Increase In Particulate Matter Concentrations Research Articles

Direct Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution Worsens the Functional Status of Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background The effect of air pollutants on the functional status of stroke patients in short-term follow-up is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of air pollution occurring in the stroke period and during hospitalization on the functional status of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods Our study included stroke patients for which the individual-level exposure to ambient levels of O3, CO, SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10 during the acute stroke period was assessed. The correlations between the air pollutants’ concentration and the patients’ functional state were analyzed. A total of 499 stroke patients (mean age: 70) were qualified. Results The CO concentration at day of stroke onset was found to be significant regarding the functional state of patients on the 10th day (OR 0.014 95% CI 0–0.908, p = 0.048). The parameters which increased the risk of death in the first 10 days were as follows: NIHSS (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.15–1.42; p < 0.001), intracranial bleeding (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.75–9.76; p = 0.001), and SO2 concentration on day 2 (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02–1.47; p = 0.03). The parameters which increased the mortality rate within 90 days include age (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02–1.13; p = 0.005) and NIHSS (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.19–1.63; p < 0.001). Conclusions Exposure to air pollution with CO and SO2 during the acute stroke phase has adverse effects on the patients’ functional status. A combination of parameters, such as neurological state, hemorrhagic transformation, and SO2 exposure, is unfavorable in terms of the risk of death during a hospitalization due to stroke. The risk of a worsened functional status of patients in the first month of stroke rises along with the increase in particulate matter concentrations within the first days of stroke.

Personal exposure assessment to deep-frying cooking-generated particulate matter using various cooking oils

Cooking-generated particulate matter (PM) is important to study due to the health hazards caused to exposed individuals. Cooking oils have been reported as a significant contributor to cooking emissions. Moreover, deep-frying cooking has been shown to cause a significant increase in PM concentration. Thereby, a pilot study was conducted in controlled environmental conditions to assess personal exposure to deep-frying cooking-generated PM for five different types of oils, i.e., soybean, peanut, saffola, mustard, and olive oil. Concentrations of cooking-generated PM and their average daily dose (ADD) were evaluated for males and females. In addition, morphological and chemical analysis of cooking-generated PM was also conducted. The findings of this study indicated that PM emissions were the highest for olive oil, followed by mustard, saffola, and peanut, and the lowest for soybean oil. Moreover, ADD was found more in females than males because of the lesser inhalation rate to body weight ratio of females. Results of the morphological analysis of cooking-generated PM revealed a variety of particle shapes, including spherical, rod, and irregular particles for the various oils. Moreover, chemical composition analysis showed a number of toxic elements present in oils, such as Zn, Cr, Ba, and Al. Importantly, the lowest percentage of toxic elements was observed in olive oil, indicating that olive oil is the most healthy option for cooking. Overall, this study's results provide valuable insights into the personal exposure associated with Indian cooking conditions in order to develop mitigation strategies for harmful cooking fumes.

Air pollution monitoring with Tradescantia hybrid and optical sensors in Curitiba and Araucária, Brazil

Abstract Complex mixtures of substances are in the atmosphere and they can cause diseases in humans and biological communities after acute or chronic exposition. This paper focuses on the physical measurement of particulate matter, a proxy for air pollution, and a biological method for mutation assessment due to plants’ exposure to air pollution. The objective of this research was to characterize the air pollution seasonality in municipalities in southern Brazil, and also to understand the relation between air pollution and the biological response of the Tradescantia sp. clone 4430. The optical sensor SDS011 was used for measurements of particulate matter (PM) and the Trad-SHM bioassay was chosen to quantify the mutagenic alterations that occurred in stamen hairs during the study period, with PM data being measured every 5 seconds and the flowers being harvested approximately every two weeks for laboratory analysis. The Pearson test was applied to verify the correlation between PM and mutations in stamen hair as a result of which it was observed that there is a positive correlation between these data, with the highest value found being r = 0.61. Also, the period with the highest occurrence of pink cells was between autumn and spring, the same period in which an unusual increase in PM concentrations was also observed, a period that corresponds to a less favorable dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. The use of Tradescantia sp. clone 4430 showed sensitivity to the environments in which it was exposed. Biomonitoring is an important tool for understanding the effects of pollutants on the ecosystem.

