Atmospheric Air Samples Research Articles

Assessment of the adaptive capacity of children and adolescents in environmentally challenging conditions

BACKGROUND: A number of recent studies have demonstrated an increase in the number of children and adolescents with deviations in physical development attributing this increase to the effects of environmental pollution. The ability of children and adolescents to adapt to their environment can serve as an indicator of their physical development in unfavorable environmental conditions. AIM: To assess the physical development and adaptive capacity of children and adolescents living in regions with varying degrees of anthropogenic impact on the environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of the environmental situation in the Ulyanovsk region was carried out based on the author’s own research of atmospheric air, drinking water and soil samples collected from residential areas in 2009–2023. The study focused on identifying pollutants in the natural environment and calculating a comprehensive pollution indicator for each environmental component. In addition, a survey of schoolchildren in the Ulyanovsk region was conducted. Height, weight, chest circumference, body mass index, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. The adaptation capacity (AC) of the study participants was calculated using the Baevsky formula. RESULTS: Schoolchildren of both genders, who lived in regions with low level of anthropogenic impact on the environment, had higher values for morphological and functional characteristics than schoolchildren in regions with high degree of anthropogenic impact. Median AC values for boys and girls in the latter group were higher than those in the former, suggesting heightened adaptation mechanisms in environmentally disadvantaged areas. The differences in AC among girls closely mirrored those observed in boys, albeit across fewer age-groups, potentially indicating greater adaptive reserves in the latter group. CONCLUSION: Our findings can be used for sanitary and hygienic monitoring, prevention of childhood morbidity and the development of environmental strategies to reduce the adverse effects of environmental factors on public health.

Features of the chemical composition of fine suspended particles in the atmospheric air of residential and industrial zones of the city of Sibay, Republic of Bashkortostan

Introduction. Atmospheric particulate matter as a negative environmental factor can be a significant hazard depending on their size, morphometric and physicochemical characteristics. The purpose of the study. To investigate the elemental composition of finely dispersed suspended particles in the atmospheric air of the industrial zones of the mining center of the Bashkir Trans-Urals - the city of Sibay. Materials and methods. Air sampling was carried out in the industrial area of ​​Sibay using an AVA-3-240/180-01 automatic three-channel air aspirator with AFA-VP-20 filters. Microscopy of samples and determination of the elemental composition of dust emissions were carried out at the Interdisciplinary Center “Analytical Microscopy” of the Kazan Federal University (Kazan) on a universal analytical complex for scanning field emission electron microscopy Merlin (Carl Zeiss). Results. On electron micrographs, there were identified particles of various sizes, mostly round in shape with clear edges, located solitary. In the automatic mode of processing the spectra, the peaks of the elements in the spectrum were automatically recognized and identified. In addition to carbon and oxygen, the calcium, iron, silicon, potassium, aluminium, copper, sulphur, sodium and magnesium are main chemical constituents of particulate matter encountered at all sampling points. Zinc was present in dust samples at three points, scandium, titanium, cobalt, barium, and manganese – only at one point. The possibility of the relation between the content of fine particles in the air and the increased incidence of cardiovascular, bronchopulmonary diseases, including asthma, in the population of Sibay is discussed. Limitations. The study of the elemental composition of fine dust in the city of Sibay was carried out using atmospheric air samples taken at 5 points located in residential and industrial areas. Conclusion. The increased content of fine particles in the atmospheric air of the city of Sibay increases the risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as other health abnormalities, in the population permanently residing near industrial zones. The obtained data on the parameters of dust particles are the basis for assessing the share contribution of industrial enterprises to air pollution and making management decisions to improve the environmental situation in the industrial center of the mining region.

