Annual Average Concentrations Research Articles

Elevated Exposure to Air Pollutants Accelerates Primary Glomerular Disease Progression

IntroductionEnvironmental contributors to kidney disease progression remain elusive. We explored how residential air pollution impacts disease progression in patients with primary glomerulopathies. MethodsNephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE) and CureGlomerulonephropathy (CureGN) participants with residential census tract data and ≥2 years of follow-up were included. Using Cox proportional hazards models, the associations per doubling in annual average baseline concentrations of total particulate matter with diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and its components, black carbon, and sulfate, with time to ≥40% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or kidney failure were estimated. Serum tumor necrosis factor levels and kidney tissue transcriptomic inflammatory pathway activation scores were used as molecular markers of disease progression. ResultsPM2.5, black carbon, and sulfate exposures were comparable in NEPTUNE (n=228) and CureGN (n=697). In both cohorts, participants from areas with higher levels of pollutants had lower eGFR, were older and more likely self-reported racial and ethnic minorities. In a fully adjusted model combining both cohorts, kidney disease progression was associated with PM2.5 (adjusted HR 1.55 [95% CI:1.00, 2.38], p=0.0489) and black carbon (adjusted HR 1.43 [95% CI:0.98, 2.07], p=0.0608) exposure. Sulfate and PM2.5 exposure were positively correlated with serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (p=0.003) and interleukin-1β levels (p=0.03), respectively. Sulfate exposure was also directly associated with transcriptional activation of the TNF and JAK-STAT signaling pathways in kidneys (r=0.55-0.67, p-value <0.01). ConclusionElevated exposure to select air pollutants is associated with increased risk of disease progression and systemic inflammation in patients with primary glomerulopathies (word count: 248).

Carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity health risks due to PM2.5 bound trace metals at a sub urban site in Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain.

This study investigates the PM2.5 bound metals using yearlong measurements at a regionally representative suburban site in the Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain (NWIGP). The order of the measured annual average concentrations of PM2.5 bound metals is Fe > Zn > Ba > Sn > Pb > Cd > Ni > Mn > Cr > Li. Lithium bound to airborne PM2.5 has been reported for the first time in NWIGP. Ni (72.4 ng m-3) and Cd (36.9 ng m-3) have exceeded the acceptable limits set by NAAQS, India. Estimated the hazard quotient (HQ > 1) of Mn and hazard index (HI > 1) of measured metals exceeded the threshold limits indicating the potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to inhalation exposure of PM2.5 bound trace metals. Further, excessive lifetime cancer risk due to inhalation exposure to Cd, Ni and Cr was estimated and found to exceed the threshold limit set by the USEPA for adults and children.

Air pollutants, genetic susceptibility, and incident schizophrenia in later life: A prospective study in the UK Biobank

ObjectiveAir pollution has been linked to multiple psychiatric disorders, but little is known on its long-term association with schizophrenia. The interaction between air pollution and genetic susceptibility on incident schizophrenia has never been reported. We aimed to explore the associations between long-term air pollution exposure and late-onset schizophrenia and evaluate whether genetic susceptibility could modify the association. MethodsThis population-based prospective cohort study included 437,802 middle-aged and elderly individuals free of schizophrenia at baseline in the UK Biobank. Land use regression models were applied in the estimation of the annual average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and inhalable particulate matter (PM10) at residence. The associations between air pollutants and schizophrenia were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazard models. A polygenic risk score of schizophrenia was constructed for exploring potential interaction of air pollutants with genetic susceptibility. ResultsAn interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOx was associated with the hazard ratios (HR) for incident schizophrenia at 1.19, 1.16, 1.22, and 1.09, respectively. The exposure-response curves for the association of air pollution with incident schizophrenia were approximately linear. There are additive interactions of air pollution score (APS), PM10, NO2, and NOx with genetic risk. Specifically, compared with participants with low genetic susceptibility and low APS, the HR was 3.23 for individuals with high genetic risk and high APS, among which 0.49 excess risk could be attributed to the additive interaction, accounting for 15 % of the schizophrenia risk. ConclusionThis large-scale, prospective cohort study conveys the first-hand evidence that long-term air pollution exposure could elevate schizophrenia incidence in later life, especially for individuals with higher genetic risks. The findings highlight the importance of improving air quality for preventing the late-onset schizophrenia in an aging era, especially among those with high genetic risks.