Effects of Particulate Matter on the Risk of Gestational Hypertensive Disorders and Their Progression.

Associations between particulate matter (PM) and gestational hypertensive disorders (GHDs) are well documented, but there is no evidence on the associations between PM and GHD progression, especially among those with assisted reproductive technology (ART) conceptions. To explore the effects of PM on the risk of GHDs and their progression among pregnant women with natural or ART conception, we enrolled 185,140 pregnant women during 2014-2020 in Shanghai and estimated the associations during different periods using multivariate logistic regression. During the 3 months of preconception, 10 μg/m3 increases in PM concentrations were associated with increased risks of gestational hypertension (GH) (PM2.5: aOR = 1.076, 95% CI: 1.034-1.120; PM10: aOR = 1.042, 95% CI: 1.006-1.079) and preeclampsia (PM2.5: aOR = 1.064, 95% CI: 1.008-1.122; PM10: aOR = 1.048, 95% CI: 1.006-1.092 ) among women with natural conception. Furthermore, for women with ART conceptions who suffered current GHD, 10 μg/m3 increases in PM concentrations in the third trimester elevated the risk of progression (PM2.5: aOR = 1.156, 95% CI: 1.022-1.306 ; PM10: aOR = 1.134, 95% CI: 1.013-1.270). In summary, women with natural conception should avoid preconceptional PM exposure to protect themselves from GH and preeclampsia. For women with ART conceptions suffering from GHD, it is necessary to avoid PM exposure in late pregnancy to prevent the disease from progressing.

Abundance and cultivable bioaerosol transport from a municipal solid waste landfill area and its risks

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, constituting the third largest anthropogenic sources of bioaerosols, are suspected to be one of the major contributors to adverse health outcomes. A regional modeling of aerosol trajectories based on wind-tunnel observations and on-site monitoring was newly-developed to uncover the impacts of a typical MSW landfill on ambient bioaerosol pollution. Results showed that the horizontal diffusion velocity of bioaerosols reached 4.33 times higher than the vertical velocity under surface calm winds. On-site monitoring revealed that the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 μm were 3.05 times higher than those of PM1.0 in the 2.8-km downwind residential regions near the MSW landfill. With the increase in PM concentration, higher-abundance microorganisms were detected. A number of cultivable bacterial species (Micrococcus endophyticus, Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Salmonella entericaserovar typhi, Rhodococcus hoagie, Blastococcups) and fungal species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, Microascus cirrosus, Cochliobolus, Stemphylium vesicarium) were identified in these bioaerosols. Furthermore, distinguished by transmission electron microscopy, a longer-range transported microorganism (E. coli) clinging onto suspended PM was observed, signifying higher exposure risks. Human health risk assessments demonstrate that the residents and occupational workers in the vicinity of MSW landfill endured atmospheric diffusion-induced bioaerosol exposure risks due to open dumping activities in MSW landfill. This study clearly indicates bioaerosol pollution from landfills, and people particularly living nearby the MSW facilities, must decrease outdoor activities during dusty days.

Assessment of particulate matter inhalation during the trip process with the considerations of exercise load

A Particulate Matter (PM) inhalation model considering exercise load is established to evaluate the impact of PM on residents' travel health. The study chooses PM detectors to collect PM concentrations at the various transportation space, including walking, bicycle, bus, taxi, and subway. A multiple linear regression model revised by road greening is utilized to study the influence factors that have a potential impact on the PM concentration. The air inhalation model with the consideration of exercise load can be acquired by connecting the heart rate (HR) and individual characteristics. The PM2.5 and PM10 inhalation for a complete trip of traveler can be estimated using the proposed model based on air inhalation per time unit, travel time, and PM concentration. The analysis results using the experimental data in Xi'an indicate that PM concentrations in taxi carriage, bus carriage, and subway carriage are significantly different from those obtained from environmental monitoring stations. However, the difference is not significant in the locations of sidewalk, non-motorized lane, taxi station, bus station, subway concourse, and subway platform. PM concentration and humidity in background environment have a positive influence on the increase of PM concentration in transportation environment, while temperature and wind speed are negative. The mean values of air inhalation per time unit for male and female using each mode are in the range of 9.6–26.8 L/min and 9.8–27.8 L/min, respectively. Exposure time in non-motorized transportation has a large effect on PM inhalation of travelers, walking connections and waiting in motorized transportation are the main contributing states to PM inhalation of travelers. The results of the study can be used to predict travelers' PM inhalation in completed trips, and provide recommendations for travelers to choose a healthier mode.