Hygienic aspects of mortality of the population of an industrial city

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

Atmospheric ground layer pollution by suspended solid particles in areas with different technogenic loads

Introduction. According to the World Health Organization ambient air pollution causes enormous harm to public health around the world. Atmospheric solid suspended particles are a heterogeneous mixture of substances with various dimensional, qualitative and quantitative parameters. They are a key indicator of air pollution, contributing to the bronchopulmonary pathology formation. At the moment, there is no general recommended ranking of the solid suspended particles amount in the atmospheric air.Aim. Determination of the SSP fractional content in the air ground layer in high and relatively low technogenic load areas of Vladivostok.Materials and methods. Atmospheric air samples were taken «in the breathing zone» using an electric aspirator. In the granulometric analysis of SSP, the particle size distribution, expressed as a percentage, and the mass concentration of fractions (μg/m3 ) were determined. The ranges of dimensions have been identified, taking into account the solid suspended particles possible origin and the expected pathophysiological features of their effect on the organism.Results. An area with a high technogenic load is characterized by the prevalence of particles with a diameter of up to 10 microns, which have the most pathogenic effect on the organism. In an area with a relatively low technogenic load, particles of larger fractions (10-25, 1000-2000 microns) predominate.Conclusion. Studying the solid suspended particles parameters in specific areas and establishing their influence cellular mechanisms can help in the development of new strategies for the prevention of environmentally-related pathologies.

MICROBIAL AIR POLLUTION IN POLTAVA

Regular monitoring of air quality indicators, including microbial composition, is crucial for public health and should be a cornerstone of national healthcare policy. However, existing scientific literature lacks comprehensive data on microbial air pollution in Ukraine, particularly in Poltava and its surrounding areas. This study aims to assess the level of microbial air pollution across various districts within Poltava city.
 Materials and methods. The Koch sedimentation method was used to assess the level of microbial air pollution in the districts of Poltava. For this purpose, atmospheric air sampling was taken in park zones of various districts in the city of Poltava during October 2023. For comparison, air samples were taken in deciduous and coniferous forests of villages adjacent to the city. According to the results of cultivation, the total microbial count (TCM) of the air in 1 m3 of each sample was calculated separately.
 Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out using the standard Microsoft Excel 2019 and GraphPad Prism Software 10.1.0 software packages. (US, 2023).
 Results. The study has revealed the greatest microbial pollution of atmospheric air was found in Pavlenkivskyi Park (Kyiv District, Poltava City). The air quality index of atmospheric air in Corpusnyi Park turned out to be 4 times lower, compared to the air index of the Kyiv district. During the cultivation of atmospheric air samples taken in the Voiniv-Afghantsiv park (Shevchenkivskyi district of the city), the TCM was determined to be 8.2 times lower than that of the Pavlenkivskyi park. Interestingly, the "Peremoha" park (Shevchenkivskyi district) exhibited the lowest levels of microbial contamination. Overall, the Podilskyi district demonstrated favorable air quality indicators, surpassed only by the "Peremoha" park. However, it's important to note the presence of hemolytic streptococci in this district, which poses a potential health risk.
 Conclusion. The highest level of microbial air pollution has been found in the Kyiv district of Poltava, the lowest level is within the boundaries of the Shevchenkivskyi district on the territory of the "Peremoha" park. Microbiological air quality in Poltava's park areas exhibits an inverse relationship with proximity to the city's central roads.

Особенности концентраций аэроаллергенов в городах и влияние на них температуры воздуха

