Total Suspended Particulate Levels Research Articles

Carbonaceous component of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) in Makassar City, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia

As the initial study related to carbonaceous components in Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was collected in the roadside environments in Makassar city, Indonesia. The mean TSP level in this study was higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of Indonesia and much higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards. It ranged from 21.6 to 838.6 μg/m3. The lowest concentration was found during the rainy days in paved site. The highest TSP level in all sites was found in the rush morning and late noon hour. It is related to the movement of the citizens during those periods of time. Regardless of the sites and times of sampling, organic carbon (OC) is the main fraction of total carbon (TC) for around 62.2 – 84.0%. OC and EC had well correlation indicating both carbonaceous components were emitted from the common sources. It might be emitted from the traffic emission as seen from the greater correlation between TSP and soot-EC than between TSP vs. char-EC. Hence, exhaust emissions from traffic and non-exhaust emission during the movement of vehicles should be the two main sources of TSP and its carbon components in the roadside environment of Makassar city, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia.

Temporal Variations of Air Quality in Cage-Free Experimental Pullet Houses

The welfare of laying hens in conventional caged houses has become an increased public concern, leading primary food chains, restaurants, and grocers in the United States to pledge to source only cage-free (CF) eggs by 2025 or 2030. Cage-free housing systems have been considered as a more humane alternative; however, they still come with certain challenges. One of the primary challenges with CF housing is the poor indoor air quality due to the high levels of ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM). Despite the importance of air quality in animal welfare, most studies have focused on the egg-laying stage, thereby leaving a significant knowledge gap in the pullet phase. Addressing this gap is essential to ensure the well-being of laying hens in CF housing and to help producers and researchers identify effective strategies to mitigate the impact of poor indoor air quality on the bird’s health and welfare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to (a) examine the effect of the pullets’ age on NH3 and PM levels, and (b) find the effect of housing, litter moisture content (LMC), and relative humidity (RH) on air pollutant concentrations. The results show that the PM levels of PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particles (TSP) increased significantly with the growth of birds from 1 to 16 weeks of age (WOA) (p < 0.01). For instance, PM2.5, PM10, and TSP levels were measured at 0.023 ± 0.003, 0.031 ± 0.004, and 0.058 ± 0.013 mg m−3 in the first week, and these levels increased to 1.44 ± 0.58, 2.723 ± 1.094, and 6.39 ± 2.96 mg m−3, respectively, by 16 WOA. In addition, PM levels measured near the perch were found to be three times higher than other locations inside the rooms (e.g., between the feeder and drinker or near the exhaust fan) (p < 0.01), as perching is one of the primary reasons for dust generation. Furthermore, a significant interaction between the age of the pullets and PM levels was found (p < 0.01), as the litter quality and the behaviors of birds were changing over time. For NH3 levels, average daily concentrations were lower than 1 ppm at 16 WOA for all rooms due to dry litter conditions (i.e., 9–10% LMC). Additionally, RH has been shown to have a significant effect on air pollutant concentration. Overall, the results indicate that the bird’s age significantly affects PM generation and PM variation within the rooms. The variation of PM was directly affected by RH inside the house. Therefore, this research will provide valuable information for both researchers and producers to control air pollutant emissions from the pullet stage in CF housing to ultimately improve the health and welfare of hens.

Characteristics of indoor and outdoor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in TSP in rural Northeast China: A case study of heating and non-heating periods.

Approximately 91% of the world's population lives in an air-polluted environment, and environmental pollution has become a widespread concern. Urban indoor and outdoor air pollution has been fully researched and effective control measures have been proposed. However, the issue of air pollution in rural areas has not been explored in depth. Compared to urban air pollution, the rural air pollution problem is more complex and urgent. Due to climatic factors and economic conditions in rural Northeast China, most households use solid fuels such as biomass straw and coal as domestic energy during the heating period, which will cause serious pollution problems of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). To investigate the pollution characteristics of PAHs in indoor and outdoor TSP in rural Northeast China during the heating and non-heating periods, a medium-sized particulate matter collector 1108A was used to collect TSP for 7days, and GC-MS was used to detect PAHs. The results showed that indoor TSP and PAHs pollution levels were the highest during the heating period. PAHs source analysis by Diagnostic Ratio (DR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the main sources were biomass and coal combustion, vehicle emissions, and domestic waste incineration. According to the results of carcinogenic risk model calculations, there is a potential carcinogenic risk to the population in the Northeast rural living area. This study reflects the pollution characteristics and sources of indoor and outdoor TSP and PAHs in rural Northeast China during heating and non-heating periods, and provides a reference for further prevention and control of air pollution in rural areas, which is conducive to improving the living environment and improving human health.