Urban Particulate Matter Hazard Mapping and Monitoring Site Selection in Nablus, Palestine

Few air pollution studies have been applied in the State of Palestine and all showed an increase in particulate matter concentrations above WHO guidelines. However, there is no clear methodology for selecting monitoring locations. In this study, a methodology based on GIS and locally calibrated low-cost sensors was tested. A GIS-based weighted overlay summation process for the potential sources of air pollution (factories, quarries, and traffic), taking into account the influence of altitude and climate, was used to obtain an air pollution hazard map for Nablus, Palestine. To test the methodology, eight locally calibrated PM sensors (AirUs) were deployed to measure PM2.5 concentrations for 55 days from 7 January to 2 March 2022. The results of the hazard map showed that 82% of Nablus is exposed to a high and medium risk of PM pollution. Sensors’ readings showed a good match between the hazard intensity and PM concentrations. It also shows an elevated PM2.5 concentrations above WHO guidelines in all areas. In summary, the overall average for PM2.5 in the Nablus was 48 µg/m3. This may indicate the effectiveness of mapping methodology and the use of low-cost, locally calibrated sensors in characterizing air quality status to identify the potential remediation options.

Different Mortality Risks of Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Matter across Different Cancer Sites

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution has challenged the global community and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified airborne particulate matter as carcinogenic to humans. However, while most studies of cancer examined a single cancer type using different cohorts, few studies compared the associations of PM between different cancer types. We aimed to compare the association of long-term exposure to PM (PM10 and PM2.5) and cancer mortality across 17 different types of cancer using a population-based cohort in the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA), South Korea; Our study population includes 87,608 subjects (mean age: 46.58 years) residing in the SMA from the National Health Insurance Services–National Sample cohort (NHIS–NSC) and followed up for 2007–2015. We used the time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of each cancer mortality per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM concentrations, after adjusting for individual and areal characteristics. During eight years of follow-up, 1487 people died with any of 17 cancer types. Lung cancer death was the highest, followed by liver and stomach cancer. Although we did not find the association for all cancer types, possibly because of limited cancer cases, HRs of PM2.5 were relatively high for lung, stomach, pancreas, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate, esophagus, oral and pharynx, and brain cancer mortality (HRs = 1.44–7.14). High HRs for pancreas, non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma, esophagus, and oral and pharynx cancer were also seen for PM10; our findings suggest PM air pollution as a potential risk factor of cancer mortality for upper digestive tracts, mouth, pancreas, and non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a highly urbanized population with high exposure to PM for a long time.

Increased Shamal winds and dust activity over the Arabian Peninsula during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020.

While anthropogenic pollutants have decreased during the lockdown imposed as an effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), changes in particulate matter (PM) do not necessarily exhibit the same tendency. This is the case for the eastern Arabian Peninsula, where in March–June 2020, and with respect to the same period in 2016–2019, a 30 % increase in PM concentration is observed. A stronger than normal nocturnal low-level jet and subtropical jet over parts of Saudi Arabia, in response to anomalous convection over the tropical Indian Ocean, promoted enhanced and more frequent episodes of Shamal winds over the Arabian Peninsula. Increased surface winds associated with the downward mixing of momentum to the surface fostered, in turn, dust lifting and increased PM concentrations. The stronger low-level winds also favoured long-range transport of aerosols, changing the PM values downstream. The competing effects of reduced anthropogenic and increased dust concentrations leave a small positive signal (<5 W m−2) in the net surface radiation flux (Rnet), with the former dominating during daytime and the latter at night. However, in parts of the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman and Iran Rnet increased by >20 W m−2 with respect to the baseline period, owing to a clearer environment and weaker winds. It is concluded that a reduction in anthropogenic emissions due to the lockdown does not necessarily go hand in hand with lower particulate matter concentrations. Therefore, emissions reduction strategies need to account for feedback effects in order to reach the planned long-term outcomes.