Trend in indices of public health risk caused by air pollution in an industrial center

Introduction. In industrialized regions and cities, atmospheric air pollution greatly contributes to the hazard for public health. The study aim was to assess the state of the atmospheric air in the city of Novokuznetsk over 2017–2022 and determine the levels of risks to public health. Materials and methods. Data on gross atmospheric emissions and average annual concentrations of the substances was taken from the reports on the state of the environment of the Kemerovo region and Novokuznetsk. Maximum permissible concentrations of atmospheric pollutants were determined according to SanPiN 1.2.3685–21. Calculations of the risks to public health were carried out in accordance with Guideline P 2.1.10.1920–04. The classification of risk levels was carried out on the basis of MR 2.1.10.0156–19. 2.1.10. Results. Decrease in total atmospheric emissions from 2017 to 2022 amounted to 50.1 thousand tons (about 16%). At the same time, there was revealed an excess of the average annual maximum permissible concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (3.5-11.2 times); formaldehyde (1.7 and 3.4 times over 2021 and 2022, respectively); suspended substances (1.6 and 2.0 times in 2021 and 2022, respectively); hydrogen fluoride (1.2 times in 2021); nitrogen dioxide (1.6 times in 2022). The hazard coefficients of benzo(a)pyrene were 3.5–11.2 (high level of non-carcinogenic risk); formaldehyde and suspended substances – 1.1–3.0 (alarming level). In 2022, the hazard coefficient for formaldehyde was 3.4 (high risk level), suspended substances – 2.0, nitrogen dioxide – 1.6 (alarming risk level). Hazard indices of pollutants were detected in the range from 7.0 to 20.1 (high level of risk). The main critical organs and systems were the immune system (hazard indices were 4.0–14.6), development during childhood (hazard indices – 3.5–11.2), respiratory organs (hazard indices – 3.0–8.6). These risk levels range from alarming to high. The highest total individual carcinogenic risk (1.6•10–4) was determined in 2021 (alarming level), the main contribution is made by formaldehyde. Limitations. In 2022, there were no data on carbon (soot) concentrations, so the level of total carcinogenic risk this year cannot be considered to be correct. Conclusion. Reducing the total volume of atmospheric emissions does not provide a significant effect on improving the environmental situation and public health, since high concentrations of pollutants remain in the city’s atmosphere. When implementing air protection measures, it is necessary to take into account risk criteria.

Particulate and water-mobilizable phosphorus from a watershed with a plain river network contributes equal amounts of algal available phosphorus to its downstream lake

This research was designed to estimate the contributions of phosphorus (P) in different factions from an upstream plain river network to algal growth in a downstream shallow eutrophic lake, Taihu Lake, in China. During three flow regimes, the P fractions in multiple phases (particulate, colloidal and dissolved phases) and their algal availabilities were assessed via bioassays with Dolichospermum flos-aquae as the test organism. The P partitioning patterns among multiple phases were strongly affected by the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) that changed with the river flow regime, with stronger disturbance of sediments at lower water levels (low flow) and weaker disturbance of sediments at higher water levels (high flow) in the plain river network. The median TSS concentration across the river network decreased from 157.4 mg/L during low flow to 31.8 mg/L during high flow, and the median particulate P concentration decreased from 0.132 mg/L to 0.093 mg/L. The particulate P contributed equally to the amount of algal available P (AAP) as did the water-mobilizable P (colloidal plus dissolved phase) in the rivers flowing into Taihu Lake. The annual average concentrations of particulate algal available P (P-AAP), colloidal algal available P (C-AAP) and dissolved algal available P (D-AAP) were estimated to be 0.032 mg/L, 0.012 mg/L and 0.019 mg/L, respectively, during 2012–2018, accounting for 50.8 %, 19.0 % and 30.2 %, respectively, of the total AAP. At the watershed scale, controlling P drainage from downstream urbanized areas should be emphasized. Additionally, controlling sediment resuspension or reducing the TSS concentration in the inflowing rivers is important for decreasing the particulate P flux to downstream lakes.

