Elements Of Anthropogenic Origin Research Articles

Physicochemical characterization and oxidative potential of size fractionated Particulate Matter: Uptake, genotoxicity and mutagenicity in V-79 cells

For many years, the impact of Particulate Matter (PM) in the ambient air has been one of the major concerns for the environment and human health. The consideration of the heterogeneity and complexity of different size fractions is notably important for the assessment of PM toxicological effects. The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive size-composition-morphology characterization and to assess the oxidative potential, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of the atmospheric PM fractions, collected by using MOUDI near a busy roadside in Lucknow, India. Physicochemical characterization of ambient coarse particles (1.8–10 µm), fine particles (0.32–1.8 µm), quasi-ultrafine (0.1–0.32 µm) and ultrafine particles (≤0.1 µm) along with SRM 1649b was done using TEM, SEM, DLS, NTA, ICP-MS, and IC in parallel with the estimation of exogenous Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by acellular assays. In this study, two different acellular assays, dithiothreitol (DTT) and the CM-H2DCFDA assay, indicated stronger mass-normalized bioactivity for different size ranges. Enrichment factor analysis indicated that the different size fractions were highly enriched with elements of anthropogenic origin as compared to elements of crustal origin. The endotoxin concentration in different size fractions was also estimated. Cellular studies demonstrated significant uptake, cytotoxicity, ultrastructural changes, cellular ROS generation, and changes in the different phases of the cell cycle (Sub G1, G1, S, G2/M) exposed to different size fractions. The Comet assay and the Micronucleus assay were used to estimate genotoxicity. Mutagenic potential was revealed by the HGPRT gene forward mutation assay in V-97 cells. Conclusively, our results clearly indicate that the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the coarse PM was greater than the other fractions, and interestingly, the ultrafine PM has higher bioactivity as compared to quasi-ultrafine PM.

Characterization of Aerosol Pollution in Two Hungarian Cities in Winter 2009–2010

In this study, atmospheric particulate matter (APM) pollution was compared in urban background sites of two cities in Hungary—namely the capital Budapest and Debrecen—by analyzing daily aerosol samples collected between 8 December 2009 and 18 March 2010. Concentration, elemental composition, including BC, and sources of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5–10) aerosol pollution, as well as their variation due to meteorological conditions and anthropogenic activities, were determined for both cities. The average PM2.5 concentrations were 22 μg/m3 and 17 μg/m3 in Budapest and Debrecen, respectively. In the case of PM10, the mean concentration was 32 μg/m3 in Budapest and 23 μg/m3 in Debrecen. The concentration of the coarse fraction decreased significantly over the weekends compared to working days. The number of exceedances of the WHO recommended limit value for PM2.5 (15 μg/m3) were 67 in Budapest and 46 in Debrecen, which corresponds to 73% and 50% of the sampling days, respectively. At the time of the exceedances the daily average temperature was below freezing. The average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 70% and 75% for the two sites, indicating the dominance of the fine fraction aerosol particles during the study period. Elements of natural origin (Al, Si, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ba) and chlorine were found to be dominant in the coarse fraction, while elements of anthropogenic origin (S, K, Cu, Zn, Pb) were characteristic to the fine fraction. Similar concentrations were measured in the two cities in the case of S which originates from regional transport and K which serves as a tracer for biomass combustion. Traffic-related elements were present in 2–3 times higher concentrations in Budapest. The episodic peaks in the Cl time series could be attributed to salting after snowfalls. The following sources of APM pollution were identified by using the EPA Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) 5.0 receptor model: soil, traffic, road dust, secondary sulfate, biomass burning, and de-icing of streets. On polluted days when the PM2.5 concentration exceeded the 25 μg/m3 value the contribution of secondary sulfate, domestic heating, and traffic increased significantly compared to the average. On weekends and holidays the contribution of soil and traffic decreased. The main pollution sources and their contributions were similar to the ones in other cities in the region. Comparing our findings to results from winter 2015 it can be concluded that while the PM2.5 pollution level remained almost the same, a significant increase in the contribution of biomass burning was observed in both cities from 2010 to 2015, indicating a change of heating habits.