Particulate matter pollution associated with schizophrenia hospital re-admissions: a time-series study in a coastal Chinese city.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) hospital re-admissions constitute a serious disease burden worldwide. Some studies have reported an association between air pollutants and hospital admissions for SCZ. However, evidence is scarce regarding the effects of ambient particulate matter (PM) on SCZ hospital re-admissions, especially in coastal cities in China. The purpose of this study was to examine whether PM affects the risk of SCZ hospital re-admission in the coastal Chinese city of Qingdao. Daily SCZ hospital re-admissions, daily air pollutants, and meteorological factors from 2015 to 2019 were collected. A quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was applied to model the exposure-lag-response relationship between PM and SCZ hospital re-admissions. The relative risks (RRs) were estimated for an inter-quartile range (IQR) increase in PM concentrations. Subgroup analyses by age and gender were conducted to identify the vulnerable subgroups. There were 6220 SCZ hospital re-admissions during 2015-2019. The results revealed that PM, including PM10 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm), PMc (particles >2.5 μm but <10 μm), and PM2.5 (particles ≤2.5 μm), was positively correlated with SCZ hospital re-admissions. The strongest single-day effects all occurred on lag3 day, and the corresponding RRs were 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.11) for PM10, 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00-1.07) for PMc, and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.09) for PM2.5 per IQR increase. Stronger associations were observed in males and younger individuals (<45 years). Our findings suggest that PM exposure is associated with increased risk of SCZ hospital re-admission. Active intervention measures against PM exposure should be taken to reduce the risk of SCZ hospital re-admission, especially for males and younger individuals.

Impact of particulate matter on the morbidity and mortalityand its assessment of economic costs

Kazakhstan's cities experience high concentrations levels of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), which is well-known for its highly detrimental effect on the human health. A further increase in PM concentrations in the future could lead to a higher air pollution-caused morbidity and mortality, causing an increase in healthcare expenditures by the government. However, to prevent elevated PM concentrations in the future, more stringent standards could be implemented by lowering current maximum allowable PM concentration limit to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)'s limits. Therefore, this study aims to find out what impact this change in environmental policy towards PM has on state economy in the long run. Future PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were estimated using multiple linear regression based on gross regional product (GRP) and population growth parameters. Dose-response model was based on World Health Organization's approach for the identification of mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs due to air pollution. Analysis of concentrations revealed that only 6 out of 21 cities of Kazakhstan did not exceed the EU limit on PM10 concentration. Changing environmental standards resulted in the 71.7% decrease in mortality and 77% decrease in morbidity cases in all cities compared to the case without changes in environmental policy. Moreover, the cost of morbidity and mortality associated with air pollution decreased by $669 million in 2030 and $2183 million in 2050 in case of implementation of OECD standards. Thus, changing environmental regulations will be beneficial in terms of both of mortality reduction and state budget saving.

Severe haze events in the Indo-Gangetic Plain during post-monsoon: Synergetic effect of synoptic meteorology and crop residue burning emission

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of haze events in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) during crop residue burning period has caused a serious reduction in atmospheric visibility and deteriorated air quality. The present study is carried out to investigate the haze event observed in IGP in Nov 2017 using ground-based observations, satellite data and synoptic meteorology to understand the possible factors responsible for haze formation. PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) concentrations and Air Quality Index (AQI) at two sites (Agra and Delhi) situated in the central Indo-Gangetic Plain (CIGP) showed a sudden increase in PM2.5 concentrations and deteriorated air quality during 7–14 Nov. To monitor the variation of particulate matter (PM) in IGP, PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm) concentrations were monitored at 22 stations in 12 cities of IGP during 1–15 Nov which also showed an increase in PM concentrations during haze event (7–14 Nov). Crop residue burning activities in north-west Indo-Gangetic Plain (NW-IGP) were observed during haze event. Synoptic weather conditions of IGP identified using geopotential height and wind at 700 hPa showed high-pressure systems and low winds in IGP favoring stagnant conditions during haze event. A detailed analysis of the variation of pollutants and meteorology was carried out at Agra. Ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) showed higher concentrations during haze event along with lower temperature, low wind speed and high relative humidity. Aerosol ionic composition showed a higher contribution (~84%) of Cl−, NO3−, SO42− and NH4+ to total soluble ions suggesting secondary aerosol formation during haze event.