Association between long-term exposure to ambient ozone and sperm quality in Shandong Province

Objective: To evaluate the association between long-term exposure to ambient ozone (O3) and sperm quality. Methods: From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2019, healthy sperm donors were recruited through the Human Sperm Bank of Shandong University Affiliated Reproductive Hospital. A total of 37 977 sperm donation data from 2 971 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The average annual O3 concentration (0.01°× 0.01°) was matched according to household address. A multivariate mixed-effect model was used to analyze the exposure-response relationship between the average O3 exposure concentration and sperm quality in the previous year, with each donor as a random intercept. All results were presented as % changes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all sperm parameters associated with 10 μg/m3 increases in O3. The effects of individual characteristics on the association between O3 and sperm quality were evaluated by stratified analysis. Results: The average O3 concentration in the year before semen collection was (107.09±7.50) μg/m3. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in O3 was associated with declined sperm concentration (-3.12%, 95%CI:-4.55%, -1.67%), total sperm count (-5.21%, 95%CI:-7.28%, -3.09%), total sperm motility (-1.49%, 95%CI:-2.37%, -0.61%), progressive motility (-2.53%, 95%CI:-3.78%, -1.26%), total motile sperm count (-5.82%, 95%CI:-8.17%, -3.41%), and progressively motile sperm count (-6.22%, 95%CI:-8.73%, -3.64%). Men aged 30 and above, obese, and with lower education levels might be more susceptible to the influence of O3 on sperm quality, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Long-term exposure to O3 in Shandong Province is associated with a decrease in sperm quality.

The relative contribution of PM2.5 components to the obstructive ventilatory dysfunction—insights from a large ventilatory function examination of 305,022 workers in southern China

BackgroundThe new round of WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease assessment requires futher research to provide more evidence, especially on the health impact of ambient air pollution around the workplace. However, the evidence linking obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD) to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in workers is very limited. Evidence is even more scarce on the interactive effects between occupational factors and particle exposures. We aimed to fill these gaps based on a large ventilatory function examination of workers in southern China. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 363,788 workers in southern China in 2020. The annual average concentration of PM2.5 and its components were evaluated around the workplace through validated spatiotemporal models. We used mixed-effect models to evaluate the risk of OVD related to PM2.5 and its components. Results were further stratified by basic characteristics and occupational factors. FindingsAmong the 305,022 workers, 119,936 were observed with OVD. We found for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 concentration, the risk of OVD increased by 27.8 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 26.5–29.2 %). The estimates were 10.9 % (95 %CI: 9.7–12.1 %), 15.8 % (95 %CI: 14.5–17.2 %), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 1.4–3.8 %), 17.1 % (95 %CI: 15.9–18.4 %), and 11 % (95 %CI: 9.9–12.2 %), respectively, for each IQR increment in sulfate, nitrate, ammonium salt, organic matter and black carbon. We observed greater effect estimates among females, younger workers, workers with a length of service of 24–45 months, and professional skill workers. Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy that the noise-exposed workers, high-temperature-exposed workers, and less-dust-exposed workers were at a 5.7–68.2 % greater risk than others. InterpretationPM2.5 and its components were significantly associated with an increased risk of OVD, with stronger links among certain vulnerable subgroups.