Exchangeable form of potentially toxic elements in floodplain soils along the river-marine systems of Southern Russia

Large rivers and especially their deltaic parts and adjacent coastal zones are subjected to strong anthropogenic influence and are often considered as hotspots of environmental pollution. The Don River is one of the largest and most important rivers in the South of Russia. The Don River basin is a highly urbanized area with developed agriculture and industry which negatively affect water quality, aquatic ecosystems and soils. The main objectives of the proposed research were to determine the levels exchangeable form of PHEs in soils of various aquatic landscapes of the study area, as well as to reveal the relationships between the content of exchangeable PTEs and the physical–chemical properties of floodplain soils. The obtained results showed that soils of the Lower Don and Taganrog Bay coastal zone are rather contrast in terms of properties and metal contents, which indicates the variability of landscapes, natural and anthropogenic processes in the studied systems. High CV values for a number of metals such as Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr indirectly indicate strong anthropogenic influence on these environments. The group median values for extractable forms for most of the metals except for Cu and Ni were higher for urbanized areas. The results of PCA analysis showed that there are two association of metals in terms of geochemical behavior and sources. The first one included Cr-Zn-Pb-Cd, the elements of anthropogenic origin, the second Mn, Ni, and Cu, which are probably of mixed origin. The obtained results showed that the Lower Don and Taganrog Bay coastal zone is a diverse and complex system subjected to anthropogenic activities, which is pronounced in the enrichment of aquatic soils with a number of metals and higher proportions of exchangeable forms from different types of sources that likely can be of both local and whole basin scale.

Recent changes in major and trace elements in sediments from a remote mountain lake (6th Triglav Lake) in the Julian Alps, NW Slovenia

We collected a sediment core from the 6th (6J) Triglav Lake, a remote mountain lake in NW Slovenia, and analysed it for 25 elements, using k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA). For Hg, we used cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA indicated several distinct groups of elements and sediment core samples. Ca distribution was entirely different from all other sediment components. Ba, Br, Hg, Sb and Zn were associated with organic matter (OM), with Hg showing the strongest affinity to OM. As, Cr, Fe and U formed a group of redox-sensitive elements. Two events that occurred ca. 1915 and in the 1940s/1950s, were identified in the core. They were associated with increased inputs of allochthonous material into the lake, and significantly affected the stratigraphic distributions of all elements. Some trace elements, such as As, Hg and Zn, are probably effectively retained in the catchment, whereas Cr tends to be readily exported from the catchment. Atmospheric deposition affected not only elements of anthropogenic origin (As, Ba, Br, Hg, Sb, Zn and Cr) that started to increase after the 1970s, but also those of terrestrial origin (Ca, Fe, Na). Introduction of fish into the lake in 1991 and the subsequent increase in primary production, affected the distribution of Ca and elements that are redox-sensitive and/or associated with OM (As, Ba, Fe, Sb, U, Zn). Fe minerals in uppermost 6J sediments have a strong influence on the distribution of several trace elements. As and Zn closely tracked Fe, whereas Sb was likely released after oxidation. Climate change could also have enhanced inputs of elements from the catchment, but such changes were likely overwhelmed by the effects of increased eutrophication.

LANDSCAPE PLANNING IS AN IMPORTANT CONSTITUENT OF THE SPATIAL PLANNING OF RURAL TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES TOURIST AND RECREATION DIRECTION

The article deals with the issues of landscape planning and its main components, in particular, cultural landscapes, natural components, tangible objects and elements of anthropogenic origin. The method of estimation of attractiveness of landscapes for tourist-recreational activity on establishment of recreational capacity of territories, allowable recreational load and recreational digression is presented.To determine the size of the territory of the recreational landscape, a formula is proposed where the coefficients are given for individual areas. According to the results of the researches and generalizations, it is proposed to distinguish areas with high, medium and low potential for tourism and recreational activities. The formula for determining the recreational capacity of rural areas is proposed.The assessment of the potential of landscapes of the amalgamated territorial community for the purposes of recreation and tourism allows to obtain the total size of the territory of the respective functional purpose.KeyCityPlanning Indicator - the maximum permissible number of tourists and tourists is determined for the designated territories with the use of indicators. Provided by applicable building codes.The result obtained is used for comparison with the existing recreational and tourist infrastructure and is used to determine the need for fixed facilities of the respective functional purpose, as well as to identify specific territories and sites for their urban development in order to implement the provisions of the Strategy for socio-economic development of territorial communities.The concrete results of landscape planning are given, which allowed to substantially adjust the key socio-economic indicators of the development of the Satanivska ATH community and Koblivska ATH in comparison with the initial forecasts.