Dynamics of environmental conditions during the decline of a &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cymodocea nodosa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; meadow

Abstract. The dynamics of the physicochemical and biological parameters were followed during the decline of a Cymodocea nodosa meadow in the northern Adriatic Sea from July 2017 to October 2018. During the regular growth of C. nodosa from July 2017 to March 2018, the species successfully adapted to the changes in environmental conditions and prevented H2S accumulation by its reoxidation, supplying the sediment with O2 from the water column and/or leaf photosynthesis. The C. nodosa decline was most likely triggered in April 2018 when light availability to the plant was drastically reduced due to increased seawater turbidity that resulted from increased terrigenous input, indicated by a decrease in salinity accompanied with a substantial increase in particulate matter concentration, combined with resuspension of sediment and elevated autotrophic biomass. Light reduction impaired photosynthesis of C. nodosa and the oxidation capability of belowground tissue. Simultaneously, a depletion of oxygen due to intense oxidation of H2S occurred in the sediment, thus creating anoxic conditions in most of the rooted areas. These linked negative effects on the plant performance caused an accumulation of H2S in the sediments of the C. nodosa meadow. During the decay of aboveground and belowground tissues, culminating in August 2018, high concentrations of H2S were reached and accumulated in the sediment as well as in bottom waters. The influx of oxygenated waters in September 2018 led to the re-establishment of H2S oxidation in the sediment and remainder of the belowground tissue. Our results indicate that if disturbances of environmental conditions, particularly those compromising the light availability, take place during the recruitment phase of plant growth when metabolic needs are at a maximum and stored reserves minimal, a sudden and drastic decline of the seagrass meadow occurs.

Impacto del polvo sahariano en la incidencia de síndrome coronario agudo

Introduction and objectivesAsian desert dust has recently been recognized as a trigger for acute myocardial infarction. The inflow of dust from the Sahara into Spain impairs air quality due to an increase in particulate matter concentrations in the ambient air. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether Saharan dust events are associated with the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients living near North Africa, the major global dust source. MethodsWe prospectively collected data on hospitalizations due to ACS in 2416 consecutive patients from a tertiary care hospital (Canary Islands, Spain) from December 2012 to December 2017. Concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter 10 microns or smaller (PM10) and reactive gases were measured in the European Air Quality Network implemented in the Canary Islands. We applied the time-stratified case crossover design using conditional Poisson regression models to estimate the impact of PM10 Saharan dust events on the incidence of ACS. ResultsThe occurrence of Saharan dust events observed 0 to 5 days before the onset of ACS was not significantly associated with the incidence of ACS. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of PM10 levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days before ACS onset (for changes in 10μg/m3) were 1.27 (95%CI, 0.87-1.85), 0.92 (95%CI, 0.84-1.01), 0.74 (95%CI, 0.45-1.22), 0.98 (95%CI, 0.87-1.11), and 0.95 (95%CI, 0.84-1.06), respectively. ConclusionsExposure to Saharan desert dust is unlikely to be associated with the incidence of ACS.