Ultrafine particle measurements in New York State

Measurements of ultrafine particles (UFP) over several years were carried out across seven different locations in New York State. The locations include urban background sites (Queens College and Albany), near road sites (Queens, Buffalo and Rochester) and rural sites (Pinnacle State Park and Whiteface Mountain). UFP at the urban background and near road sites generally show highest concentrations in the morning during the early commute period. Concentrations decrease during the day but increase again in the afternoon or evening period. Weekday concentrations are higher than on weekends. UFP correlates well with traffic related co-pollutants black carbon (BC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). At the rural locations, UFP concentrations show less variation during the day with highest concentrations in the early afternoon to late evening hours particularly in spring. Seasonally, UFP concentrations across urban background and near road sites, are highest in winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) and lowest in summer (Jun, Jul, Aug). The variation in UFP concentration with temperature, relative humidity and wind speed was investigated. At the Queens College site, particle number concentrations in six different size fractions were measured using a TSI 3031 instrument. Annual average UFP concentrations at Queens College were found to decrease over time consistent with emission control strategies.

Evaluation of ecological environment governance quality in the top ten cities of Zhejiang province using entropy weight method and Rank-Sum Ratio method: A case study of air quality indicators

All In this study, we focused on evaluating the quality of ecological environment m governance in eleven cities within Zhejiang Province. We employed a comprehensive set of key indicators, including the proportion of days with air quality meeting or exceeding Grade II standards, annual average concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO_2), nitrogen dioxide (NO_2), particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10), the 95th percentile daily concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), and the 90th percentile 8-hour maximum concentration of ozone (O_3). We utilized methods such as entropy values, information utility values, and weight allocation techniques to conduct a holistic assessment of urban ecological environment governance.Our findings revealed significant advantages in terms of Ritchies fitting values (RSR fitting values) for Zhoushan and Lishui cities, ranking them in the third tier. This underscores the commendable efforts of these two cities in improving air quality. Simultaneously, Huzhou city, while displaying relatively lower fitting values, demonstrates substantial potential in ecological environment governance. Additionally, key indicators such as the 90th percentile 8-hour maximum concentration of ozone (O_3) and annual average concentration of particulate matter (PM10) play pivotal roles in the overall evaluation.The comprehensive assessment framework presented in this study offers a thorough and accurate perspective on urban ecological environment governance. This approach can guide policy formulation and environmental management, albeit requiring further refinement and practical implementation. In summary, our research provides valuable insights for advancing ecological civilization construction through an in-depth analysis of urban ecological environment governance in Zhejiang Province.

Risk analysis of air pollutants and types of anemia: a UK Biobank prospective cohort study.

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to air pollutants may be associated with specific blood indicators or anemia in certain populations. However, there is insufficient epidemiological data and prospective evidence to evaluate the relationship between environmental air pollution and specific types of anemia. We conducted a large-scale prospective cohort study based on the UK Biobank. Annual average concentrations of NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10 were obtained from the ESCAPE study using the Land Use Regression (LUR) model. The association between atmospheric pollutants and different types of anemia was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines were used to explore exposure-response relationships for positive associations, followed by stratification and effect modification analyses by gender and age. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, 3-4 of the four types of air pollution were significantly associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency anemia, while there was no significant association with other defined types of anemia. After full adjustment, we estimated that the hazard ratios (HRs) of iron deficiency anemia associated with each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 were 1.04 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.07), 2.00 (95%CI: 1.71, 2.33), and 1.10 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.20) respectively. The HRs of folate deficiency anemia with each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10 were 1.25 (95%CI: 1.12, 1.40), 4.61 (95%CI: 2.03, 10.47), 2.81 (95%CI: 1.11, 7.08), and 1.99 (95%CI: 1.25, 3.15) respectively. For vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, no significant association with atmospheric pollution was found. Additionally, we estimated almost linear exposure-response curves between air pollution and anemia, and interaction analyses suggested that gender and age did not modify the association between air pollution and anemia. Our research provided reliable evidence for the association between long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, PM2.5-10, NO2, and several types of anemia. NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 significantly increased the risk of iron deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia. Additionally, we found that the smaller the PM diameter, the higher the risk, and folate deficiency anemia was more susceptible to air pollution than iron deficiency anemia. No association was observed between the four types of air pollution and hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, and other types of anemia. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, we emphasize the need to limit the levels of PM and NO2 in the environment to reduce the potential impact of air pollution on folate and iron deficiency anemia.

