Industrial Emissions Research Articles

Assessment of sulfate and nitrate variations in China during 19902020: Insights into source contributions and formation pathways.

Assessment of sulfate and nitrate variations in China during 19902020: Insights into source contributions and formation pathways.

Evaluating the representativeness of atmospheric PM2.5 data for indoor exposure: insights from concentrations, chemical compositions, and sources.

Evaluating the representativeness of atmospheric PM2.5 data for indoor exposure: insights from concentrations, chemical compositions, and sources.

Atmospheric microplastics deposition in a central Indian city: Distribution, characteristics and seasonal variations.

Atmospheric microplastics deposition in a central Indian city: Distribution, characteristics and seasonal variations.

Distribution and potential sources of iodine in particulate matter at an industrial city in Northwest China.

Distribution and potential sources of iodine in particulate matter at an industrial city in Northwest China.

Wildfire smoke, risk mitigation behaviors, and cancer risk: A community-based study.

e23152 Background: California’s San Joaquin Valley has the worst air quality in the U.S., exacerbated by hazards, such as wildfires. Wildfire smoke is associated with increased risks of lung and other cancers. Outdoor workers, children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at-risk, compounded by inequitable access to healthcare and preventive services, such as lung cancer screening. This qualitative and expert panel methods study aimed to (1) examine impacts of wildfire smoke on at-risk populations, particularly regarding cancer risks, and (2) identify and prioritize solutions to reduce health impacts. The overall objective is to identify modifiable solutions that can be implemented, tested, and advocated for by community members for local policy change. Methods: We collaborated with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) comprised of multi-level interested groups to conduct semi-structured interviews in English and Spanish with 48 community members, outdoor workers, employers, clinicians, payers, and policymakers. Interviews explored health impacts and solutions to poor air quality in the region exacerbated by seasonal wildfire smoke. We used thematic analysis to identify key challenges and solutions. Using RAND Expert Panel Modified Delphi Methods, with our CAB, we rated effectiveness, feasibility, and implementation costs of proposed solutions on a 10-point scale (0 being least effective, feasible, and most costly and 10 being most effective, feasible, and least costly). After initial ratings, the panel refined their ratings through group discussion to achieve consensus. Results: We identified the following themes 1) concerns about impacts on youth; 2) limited awareness of health impacts; and 3) local healthcare shortages and lack of affordable care. Solution themes included: 1) adaptable work schedules for outdoor workers; 2) stricter regulation of pesticide use and industrial emissions; 3) targeted education on air quality risks and 4) expanded access to affordable lung cancer screening. Solutions agreed upon by the expert panel as most effective included: 1) training Community Health Workers to bridge care gaps (mean ± SD, 8.9 ± 1.4); 2) development of comfortable, heat-feasible protective equipment (8.9 ± 1.1); 3) provision of air purifiers (8.7 ± 1.3); 4) utility discounts for households with air filter use (8.7 ± 1.0), and, 5) training for outdoor workers on risks and protective equipment use (8.6 ± 1.0). Conclusions: Community-driven strategies that are identified and agreed upon across multi-level interested groups are urgently needed to address cancer risks posed by poor air quality due to wildfires.

Black Carbon Nanoparticles in Atmospheric Aerosols: Update on Functional Groups

Aerosols are fine particles in the atmosphere produced by nature or man-made like fog, forest exudates, industrial emissions, biomass burning, and dust. Aerosols can change the earth's climate, and the formation of clouds, and may reduce the rain as they circulate in the atmosphere. Black carbon, also called soot is the dominant form of particles in the atmosphere which absorb light. They are fine particles and are smaller than dust and mold particles. Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in soot particles result in substantial health complications even at small concentrations. Atmospheric pollution is an interesting subject as it is related to the problem of global warming. Particularly carbon aerosols can decide the condition of climate since the oxidation of these particles will result in the toxicity of atmospheric particulates. The processes involved in the atmosphere can be predicted through the analysis of these aerosols. Black carbon absorbs light of short wavelengths, and it enters into the stratosphere which causes climate change. The properties of black carbon obtained from various measurements provide information about the atmosphere's constituents. Raman spectroscopy is widely used for the identification of functional groups of atmospheric aerosols. The formation and properties of carbon aerosols obtained through these techniques will be used to explain the oxidation and particle-phase reactions of carbon aerosols. Carbon aerosols affect human health because of various factors such as chemical aging. In this review article, carbon nanoparticles present in the atmosphere, the analysis of those particles using Raman spectroscopy, and their implications on human health as well as climate change are discussed through various reports.