Phthalates, non-phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, and phenyl phosphates in atmospheric suspended particulate matter of Dhahran City, Saudi Arabia: levels and seasonal variation

This is the first report to describe the seasonal variations, levels, and possible health effects of groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as phthalates (Ps), non-phthalates (NPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phenyl phosphates (PhePhs) in ambient total suspended particles (TSP) from the city of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The mass concentrations of TSP ranged from 88 ± 32 μg m−3 in winter to 350 ± 320 μg m−3 in summer. The total concentrations of these compounds varied from 337 ± 266 ng m−3 in summer to 469 ± 403 ng m−3 in winter. The major compounds were Ps (235 ± 199 ng m−3 in summer to 389 ± 335 ng m−3 in winter), PCBs (30.7 ± 19.3 ng m−3 in autumn to 65.6 ± 61.2 ng m−3 in summer), NPs (4.9 ± 2.3 ng m−3 in summer to 11.9 ± 12.5 ng m−3 in winter), and PhePhs (4.1 ± 4.0 ng m−3 in spring to 13.3 ± 3.2 ng m−3 in summer). The proportional fractions of these POPs relative to natural biogenic sources and petroleum-related emissions were extremely high ranging from 17% in winter to 47% in autumn. Significant correlations were found among these different POP groups and total concentrations, suggesting that they were from local sources. Principal component analysis indicated that Ps and NPs were from the same initial sources, and the PhePhs as well as PCBs were from different regional sources, where the latter were dependent on the TSP levels. In the long term, the elevated levels of these POPs in the TSP of these urban areas will affect human health by eventually developing a range of illnesses.

Marble Dust Effect on the Air Quality: An Environmental Assessment Approach

All over the world, increasing anthropogenic activities, industrialization, and urbanization have intensified the emissions of various pollutants that cause air pollution. Marble quarries in Pakistan are abundant and there is a plethora of small- and large-scale industries, including mining and marble-based industries. The air pollution caused by the dust generated in the process of crushing and extracting marble can cause serious problems to the general physiological functions of plants and it affects human life as well. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the air quality of areas with marble factories and areas without marble factories, where the concentration of particulate matter in terms of total suspended particles (TSP) was determined. For this purpose, EPAM-5000 equipment was used to measure the particulate levels. Besides this, a spectrophotometer was used to analyze the presence of PM2.5 and PM10 in the chemical composition of marble dust. It was observed that the TSP concentrations in Darmangi and Malagori areas of Peshawar, Pakistan—having marble factories—were 626 µg/m3 and 5321 µg/m3 respectively. The (PM2.5, PM10) concentration in Darmangi was (189 µg/m3, 520 µg/m3) and in Malagori, it was recorded as (195 µg/m3, 631 µg/m3), which was significantly higher than the non-marble dust areas and also exceeded WHO recommended standards. It was concluded that the areas with the marble factories were more susceptible to air pollution as the concentration of TSP was significantly higher than the recommended TSP levels. It is recommended that marble factories should be shifted away from residential areas along with strict enforcement. People should be instructed to use protective equipment and waste management should be ensured along with control mechanisms to monitor particulate levels.

Assessment and Mitigation of Exposure of 3-D Printer Emissions.

This study monitored particulates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from 3-D printers using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) filaments at a workplace to assess exposure before and after introducing exposure mitigation measures. Air samples were collected in the printing room and adjacent corridor, and real-time measurements of ultrafine and fine particle were also conducted. Extensive physicochemical characterizations of 3-D printer emissions were performed, including real-time (size distribution, number concentration) nanoparticle characterization, size-fractionated mass distribution and concentration, as well as chemical composition for metals by ICP-MS and VOCs by GC-FID, real-time VOC monitors, and proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS). Air sampling showed low levels of total suspended particulates (TSP, 9–12.5/m3), minimal levels (1.93–4 ppm) of total volatile organic chemicals (TVOC), and formaldehyde (2.5–21.7 ppb). Various harmful gases, such as formaldehyde, acrolein, acetone, hexane, styrene, toluene, and trimethylamine, were detected at concentrations in the 1–100 ppb by PTR-TOF-MS when air sample was collected into the Tedlar bag from the front of the 3-D printer. Ultrafine particles having an average particle size (30 nm count median diameter and 71 nm mass median diameter) increased during the 3-D printing operation. They decreased to the background level after the 3-D printing operation, while fine particles continually increased after the termination of 3-D printing to the next day morning. The exposure to 3-D printer emissions was greatly reduced after isolating 3-D printers in the enclosed space. Particle number concentration measured by real-time particle counters (DMAS and OPC) were greatly reduced after isolating 3-D printers to the isolated place.

