Atmospheric SO2 Concentrations Research Articles

Association between environmental factors and hospitalisations for bronchiectasis in Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (2007–2015)

IntroductionThe relationship between environmental factors and the exacerbation of respiratory diseases has been widely studied. However, there are no studies examining the relationship between these factors and bronchiectasis exacerbations. Our objective was to analyse the association between various environmental factors and hospitalisation for bronchiectasis. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at two hospitals in Badalona (Barcelona). The number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis between 2007 and 2015 was obtained. Through multiple regression we analysed the relationship between the number of exacerbations and mean monthly values of temperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO. ResultsTemperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO were significantly associated with an increase in admissions due to exacerbation of bronchiectasis. By controlling the effect of temperature on the pollution variables, only SO2 maintained statistical significance (p=0.008). ConclusionWe have detected an increase in hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis with increases in the atmospheric concentration of SO2 and the decrease in temperature. Prospective studies with different geographical locations to confirm these results are needed.

Characterization of Air Quality Index for both Handan and Kaifeng Cities, China

In this study, the atmospheric PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 concentration from 2015-2017, in Handan and Kaifeng were investigated. Besides, the seasonal variations of AQI values and their corresponding primary pollutants of six AQI grades were also discussed. In Handan, the daily AQI values ranged from 22 to 500 in 2015, from 19 to 500 in 2016, and from 27 to 500 in 2017, for which the corresponding average values were 143, 132 and 151, respectively. In Kaifeng, the daily AQI ranged from 25 to 496 in 2015, from 20 to 420 in 2016, and from 21 to 434 in 2017, for which the corresponding average values were 129, 124 and 131, respectively. During the three-year study, in Handan, the average proportion of grades I, II, III, IV, V and VI were 4.0%, 35.0%, 25.6%, 31.7%, 2.5% and 1.2% in spring; were 4.0%, 35.1%, 22.6%, 35.8%, 2.5% and 0% in summer; were 14.2%, 31.0%, 15.3%, 35.8%, 3.7% and 0% in fall, and were 3.3%, 26.1%, 20.0%, 37.8%, 8.1% and 4.7% in winter. In Kaifeng, the average proportion of grades I, II, III, IV, V and VI were 2.6%, 34.0%, 24.4%, 36.1%, 2.6% and 0.3% in spring; were 18.2%, 41.9%, 21.8%, 17.0%, 1.1% and and 0% in summer; were 8.6%, 34.3%, 17.4%, 34.8%, 4.9% and 0% in fall, and were 2.1%, 15.1%, 7.8%, 44.5%, 26.2% and 4.3% in winter. Overall, the air quality in the two cities were the worst in winter. The AQI values were between 101 and 150, where in Handan, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 were the primary air pollutants over the three years. In Kaifeng, the primary air pollutants were PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 in 2015; were PM2.5, PM10, and O3 in 2016, and were PM2.5, PM10, and O3 in 2017. When AQIs ranged between 151 and 200, in Handan, the primary air pollutants were PM2.5, PM10, and O3 in both 2015 and 2016, and were PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 in 2017. In Kaifeng, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 were the primary air pollutants from 2015-2017. When AQIs were between 201 and 300, in Handan, the primary air pollutants were PM2.5 and PM10 in 2015 and were PM2.5 and O3 in 2017. In Kaifeng, the primary air pollutants comprised PM10 in 2015, PM2.5 and PM10 in 2016, and PM2.5 and O3 at the same time. When the AQI values were between 301 and 500, which did not occur in Handan in 2015, the primary air pollutants comprised PM10 in 2016, PM2.5 and PM10 in 2017, and in Kaifeng from 2015-2017, PM2.5, and PM10 were the primary air pollutants. This study investigated the AQI values and corresponding primary pollutants in each season in more detail, the control strategies for these air pollutants will be more precisely.