Oxidative potential of ambient particulate matter from community sites in Alberta's oil sands region.

Oxidative potential of ambient particulate matter from community sites in Alberta's oil sands region.

Network effects on the decoupling of carbon emissions in the power industry and power generation: A case study of China

Network effects on the decoupling of carbon emissions in the power industry and power generation: A case study of China

From input to transformation: Investigating the dynamic evolution of volatile organic compounds and driving mechanisms during sandstorms.

From input to transformation: Investigating the dynamic evolution of volatile organic compounds and driving mechanisms during sandstorms.

Industrial heat island and carbon emissions: machine learning-based environmental impact assessment in Cilegon, Indonesia

Industrial heat island and carbon emissions: machine learning-based environmental impact assessment in Cilegon, Indonesia

Association between PM2.5 air pollution and social deprivation in Western Pennsylvania.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is a leading environmental cause of morbidity, premature mortality, and loss of human capital. Western Pennsylvania experiences elevated PM2.5 concentrations due to industrial and automotive emissions and a unique geography. To assess the relationship between annual mean PM2.5 concentration and social deprivation at the census block group level in the eight counties of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland). 2016 Aerosol Optical Depth modeled PM2.5 data were obtained at a 1 × 1 km resolution from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Socio-Economic Data and Applications Center and spatially joined to the 2,008 census block groups that comprise the eight counties of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area. Using the University of Wisconsin Area Deprivation Index, census block groups were stratified into deciles ranging from 1 (least deprived) to 10 (most deprived). A pairwise comparison was conducted to examine the relationship between annual mean PM2.5 estimates and social deprivation within and across deciles. The average ambient PM2.5 concentration for the eight counties was 8.54 ± 0.46 µg/m3, with block-group concentrations ranging from 5.59 to 15.90 µg/m3. We identified a statistically significant, positive association between PM2.5 concentration and social deprivation: group 1, representing the least deprived neighborhoods, had the lowest mean PM2.5 concentration of 8.70 µg/m³. In contrast, group 10, representing the most deprived areas, had the highest mean PM2.5 concentration of 9.58 µg/m³ and was the only group with a PM2.5 concentration significantly higher than all other deciles. The association between PM2.5 exposure and social deprivation remained statistically significant, even after applying a false discovery rate correction. In Western Pennsylvania, PM2.5 exposure is significantly associated with social deprivation. Our results indicate that the relationship between PM2.5 and area deprivation in urban US Census block groups was strongest in areas with high levels of deprivation. Future policy interventions should prioritize addressing the unique needs of minority communities that are disproportionately exposed to elevated levels of air pollution.

The sources of bioavailable toxic metals in sediments regulated their aggregated form, environmental responses and health risk-a case study in Liujiang River Basin, China.

The sources of bioavailable toxic metals in sediments regulated their aggregated form, environmental responses and health risk-a case study in Liujiang River Basin, China.

How is decoupling status and carbon inequality? Exploring the relationship between provincial industrial carbon emissions and economic development in China

How is decoupling status and carbon inequality? Exploring the relationship between provincial industrial carbon emissions and economic development in China

Refining source-specific lung cancer risk assessment from PM2.5-bound PAHs: Integrating component-based potency factors and machine learning in Ningbo, China.

Refining source-specific lung cancer risk assessment from PM2.5-bound PAHs: Integrating component-based potency factors and machine learning in Ningbo, China.