Aim: to examine the content of plant pollen and fungal spores in the air of Karakol city (Kyrgyz Republic) during the seasons from 2015 to 2017. Materials and Methods: in the course of the aerobiological study, samples containing bioparticles (plant pollen and fungal spores) were collected from the air. The samples were identified to the genus or family level, or, in some cases, to the species level, and quantified by visual counting in the field of view of a microscope. A Lanzoni volumetric pollen and spore trap was placed on the roof of a building within the city borders (Karakol) at a height of 13 m above ground level, away from park areas and industrial enterprises. A total of 630 atmospheric air samples were collected from April to September in 2015-2017. Results: the taxa Artemisia spp., Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Pinus spp. exhibited the greatest abundance in the aerobiological spectrum of Karakol. Among the fungi, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium were the most prevalent. The majority of fungal spores (60–76%) were observed during the period from June to August. The absolute maximum of pollen in the air coincided with high temperature values in the area. The highest concentrations of Artemisia pollen were observed from mid to late July, which corresponded to an increase in the average daily air temperature over the study seasons. The highest Artemisia pollen content in the air (61–72%) for the study seasons was observed in Karakol at air temperatures ranging from 28.3 to 33.4°C. High temperatures contribute to the release of spores into the atmosphere. It can be observed that allergenic species of fungi are accumulated in urban environments rather than in natural areas. Conclusion: the quantitative and qualitative profile of pollen from the dominant species of allergenic plants and fungal spores in the air environment of Karakol city was determined in order to contribute to the study of the aerobiological situation. It is important to determine the impact of meteorological factors on the concentration of plant pollen and fungal spores. This will allow for the prediction of the behavior of aeroallergens in a changing climate. KEYWORDS: plant pollen, fungal spores, aerobiological monitoring, climate change, air temperature, biological air particles, aeroallergens. FOR CITATION: Osmonbaeva K.B., Churyukina E.V., Dzhambekova G.S., Nazarova E.V. Aeroallergen concentrations in urban areas and the effect of air temperature. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2024;8(3):124–131 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2024-8-3-2.

ASSESSING INFLUENCE EXERTED BY AMBIENT AIR POLLUTION ON PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Background. One of the factors influencing the health of the population, which is the object of one of the federal projects, is atmospheric air. Many studies have established that atmospheric air pollution with chemical impurities can cause the onset of a new or exacerbation of an existing pathology in humans.
 Purpose. Assess the impact of atmospheric air pollution on the health indicators of the population of the Russian Federation.
 Materials and methods. The hygienic assessment of atmospheric air quality was carried out using the data from Rospotrebnadzor form 18 for 2012-2021, data from the federal information fund for social and hygienic monitoring. The analysis of the primary morbidity of the population was carried out using statistical collections "The incidence of the entire population of Russia with a diagnosis established for the first time in life" for 2012-2021. The calculation of additional cases of population diseases associated with atmospheric air quality was performed in accordance with Methodological recommendations 5.1.0095-14.
 Results. For the period 2012-2021 on the territory of the Russian Federation, the share of atmospheric air samples that do not meet hygienic requirements decreased by 1.69 times. Priority substances for which excesses of standards are registered are: benz(a)pyrene, xylene, hydrogen chloride, nickel oxide, ozone, ethenylbenzene, hydrochloride, methanethiol, particulate matter, formaldehyde, etc. Improvement in atmospheric air quality has reduced the number of additional cases of disease from all causes associated with air pollution. The structure of additional morbidity associated with atmospheric air quality is dominated by diseases of the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. Additional cases of diseases of the population associated with air quality are registered, depending on the class of diseases, in the territories of 22-42 subjects of the Russian Federation.
 Conclusion. The results obtained can be used in the formation of monitoring programs aimed at reducing priority chemical impurities in the atmospheric air and developing programs for the primary prevention of the population from diseases associated with atmospheric air quality.

Твердые частицы как индикатор размещения постов наблюдения за загрязнением атмосферы в Мурманске

The article presents the results of field measurements and analysis of atmospheric air samples at 25 characteristic points on the territory of Murmansk in 2017—2018. For all particles taken from atmospheric air the researchers determine the granulometric, morphological and chemical composition using a high-resolution scanning electron microscope S-3400N Hitachi. They consider meteorological conditions as of the dates of sampling from the point of view of their effect on the dispersion of pollutants. The results made it possible to preliminary determine the regions on the territory of Murmansk that are most and least dependent on meteorological conditions, as well as to formulate recommendations for improving the atmospheric air monitoring network in Murmansk.