Asociación entre factores ambientales e ingresos por bronquiectasias en Badalona, Barcelona (2007-2015)

IntroductionThe relationship between environmental factors and the exacerbation of respiratory diseases has been widely studied. However, there are no studies examining the relationship between these factors and bronchiectasis exacerbations. Our objective was to analyse the association between various environmental factors and hospitalisation for bronchiectasis. Material and methodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at two hospitals in Badalona (Barcelona). The number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis between 2007 and 2015 was obtained. Through multiple regression we analysed the relationship between the number of exacerbations and mean monthly values of temperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO. ResultsTemperature, SO2, NO, NO2, O3 and CO were significantly associated with an increase in admissions due to exacerbation of bronchiectasis. By controlling the effect of temperature on the pollution variables, only SO2 maintained statistical significance (P=.008). ConclusionWe have detected an increase in hospital admissions for exacerbation of bronchiectasis with increases in the atmospheric concentration of SO2 and the decrease in temperature. Prospective studies with different geographical locations to confirm these results are needed.

Gravestone decay and the determination of deciduous bulk canopy resistance to acid deposition

Gravestone decay and atmospheric concentrations of SO2 are used to determine deposition velocities in two adjacent cemeteries in the Birmingham, UK, Jewellery Quarter. Warstone Lane cemetery is essentially open to the environment with only a limited number of trees. Key Hill Cemetery, located within 100m, has a continuous canopy of 100+ year-old London plane; gravestone decay at Key Hill is 50% less than at Lane for the period after 1960. This difference is used to calculate canopy resistance as a residual term assuming that aerodynamic and quasilaminar resistances are generally similar at both sites. Calculated resistances range from approximately 300 to 900sm−1 and are consistent with estimated and calculated values from a wide variety of studies.

N% and S% in Leaves of Vascular Plants Cinnamomum camphora and Pinus massoniana Lamb. for Indicating the Spatial Variation of Atmospheric Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition

N and S contents in Cinnamomum camphora leaves, Pinus massoniana Lamb. leaves, epilithic Haplocladium microphyllum(Hedw.) Broth. and rhizosphere soil collected along 3 directions from urban area to rural area at Guiyang city in a total of 296 samples were investigated systematically. The level of atmospheric N deposition and atmospheric SO2 concentrations at each sampling site were calculated according to the quantitative relationship between moss N content and atmospheric N deposition and the quantitative relationship between moss S content and atmospheric SO2 concentration. Leaves N content in Cinnamomum camphora(1.01%-2.37%) and Pinus massoniana Lamb.(0.99%-2.42%)showed significant decrease from urban area with the highest atmospheric nitrogen deposition to suburb, while slightly higher leaves N reemerged at rural area beyond 24 km, suggesting increased N deposition occurred in rural area. Leaves S content in Cinnamomum camphora(0.16%-0.43%) and Pinus massoniana Lamb.(0.18%-0.32%) showed significant decrease from urban area to suburb, the highest level at urban was mainly contributed by the high sulfur released from the production and living of urban areas into the atmosphere, and the lowest level occurred at rural area(30-36km). No significant difference was seen for soil N and S contents. The relationships between the estimated input of atmospheric N deposition and the leaves N content of Cinnamomum camphora and Pinus massoniana Lamb. at the sites investigated were found to be significant linear correlations, and the relationships between the estimated atmospheric SO2 concentration and the leaves S content of Cinnamomum camphora and Pinus massoniana Lamb. were also significant linear correlations(P<0.05). The results indicated that N and S contents in Cinnamomum camphora and Pinus massoniana Lamb. leaves can be used to show the spatial variation of atmospheric N and S deposition.

Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Ecological Study in the Basque Country, Spain (2000–2011)

ABSTRACTChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition in adults aged ≥40 years characterized by progressive airflow limitation associated with chronic inflammatory response to noxious particles in the airways and lungs. Smoking, genetics, air pollution, nutrition and other factors may influence COPD development. Most hospitalizations and deaths for COPD are caused by its acute exacerbations, which greatly affect the health and quality of life of COPD patients and pose a high burden on health services. The aims of this project were to identify trends, geographic patterns and risk factors for COPD exacerbations, as revealed by hospitalizations and deaths, in the Basque Country, Spain, over a period of 12 years (2000–2011). Hospitalization and mortality rates for COPD were 262 and 18 per 100,000 population, respectively, with clusters around the biggest cities. Hospital mortality was 7.4%. Most hospitalized patients were male (77.4%) and accounted for 72.1% of hospital mortality. Hospitalizations decreased during the study period, except for 50–64 year-old women, peaking significantly. Using a multivariate modeling approach it was shown that hospitalizations were positively correlated with increased atmospheric concentrations of NO2, CO, PM10, and SO2, and increased influenza incidence, but were negatively associated with increased temperatures and atmospheric O3 concentration. COPD exacerbations decreased in the Basque Country during 2000–2011, but not among 50–64-year-old women, reflecting the high smoking prevalence among Spanish women during the 1970–1990s. The main metropolitan areas were those with the highest risk for COPD exacerbations, calling attention to the role of heavy car traffic. Influenza virus, cold temperatures, and increased atmospheric NO2, CO, PM10, and SO2 (but decreased O3) concentrations were identified as potential contributors to the burden of COPD exacerbations in the community. These findings are important for both the understanding of the disease process and in providing potential targets for COPD-reducing initiatives and new avenues for research.

Measurements of NO2, SO2, NH3, HNO3 and O3 in West African urban environments

In this paper, we present the measurements of atmospheric gas concentrations of NO2, SO2, NH3, HNO3, and O3 performed at two traffic sites in the context of the POLCA (Pollution of African Capitals) program. These gases were measured using a passive sampling technique from Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2009 at Dakar and from Jun. 2008 to Dec. 2009 at Bamako. In addition, during these periods there were two intensive measurement campaigns (from 19 Jan. to 2 Feb. 2009 at Bamako and from 30 Nov. to 13 Dec. 2009 at Dakar) where real-time active analysers were used to measure NO2 and SO2. Results show that Dakar has a pollution level for NO2 and SO2 higher than that of Bamako, whereas it is lower for NH3 concentrations. Monthly values of NO2 range between 21.1 and 43.5 ppb in Dakar with an annual mean concentration of 31.7 ppb (59.6 μg/m3). NO2 values in Bamako are 9.4–22.6 ppb with a mean of 16.2 ppb. At Dakar, the mean annual NO2 limit value (21.3 ppb or 40 μg/m3) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is widely exceeded. The mean annual concentration of SO2 is 15.9 ppb in Dakar and 3.6 ppb in Bamako. These differences may be explained by different sources of traffic between Bamako (with mainly gasoline vehicles) and Dakar (with mainly diesel vehicles). The annual mean NH3 concentration is about two times higher in Bamako (46.7 ppb) than in Dakar (21.1 ppb). In addition to other possible sources, we assume that the ammonia from domestic fires and uncontrolled garbage incineration may have more influence at Bamako than at Dakar. The mean annual concentrations of HNO3 and O3 are 1.3 ppb and 7.7 ppb in Dakar and 0.6 ppb and 5.1 ppb in Bamako, respectively. Seasonal variation in measured gas concentrations are low in Bamako and more pronounced in Dakar, except for HNO3 and NH3. At Dakar, NO2 and SO2 daily mean concentrations are higher during the weekdays than on weekends, when urban activities are reduced, whereas at Bamako, no significant difference was observed between weekdays and weekends. At Dakar, the daily average concentrations of SO2 in the dry season (11.6–39.6 ppb) widely exceed the WHO air quality guideline (7.6 ppb or 20 μg/m3 as 24-h average). Finally, the spatial distribution of gases at different sites in these two capitals have been investigated and showed higher pollution levels at the traffic sites, especially for NO2, NH3 and SO2, and lower levels in the suburban area, with the exception of ozone.

Human health risks of post- and oxy-fuel combustion carbon dioxide capture technologies: Hypothetically modeled scenarios