Characterization of atmospheric aerosol (PM10 and PM2.5) from a medium sized city in São Paulo state, Brazil

Air pollution causes deleterious effects on human health with aerosols being among the most polluting agents. The objective of this work is the characterization of the PM2.5 and PM10 aerosol mass in the atmosphere. The methods of analysis include WD-XRF and EDS. Data were correlated with meteorological information and air mass trajectories (model HYSPLIT) by multivariate analysis. A morphological structural analysis was also carried out to identify the probable sources of atmospheric aerosols in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil. The mean mass concentration values obtained were 24.54 μg/m3 for PM10, above the WHO annual standard value of 20 μg/m3 and 10.88 μg/m3 for PM2.5 whose WHO recommended limit is 10 μg/m3. WD-XRF analysis of the samples revealed Si and Al as major components of the coarse fraction. In the fine fraction, the major elements were Al and S. The SEM-FEG characterization allowed identifying the morphology of the particles in agglomerates, ellipsoids and filaments in the PM10, besides spherical in the PM2.5. The analysis by EDS corroborated WD-XRF results, identifying the crustal elements, aluminosilicates and elements of anthropogenic origin in the coarse fraction. For the fine fraction crustal elements were also identified; aluminosilicates, black carbon and spherical particles (C and O) originating from combustion processes were predominant. The use of multivariate analysis to correlate air mass trajectories with the results of the morpho-structural characterization of the particulate matter allowed confirmation of the complex composition of the particles resulting from the combination of both local and long-distance sources.

Methodological approaches to the assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban ecosystems soils

The paper presents the assessment of heavy metal pollution of Abakan soils, the main source of which is motor transport. The pollution assessment of the upper horizons soils located near four main highways of the city was conducted under established standards. The maximum concentration of elements was recorded in the area with very high traffic, which confirms the importance of the role of motor transport as the main source of pollutants. When calculating the total pollution index (Zc) all highways were in a dangerous category. A similar indicator calculated on the basis of the data content in the soil-forming rock, allowed us to determine the degree of pollution as moderately hazardous. Analysis of heavy metals content in soil profiles has allowed to establish in the upper soil horizons, a significant excess of gross and mobile forms of all elements at sites with very high and high degree of traffic load, which indicates intense аerogenic intake of pollutants. Determined the proportion of elements of anthropogenic origin and the fact of the uneven distribution of heavy metals in the soil profile and their concentration in different geochemical barriers. When determining causal relationships between heavy metal content and separate soil characteristics we have found a direct dependence on the following parameters: pH, humus, cation exchange capacity, carbon dioxide, carbonates, particle size distribution, and in some cases we can talk about complex influence of soil properties on the concentration of elements. Assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban ecosystems soils, using the data content of elements in soil-forming rock with the use of the profile approach is the most objective.

Wykorzystanie numerycznych modeli terenu do generowania systemu drenażu powierzchniowego, funkcjonującego podczas opadów nawalnych. Podstawy metodyczne na podstawie studium przypadku zlewni Zalasówki (Pogórze Ciężkowickie) = Use of digital terrain models to generate the surface drainage network functioning during heavy rainfall. Methodological aspects based on the Zalasówka catchment (Ciężkowickie foothills)