Clinical and Instrumental Characteristics of the Respiratory Organs System of the Kyrgyz Republic Population Living Under Conditions of Atmospheric Air Pollutants Exposure

Research relevance: clinical and instrumental methods are important components in determining the pathogenetic factors underlying clinical manifestations in disorder of the respiratory system. Long-term exposure to air pollution caused by transport, industrial facilities adversely affect the health conditions, in particular of respiratory system. Research objectives: to conduct a comparative analysis of clinical and instrumental signs of disorders of the respiratory system in residents of the regions of Kyrgyzstan with varying degrees of air pollution. Research materials and methods: atmospheric air pollution analysis was carried out in accordance with GOST 17.2.3.01-86. The content of dust, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide in the air was determined. Research results: an analysis of the incidence of respiratory organs diseases among the population was carried out in three areas of Kyrgyzstan, in which samples of atmospheric air were taken in the village Papan, village Gulbar of the Aravan district, near the Osh city. Conclusions: It is extremely important to constantly monitor the atmosphere composition and assess air quality, as well as efforts to its improvement. The development of a set of appropriate organizational and medical measures will certainly help improve the health status of the population.

CH4 isotopic signatures of emissions from oil and gas extraction sites in Romania

Methane (CH4) emissions to the atmosphere from the oil and gas sector in Romania remain highly uncertain despite their relevance for the European Union’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Measurements of CH4 isotopic composition can be used for source attribution, which is important in top-down studies of emissions from extended areas. We performed isotope measurements of CH4 in atmospheric air samples collected from an aircraft (24 locations) and ground vehicles (83 locations), around oil and gas production sites in Romania, with focus on the Romanian Plain. Ethane to methane ratios were derived at 412 locations of the same fossil fuel activity clusters. The resulting isotopic signals (δ13C and δ2H in CH4) covered a wide range of values, indicating mainly thermogenic gas sources (associated with oil production) in the Romanian Plain, mostly in Prahova county (δ13C from –67.8 ± 1.2 to –22.4 ± 0.04 ‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belmnite; δ2H from –255 ± 12 to –138 ± 11 ‰ Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water) but also the presence of some natural gas reservoirs of microbial origin in Dolj, Ialomiţa, Prahova, and likely Teleorman counties. The classification based on ethane data was generally in agreement with the one based on CH4 isotopic composition and confirmed the interpretation of the gas origin. In several cases, CH4 enhancements sampled from the aircraft could directly be linked to the underlying production clusters using wind data. The combination of δ13C and δ2H signals in these samples confirms that the oil and gas production sector is the main source of CH4 emissions in the target areas. We found that average CH4 isotopic signatures in Romania are significantly lower than commonly used values for the global fossil fuel emissions. Our results emphasize the importance of regional variations in CH4 isotopes, with implications for global inversion modeling studies.

Long-Term Studies of Biological Components of Atmospheric Aerosol: Trends and Variability

Background: Biological components of atmospheric aerosol affect the quality of atmospheric air. Long-term trends in changes of the concentrations of total protein (a universal marker of the biogenic component of atmospheric aerosol) and culturable microorganisms in the air are studied. Methods: Atmospheric air samples are taken at two locations in the south of Western Siberia and during airborne sounding of the atmosphere. Sample analysis is carried out in the laboratory using standard culture methods (culturable microorganisms) and the fluorescence method (total protein). Results: Negative trends in the average annual concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air are revealed over more than 20 years of observations. For the concentration of total protein and culturable microorganisms in the air, intra-annual dynamics is revealed. The ratio of the maximum and minimum values of these concentrations reaches an order of magnitude. The variability of concentrations does not exceed, as a rule, two times for total protein and three times for culturable microorganisms. At the same time, for the data obtained in the course of airborne sounding of the atmosphere, a high temporal stability of the vertical profiles of the studied concentrations was found. The detected biodiversity of culturable microorganisms in atmospheric air samples demonstrates a very high variability at all observation sites. Conclusions: The revealed long-term changes in the biological components of atmospheric aerosol result in a decrease in their contribution to the atmospheric air quality index.