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technology has become an available technology for ensuring reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel based electricity generating plants. Since public acceptance of this technology depends critically on a reliable demonstration of its safety, it is important that the risks associated with carbon capture technology be fully understood so that standards and regulatory frameworks required for its deployment can be formulated.The objective of this paper is to evaluate the predicted risk to human health associated with the Boundary Dam Power Station (BDPS) close to Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada. This study aims to predict the potential instead of actual risks to human health because real data from the power plants’ stacks are unavailable. Instead, the study relies on data that were entirely derived from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies (Koiwanit et al., 2014a,b; Manuilova, 2011). The risk assessment was conducted based on two tools: (i) the American Meteorological Society's Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD), and (ii) Health Canada's Air Quality Benefits Assessment Tool (AQBAT). The conventional lignite-fired electricity generation station at the BDPS is used as a reference case. This work presents the predicted risks to human health due to exposure to air pollution which has been released by the post-combustion carbon dioxide capture process, and compare the risks with those posed by the oxy-fuel CO2 capture technology.Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulates less than 2.5μm in diameter (PM2.5), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions were modeled in a circular pattern of 10 degree increments with 25 zones of 100m on each increment. This study demonstrates that the reductions in the atmospheric concentrations of NO2, PM2.5, and SO2 accounted for the largest improvements in human health impacts, particularly in terms of acute respiratory, asthma symptoms, and restricted activity health outcomes. In addition, the oxy-fuel CO2 capture system reduced emissions to the atmosphere more effectively than the post-combustion CO2 capture technology. Therefore, the former technology's contribution to reducing air pollution is more significant than that of the latter.

The future of airborne sulfur-containing particles in the absence of fossil fuel sulfur dioxide emissions

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), formed from oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted during fossil fuel combustion, is a major precursor of new airborne particles, which have well-documented detrimental effects on health, air quality, and climate. Another precursor is methanesulfonic acid (MSA), produced simultaneously with SO2 during the atmospheric oxidation of organosulfur compounds (OSCs), such as dimethyl sulfide. In the present work, a multidisciplinary approach is used to examine how contributions of H2SO4 and MSA to particle formation will change in a large coastal urban area as anthropogenic fossil fuel emissions of SO2 decline. The 3-dimensional University of California Irvine-California Institute of Technology airshed model is used to compare atmospheric concentrations of gas phase MSA, H2SO4, and SO2 under current emissions of fossil fuel-associated SO2 and a best-case futuristic scenario with zero fossil fuel sulfur emissions. Model additions include results from (i) quantum chemical calculations that clarify the previously uncertain gas phase mechanism of formation of MSA and (ii) a combination of published and experimental estimates of OSC emissions, such as those from marine, agricultural, and urban processes, which include pet waste and human breath. Results show that in the zero anthropogenic SO2 emissions case, particle formation potential from H2SO4 will drop by about two orders of magnitude compared with the current situation. However, particles will continue to be generated from the oxidation of natural and anthropogenic sources of OSCs, with contributions from MSA and H2SO4 of a similar order of magnitude. This could be particularly important in agricultural areas where there are significant sources of OSCs.

An evaluation of ambient sulphur dioxide concentrations from passive degassing of the Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia geothermal system: Implications for human health

Sulphur Springs Park in Saint Lucia is a site of energetic geothermal activity associated with the potentially active Soufrière Volcanic Centre. The Park is one of Saint Lucia's most important tourist attractions, and is marketed as the ‘world's only drive-in volcano’. It has an on-site staff of tour guides and vendors, as well as over 200,000 visitors annually. There are also a number of residents living in the areas bordering the Park. Recreational use is made of the geothermal waters for bathing, application of mud masques, and in some cases drinking. As part of the University of the West Indies, Seismic Research Centre's (UWI-SRC's) overall volcano monitoring programme for Saint Lucia, the volcanic emissions at Sulphur Springs (hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles) have been regularly monitored since 2001. In recent years, visitors, staff, and management at the Park have expressed concern about the health effects of exposure to volcanic emissions from the hydrothermal system. In response to this, SRC has expanded its regular geothermal monitoring programme to include a preliminary evaluation of ambient sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations in and around the Park, to assess the possible implications for human health.Passive diffusion tubes were used to measure the atmospheric SO2 concentrations at various sites in Sulphur Springs Park (SSP), in the town of Soufrière and in the capital of Castries. Measurements of average monthly ambient SO2 with the passive samplers indicated that during the dry season period of April to July 2014 concentration at sites closest to the main vents at SSP (Group 1), which are routinely used by staff and visitors, frequently exceeded the WHO 10-minute AQG for SO2 of 500μg/m3. However, for sites that were more distal to the main venting area (Groups 2 and 3), the average monthly ambient SO2 did not exceed the WHO 10-minute AQG for SO2 of 500μg/m3 during the entire monitoring period. The measured concentrations and dispersion patterns of ambient SO2 at SSP appear to be influenced by rainfall, proximity to the fumarolic vents, altitude (local topography), local atmospheric circulation and plume dispersion, and anthropogenic sources. Brochures and posters were prepared, for public distribution and display, on possible gas hazards that may be encountered at SSP and precautionary measures that may be taken by visitors to help minimise potential risk from elevated exposure to volcanic gases.