In considering the process by which flash floods form, core information concerns the parameters of an area’s surface drainage system. That system is composed of elements of natural origin (rivers and valleys), as well as those of an anthropogenic nature (roads, ditches and rills), which together operate as a single drainage system at times of heavy rainfall. In line with this understanding, the work underpinning this article has focused on: 1) a characterisation of different types of DTM in the context of their application to detailed surface drainage system generation in small Carpathian catchments, 2) methodological aspects of DTM modification allowing elements of anthropogenic origin, such as roads, ditches and rills to be included within the surface drainage system, 3) a characterisation of the differences between the river system operating year-round and the surface drainage system functioning at times of heavy rainfall. The results reveal that the most popular DTMs, such as the SRTM, ASTER, TBD and SMOK, do not allow detailed surface drainage systems (including anthropogenic origin elements such as roads, ditches, etc.) to be generated. Such a goal may be achieved by analysis of a DTM generated on the basis of LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data. However, such a DTM includes certain “obstacles” (bridges, culverts, etc.) that modify real concentrated flow paths. A methodology for LIDAR-type DTM modification was therefore proposed, with this including: 1) selection and digitisation (as line-type vector data) of the said “obstacles” (on the basis of field data and analyses of aerial photographs), 2) characterisation of the vectors (“obstacles”) by reference to the four attributes of buffer, incision, channel and resolution) – Fig. 2, and 3) modification of the DTM through burning of the “obstacles” using the attributes mentioned above. Such an approach allows for the generation of a surface drainage system similar to that observed in the terrain. The surface drainage system in question was generated using the D8 algorithm, with the threshold values required for first-order stream generation being calculated on the basis of field studies following on from a rainfall event (26/27-06-2009). The methodology proposed in this study seems to be correct. The surface drainage system generated on the basis of the DTM in the Zalasowka catchment was composed of elements of anthropogenic and natural origin, and was comparable with the system operating at the time of the rainfall event examined. The results for the period of heavy rainfall revealed a surface drainage system 9 times more developed (at 13.7 km·km–2) than the river system (1.5 km·km–2). There were significant changes in the stream pattern reflected in the Horton and Schumm ratios. There was also increases in the maximum stream order, the bifurcation ratio RB, the length ratio RL and the area ratio RA; as well as a decrease in the mean length and mean area of the first-order stream.

Chemical Characterization and Source Determination of Trace Elements in PM2.5 and PM10 from an Urban Area, Northern Jordan

PM2.5 and PM10 atmospheric particulate material samples were collected from Irbid city, Northern Jordan using a dichotomous air sampler. Collected samples were digested and analyzed for 17 elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, V and Zn) using ICP-OES. Levels of measured elements were compared to concentrations in many other locations worldwide. Concentrations of most elements are in the lower limits of the reported values for urban and sub-urban sites. Elements of natural sources; Al, Ca, Fe, and P have higher concentrations compared to other cities worldwide. Results indicated that, elements of crustal origin are associated with the coarse particles, while elements of anthropogenic origins are more associated with fine particles. Crustal enrichment factor calculations showed that concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Ag are highly enriched and As, Cu, Co, Ca, and Ni are moderately enriched. Factor analysis calculations permitted the identification of three sources affecting the levels of elements in the fine fraction, namely re-suspended road dust, automobile emissions, and industrial emissions.

Spatial, temporal and size distribution of particulate matter and its chemical constituents in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Spatial and temporal variations in aerosol particulate matter (PM) were investigated for distribution over the four seasons of chemical constituents and particle size fractions in Faisalabad, Pakistan from June 2012 to April 2013. At nine sampling sites, four PM mass size fractions (total suspended particulates [TSP], PM10, PM4 and PM2.5) were monitored; simultaneously, TSP mass samples were collected on glass fiber filters using a high volume air sampler. TSP samples (144) were subjected to quantitative chemical analyses for determining trace elements (Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe) using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and water-soluble cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+) and anions (Cl–, SO42– and NO3–) by ion chromatography. The highest PM mass concentrations were observed at industrial sites, while they were somewhat lower in major road intersections and lowest in the remote background site. It was also observed that PM mass concentrations were about two to 20 times higher than the standard limits of the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Coarse particles (TSP, PM10 and PM4) were found to be highest during the summer, while relatively fine particles (PM2.5) were higher during the winter period. Concentrations of all size fractions were lowest during the monsoon sampling period at all sites. Concentrations of different elements and water-soluble ions also followed the similar temporal pattern as PM mass concentrations. The crustal elements Ca, Fe, Mg and Na were the largest contributors to TSP mass while elements of anthropogenic origin (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn) had relatively lower concentrations and also showed a high spatial variation. Among the anions, sulfate (SO42–) was the predominant species contributing to 50-60% of the total anion concentration. It was found that rainfall, wind speed and relative humidity were the most important meteorological factors affecting PM concentrations. The evaluation of data presented in this paper will serve as a basis for future regional modeling and source apportionment.

Outdoor PM₁₀ source apportionment in metropolitan cities--a case study.