ONCOLOGICAL DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH OSSETIA - ALANIA

Abstract. The atmospheric air of the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania is periodically polluted with sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, benzapyrene, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, lead, cadmium and zinc. Sources of pollution are the metalworking, woodworking industries, forestry and fuel economy, production of building materials. Environmental pollution is the cause of a number of environmentally-related diseases, including malignant neoplasms. The purpose of the study: to study the relationship between air pollution and cancer in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. To achieve this goal, epidemiological and sanitary-statistical research methods based on data from official documents and reports were used. The results of the study showed that industrial dust, aerosols and vehicle emissions released into the atmospheric air exceed the MPC, which leads to environmental pollution. In 2020, the share of atmospheric air samples exceeding the maximum one-time MPCs on highways and in the residential area was for suspended solids (2.8%), carbon monoxide (1.4%) and nitrogen dioxide (1.4%). The data obtained indicate the deterioration of the environmental situation, where the atmospheric air is a complex mixture of a wide range of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances that promote the growth of malignant neoplasms. In 2020, malignant neoplasms were first detected in 1974 cases, which is 283.2 per 100 thousand of the population, and in 2019 there were 2132 cases - 334.4. The first ranking place is occupied by breast cancer, followed by skin, trachea, bronchi, lung, colon, prostate, body of the uterus, stomach, rectum. Thus, there is a deterioration of the environmental situation due to air pollution and an increase in the level of both general and primary incidence of malignant neoplasms.

Natural and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric air pollution by asbestos fibers

Introduction. Deposits of various types of asbestos are widespread in the earth’s crust. In these areas there may be a possibility of the atmospheric air pollution by asbestos fibers, especially in the case of industrial development of these deposits or active use by the resident population. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of air pollution by amphibole asbestos fibers in the areas of disused flooded quarries in Sverdlovsk region. Materials and methods. 5 samples of atmospheric air, water and soil were taken and analyzed at the territories in Sverdlovsk region where magnesio-arfvedsonite and anthophyllite were extracted in the past years. Results. An extremely high content of free fibers of magnesio-arfvedsonite and anthophyllite (up to 20% of the total weight of the samples) was discovered in the soil samples. The concentrations of asbestos fibers in the water averaged 67∙10 6 f/L and 79∙10 6 f/L, respectively. The average concentrations of respirable amphibole asbestos fibers were 0.06 f/ml and 0.05 f/ml, respectively. Limitations. The paper presents the results of a pilot study of air pollution by fibrous particles, based on which it is not possible to give a full description of the situation, taking into account all possible types of anthropogenic activity in the surveyed areas in different seasons of the year. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate an increased risk of air pollution and water environment contamination by free amphibole asbestos fibers due to their leaching and weathering from rocks, as a result of which disused flooded quarries should be considered as natural and anthropogenic sources of pollution. It is necessary to conduct regular monitoring of the environmental situation at these facilities, as well as to develop measures to prevent the exposure of amphibole asbestos fibers on the population.

Influence of the composition of atmospheric air pollution on genotoxic effects in the buccal epithelial cells in children

