowledge Network (CNKI), PubMed and Web of Science. The Citespace tool further unveiled interconnections among resultant articles and research trends. Synthesizing insights from a myriad of articles spanning 1988 to 2023, our findings unveil how SRMS bridges gaps in ground-based monitoring through continuous spatial observations, empowering global air quality surveillance. High-resolution SRSM advances data precision, capturing multiple built environment impact factors. Its application to epidemiological health exposure holds promise as a pioneering tool for contemporary health research. This review underscores SRSM's pivotal role in enriching geographic health studies, particularly in atmospheric pollution domains. The study illuminates how SRSM overcomes spatial resolution and data loss hurdles, enriching environmental monitoring tools and datasets. The path forward envisions the integration of cutting-edge remote sensing technologies, novel explorations of urban-public health associations, and an enriched assessment of built environment characteristics on public well-being.

IMPLEMENTATION OF IOT FOR AIR QUALITY SURVEILLANCE

This paper aims to implement Internet of Thing (IoT) for surveillance of air quality of the surroundings and environment using a computer or mobile from anywhere. A low cost open source IoT platform, Node MCU has been utilized for the main controlling role. It has been configured in a manner, such that, it receives the measuring signals from various sensors and displays monitored data through Thing Speak cloud in any connected PC or mobile phone. Besides numeric display, the quality levels of the air are also indicated via different colors of LED indicators. The proposed system not only conveys the AQI information in ppm but also monitor the temperature and humidity successfully in different environmental conditions.

Surveillance of Air Quality and Measuring Effect of Homa Activity at Delhi, India

The manuscript deals with the increasing pollution and vanishing of AQI in NCR region of India due to many factors like Parali (stubble) burning, traffic and pollution caused by factories to generate electricity by thermal power combustion. The Manuscript discusses the statistical effects of Indian Homa and Yajna process and its effect on curbing the pollution and improving AQI. It has been found that Yajna helps in purification of the environment and different AQI factors are improved by its continuous exercise for long time at a particular place. The python based data analysis has been presented to justify the problem statement and gadget and sensor based readings are produced in evidences. This paper is an attempt to convert the belief of one hundred thirty-eight crores Indians into practical and an evolutionary step towards Vedic sciences and natural prevention of Air-Pollutions. This is an effort to draw the attention of the masses and to bring into notice and consideration of this wonderful technique in front of the whole world.

Inducing Ring Complexation for Efficient Capture and Detection of Small Gaseous Molecules Using SERS for Environmental Surveillance

AbstractGas‐phase surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) remains challenging due to poor analyte affinity to SERS substrates. The reported use of capturing probes suffers from concurrent inconsistent signals and long response time due to the formation of multiple potential probe–analyte interaction orientations. Here, we demonstrate the use of multiple non‐covalent interactions for ring complexation to boost the affinity of small gas molecules, SO2and NO2, to our SERS platform, achieving rapid capture and multiplex detection down to 100 ppm. Experimental and in‐silico studies affirm stable ring complex formation, and kinetic investigations reveal a 4‐fold faster response time compared to probes without stable ring complexation capability. By synergizing spectral concatenation and support vector machine regression, we achieve 91.7 % accuracy for multiplex quantification of SO2and NO2in excess CO2, mimicking real‐life exhausts. Our platform shows immense potential for on‐site exhaust and air quality surveillance.

Inducing Ring Complexation for Efficient Capture and Detection of Small Gaseous Molecules Using SERS for Environmental Surveillance.

Gas-phase surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) remains challenging due to poor analyte affinity to SERS substrates. The reported use of capturing probes suffers from concurrent inconsistent signals and long response time due to the formation of multiple potential probe-analyte interaction orientations. Here, we demonstrate the use of multiple non-covalent interactions for ring complexation to boost the affinity of small gas molecules, SO2 and NO2 , to our SERS platform, achieving rapid capture and multiplex detection down to 100 ppm. Experimental and in-silico studies affirm stable ring complex formation, and kinetic investigations reveal a 4-fold faster response time compared to probes without stable ring complexation capability. By synergizing spectral concatenation and support vector machine regression, we achieve 91.7 % accuracy for multiplex quantification of SO2 and NO2 in excess CO2 , mimicking real-life exhausts. Our platform shows immense potential for on-site exhaust and air quality surveillance.