Air Pollution Associated with Total Suspended Particulate and Particulate Matter in Cement Grinding Plant in Vietnam

Air pollution associated with suspended particles has become a significant concern in Vietnam recently. The study aimed to (1) investigate dust sources; (2) measure concentration levels of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), Particulate Matter (PM) fractions; (3) identify silica levels and the correlation with respirable particles at a cement grinding plant in Vietnam. A total of 312 samples (52 TSP, 160 PMs) at 13 processes were measured using the direct-reading dust meter. The silica composition was analyzed in a certified laboratory using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. SPSS version 26 for Window was used to analyze the data. The operations of the cement grinding plant created multiple dust sources from the jetty to the cement dispatch process. The TSP levels ranged 0.06–38.24 mg m−3, and 40.38% (n = 21) TSP samples exceeded the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for an 8-h working shift. Besides that, there was a wide range and significant concentration levels of PMs in the cement processes. The levels of PMs were PM1 (0.00–0.06 mg m−3), PM2.5 (0.01–0.83 mg m−3), PM4 (0.02–4.59 mg m−3), PM7 (0.03–16.94 mg m−3), and PM10 (0.04–26.85 mg m−3). The highest mean levels of PMs factions were measured at the pre-grinding process. The inefficient operation of the dust collector contributed a significant factor to the dust dispersion in this process. The silica’s mean (SD) composition in respirable dust was 20.4% (0.86) and was not significantly different amongst the processes. There was a significant correlation between the levels of respirable dust and silica exposure in the cement grinding plant (r = 0.99). The improvement of indoor air quality is needed to prevent health effects on cement workers.

Temporal trends of atmospheric PAHs: Implications for the gas-particle partition

Gas-particle (G/P) partition is the determining factor to the behaviors of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in atmosphere, such as transport and deposition. Based on a case study on the measurement of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Harbin City in China from June 2014 to May 2019, the long-term temporal trend of G/P partition of PAHs and its influencing factors were comprehensively studied. The results indicated that an obvious decreasing temporal trend was observed for total suspended particle (TSP) with the annual mean concentrations of 180, 173, 134, 132, and 119 μg/m3 for the five years. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the Clean Air Action on decreasing TSP levels in Harbin City. For most PAHs, obvious long-term temporal trends and seasonal variations were observed for the particulate phase fraction (φP) and the G/P partitioning quotient (KP) by fitting with a simple harmonic regression method. Significant correlations between φP with temperature and TSP indicated their influences on the temporal trend of φP. Similarly, the temperature was also the direct influencing factor to the temporal trend of KP. For the five years, non-obvious differences were observed with the linear relationships between log KP vs. log KOA, and between log KP vs. log PL. The comparison between the monitoring data of φP and log KP with the prediction data from the G/P partitioning models indicated that the predictions of the models did not well match all the monitoring data for the period. Therefore, more studies should be conducted to better understand the G/P partitioning mechanism of PAHs in atmosphere and to establish more accurate G/P partitioning models. In summary, the results of the present study provided new insight into the G/P partitioning behavior of PAHs in the atmosphere, especially for the temporal trend of φP and log KP.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Health Risk Levels of TSP and PM10 in the Mining Town of Tarkwa, Ghana

Particulate matter (PM) varies significantly in space and time. Effective PM risk analysis requires adequate knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of PM. In order to understand TSP/PM10 variability within the microclimate of Tarkwa and their potential impact. The Spatio-temporal distribution of Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) and PM10 in Tarkwa was studied. Five years TSP and PM10 monthly concentration data from fifteen (15) monitoring stations were collected and analysed for Spatio-temporal characteristics within the suburbs around three mining companies in Tarkwa. Autocorrelation between neighbouring suburbs, attainment rate, particle size distribution and risk levels were evaluated. The results revealed that all the monitoring stations except two (stations NV and TN) recorded TSP and PM10 concentrations below the national guideline for all years of study. Geo-spatially, highest TSP and PM10 risk level were recorded East of Tarkwa. Inhalable particles constitute about 44.09-72.90% of TSP. Attainment values between 44.09%-100% and 30%-100% were recorded for TSP and PM10, respectively. Estimated AQI values ranged between good and unhealthy for sensitive groups. Future studies directed at the chemical composition of PM was recommended to enhance further understanding of the risk levels.
 