Enrichment and geo-accumulation of trace and heavy metals in surface sediments along urbanised Austral wetlands

Urban wetlands are often polluted by heavy and trace metals being discharged from industries, urbanisation and agriculture, which tend to alter the sediment quality. Sediments are important as they act as a sink for nutrients in aquatic environments. Wetlands play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, preventing floods and droughts, providing shelter for various animals and plants and supporting human well-being through essential services such as carbon sequestration and water purification. The present study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal distribution and sediment pollution indices of trace and heavy metals in surface sediments and identify potential sources of contamination in urbanised Austral wetlands. Sediment samples were collected within the Riverside’s Wetlands, City of Nelspruit, South Africa, across three seasons (i.e. hot–dry, hot–wet and cool–dry seasons). A multivariate principal component analysis was used to determine the metal relationship. The metal pollution indices, such as contamination factor, enrichment factor, geo-accumulation factor and pollution load index were used to determine the pollution of metals in the sediments across different sites among seasons. The study found that only the lower Na concentration was observed during the cool-dry season, which was lower compared to the concentrations of other metals. The pollution indices indicated that wetland sediments were highly contaminated, mainly with Mn, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Al and Fe, especially during the cool–dry season. The current study highlights an urgent need to come up with immediate measures to control severe heavy metal pollution from the industrial emission into the wetlands. Those immediate measures should be carried out to minimise the rate of contamination and extent of future metal contamination.

Distribution of trace and toxic element monitoring in soil samples from the lesser Himalayan region of India, pollution indices and source identification

Monitoring toxic and trace elements in soil is vital for environmental protection, agricultural productivity, and regulatory compliance, yet tailored methodologies for comprehensive soil analysis are limited, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like Uttarakhand’s Lesser Himalayas. This study aimed to optimize XRF-based methods for analyzing 22 elements in soil samples from 35 locations in Uttarakhand, categorized as trace (Ni, Pb, Cu, As, Sc, Co, Br, Cs, U), minor (Zn, Ba, Mn, Zr, Rb, Ce, Sr, Cr, V), and major (Al, Fe, K, Mg). XRF parameters, including operating voltage, tube current, counting time, and sample environment, were systematically adjusted using one primary filter (W) and four secondary targets (Si, Ti, Zr, Ge). Pollution indices such as the contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, and pollution load index revealed varying degrees of contamination linked to anthropogenic activities, including industrial emissions, agriculture, and traffic. Principal component analysis (PCA) attributed these elemental variations to both natural soil composition and human influences. The study not only provided optimized analytical methods for soil analysis but also highlighted significant pollution concerns, emphasizing the need for sustained monitoring and mitigation strategies to safeguard soil health in the region.Graphical

Boosting the Photothermal Oxidation of Multicomponent VOCs in Humid Conditions: Synergistic Mechanism of Mn and K in Different Oxygen Activation Pathways.

The complexity of actual industrial emissions has brought significant challenges for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) purification. Herein, Mn and K atoms were incorporated into Co3O4/TiO2 through theoretical study, and its excellent properties were verified in experiments. The different pathways of oxygen activation by Mn and K were revealed by characterization experiments and theoretical calculations. Mn species effectually reduced the dissociation energy barrier of H2O adsorbed on the surface, and the surface hydroxyl group promoted the dissociation of O2 and the formation of •O2- under light and humid conditions. The introduction of K promoted the formation of more oxygen vacancies, which served as adsorption sites for gaseous O2. Meanwhile, the electron transfer accelerated by K contributed to the activation of H2O and the rapid production of •OH under light. The synergistic effect of Mn and K successfully achieved simultaneous improvements in the activity, stability, and water resistance of Co3O4/TiO2. Furthermore, the catalyst was applied to the degradation of multicomponent VOCs, and the reaction path was analyzed through the test of intermediates, along with an investigation of the interaction among different types of VOCs. This study provided a new idea for the theoretical optimization of polymetallic catalysts and the analysis of degradation paths for multicomponent VOCs.

Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic porous adsorbents for oil-water separation: a comprehensive review of materials, fabrication techniques, and performance assessments.