This study was carried out to specify contribution of different sources in PM10 emission in Tehran City using chemical mass balance method. This is the first time that this method is used in Iran. To this end, the metallic elements including V, Ni, As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Al, Ca, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Sc, and S were sampled on the filters of high-volume sampler installed at four stations in Tehran. Afterward, highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma (ICP-M90; model aurora-Elit) was used to determine concentration of the elements precipitated on the filters. The obtained results were then compared with standard values. According to the results, the concentration of Cd (16.8 ng/m(3)) was higher than the standard level of 5 ng/m(3) at District 16 on November 14th 2012 which is almost three times the permissible limit. None of the elements Pb, Mn, V, and Hg exceeded the permissible limits except for Ni at District 16. Subsequently, the enrichment factor of the elements was calculated to indicate that elements of anthropogenic origins (Zn, S, Ni, and Hg) are highly enriched with respect to crustal composition (Na, Fe, and Ca). Exceedance factor were calculated for elements of each site to show that all study sites were in low-pollution category. Afterward, the contribution of different pollution sources of road dust, vehicles, and industries in emission of outdoor PM10 was investigated through chemical mass balance (CMB) method. According to which, the highest contribution comes from road dust with a share of 95.4 % of the total outdoor PM10 emission in Tehran mainly originated from the wear and friction of car tires with asphalt pavement. High calcium concentration in all districts of the city confirms the claim. Furthermore, transportation, with a significant difference, has a contribution of 4.05 % of total outdoor PM10 released while industries share very little about 0.4 %. In overall, the quality of road pavement could be a determining factor in releasing considerable amount of outdoor PM10 in urban areas.

Sources and elemental composition of summer aerosols in the Larsemann Hills (Antarctica).

Atmospheric aerosols play a major role in the global climate change. A better physical characterization of the chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols, especially in remote atmosphere, is an important step to reduce the current uncertainty in their effect on the radiative forcing of the climate. In the present work, surface aerosols have been studied over the Southern Ocean and over Bharati, Indian Research Station at Larsemann Hills at the Antarctic coast during the summer season of 2009-2010. Aerosol samples were collected using optical particle counter (OPC) and high-volume air sampler. PM10 and PM2.5 aerosol samples were analyzed for various water-soluble and acid-soluble ionic constituents. The Hysplit model was used to compute the history of the air masses for their possible origin. Supplementary measurements of meteorological parameters were also used. The average mass concentration for PM10 over the Southern Ocean was found to be 13.4 μg m(3). Over coastal Antarctica, the mass of PM10 was 5.13 μg m(-3), whereas that of PM2.5 was 4.3 μg m(-3). Contribution of marine components, i.e., Na, Cl and Mg was dominant over the Southern Ocean (79 %) than over the coastal Antarctica where they were dominant in coarse mode (67 %) than in fine mode (53 %) aerosols. The NH4/nss-SO4 ratio of 1.12 in PM2.5 indicates that the NH4 and SO4 ions were in the form of NH4HSO4. Computation of enrichment factors indicate that elements of anthropogenic origin, e.g., Zn, Cu, Pb, etc., were highly enriched with respect to crustal composition.

Composición Elemental y Fuentes de Origen de Partículas Respirables (PM10) y Partículas Suspendidas Totales (PST) en el Área Urbana de la Ciudad de Riohacha, Colombia

This research evaluated the concentration, elemental composition and sources of origin of particle PM10 and TSP. Fifteen chemical elements (As, Cd, Ca, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, K, Na and V) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Levels of PM10 (19.4 and 51 µg/m3) and TSP (27.6 and 53.7 µg/m3) did not exceed international standards. The enrichment factor (EF) showed that the soil tracer elements are associated with TSP particles while elements of anthropogenic origin are associated with PM 10 particles. Zn, Cu and Co, showed strong enrichment in PM10 and TSP in the two stations, concluding that are elements of anthropogenic origin. For the group of soil trace elements: Na, As, Pb and Ni, showed a moderate enrichment. The results showed that elements such as Mg, Mn, V and K originated from the natural process of soil.