 Keywords: Particulate Matter, Attainment Rate, Air Pollution, Trends, Particle Size Distribution

Characterization of airborne particles and cytotoxicity to a human lung cancer cell line in Guangzhou, China

Air pollution by airborne particles is a serious health problem worldwide. The present study was aimed at investigating the concentrations and composition of total suspended particles (TSPs) and PM2.5 at various industrial/commercial sites of Guangzhou, a megacity of Southern China. Major and trace elements, ions and carbonaceous fraction were determined and main components were calculated. In addition, in order to assess the potential toxic on the respiratory system of these PM, cytotoxicity of size-fractionated particles (PM10-5.6, PM5.6-3.3, PM3.3-1.1, PM1.1-0.43) for a human lung cancer cell line (A549) was also investigated. Correlations between PM constituents and toxicity were assessed. Median levels of TSPs and PM2.5 in industrial/commercial sites were 206 and 57.7 μg/m3, respectively. Nickel, Cu, Mo, Mn, Pb, and Ti were the most abundant metals in TSPs and PM2.5. Industrial activities and coal combustion were the most important sources of carbonaceous particles in the zone. MTT assays showed that PM10-5.6 and PM1.1-0.43 had the highest and the lowest cytotoxicity to A549 cell lines, respectively. Inhalable particles around the manufacturing of metal facilities and formal waste treatment plants showed a high cytotoxicity to A549 cell lines. In general terms, no significant correlations were found between main components of PM and toxicity. However, W showed a significant correlation with cell viability.

Total Suspended Particulate and Impaired Lung Function at Operators of Public Fuel Filling Stations in Mamuju Regency

The transportation sector plays a major role in air pollution in urban areas. Operators of Public Fuel Filling Stations are at risk of inhaling pollutants from motor vehicle emissions such as CO, NO, SO2 and dust particulates. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) to the occurrence of impaired lung function at SPBU operators. This type of research is observational with a cross sectional study design with sampling technique using total sampling on the entire population, which is performing lung function examinations on 34 operators at three gas stations in Mamuju Regency. Examination of lung function used spirometry while the measurement of total dust concentration used a High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS). Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between TSP levels and impaired pulmonary function. Even though TSP exposure levels did not have a significant relationship with lung pulmonary function, efforts to control dust exposure were still necessary because most respondents worked in a working environment with high TSP levels. The results of this study are expected to be a reference for the implementation of health and safety programs for workers and the implementation of working environment monitoring and occupational health surveillance.

Assessment of the Toxic Elements Resulting from the Manufacture of Bricks on Air and Soil at Abu Smeache Area - Southwest Babylon governorate - Iraq

Brick factories distributed within the study area use fuel oil to complete the burning of the bricks, were high amounts of gases and suspended particles with different concentrations of heavy elements are produced and cause air and soil pollution. It is noted that the workers suffer from respiratory diseases and other health problems. This study is an attempt to detect the sources and concentrations of pollutants and to propose modalities for their treatment and reduction. Air and soil samples were collected from different sites in Abu Smeache brick factory in Al-Kifl area to the south of Babel city, Iraq, during two seasons (summer and winter). The process also included collecting and modelling of dust and soil samples from two depth, surface and sub-surface, to detect pollution and the mobility of heavy elements across the different depths. Heavy elements (Pb, Ni, Co), along with gases (CO, CO2, NO2, SO2) and total suspended particles (TSP) in the air, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The air results showed high pollution with all the studied heavy elements, while the levels of TSP and SO2 were higher than global and Iraqi limits in most of the studied stations, especially in the winter. The results also showed significant pollution in the soil with lead along with slight contamination with nickel and cobalt. Soil contamination was evaluated using several contamination indices; the values of contamination factors (CF) for the lead were very high, while CF values for nickel and copper indicated low to moderate pollution. Also, the high values of PLI ˃1 in the soil indicated high pollution with heavy elements, which provides clear evidence of the impact of industrial human activities on the environment of the region. In addition, low values of i-geo indicated a moderate contamination with lead and an unpolluted status for both nickel and copper. These results indicate a great need to develop strategies to prevent and reduce pollution by heavy metals in the areas under rapid industrial and urban development.

Characterization and risk assessment of total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particles (PM2.5) in a rural transformational e-waste recycling region of Southern China.

In 2016, total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particles (PM2.5) were collected near four e-waste recycling parks in a region of Southern China. TSP and PM2.5 levels and composition around these industrial activities were determined and the potential risks for human health due to the exposure to toxic elements contained on fine particles (PM2.5) were evaluated. Levels of TSP and PM2.5 were lower with advanced recycling methods than with small recycling e-waste workshops operating in the sampling region. The main trace elements in particles were Cu, Pb, and Ti, the same as those detected before the transition to advanced dismantling methods in e-waste recycling. Significantly higher levels of Cu, Pb, Sn, Te, Tl and NH4+ in TSP and Cu and Te in PM2.5 were found in e-waste recycling areas than in BG site. Taking Cu as the indicative element emitted from e-waste recycling activities, significant high positive correlations between Cu and W, and Cu and Te were found. These elements are present and can be released from electrical and electronical components during e-waste recycling processes. Exposure to elements for the population living near these e-waste recycling parks means carcinogenic risks above the acceptable threshold (>10-5).