Impact of Saharan dust on the incidence of acute coronary syndrome

Introduction and objectivesAsian desert dust has recently been recognized as a trigger for acute myocardial infarction. The inflow of dust from the Sahara into Spain impairs air quality due to an increase in particulate matter concentrations in the ambient air. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether Saharan dust events are associated with the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients living near North Africa, the major global dust source. MethodsWe prospectively collected data on hospitalizations due to ACS in 2416 consecutive patients from a tertiary care hospital (Canary Islands, Spain) from December 2012 to December 2017. Concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter 10 microns or smaller (PM10) and reactive gases were measured in the European Air Quality Network implemented in the Canary Islands. We applied the time-stratified case crossover design using conditional Poisson regression models to estimate the impact of PM10 Saharan dust events on the incidence of ACS. ResultsThe occurrence of Saharan dust events observed 0 to 5 days before the onset of ACS was not significantly associated with the incidence of ACS. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of PM10 levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days before ACS onset (for changes in 10μg/m3) were 1.27 (95%CI, 0.87-1.85), 0.92 (95%CI, 0.84-1.01), 0.74 (95%CI, 0.45-1.22), 0.98 (95%CI, 0.87-1.11), and 0.95 (95%CI, 0.84-1.06), respectively. ConclusionsExposure to Saharan desert dust is unlikely to be associated with the incidence of ACS.

A review on the direct effect of particulate atmospheric pollution on materials and its mitigation for sustainable cities and societies.

Particulate matter (PM) has gained significant attention due to the increasing concerns related to their effects on human health. Although several reviews have shed light on the effect of PM on human health, their critical adverse effect on material's structure and sustainability was almost neglected. The current study is an attempt to fill this gap related to PM impact on structural materials under the overall consideration of sustainability. More specifically, this review highlights the existing knowledge by providing an overview on PM classification, composition, and sources in different locations around the world. Then, it focuses on PM soiling of surfaces such as solar panels due to an increasing need to mitigate the impact of soiling on reducing photovoltaic (PV) power output and financial competitiveness in dusty regions. This topic is of critical importance for sustainable deployment of solar energy in arid and desert areas around the world to help in reducing their impact on overall climate change and life quality. In addition, this review summarizes climate change phenomena driven by the increase of PM concentration in air such as radiative forcing and acid rain deposition due to their impact on human health, visibility and biodiversity. To this end, this work highlights the role of process management, choice of fuel, the implementation of clean technologies and urban vegetation as some possible sustainable mitigation policies to control PM pollution in cities and urban regions. This research is designed to conduct a comprehensive narrative literature review which targets broad spectrum of readers and new researchers in the field. Moreover, it provides a critical analysis highlighting the need to fill main research gaps in this domain. The findings of this review paper show that PM pollution imposes severe adverse impacts on materials, structures and climate which directly affect the sustainability of urban cities. The advantages of this review include the value of the extensive works that elaborate on the negative impacts of PM atmospheric pollution towards high level of public awareness, management flexibility, stakeholder's involvements, and collaboration between academy, research, and industry to mitigate PM impact on materials and human welfare.

Epidemiological Study on Respiratory Health of School Children of Rural Sites of Malwa Region (India) During Post-harvest Stubble Burning Events

A study on effects of particulate matter fractions (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) on health of school children was done from September 2014 to December 2015 covering one wheat and two rice crop seasons. The study was undertaken at 3 rural sites in the districts of Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur (Malwa region of Punjab). The monthly average values of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 were about 3–4 times higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) given by Central Pollution Control Board during the crop residue burning periods. The MODIS data images of crop residue burning events confirmed the active fire operations over the region. The lung function parameters (Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) of children (10–16 years) decreased with increase in particulate matter concentration while no significant effect was observed on Oxygen saturation level of children. The decrease in Forced Vital Capacity was slightly more in male subjects as compared to the female population. The sharp decrease in Pulmonary Function Test parameters during the crop residue burning period indicated the severity of the episodic burning events on the health of the children.