Emission of gas and atmospheric dispersion of SO2 during the December 2013 eruption at San Miguel volcano (El Salvador, Central America)

AbstractSan Miguel volcano, El Salvador, erupted on 29 December 2013, after a 46 year period characterized by weak activity. Prior to the eruption a trend of increasing SO2 emission rate was observed, with all values measured after mid‐November greater than the average value of the previous year (~310 t d−1). During the eruption, SO2 emissions increased from the level of ~330 t d−1 to 2200 t d−1, dropping after the eruption to an average level of 680 t d−1. Wind measurements and SO2 emission rates during the preeruptive, syneruptive, and posteruptive stages were used to model SO2 dispersion around the volcano. Atmospheric SO2 concentration exceeded the dangerous threshold of 5 ppm in the crater region and in some sectors with medium elevation of the highly visited volcanic cone. Combining the SO2 emission rate with measured CO2/SO2, HCl/SO2, and HF/SO2 plume gas ratios, we estimate the CO2, HCl, and HF outputs for the first time on this volcano.

Spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric VOCs, NO2, SO2, and O3 concentrations at a heavily industrialized region in Western Turkey, and assessment of the carcinogenic risk levels of benzene

Ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ground-level ozone (O3) were measured at 55 locations around a densely populated industrial zone, hosting a petrochemical complex (Petkim), a petroleum refinery (Tupras), ship-dismantling facilities, several iron and steel plants, and a gas-fired power plant. Five passive sampling campaigns were performed covering summer and winter seasons of 2005 and 2007. Elevated concentrations of VOCs, NO2 and SO2 around the refinery, petrochemical complex and roads indicated that industrial activities and vehicular emissions are the main sources of these pollutants in the region. Ozone concentrations were low at the industrial zone and settlement areas, but high in rural stations downwind from these sources due to NO distillation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's positive matrix factorization receptor model (EPA PMF) was employed to apportion ambient concentrations of VOCs into six factors, which were associated with emissions sources. Traffic was found to be highest contributor to measured ∑VOCs concentrations, followed by the Petkim and Tupras.Median cancer risk due to benzene inhalation calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation was approximately 4 per-one-million population, which exceeded the U.S. EPA benchmark of 1 per one million. Petkim, Tupras and traffic emissions were the major sources of cancer risk due to benzene inhalation in the Aliaga airshed. Relative contributions of these two source groups changes significantly from one location to another, demonstrating the limitation of determining source contributions and calculating health risk using data from one or two permanent stations in an industrial area.

Possible causes of the recent rapid increase in the radial increment of silver fir in the Western Carpathians

Silver fir is one of the most productive and ecologically valuable native European tree species, however, it has been experiencing decline which has periodically occurred over its natural range. This paper aims to investigate the recent climate–growth relationships of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and its temporal change along the course of its life. Long-term tree-ring databases, as well as records on climate, atmospheric SO2, NO3 and acid concentrations from four different regions in the Western Carpathians were used. The results provide clear evidence of significant increase of silver fir's radial increment over the entire Western Carpathian area since 1970–1980. The results indicated that the most probable factors behind the rapid recovery of tree radial increment were reductions in emissions of NO3 and SO2, alongside a significant increase in mean June, July and April temperatures.