When Too Much of a Good Thing Becomes Harmful: A Cluster of Aspergillosis in Premature Extremely Low Birthweight Neonates

<h3>Background</h3> The movement of premature Extremely Low Birthweight (ELBW) neonates imposes risk for brain hemorrhage. In response to this concern, the babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were enrolled in the newly adopted Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) Prevention Bundle, where infants were immobilized in supine position for the first seventy-two hours of life. Four neonates from the NICU were diagnosed with Primary Cutaneous Aspergillus (PCA) infection after exposure to this life-saving protocol. <h3>Methods</h3> An internal multi-disciplinary team was convened to investigate these four cases. The case definition included infants who were enrolled in the IVH protocol starting in 2016. A review of the NICU's environment-of-care (EOC) elements was performed. This included retrospective air-quality culture surveillance data for molds available from 2016 to July 2017, internal incubator conditions, NICU construction and renovation activities, linen management, and the cleaning and disinfection of the infant immobilization/positioning device. During this investigation, air and surface samples were also collected to test for molds. <h3>Results</h3> The air sampling results were consistent with our facility's normal thresholds for air quality surveillance and the surface samples from linen, incubator, and all associated-IVH supplies were negative for molds. High humidity induced condensation was observed inside the incubators. Infection Control Risk Assessments were reviewed and were determined to be appropriate for unit-based construction activities. Subsequent mitigation strategies were instituted to include improvement in linen management, incremental decrease in humidity to reduce condensation, and more frequent patient re-positioning and incubator linen replacements. No additional cases were detected after the 4th case to-date. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The use of prevention bundles is an important component in improving healthcare-associated outcomes. In the case of the IVH prevention bundle for premature ELBW neonates in this NICU, careful attention and fine adjustments to the infant's environment-of-care needs were essential to the successful application of this life-saving protocol.

Impact Assessment of Aerosol Optical Depth on Rainfall in Indian Rural Areas

Aerosol significantly influences the life cycle of clouds and their formation. Many studies reported worldwide on anthropogenic aerosols and their impact on clouds and their optical properties. Atmospheric remote sensing provides the best way to estimate indirectly air quality surveillance and management in megacities of developing countries like India where many cities have elevated concentration profiles of air pollutants with inadequate coverage of spatial and temporal monitoring. The results of the study highlighted the impact on rainfall patterns due to aerosol optical depth (AOD) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for a total of 7 years (2015–2021) over five different Indian rural sites by using MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The AOD (550 nm) and PM2.5 were retrieved from the MODIS sensor Terra satellites and the MEERA 2 model, respectively. Also, we have analyzed in this study the relationship of AOD (550 nm) with PM2.5 and meteorological variables (temperature relative humidity and precipitation) over Indian rural sites during 2015–2021. The maximum concentration of AOD (550 nm) has been measured for Gandhi college (2.94 ± 0.44) and minimum for ARM college (0.01 ± 0.28), while the maximum concentration of PM2.5 has been measured for ARM College 296.37 (µg m−3) and minimum for Karunya University 0.02 (µg m−3). Also, the relation between AOD (550 nm) with total precipitation is measured positively for all locations except Gandhi college whereby PM2.5 associated with total precipitation is measured negatively for all locations except ARM college. Finally, the relationship between PM2.5 and AOD (550 nm) is measured positively in all selected locations except Singhad Institute. The maximum rainfall has been observed for monsoon months (June–August) and post-monsoon months (October) for all locations during the study period. The maximum total precipitation has been measured for Singhad 11,674.7 (mm) and the minimum for Karunya University 4563.41 (mm). However, the results of the study indicated that there was no direct trend observed in AOD in five different selected rural Indian sites.

Substantial Reduction in Particulate Matter Air Pollution across Europe during 2006-2019: A Spatiotemporal Modeling Analysis.