A Comparative Investigation of the Characteristics of Nocturnal Ozone Enhancement Events and Their Effects on Ground-Level Ozone and PM2.5 in the Central City of the Yellow River Delta, China, in 2022 and 2023

In recent years, nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE) events have emerged as a prominent research focus in the field of the atmospheric environment. By using statistical analysis methods, we conducted a comparative investigation of nocturnal ozone concentrations and NOE events in Dongying, the central city of the Yellow River Delta, China, in 2022 and 2023, and further explored the effects of NOE events on O3 and PM2.5 on the same night and the subsequent day. The results showed that from 2022 to 2023, in Dongying, the annual average nocturnal ozone concentrations increased from 51 μg/m3 to 59 μg/m3, and the frequency of NOE events was higher in the spring, summer, and autumn, and lower in the winter. The NOE events not only exhibited promoting effects on nocturnal O3 and Ox, and on the daily maximum 8 h average concentration of O3 (MDA8-O3) on the same day (comparatively noticeable in summer and autumn), but also demonstrated a clear impact on nocturnal PM2.5 and PM2.5-bounded NO3− and SO42− (especially in winter). Additionally, the NOE events also led to higher concentrations of O3 and Ox, as well as higher MDA8-O3 levels during the subsequent day, with more observable impacts in the summer. The results could strengthen our understanding about NOE events and provide a scientific basis for the collaborative control of PM2.5 and O3 in urban areas in the Yellow River Delta in China.

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and risk of microvascular complications among patients with type 2 diabetes: a prospective study.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) may disproportionately suffer the adverse cardiovascular effects of air pollution, but relevant evidence on microvascular outcome is lacking. We aimed to examine the association between air pollution exposure and the risk of microvascular complications among patients with T2D. This prospective study included 17 995 participants with T2D who were free of macro- and micro-vascular complications at baseline from the UK Biobank. Annual average concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with diameters <2.5 μm (PM2.5), <10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) were assessed using land use regression models. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the associations of air pollution exposure with incident diabetic microvascular complications. The joint effects of the air pollutant mixture were examined using quantile-based g-computation in a survival setting. In single-pollutant models, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for composite diabetic microvascular complications per interquartile range increase in PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and NOx were 1.09 (1.04-1.14), 1.06 (1.01-1.11), 1.07 (1.02-1.12) and 1.04 (1.00-1.08), respectively. Similar significant results were found for diabetic nephropathy and diabetic neuropathy, but not for diabetic retinopathy. The associations of certain air pollutants with composite microvascular complications and diabetic nephropathy were present even at concentrations below the World Health Organization limit values. Multi-pollutant analyses demonstrated that PM2.5 contributed most to the elevated risk associated with the air pollutant mixture. In addition, we found no interactions between air pollution and metabolic risk factor control on the risk of diabetic microvascular complications. Long-term individual and joint exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and NOx, even at low levels, was associated with an increased risk of diabetic microvascular complications, with PM2.5 potentially being the main contributor.