The transport of atmospheric sulfur over Cape Town

Cape Town, renowned for its natural beauty, is troubled by an unpleasant brown haze pollution, in which atmospheric sulfur plays a major role. This study investigates whether Cape Town is a net producer or recipient of anthropogenic sulfur pollution. In the study, two atmospheric chemistry-transport models (RegCM and WRF) are used to simulate atmospheric flow and chemistry transport over South Africa for two years (2001 and 2002). Both models reproduce the observed seasonal variability in the atmospheric flow and SO2 concentration over Cape Town. The models simulations agree on the seasonal pattern of SO2 over South Africa but disagree on that of SO4.The simulations show that ambient sulfur in Cape Town may be linked with pollutant emissions from the Mpumalanga Highveld, South Africa's most industrialized region. While part of atmospheric SO2 from the Highveld is transported at 700 hPa level toward the Indian Ocean (confirming previous studies), part is transported at low level from the Highveld toward Cape Town. In April, a band of high concentration SO2 extends between the Highveld and Cape Town, following the south coast. Extreme sulfur pollution events in Cape Town are associated with weak flow convergence or stagnant conditions over the city, both of which encourage the accumulation of pollution. However the study suggests that atmospheric sulfur is being advected from Mpumalanga Highveld to Cape Town and this may contribute to atmospheric pollution problems in Cape Town.

The influence of dust events on precipitation acidity in China

Acid rain and dust events are both serious environmental problems striking China nowadays. This study investigates the distribution and change of precipitation pH and discusses the influence of dust events on precipitation acidity qualitatively and quantitatively in China. Acid rain exhibits remarkable regionality with strong acidic in South China and the acidity gradually decreases from the South to the North. This distribution is decided not only by the concentration of SO2 in atmosphere but also has relationship to the occurrence of dust events. Comparing the monthly changes of precipitation pH in the semiarid region (which is influenced by dust events) with those in the humid region (which is acid rain areas), it is found that the variation trends are just opposite in the two regions and there is an obvious peak value of pH in spring in semiarid region which coincides with the increase of dust event days. Chemical analysis results of precipitation in Lanzhou (a semiarid city intruded by dust events frequently, especially in spring) indicate that the ratio of Ca2+ plus Mg2+ concentrations (indicators of soil dust) to the total cation concentrations is the highest in spring, and the Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations are 1.8 and 1.9 times higher in spring than in summer respectively. The acidity of precipitation can be restrained by dust events qualitatively by increasing alkaline materials in the atmosphere and precipitation. The analysis of daily dust events and precipitation data at 6 stations in Northwest China indicates that the pH of precipitation influenced by dust events is greater than the precipitation not influenced by dust events. The increase degrees are different between different stations and have lagging effects. The direct increases are from 0.03 to 0.91 for the precipitation pH. Dust events can promote the precipitation pH to a certain extent quantitatively.

Application of MM5-CAMx-PSAT Modeling Approach for Investigating Emission Source Contribution to AtmosphericSO2Pollution in Tangshan, Northern China

The MM5-CMAx-PSAT modeling approach was presented to identify the variation of emission contribution from each modeling grid to regional and urban air quality per unit emission rate change. The method was applied to a case study in Tangshan Municipality, a typical industrial region in northern China. The variation of emission contribution to the monthly atmospheric SO2concentrations in Tangshan from each modeling grid of 9 × 9 km per 1000 t/yr of emission rate change was simulated for four representative months in 2006. It was found that the northwestern part of Tangshan region had the maximum contribution variation ratio (i.e., greater than 0.36%) to regional air quality, while the lowest contribution variation ratio (i.e., less than 0.3%) occurred in the coastal areas. Principal component analysis (PCA), canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there was an obvious negative correlation between the grid-based variation of emission contribution to regional air quality and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) as well as wind speed, while terrain data presented insignificant impacts on emission contribution variation. The proposed method was also applied to analyze the variation of emission contribution to the urban air quality of Tangshan (i.e., a smaller scale).

The Impact of Industrial SO2 Pollution on North Bohemia Conifers

Conifer forests in the Jizerske Mountains, Czech Republic have experienced widespread and long-lasting effects related to industrial SO2 pollution. To explore the spatial and temporal impact of this phenomenon on Norway spruce stands, a transect of sites was sampled to the southeast of the Polish coal-fired power station Turow. Tree growth at all sites displayed a significant reduction around 1980, which could not be explained by climate alone. However, by incorporating both climate and SO2 variables in multiple regression models, the chronology trends could be explained well. The lowest growth rates were found to coincide with the period of greatest atmospheric SO2 concentrations and the degree of suppression decreased with increasing distance from the power station. The period of growth suppression in a Silver fir site appeared to be more severe and longer in duration than for the spruce, although differing site conditions prevented a direct comparison. Fir trees also appeared to be affected by SO2 pollution earlier in the twentieth century compared to spruce. Growth of both species, however, did not return to predicted levels following the reduction of pollution levels in the 1990s. A comparison with spruce and fir data from the Bavarian Forest, a region also affected by pollution in the past, revealed a temporal difference in growth suppression, likely related to different timings and loadings of SO2 emissions between both regions. This study highlights pollution as another potential causal factor for the ‘divergence problem’ and dendroclimatic reconstructions in polluted regions should be developed with caution.