Air pollution poses the largest environmental health risk in Europe. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations are the most harmful pollutants representing the main air quality indicator in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The air quality surveillance in Europe is based on a monitoring network that is too coarse for a comprehensive evaluation of the air pollution burden. We link raw pollutant data with remotely sensed products using Bayesian geostatistical models and for the first time estimate pan-European near-surface concentrations of both fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10) particles at 1 km2 spatial resolution during 2006–2019. We evaluate the compliance with the air quality thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) and assess country-wise trends. The results show that during the last 14 years, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations declined by 36.5% (95% credible interval: 30.3, 41.9%) and 39.1% (26.6, 50.5%), respectively. The number of people exposed to PM10 levels above the WHO thresholds decreased from 78.3% (52.6, 91.8%) in 2006 to 28.4% (16.2, 43.7%) in 2019; for PM2.5, the decrease was smaller: from 91.0% (61.3, 99.1%) exposed in 2006 to 53.6% (33.5, 76.3%) in 2019. Although there is a clear improvement in the overall picture, stricter measures are needed to ensure compliance with the WHO guidelines.

Near-surface atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) in Florence urban area: Inferring emitting sources through carbon isotopic analysis

From February to April 2019, near-surface CO2 and CH4 concentrations and carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C-CO2 and δ13C-CH4) were monitored at four stations belonging to the local air quality surveillance network of Florence (central Italy), representing typical zones of suburban background (SB), urban traffic (UT) and urban background (UB). The GHGs (greenhouse gases) concentrations showed a high spatial variability likely related to variable contributions from distinct emitting sources in the urban landscape. The δ13C-CO2 and δ13C-CH4 values suggested that domestic heating is the dominant GHGs emitting source at the UB station. Conversely, traffic-related CO2 emissions (about 74%) largely overwhelmed those from natural gas combustion at the UT stations, where vehicular exhaust emissions also affected atmospheric CH4 levels. The SB and UB stations registered the presence of multiple CH4 sources, which included both leakage from underground pipeline network for natural gas supply and biogenic emissions from urban waterways. These results offer a pivotal background framework to improve the performance of GHGs reduction policies and refine the spatiotemporal resolution of bottom-up estimations of urban GHG emissions.

Assessment of an air quality surveillance network through passive pollution measurement with mobile sensors

Today, about 55% of the world population lives in cities and this is foreseen to increase to 68% by 2050. The urban activities of such a large number of people in relatively small spaces can make the air quality levels in cities harmful to human health. For this reason, the European Union (EU) has established a regulatory framework to control and improve air quality levels in cities (Directive 2008/50/EC) by defining a number of fixed stations and other requirements. The aim of this work is to evaluate the air quality reported by the official fixed stations via the installation of a complementary mobile network of air quality based on passive dosimetry of NO2 measurement during the period 2017–2019. In this study, Valencia (Spain) is selected as a representative European city with seven fixed stations and a network of 424 passive dosimetry sensors distributed throughout the city. In addition, an index of impact of pollutant on population is developed to optimize the locations of air quality stations among neighbourhoods across the city based on the levels of pollution measured by mobile sensors and the population directly affected. The results obtained show that 43.7% of mobile sensors in Valencia exceeded the limit value established by the EU Directive as well as by the World Health Organization during the assessment period. This indicates that the air quality levels offered by the fixed stations are neither representative nor reliable for the air quality monitoring of the city. Thus, the fixed stations currently operating do not provide reliable information on the areas of the city where the majority of the population breathes air with the highest level of pollution. Specifically, the results show that 34.6% of citizens live in areas with an average annual value above the limit recommended for the protection of human health.