Chemical Characterization of Summertime Dust Events at Kanpur: Insight into the Sources and Level of Mixing with Anthropogenic Emissions

The aim of this study conducted at Kanpur (26.51°N, 80.23°E), India, was to quantify chemical properties of dust and the intensity of mixing, due to its interaction with various emissions from anthropogenic activities, during its long range transport. Aerosol mass was collected at Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain from April–July 2011, a period marked by intense dust storms and onset of monsoon. The sampling days were classified as Dust, Polluted Dust1 (PD1), Polluted Dust2 (PD2) and Continental days. PM10 (coarse mode) and PM2.5 (fine mode) collected on filter substrates were analysed for chemical composition. Elemental concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results show that crustal elements like Ca, Fe, K, Na and Mg were dominant in coarse mode during dusty days, whereas, elements of anthropogenic origin like Cu, Ni, Se and V were mostly concentrated in fine mode during PD1 as well as PD2. Very low elemental concentrations were found during continental days. SO4 2– , Cl – and NO3 – were found to be high during PD1 and PD2 days. Very good correlations of NH4 + with Cl – and SO4 2– ions in PD1 days indicate their common sources of origin and formation of ammonium chloride and ammonium sulphate. Water Soluble Inorganic Carbon (WSIC) was found during all dust days, Water Soluble Organic Carbon (WSOC) was found to be highest during PD1 and PD2 days.

AEROSOL STUDIES OF URBAN AREAS OF LAHORE USING PIXE

Because of high traffic density, bad sanitary conditions and other human activities, the urban areas of Lahore have become highly polluted. Very simple and quick method for the survey of aerosol over a large area is described. Freefall aerosol settled on the tree leaves picked from roadside of twelve localities of Lahore was collected and analyzed for seventeen trace elements down to g / g level by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The investigation shows that the cleaner residential areas have much less concentration of trace elements of anthropogenic origin. Lead ( Pb ) has been detected in the areas of heavy traffic and close to the factory area, however, it is difficult to trace its origin because the gasoline used in Pakistan is unleaded.

Dinâmica de ocupação espacial de áreas contíguas (período 1987-2008) e sua relação com tensores de origem antrópica no manguezal do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo identificar, por meio de técnicas de geoprocessamento, alterações espaciais ocorridas no manguezal do Rio Cachoeira, Ilhéus, Bahia, e áreas adjacentes, no período de 21 anos, correlacionando-as com elementos de origem antrópica. Foram identificadas e mapeadas quatro classes temáticas: manguezal, água, urbano e sistemas adjacentes. Ao longo dos anos houve o avanço da área urbana em detrimento das de manguezal e dos demais sistemas adjacentes, aumentando concomitantemente a pressão antrópica sobre os mangues. Problemas de ordem econômica e conseqüente flutuação da população no município ocasionaram a ocorrência de diversas formas de supressão do mangue, através de corte e aterramento, além de lançamento de resíduos de resíduos sólidos e outras intervenções associadas à baixa qualidade de vida no entorno do manguezal. Em contrapartida, houve a conservação de parte do mangue, devido ao difícil acesso na margem oposta à cidade e à presença de Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural. O avanço das pressões antrópicas identificados no período e a atual situação vão contra a possibilidade de regeneração natural do ecossistema. Mesmo se eliminando o fator estresse, o metabolismo do sistema poderá apresentar implicações negativas irreversíveis. Permanecendo o ritmo e a forma de alteração registrada nos últimos anos, o ganho de território sobre os manguezais do Rio Cachoeira dificilmente será interrompido. Assim, o município ganha território, e perde um ecossistema de inestimável valor, podendo acarretar problemas sociais em futuro próximo.

Study of the chemical elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particles of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the urban and rural areas of South Brazil

The purpose of this work is to study the chemical elements and PAHs associated with atmospheric particulate in samples of PM 10 collected in the Metropolitan Area of Porto Alegre—MAPA, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In addition, to study the chemical elements associated with particles of different fractions of PM 10–2.5 and PM 2.5 using dichotomous sampling, in urban (MAPA) and rural areas. Two types of samplers were used: HV PM 10 and Dichotomous (PM 10–2.5 and PM 2.5). Samples were collected during 2002 and 2005. The concentration of the elements Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn was determined by PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission), while the concentrations of 16 major PAHs were determined according to EPA with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GS/MS). Results showed that elements of anthropogenic origin (V, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, and S) were mainly associated with the fraction PM 2.5, while the soil dust (Si, Al, Ti and Fe) were found mainly on fraction PM 10–2.5. In samples of PM 10, the most frequent PAHs found were Bgp, Flt, BaA, Chr, B(b + k)F, BaP and Dba. The types of emission and their association with the atmospheric parameters were studied applying the statistical analysis of the principal component method. The main sources found in the area under study were vehicles, industries (steel mills and a coal-fired power station), dust, sea breeze, and burning.