Sulphur-gas concentrations in volcanic and geothermal areas in Italy and Greece: Characterising potential human exposures and risks

Passive samplers were used to measure the atmospheric concentrations of SO2 naturally emitted at three volcanoes in Italy (Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli) and of H2S naturally emitted at three volcanic/geothermal areas in Greece (Milos, Santorini and Nisyros). The measured concentrations and dispersion patterns varied with the strength of the source (open conduits or fumaroles), the meteorological conditions and the area topography. At Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli, SO2 concentrations reach values that are dangerous to people affected by bronchial asthma or lung diseases (>1000μgm−3). H2S values measured at Nisyros also exceed the limit considered safe for the same group of people (>3000μgm−3). The data obtained using passive samplers represent time-averaged values over periods from a few days up to 1month, and hence concentrations probably reached much higher peak values that were potentially also dangerous to healthy people. The present study provides evidence of a peculiar volcanic risk associated with tourist exploitation of active volcanic areas. This risk is particularly high at Mt. Etna, where the elderly and people in less-than-perfect health can easily reach areas with dangerous SO2 concentrations via a cableway and off-road vehicles.

Study on water-soluble ionic composition of PM10 and related trace gases over Bay of Bengal during W_ICARB campaign

Aerosol (PM10) samples were collected and its precursor gases, i.e., NH3, NO, NO2, and SO2 measured over Bay of Bengal (BoB) during winter months of December 2008 to January 2009 to understand the relationship between particular matter (PM) and precursor gases. The observations were done under the winter phase of Integrated Campaign on Aerosols, gases and Radiation Budget (W_ICARB). The distribution of water-soluble inorganic ionic composition (WSIC) and its interaction with precursor gases over BoB are reported in present case. Average atmospheric concentration of NH3, NO, NO2, and SO2 were recorded as 4.78 ± 1.68, 1.89 ± 1.26, 0.31 ± 0.14, and 0.80 ± 0.30 μg m−3, whereas WSIC component of PM10, i.e., NH4 +, SO4 2−, NO3 −, and Cl− were recorded as 1.96 ± 1.66, 8.68 ± 3.75, 1.92 ± 1.75, and 2.48 ± 0.78 μg m−3, respectively. In the present case, abundance of nss-SO4 2− in the particulate matter is recorded as 18 %. It suggests the possibility of long-range transport as well as marine biogenic origin. Higher SO4 2−/(SO2 + SO4 2−) equivalent molar ratio during the campaign indicates the gas-to-particle conversion with great efficiency over the study region.

Gaseous Emissions During the Coal Mining Activity and Neutralizing Capacity of Ammonium

This paper presents the simultaneous measurement of atmospheric concentration of gaseous NH3, SO2 and NO2, and particulate NH 4 + released from the mining activities of coal-mine area, Tirap colliery, Margherita (Assam). Gas samples were collected by impinger method and were analyzed colorimetrically. The vapor-phase concentration of NH3, SO2, and NO2 range between 4.7–40.03, 1.47–6.14, and 1.92–2.40 μg/m3. The NH 4 + concentration in PM10 and PM2.5 ranges between 0.02–0.07 and 0.008–0.03 μg/m3, respectively. Moderately high concentrations of NH3 and SO2 on the first day were due to the coal-burning activity near the sampling site, while the low concentration of NO2 is due to less vehicle density near the sampling point. All the observed concentrations are below than those reported for the urban areas and the prescribed limit fixed by National Ambient Air Quality Standard, India. Study indicates that ammonia is the major neutralizing agent for sulfate and nitrate ions present in the particulate matter during mining activities.