A Review on Air Quality Measurement Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In major cities, air quality is of significant concern because of its negative effect on the health of the region’s living conditions, climate, and economy. Recent studies show the significance of the data on microlevel pollution which includes severe air pollutants and their impacts on human. Conventional methods of measuring air quality need skilled personnel for accurate data measurement that are based on stationary and limited measuring station networks. However, it is costly to seize the spatio-temporal variability and to recognize pollution hotspots that are necessary to develop real-time exposure control strategies. Due to the restricted accessibility of information and the non-scalability of standard techniques for air pollution monitoring, a real-time system with both higher spatial and temporal resolution is crucial. In recent times, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mounted with various sensors have been implemented for on-site air quality surveillance as they can offer new methods and research possibilities in air pollution and emission tracking, as well as in the study of environmental developments. An extensive literature review has been conducted, and it was observed that there are types of UAVs and types of sensors that are used for air quality monitoring for the parameters like CO, SO2, NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM1.0, and black carbon. Low-cost wireless sensors have been using for monitoring purpose in the past studies, and when results obtained are validated with the stationary monitoring instruments, the coefficient of correlation (R2) is found to be varied from 0.3 to 0.9. The difficulties, however, are not just technical, but at present time, policies and laws, which vary from country to country, symbolize the major challenge to the extensive use of UAVs in air quality/monitoring studies.

A Scoping Review on Air Quality Monitoring, Policy and Health in West African Cities.

Ambient air pollution is a global health threat that causes severe mortality and morbidity from respiratory, cardiovascular, and other diseases. Its impact is especially concerning in cities; as the urban population increases, especially in low- and middle-income countries, large populations risk suffering from these health effects. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprises 15 West African countries, in which many cities are currently experiencing fast growth and industrialization. However, government-led initiatives in air quality monitoring are scarce in ECOWAS countries, which makes it difficult to effectively control and regulate air quality and subsequent health issues. A scoping study was performed following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework in order to assess the precise status of air quality monitoring, related policy, and legislation in this region. Scientific databases and gray literature searches were conducted, and the results were contrasted through expert consultations. It was found that only two ECOWAS countries monitor air quality, and most countries have insufficient legislation in place. Public health surveillance data in relation to air quality data is largely unavailable. In order to address this, improved air quality surveillance, stricter and better-enforced regulations, regional cooperation, and further research are strongly suggested for ECOWAS.

Indoor bacterial pollution, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated risk factors of bacterial isolates among residences of Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background In Ethiopia, there is not enough information about indoor air bacterial pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to determine bacterial indoor air pollution and its associated risk factors among residences of Gondar town. Methods A cross-sectional survey of indoor air pollution was conducted on 259 selected houses from February to May 2019. Sociodemographic and housing characteristics were collected using a questionnaire and checklist. Passive settle plate method using blood culture media was employed to collect samples and identification of isolates done by both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results A total of 259 houses were investigated, and 13 different types of bacterial species were isolated. Of these, Bacillus species 259 (100%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species 101 (34.4%), Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella species, Citrobacter diversus, Escherichia coli, and Pantoea species were isolates. Tetracycline and cotrimoxazole were ineffective, but ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone were efficient antibiotics. Educational status, presence of domestic animals within the house, and integrated toilets were significantly associated with indoor bacterial pollution ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Indoor air pollution was higher in this study than international quantification limit (5 colony-forming unit/4 h) of clean rooms. So, periodic surveillance of indoor air quality and assessing risk factors should be addressed to assess the burden and intervene accordingly.

Environmental and Health surveillance of Air Quality in Chile

Background: Chile is considered a model for Latin American and Caribbean Countries (LAC) due to its growing development. However, its environmental regulations and regulatory processes, especially for air pollutants, represent population health risks.Objective: discuss on the Chilean environmental and health surveillance system and its limitations to protect the children and general populational health. Results: Despite the strong national network air monitoring, 70% of the stations belong to the industries and are supervised by the environmental authorities. On the whole country, criteria pollutant levels show insignificant changes over the past 15 years. The comparison of national regulations for particles (PM10, PM2.5) with the WHO recommendations clearly shows that 80% of the population is at risk of getting sick or dying from these pollutants. In communities near fixed sources, such as thermoelectric plants that use fossil fuels, residents are unequally exposed to pollutants and children and older people present greater health risks.Recently, several regional decontamination plans have been started. But, in them, the most important interventions are focused on indoor sources (as wood for heating) and adaptations of isolation conditions at homes. No changes are projected on national regulations or more restricted emission limits. In health promotion and prevention diseases, no changes have been made regarding the index on air quality, risk communication or epidemiological surveillance on health sentinel events. It is estimated in Chile that the number of cases of mortality and morbidity attributable to actual levels of air pollution in Chile could be underestimated. ConclusionsIt is proposed to improve the quality of indicators that help estimate the disease burden, including exposure assessment and use of exposure-response functions to have more accurate and less undervalued estimates at least for criteria contaminants for effectively protecting the pediatric and elderly populations.