Hygienic aspects of mortality of the population of an industrial city

Introduction. The target indicators of the Federal Project “Clean Air” include a reduction in emissions of chemical pollutants by at least 20%. However, the main socially significant goal remains to improve the medical and demographic situation by reducing environmental and hygienic health risks.&#x0D; The purpose of the study was to preliminary assess the reserves for reducing mortality in the city of Omsk by identifying the most unfavourable territories in terms &#x0D; of atmospheric air quality and identify priority chemicals, presumably causing negative trend in mortality.&#x0D; Materials and methods. To assess the quality of atmospheric air in the city of Omsk, the results of social and hygienic monitoring, environmental monitoring &#x0D; of Federal Service of Russia on Hydrometeorology and Monitoring of the Environment (RosGidromet) for the multi-year period over 2009–2022 were used. &#x0D; An analysis of the mortality rate of the population of Omsk for 2017–2022 was carried out. The data were studied in the context of municipal districts of the city of Omsk and in dynamics. Statistical methods were used in the study: ANOVA, correlation analysis, assessment of relative mortality risks. &#x0D; Results. The relative risk (RR) of mortality for persons living in the most polluted areas of the city is 23–25% higher than in conditionally clean areas. Strong positive associations have been established: between the levels of actual total mortality and the specific gravity of atmospheric air samples exceeding the maximum single limit concentrations (R = 0.86; p &lt; 0.05); between perennial average annual carbon monoxide concentrations and standardized rates of total mortality &#x0D; (R = 0.93; p&lt;0.05) and male mortality rates from all natural causes (R = 0.89; p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Limitations. The study is limited to the statistical research methods used. &#x0D; Conclusion. The results of the study can become the basis for more efficient use of administrative resources in municipal districts of the city. As additional reserves for reducing mortality, the development of primary prevention measures at the outpatient level is important. It is necessary to optimize methodological approaches in the health control system of the population living in risk areas with developed industry.

Hourly variation characteristics of PM2.5 and main components in Beijing based on wind direction

The annual average concentration of PM2.5 in Beijing consistently met the standard between 2021 and 2023. However, the pollution situation persists, particularly during autumn and winter. With the diminishing capacity for local emission reduction in Beijing, the significance of regional transport has increased. To examine the impact of various air masses on PM2.5 and its chemical constituents, a detailed analysis was conducted using wind direction data, hourly PM2.5 values, and concentrations of major components from 2015 to 2020 in Beijing. The findings reveal that the southwest transport corridor remained a critical pathway for regional pollutant influx into Beijing, although the influence of pollutants transported from the east has intensified. During October to February, when the hourly increase in NO3− surpassed 10 μg/m³ and increases in SO42−, NH4+, and OM exceeded 6 μg/m³, the likelihood of southwest and southern transport ranged from 56% to 60%, peaking at 56%–72% from December to February. From March to September, when the hourly increase in NO3− exceeded 10 μg/m³, eastward transport was probable at 63%, reaching 69% from May to July. Sharp increases in SO42−, NH4+, and OM, related to combustion, primarily occurred during autumn and winter evenings, whereas a sharp increase in NO3− was observed mainly during spring and summer mornings. This study elucidates the correlation between hourly concentration growth of PM2.5 chemical components and transport direction, offering a scientific foundation for mitigating regional air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.

Multiple dietary patterns and the association between long-term air pollution exposure with type 2 diabetes risk: Findings from UK Biobank cohort study

BackgroundEvidence of modifying effect of various dietary patterns (DPs) on risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) induced by long-term exposure to air pollution (AP) is still rather lacking, which therefore we aimed to explore in this study. MethodsWe included 78,230 UK Biobank participants aged 40–70 years with at least 2 typical 24-hour dietary assessments and without baseline diabetes. The annual average concentration of particulate matter with diameter micrometers ≤2.5 (PM2.5) and ≤10 (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOX) estimated by land use regression model was the alternative proxy of long-term AP exposure. Three well-known prior DPs such as Mediterranean diet (MED), dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet (DASH), and empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP), as well as three posterior DPs derived by the rank reduced regression model were used to capture participants’ dietary habits. Cox regression models were used to estimate AP-T2D and DP-T2D associations. Modifying effect of DPs on AP-T2D association was assessed using stratified analysis and heterogeneity test. ResultsDuring a median follow-up 12.19 years, 1,693 participants developed T2D. PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and NOX significantly increased the T2D risk (P <0.05), with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for per interquartile range increase being 1.09 (1.02,1.15), 1.04 (1.00, 1.09), 1.11 (1.04, 1.18), and 1.08 (1.03, 1.14), respectively. Comparing high with low adherence, healthy DPs were associated with a 14–41% lower T2D risk. Participants with high adherence to MED, DASH, and anti-EDIP, alongside the posterior anti-oxidative dietary pattern (AODP) had attenuated and statistically non-significant NO2-T2D and NOX-T2D associations (Pmodify <0.05). ConclusionsMultiple forms of healthy DPs help reduce the T2D risk associated with long-term exposure to NO2 and NOX. Our findings indicate that adherence to healthy DPs is a feasible T2D prevention strategy for people long-term suffering from NO2 and NOX pollution.