Introduction. This publication presents the third fragment of a comprehensive multi-parameter pilot study to create a methodology for assessing the open-air odor’ impact on human’s adaptive potential. The pilot study was carried out in the little town (50 thousands of inhabitants), mainly the food industry and agro-industrial complex work, but enterprises of 1-2 classes of danger are absent. Air emissions from operating enterprises have a specific odor that causes complaints of inhabitants. Materials and methods. The effects of genome instability (EGI) in children attending kindergartens located at a distance of 1.7-5.9 km from enterprises - the primary sources of odor - were assessed. EGI was determined non-invasively using a micronucleus test on exfoliating cheek epithelial cells. The epitheliocytes from 112 children of 5 -7 years old were examined simultaneously with a collection of atmospheric air samples from the walking areas of the kindergartens which the examined children attended. These atmospheric air samples were taken for gas chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of their chemical composition. Results. Seventy-eight chemical compounds belonging to different classes of chemicals were identified in the air samples. The groups of children from different kindergartens did not differ statistically in any of the 13 assessed indicators of the cytome analysis of the buccal mucosa epithelium cells, and the levels of genotoxic and toxic effects did not go beyond the average expected values presented in literature and our studies for differents groups of comparison. High-level and statistically significant direct correlations between the total content of air pollutants with proven genotoxic activity and the two main indicators of the micronucleus test on cheek epithelial cells: the frequencies of cells with micronuclei and cells with accepted apoptotic bodies were revealed. No correlation was found between summarized levels of the detected chemicals limited concentrations and the results of cytome analysis of children’s buccal epithelial cells. Limitations. correct formation of groups for examination, the severity of the criteria for cytotome analysis and identity of cytogenetic effects identification in the course of cytotome analysis by different researchers. Conclusion. The effects of genome instability in the buccal epithelial cells in children were shown to be mainly associated with the presence of substances with proven mutagenic, carcinogenic and neogenic activities, but not with the total excess of hygienic standards for the content of chemical compounds in the air.

Features of hygienic assessment of atmospheric air quality in the area of the location of the enterprise for the production of mineral fertilizers

Introduction. The problematic environmental situation in the industrialized territories requires precise management decisions to ensure the excellent quality of atmospheric air to protect public health. Information on the atmospheric air quality is based on data from various monitoring systems: socio- hygienic, environmental, production control, as well as the results of control measures carried out by Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) and Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation (Rosprirodnadzor)). Materials and methods. The analysis of normative permissible emissions, sanitary protection zones projects, the results of socio-hygienic and environmental monitoring, production control, as well as carried out own laboratory and instrumental laboratory and instrumental studies of 130 samples of atmospheric air in the sanitary protection zone of the chemical industry enterprise and the nearest residential area. The research was based on the North-West Public Health Research Center and the chemical-analytical centre “Arbitrage” D.I. Mendeleev Research Institute for metrology. Results. According to various monitoring systems and the results of own research, on the territory of residential buildings, the concentrations of pollutants did not exceed the MAC, mainly corresponded to the design values. However, the ammonia content in the atmospheric air on the territory of the nearest building to the enterprise exceeded the calculated design values by three times. At the border of the industrial site of the enterprise for ammonia and diPhosphorpentaoxide, concentrations comparable to the MAC were recorded, while hydrochloric acid and gaseous fluorides were not detected either at the border of the industrial site or in the nearest residential development. Conclusions. The programs of air quality control monitoring are based on the research and analysis of the project documentation. The developed scheme for monitoring atmospheric air can be applied to assess atmospheric air quality in areas around mineral fertilizer production enterprises.

Study of the content of fluorides in atmospheric air in Bokhtar region and Tursunzade city of Tajikistan