Urban air pollution and hospital admissions for asthma and acute respiratory disease in Murcia city (Spain)

IntroductionUrban air pollution (UAP) is a major threat to child and adolescent health. Children are more vulnerable to its effects, being associated with higher morbidity and mortality due to acute and chronic diseases, especially respiratory ones. A study is performed on the relationship between UAP and the rate of hospital admissions due to acute respiratory diseases. Patients and methodsAn ecological study was conducted on young people under 19 years-old in the city of Murcia, who had visited hospital emergency departments due to respiratory diseases (ICD-9) during 2015. A logistic regression was performed on the risk of hospital admission that included consultations in relation to the average daily levels of environmental pollutants (NO2, O3, PM10, SO2) obtained from the Air Quality Surveillance and Control network of the Region of Murcia. Other control variables, such as gender, age, average daily ambient temperature, and season of the year. ResultsA total of 12,354 (56% boys and 44% girls) children consulted in the emergency department for respiratory disease. Of those, 3.5% were admitted, with a mean age of 2.54 (95% CI; 2.16−2.91) years. The Odds Ratio (OR) of hospital admission for respiratory diseases: NO2 1.02 (95% CI; 1.01–1.04; P < .01), O3 1.01 (95% CI; 1.00–1.03; P < .01) male 1.4 (95% CI 1.11–1.79; P < .01) and winter 2.10 (95% CI 1.40–3.21; P < .01). Admissions for asthma: PM10 1.02 (95% CI; 1.01–1.04; P < .05), O3 1.04 (95% CI; 1.01–1.06; P < .01). Admissions for bronchiolitis: Age 0.69 (95% CI; 0.48−0.99; P < .05); NO2 1.03 (95% CI; 1.01–1.05; P < .01). ConclusionsUAP increases hospital admissions in children due to acute respiratory diseases, especially asthma and bronchiolitis. Implementing preventive measures, expanding time series and collaborative studies with open data, would help improve public health and air quality in the cities.

Functional analysis of variance of air pollution caused by fine particles

Environmental pollution is harmful to human health, as it can lead to chronic respiratory diseases. In particular, fine particles suspended in the air (PM2.5) count among the most aggressive air pollutants. PM2.5 levels vary depending on local conditions. The goal of this work was to compare year-round airborne PM2.5 readings from three air quality surveillance stations in Cali (Colombia) to determine whether these show significant spatial and temporal variation. We subjected the obtained PM2.5 dataset to a functional analysis of variance. We observed that PM2.5 levels vary significantly among the three measurement sites on a temporal scale. Whereas in the morning hours PM2.5 levels among the three sites differed most, in the afternoon and evening hours, the corresponding PM2.5 levels were not significantly different.

Graphene detection in air: a proposal based on thermogravimetric behaviour

Graphene’s production and application are growing in accelerated speed. In this scenario, it is imperative to guarantee the healthy and safe conditions to producers and consumers along the graphene value chain. Due to the unique characteristics of graphene, its characterization in complexes matrices is still a challenging endeavour. In this work, we show an ongoing methodology that aims to assess the exposition to nanomaterials inside a graphene pilot plant by adapting the current particulate matter sampling methodologies. A systematic study was performed by preparing different graphene dispersions which were deposited on clean quartz filters and on filters exposed to an outdoor environment. Real samples, containing indoor airborne material were also analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed in all samples and revealed that the thermal decomposition of the deposited graphene was detectable and occurred around 635 °C. The presence of a thermal decomposition event within the typical temperature range of graphene was also detectable in the real indoor sample. These results pointed out that thermogravimetric analysis can be used to detect small amounts of graphene suspended in air, being the key factor graphene’s high thermal stability being the key factor. The methodology provides a robust way to improve air quality surveillance and exposure evaluation.