The risk of water pollution from oil and chemical spills is rapidly increasing due to the development of marine and industrial activities. In addition to economic losses in the industry, oil and organic waste emissions have detrimental effects on vegetation, wildlife, the environment, air quality, and groundwater. These impacts pose a significant threat to human life and health. Oil pollution removal and destruction have been identified as crucial issues for protecting the environment and minimizing their negative effects on socio-economic activities. So far, a wide range of methods have been investigated to minimize oil pollutants in water resources. Recently, the design and development of porous, lightweight adsorbents with hydrophobic and oleophilic characteristics have gained significant attention. These materials are valued for their high adsorption capacity, selectivity, reusability, and efficient adsorption speed on a large scale. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of porous and hydrophobic adsorbents used in water and oil separation based on the surface adsorption mechanism. The basic challenges of this type of adsorbent for separating oil from water were presented as a starting point for discussion. In the following, influential parameters such as the type of adsorbents, hydrophobic agents, binding agents, the role of nanoparticles, and preparation methods were used. Finally, potential solutions for the development of hydrophobic and oleophilic porous materials with improved application in oil-water separation were presented. Hydrophobic and oleophilic porous materials are expected to be more widely used in the industry to separate oil from water in the future.

Correlation of exposure to volatile organic compounds with myocardial infarction: A Cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2011–2018

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly referred to as a heart attack, ranks among the foremost causes of death worldwide. The contribution of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to MI is still not well established. This study aims to examine how urinary metabolites of 19 volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) correlate with MI risk in the ordinary population. The data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning from 2011 to 2018, a nationally representative program conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect and assess the health and nutritional status of the non-institutionalized U.S. population through interviews and physical examinations. The relationship between a single mVOC and MI was analyzed by applying a logistic regression model. The nonlinear relationship between a single mVOC and MI was investigated with the help of a restricted cubic spline regression model. The overall association between mVOCs and MI was examined using a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model. The analysis included 5,211 participants, among whom 209 experienced MI, with mVOC levels assessed. A positive association between N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine (3HPMA) [OR, 1.95; 95% CI, (1.06, 3.58)] and MI incidence was observed after adjustment for potential confounders. Similarly, N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine (CYMA) was also significantly associated with MI incidence [OR, 1.8; 95% CI, (1.14, 2.83)]. Each incremental unit increase in WQS was linked to a 20.4% rise in MI risk (95% CI, 1.05, 1.38). Among them, N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (DHBMA), N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-L-cysteine (CEMA), CYMA, N-acetyl-S-(phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (PHEMA), 3HPMA, and 3- and 4-methylhippuric acid (3,4MHA) were identified as key contributors, with DHBMA showing the highest weight (0.27). mVOCs are metabolic derivatives of VOC exposure, with common sources including industrial emissions, environmental pollution, and tobacco combustion. The findings revealed a significant association between urinary mVOCs and MI, implying exposure to these compounds may be linked to an increased MI risk.

The Synergistic Utilization of Glass Aggregates and Glass Powder on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Concrete.

Enhancing the utilization rate of waste glass in concrete is crucial for achieving solid waste reduction and low carbon emissions in the construction industry. This study employs the method of simultaneously replacing fine aggregate and cementitious materials in concrete with glass sand and glass powder to prepare composite waste glass concrete (CGC). The compressive strength, alkali-silicate expansion, and thermal properties of CGC were investigated experimentally. The experimental results show that the pozzolanic activity of fine glass powder in CGC can effectively mitigate the ASR reaction, enhance glass utilization, and allow the glass content to reach up to 17.79% of the total concrete mass. The thermal conductivity of the compounded waste glass concrete decreased linearly with increasing temperature, and the specific heat capacity showed three distinct peaks in the range of 180-800 °C, which were caused by chemical dehydration, quartz phase transition, and CaCO3 decarbonization, respectively. Furthermore, to examine the impact of replacement mode on the high-temperature resistance of waste glass concrete, the residual strength, physical properties, and microstructure of the concrete were evaluated. It was found that the residual strength ratio of CGC (0.73) exhibited a distinct advantage at 600 °C. At this time, the melting effect of glass can reduce the pore size of concrete and transform large pores into capillary pores. However, as the temperature rises to 800 °C, the melting effect of glass no longer alleviates the high-temperature damage to concrete, and the degree of decomposition of hydration products determines the concrete strength.