Effects of long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution on COVID-19 incidence: A population-based cohort study accounting for SARS-CoV-2 exposure levels in the Netherlands

Several studies have linked air pollution to COVID-19 morbidity and severity. However, these studies do not account for exposure levels to SARS-CoV-2, nor for different sources of air pollution. We analyzed individual-level data for 8.3 million adults in the Netherlands to assess associations between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., positive test) and COVID-19 hospitalisation risks, accounting for spatiotemporal variation in SARS-CoV-2 exposure levels during the first two major epidemic waves (February 2020–February 2021). We estimated average annual concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 at residential addresses, overall and by PM source (road traffic, industry, livestock, other agricultural sources, foreign sources, other Dutch sources), at 1 × 1 km resolution, and weekly SARS-CoV-2 exposure at municipal level. Using generalized additive models, we performed interval-censored survival analyses to assess associations between individuals’ average exposure to PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in the three years before the pandemic (2017–2019) and COVID-19-outcomes, adjusting for SARS-CoV-2 exposure, individual and area-specific confounders. In single-pollutant models, per interquartile (IQR) increase in exposure, PM10 was associated with 7% increased infection risk and 16% increased hospitalisation risk, PM2.5 with 8% increased infection risk and 18% increased hospitalisation risk, and NO2 with 3% increased infection risk and 11% increased hospitalisation risk. Bi-pollutant models suggested that effects were mainly driven by PM. Associations for PM were confirmed when stratifying by urbanization degree, epidemic wave and testing policy. All emission sources of PM, except industry, showed adverse effects on both outcomes. Livestock showed the most detrimental effects per unit exposure, whereas road traffic affected severity (hospitalisation) more than infection risk. This study shows that long-term exposure to air pollution increases both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalisation risks, even after controlling for SARS-CoV-2 exposure levels, and that PM may have differential effects on these COVID-19 outcomes depending on the emission source.

Source apportionment and health risk assessment of PM10 bound carbonaceous and elemental species in the central Himalayas

In this extensive investigation, the sources and health risk assessment of carbonaceous aerosols, as well as the elemental compositions (Ca, Al, Fe, S, K, Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, Cr, Cu, Mn, Cs, P, Y, Sb, Ni, Sn, F, Sr, Br, Pm, U, Pb, Th, Br, Rb, and V) of PM10, were conducted throughout January-December 2021 in Nainital, a central Himalayan region of India. The average annual mass concentration of PM10 was determined to be 64±6 µg m-3. Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs), comprising OC, EC, WSOC, and SOC, exhibited annual averages of 9.3±0.8 µg m-3, 4.9±0.5 µg m-3, 1.5±0.2 µg m-3, 2.7±0.2 µg m-3, and 2.97±0.45 µg m-3, respectively. The elemental composition featured major contributors such as Ca, Al, Fe, S, and K, alongside trace levels of various elements (Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, and Cr). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified six primary contributors to PM10, each with varying percentage contributions: crustal/soil/road dust, soil re-suspension, combustion, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The health risk assessment revealed elevated Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Cr and Mn in children, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk. Adults exposed to high Cr levels may face potential carcinogenic risks, while elements like Al, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni pose no health hazards, aligning with USEPA guidelines.