Background: The emission and presence of air pollutants such as fluorides has over burdenized the public healthcare issues. The current study aimed to determine the content of fluorides in atmospheric air in Bokhtar region and Tursunzade city of Tajikistan. Methods: Based on the direction of wind, two zones were selected in the current study: experimental and control. In the first (experimental) zone, those areas were selected where the western, northern and northeastern directions of wind was significant. Dzhura Rakhmonov was assigned to the control zone with the shortest time for the eastward winds. In general, 72 samples of atmospheric air were taken in 12 settlements of the city of Tursunzade and 90 samples of atmospheric air in the Bokhtar region of the Khatlon province. To determine fluorine in air, a potentiometric method with an ion-selective electrode was used, which makes it possible to measure the potential concentrations of fluorides in atmospheric air. Results: Compounds of gaseous (hydrogen fluoride) and solid fluorine (salts of hydrofluoric acid), which are the main emission from various sources, were found in the atmospheric air of the populated areas of the city of Tursunzade, where the aluminum plant industry is located. The maximum amount of hydrogen fluoride in the experimental zone (Jamoat and Navobod) with a western wind direction was found in the autumn, which exceeded the MPC. However, the amount of solid fluorides in the western direction of the wind ranged from 0.01 to 1.0 mg / m3, which did not exceed the MPC value and was not significant. In control zone (Dzhura Rakhmonov) the said pollutants hydrogen fluoride and solid fluorine were not significant in autumn within accordance to MPC limit. The results of the study of atmospheric air in 15 administrative cities and districts of the Bokhtar region showed a complete absence of solid fluorides in all samples of atmospheric air. Conclusion: Compounds of gaseous fluorine and salts of hydrofluoric acid were found in the atmospheric air of populated areas of the city of Tursunzade, and no significant amounts in the Bokhtar region according to MPC and control. The maximum amount of fluorine compounds was found in the experimental zone (Jamoat Navobod) of the city of Tursunzade.

Chromato-mass-spectrometric identification of asymmetric dimethylhydrazine and N-nitrosodimethylamine

Introduction. Environmental safety is one of the main priorities of state policy. It ensures the legal regulation of relations in space activities to strengthen the defense and security of the Russian Federation and further extension of the international cooperation of the Russian Federation. Material and methods. In the fall areas of the stages of the booster rockets, screening studies were carried out to identify the propellant component 1.1-unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine in atmospheric air (n=14) and drinking water (n=23), determine its metabolite N-nitrosodimethylamine quantitatively in the residents’ blood (n = 90) living in the surveyed areas before the rocket launch (n = 45) and after the launch (n = 45). Also quantitative determination of the N-nitrosodimethylamine metabolite in the residents’ urine in the observation group (n = 108) was performed. For comparison, there was selected a group of residents not related to rocket and space activities (n = 13). Identification and analysis of samples of atmospheric air, drinking water, and biological media (blood, urine) was performed using Agilent 7890A gas chromatograph (USA) with a 5975C quadrupole mass spectrometric detector (MCD) and a capillary column of the HP-FFAP 30m • 0.25mm • 0.25µm series. Results. The study revealed the absence of asymmetric 1.1-dimethylhydrazine in 100% of analyzed atmospheric air samples. During the observation period, the concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine in the range of 0.00039 to 0.001 mg/dm3 were found in drinking water samples that did not exceed the hygienic standard (LOCNDMA 0.01 mg/dm3). N-nitrosodimethylamine in a concentration range of 0.00095-0.346 mg/dm3 was determined in the blood samples of the population. The studies revealed that after the rocket launch, the N-NDMA concentration in the blood was 1.8 times higher than the concentration registered before the rocket launch. In the urine sample of the resident living in the surveyed area, N-nitrosodimethylamine was detected with a high degree of reliability according to the essential ion with mass 74 m/z and confirmatory ion of 42 m/z, and the concentration was quantitatively calculated at a level of C N-DMA = 0.23 μg/ml. The detection of N-nitrosodimethylamine in blood and urine, even in trace amounts, indicates the possibility of exposure. Conclusion. Performed comprehensive studies made it possible to prove the relative safety of the ecological situation in the fall areas of the booster rockets that are located close to settlements when considering the environmental pollution with unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and can be used for systematic monitoring.