Analysis of Atmospheric Particulate Matter Pollution Characteristics by LIDAR in Beijing During Spring Festival, 2016

Real-time aerosol extinction retrieved by Micro-pulse LIDAR and concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in Beijing were analyzed to investigate the air quality during the Spring Festival. The results showed that fireworks on the New Year's Eve resulted in a sharp increase in particulate matter concentrations in a short time. The maximum concentration of PM2.5 at Guanyuan station was 639.3 μg·m-3, which increased by nearly 30 times in 9 h. The maximum hourly concentration of particulate matter at Dingling and Liulihe suburban stations were significantly higher than that in Guanyuan station, the maximum values were more than 1000 μg·m-3. The particulate matter levels were continuously high on February 10-12 and the concentration of particulate matter at Dingling and Liulihe suburban stations were higher than that at Guanyuan. LIDAR results showed no obvious changes in the extinction coefficient at Dingling on the New Year's Eve. The extinction coefficient at Liulihe was greater than 1 km-1, but the particulate matter pollution was concentrated at altitudes less than 400 m. The extinction coefficient at Chegongzhuang was still higher than 0.4 km-1 at 500 m; however, the duration of pollution was shorter than that of Liulihe. The extinction coefficients at 105 m at all three stations during the New Year's Eve were significantly higher than those at 405 m. There were significant differences in the vertical extinction characteristics of the three sites. The background maximum values of Dingling, Chegongzhuang, and Liulihe were 0.09 km-1, 0.20 km-1, and 0.19 km-1 under 1.0 km, respectively. The maximum extinction coefficients at 00:00 (midnight) were 0.23 km-1, 1.36 km-1, and 1.19 km-1, which were 2.6 times, 6.8 times, and 6.0 times higher than the background value at the same time, respectively. In summary, discharge of fireworks led to a dramatic increase in the extinction coefficient of particulate matter. Temperature inversion and lower wind speeds were the main meteorological factors that contributed to this pollution event.

Observing UK Bonfire Night pollution from space: analysis of atmospheric aerosol

UK Bonfire Night (BFN) is an annual event on 5 November which celebrates the failed ‘gunpowder plot’ of Guy Fawkes, who intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament. This event is celebrated with firework and bonfire displays, which reduce visibility and increase air pollutant concentrations. A two‐ to four‐fold increase in particulate matter concentrations was seen at some surface monitoring sites. Satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth found increases of 10–90% between days before and after BFN.

A model study of the pollution effects of the first 3 months of the Holuhraun volcanic fissure: comparison with observations and air pollution effects

Abstract. The volcanic fissure at Holuhraun, Iceland started at the end of August 2014 and continued for 6 months to the end of February 2015, with an extensive lava flow onto the Holuhraun plain. This event was associated with large SO2 emissions, amounting up to approximately 4.5 times the daily anthropogenic SO2 emitted from the 28 European Union countries, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland. In this paper we present results from EMEP/MSC-W model simulations to which we added 750 kg s−1 SO2 emissions at the Holuhraun plain from September to November (SON), testing three different emission heights. The three simulated SO2 concentrations, weighted with the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite averaging kernel, are found to be within 30 % of the satellite-observed SO2 column burden. Constraining the SO2 column burden with the satellite data while using the kernel along with the three simulated height distributions of SO2, we estimate that the median of the daily burdens may have been between 13 and 40 kt in the North Atlantic area under investigation. We suggest this to be the uncertainty in the satellite-derived burdens of SO2, mainly due to the unknown vertical distribution of SO2. Surface observations in Europe outside Iceland showed concentration increases up to &gt; 500 µg m−3 SO2 from volcanic plumes passing. Three well identified episodes, where the plume crossed several countries, are compared in detail to surface measurements. For all events, the general timing of the observed concentration peaks compared quite well to the model results. The overall changes to the European SO2 budget due to the volcanic fissure are estimated. Three-monthly wet deposition (SON) of SOx in the 28 European Union countries, Norway and Switzerland is found to be more than 30 % higher in the model simulation with Holuhraun emissions compared to a model simulation with no Holuhraun emissions. The largest increases, apart from extreme values on Iceland, are found on the coast of northern Norway, a region with frequent precipitation during westerly winds. Over a 3-month average (during SON 2014) over Europe, SO2 and PM2.5 surface concentrations, due to the volcanic emissions, increased by only ten and 6 % respectively. Although the percent increase of PM2.5 concentration is highest over Scandinavia and Scotland, an increase in PM exceedance days is found over Ireland and the already polluted Benelux region (up to 3 additional days), where any small increase in particulate matter concentration leads to an increase in exceedance days.