Chemical Composition and Sources of PM10 and PM2.5 Aerosols in Guangzhou, China

Aerosol samples of PM10 and PM2.5 are collected in summertime at four monitoring sites in Guangzhou, China. The concentrations of organic and elemental carbons (OC/EC), inorganic ions, and elements in PM10 and PM2.5 are also quantified. Our study aims to: (1) characterize the particulate concentrations and associated chemical species in urban atmosphere (2) identify the potential sources and estimate their apportionment. The results show that average concentration of PM2.5 (97.54 microg m(-3)) in Guangzhou significantly exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) 24-h average of 65 microg m(-3). OC, EC, Sulfate, ammonium, K, V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd and Se are mainly in PM2.5 fraction of particles, while chloride, nitrate, Na, Mg, Al, Fe, Ca, Ti and Mn are mainly in PM2.5-10 fraction. The major components such as sulfate, OC and EC account for about 70-90% of the particulate mass. Enrichment factors (EF) for elements are calculated to indicate that elements of anthropogenic origins (Zn, Pb, As, Se, V, Ni, Cu and Cd) are highly enriched with respect to crustal composition (Al, Fe, Ca, Ti and Mn). Ambient and source data are used in the multi-variable linearly regression analysis for source identification and apportionment, indicating that major sources and their apportionments of ambient particulate aerosols in Guangzhou are vehicle exhaust by 38.4% and coal combustion by 26.0%, respectively.

Hospital indoor PM10/PM2.5 and associated trace elements in Guangzhou, China

PM10 and PM2.5 samples were collected in the indoor environments of four hospitals and their adjacent outdoor environments in Guangzhou, China during the summertime. The concentrations of 18 target elements in particles were also quantified. The results showed that indoor PM2.5 levels with an average of 99 μg m − 3 were significantly higher than outdoor PM2.5 standard of 65 μg m − 3 recommended by USEPA [United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Air and Radiation, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Fact Sheet. EPA's Revised Particulate Matter Standards, 17, July 1997] and PM2.5 constituted a large fraction of indoor respirable particles (PM10) by an average of 78% in four hospitals. High correlation between PM2.5 and PM10 ( R 2 of 0.87 for indoors and 0.90 for outdoors) suggested that PM2.5 and PM10 came from similar particulate emission sources. The indoor particulate levels were correlated with the corresponding outdoors ( R 2 of 0.78 for PM2.5 and 0.67 for PM10), demonstrating that outdoor infiltration could lead to direct transportation into indoors. In addition to outdoor infiltration, human activities and ventilation types could also influence indoor particulate levels in four hospitals. Total target elements accounted for 3.18–5.56% of PM2.5 and 4.38–9.20% of PM10 by mass, respectively. Na, Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ti were found in the coarse particles, while K, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, As and Se existed more in the fine particles. The average indoor concentrations of total elements were lower than those measured outdoors, suggesting that indoor elements originated mainly from outdoor emission sources. Enrichment factors (EF) for trace element were calculated to show that elements of anthropogenic origins (Zn, Pb, As, Se, V, Ni, Cu and Cd) were highly enriched with respect to crustal composition (Al, Fe, Ca, Ti and Mn). Factor analysis was used to identify possible pollution source-types, namely street dust, road traffic and combustion processes.

Trace metals in aerosol at Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

Atmospheric particulate with an aerodynamic diameter <10 microm (PM10) was sampled continuously during the austral summers of 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 at a coastal site near to the Italian base of Terra Nova, Antarctica. Li, Pb, Cd, U, Ba, Bi, Cs, Rb, Tl, Sr, Al, V, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Ag were determined by inductively coupled sector field mass spectroscopy (ICP-SFMS) after sample digestion by a combination of HF, HNO3, and H2O2 in ultraclean conditions. Quality control of the analytical procedure was carried out by blank control, by evaluating the limits of detection, recoveries and repeatability. Concentrations found are extremely low for most metals, confirming the high purity of Antarctic aerosol. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlights high correlations among Pb, Cr, Bi, Cu and Zn concentration values and among Li, U, Ba, Cs, Rb, Al, V, Fe, Mn, Co concentration values permitting the identification of two principal source groups, namely crustal dust and human emission activities. Elements of anthropogenic origins (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) were highly enriched with respect to their crustal composition.