Quantitative analysis and spatial and temporal distribution of volatile organic compounds in atmospheric air by utilizing drone with miniaturized samplers

Our second generation air sampling drone system, allowing the simultaneous use of four solid phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow and four in-tube extraction (ITEX) units, was employed for collection of atmospheric air samples at different spatial and temporal dimensions. SPME Arrow coated with two types of materials and ITEX with 10% polyacrylonitrile as sorbent were used to give a more comprehensive chemical characterization of the collected air samples. Before field sampling, miniaturized samplers went through quality control and assurance in terms of reproducibility (RSD ≤14.1%, N = 4), equilibrium time (≥10 min), breakthrough volume (1.8 L) and storage time (up to 48 h). 128 air samples were collected under optimal sampling conditions from July to September 2019 at the SMEAR II station and Qvidja farm, Finland. 347 VOCs were identified in the air samples either on-site or in the laboratory by thermal desorption gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, and they were quantified/semiquantified using Partial Least Squares Regression models. Individual models were developed for the different coatings and packing materials using gas phase standards obtained by an automatic permeation system. Average gas phase VOC concentrations ranged from 0.1 (toluene, the SMEAR II station) to 680 ng L−1 (acetone, Qvidja farm). Average VOC concentrations in aerosols ranged from 0.1 (1,4-cyclohexadiene, the SMEAR II station) to 2287 ng L−1 (megastigma-4,6,8-triene, Qvidja farm). Clear differences in results were seen for samples collected at the SMEAR II station and Qvidja farm, between VOC compositions in gas phase and aerosols, and between the sampling site and height.

Comparison of near-background concentrations of Argon-37 and Xenon-133 in the atmosphere

Radioisotopes of the noble gases xenon and argon can be important indicators of underground nuclear explosions. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) includes monitoring capabilities to identify potential nuclear explosions conducted in violation of the CTBT. This monitoring currently focuses on measurement of the xenon isotopes 131mXe, 133Xe, 133mXe, and 135Xe. However, it is predicted that within 100 days of an underground nuclear explosion (UNE) 37Ar would be released to the atmosphere at higher concentrations than xenon and with a higher signal to background ratio, depending on the radioxenon background levels. Therefore, inclusion of 37Ar measurement capabilities at atmospheric International Monitoring System (IMS) stations may represent an improvement in the capability to detect a nuclear explosion.At an IMS station location, an understanding of the expected range of background 37Ar activity concentrations is critical to determining what levels would constitute an elevated concentration. This work describes our analysis of atmospheric samples for 37Ar to evaluate the range of background concentrations. Samples were collected at multiple locations withing the United States, with approximately half coming from a sampler co-located with an IMS xenon monitoring station (RN75). The range of 37Ar concentrations measured in atmospheric air samples was relatively narrow; for samples considered detectable, the minimum and maximum measured concentrations were 0.56 and 2.3 mBq/m3, respectively. Comparison of 37Ar and 133Xe concentrations measured at the IMS station indicated some correlation between the measured concentrations. The results presented here demonstrate the capability to detect background concentrations of 37Ar in atmospheric air and provide a basis for potential implementation of 37Ar monitoring at IMS stations.

Background concentrations of Argon-39 in shallow soil gas

While radioisotopes of noble gases are known to be indicators of underground nuclear explosions (UNE), McIntyre et al. (2017) was the first to report the presence of 39Ar in shallow soil gas in association with a decades old UNE. While this finding hinted at the potential application of 39Ar to be used as an indicator of a UNE, doing so would also require an understanding of the natural concentrations of 39Ar present in soil gas. Without knowing the expected range and variability of naturally occurring concentrations of 39Ar, it is difficult to determine what measured concentrations would be indicative of an elevated concentration. This paper presents results from 16 soil gas samples and three atmospheric air samples collected from various locations across the western United States. Shallow soil gas samples were collected into self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) tanks using a custom-built soil gas sampling system and then processed and analyzed for 39Ar. The measured concentrations of 39Ar varied from atmospheric air concentrations to about 3.5 times atmospheric air concentrations (58 mBq/m3). The results presented here represent the first measurements of natural background 39Ar concentrations in shallow soil gas. This data will be necessary if 39Ar is to be used as an indicator of UNE.