An Improved Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function Method for Data Reconstruction: A Case Study of the Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Bohai Sea, China

Chlorophyll-a (chl-a) serves as a key indicator in water quality and harmful algal blooms (HABs) research. While satellite ocean color data have greatly advanced chl-a research and HABs monitoring, missing data caused by cloud cover and other factors limit the spatiotemporal continuity and the utility of remote sensing data products. The Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF) method, widely used to reconstruct missing values in remote sensing datasets, is open to improvement in terms of computational accuracy and efficiency. We propose an improved method called Concentration-Stratified DINEOF (CS-DINEOF), which uses a coordinate–value correlative data division strategy to stratify the study area into several subregions based on annual average chl-a concentration. The proposed method clusters data points with similar spatiotemporal patterns, allowing for more targeted and effective reconstruction in each sub-dataset. The feasibility and advantage of the proposed method are tested and evaluated in the experiments of chl-a data reconstruction in the water of the Bohai Sea. Compared with the ordinary DINEOF method, the CS-DINEOF method improves the reconstruction accuracy, with an average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) reduction of 0.0281 mg/m3, and saves computational time by 228.9%. Furthermore, the gap-free images generated from CS-DINEOF are able to illustrate small variations and details of the chl-a distribution in local areas. We can conclude that the proposed CS-DINEOF method is superior in providing significant insights for water quality and HABs studies in the Bohai Sea region.

Ammonia distribution and ecological risk assessment in nine fresh lakes in China.

With the development of industry and economy, ammonia nitrogen pollutions in surface water are of great concern worldwide. This study investigated the historical contents of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and unionized ammonia molecules (NH3) in nine fresh lakes in China during 2014-2022. Three different classification methods (flood season, season, and geographical distribution) were used to analyze the concentration variation of TAN and NH3. The concentration of TAN first decreased and then increased in the flood season, showing a lower concentration in summer and a higher concentration in winter. The variation trend of NH3 was in an opposite way with TAN. Correlation analysis between ammonia and 10 water quality parameters and 4 pollution emission and treatment parameters showed that the correlation coefficient between TAN and total phosphorus (total nitrogen) was 0.44 (0.43), respectively. The correlation coefficients between average annual TAN concentration and total emissions (waste water treatment input) were 0.35 (0.53), respectively. Combined with ecotoxicity data from a series of aquatic species, the ecological risks of TAN and NH3 in lakes were evaluated using hazard quotient and joint probability curve methods. From 2014 to 2022, the probability of 5% species affected in the acute ecological risk of TAN and NH3 is lower than 0.01, but for the chronic ecological risk of TAN and NH3, the probabilities of 5% species affected are 0.003-0.030 and 0.04-0.14, respectively. The chronic ecological risks were higher than the acute ecological risks, and high risks in plateau lakes like Dianchi Lake should be paid more attention to.

New measurements reveal a large contribution of nitrogenous molecules to ambient organic aerosol

AbstractNitrogen is a significant element that constitutes ambient organic aerosol. Individual N-containing organic molecules are known to have both natural and anthropogenic sources and implicated in a wide-ranging health and environmental effects. Yet, unlike carbon (C), the total quantity of aerosol organic nitrogen (ON) remains largely unquantified, hindering a quantitative understanding of their major sources and impacts. Here, aerosol ON is quantitatively surveyed in hundreds of aerosol filter samples collected from sites of varying urban influence in China using our recently developed method that permits simple, and yet sensitive, simultaneous detection of inorganic and organic nitrogen. Annual average ON concentration was in the range of 0.4–1.4 μg N m−3, representing 17–31% of aerosol total nitrogen. Monte Carlo simulations constrained by paired ON and OC measurements suggest N-containing organic molecules contributed typically 37–50%, with a 95% confidence interval of [12%, 94%], to ambient organic aerosols. Source apportionment analysis reveals that biomass burning and secondary formation are dominant ON sources, accounting for 21–24% and ~ 30% of ON, respectively. Primary biological aerosol is also a significant source of ON (7–18%), with its contribution more prominent in non-urban atmospheres. The results provide the quantitative data for the extent of presence of organic nitrogenous aerosol and the origin of their major sources. Such data, we anticipate, would bring forth a breakthrough in our ability to describe and model organic aerosols and to assess their environmental impacts, such as atmospheric nitrogen nutrient inputs to ecosystems.