Seasonal characteristics of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a petrochemical and oil refinery industrial area on the west coast of South Korea

The Daesan industrial complex is one of the largest petrochemical and oil refinery industrial complexes in South Korea, which is believed to be a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total suspended particle (TSP) samples (n = 84) were seasonally collected at two industrial sites and one residential site, and 19 PAHs were analyzed. Concentrations of individual PAHs ranged from 0.01 to 2.52 ng/m3, and annual mean concentrations of Σ19 PAHs at Sites 1, 2, and 3 were 5.88, 4.52, and 5.08 ng/m3, respectively. The concentrations of Σ19 PAHs in warm seasons (spring and summer) were lower than those in cold seasons (autumn and winter). Annual fractions of low molecular weight (LMW)-PAHs (2–3 rings, 12.1%) and high molecular weight (HMW)-PAHs (4–7 rings, 87.9%) indicated a strong contribution of thermal processes. Significant correlations between Σ19 PAHs and TSP (p < 0.01) at all the sampling sites were observed, implying that increased TSP levels were responsible for elevated levels of PAHs. There were strong seasonal variations in the profiles of PAHs, and they were clearly reflected in the results of the principal component analysis. Diagnostic ratios and backward air trajectories suggested seasonal variations in the contribution of local emissions and long-range transport. The diagnostic ratios suggested that mixed sources were dominant in cold seasons, while coal/biomass burning and non-traffic sources were prevailing in warm seasons. BeP/BaP ratios indicated that local emissions were major sources compared with long-range transport except for summer. Backward air trajectories in winter suggested the influence of long-range transport, but local emissions were more important in this study area.

Spatial and temporal distribution of organophosphate esters in the atmosphere of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

High volume air samples were collected from April 2016 to March 2017 at five locations across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, to investigate the atmospheric occurrence of organophosphate esters (OPEs). The mean atmospheric concentrations of ∑8OPEs (gas and particle phases) varied from 531 ± 393 pg/m3 to 2180 ± 1490 pg/m3 with the highest level observed at the urban sampling site in Tianjin City. ∑8OPEs were predominated by the chlorinated OPEs (TCEP, TCPP, and TDCIPP), which accounted for 60% ± 16% of the OPE concentrations across the BTH region. Generally, higher levels of gaseous OPEs were found in summer, while higher levels of particle-bound OPEs were observed in winter. The concentrations of gaseous OPEs were positively and significantly correlated with local temperatures (p < 0.05) and relative humidity (p < 0.01), while significantly positive correlations were found between concentrations of particle-bound OPEs and total suspended particulates (TSP) (p < 0.01). These findings confirmed that temperatures, relative humidity and levels of TSP are the main drivers for OPE distributions in different seasons and areas. Gas/particle partitioning of OPEs was also investigated based on the absorption-partitioning model (octanol–air partitioning coefficient (Koa) -based model) and Junge–Pankow adsorption-partitioning model (J-P model). Koa-based model generally showed a better performance in comparison with the measured results. The assessment of inhalation exposure risks indicated that relatively higher exposure risks were found in the urban areas, in particular, in Tianjin City (a median value of the estimated daily intake (EDI) of 106 pg/kg body weight/day), suggesting that more attention should be drawn to OPE distributions in the heavily industrialized megacities.

Prenatal exposure to air pollution and intergenerational economic mobility: Evidence from U.S. county birth cohorts

New estimates reveal intergenerational economic mobility varies substantially across U.S. counties. The potential role of local environmental health exposures in structuring mobility outcomes has been thus far unexamined, despite mounting evidence that early life exposure to environmental pollutants has lasting impacts for individual human capital development and labor market performance. This study aims to fill this gap by estimating the impact of exposure to air pollution in the birth year on the average intergenerational mobility outcomes of children from low-income families as measured in adulthood. We do so by linking measures of intergenerational economic mobility for U.S. county-cohorts born between 1980 and 1986 to the county average concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) in the birth year. We then estimate multivariate linear regression models that adjust for birth-cohort fixed effects, county-fixed effects and time-varying county-level covariates to address potential confounding. We find higher levels of TSP in birth year is associated with less upward economic mobility for children from low-income families: a one standard deviation increase in TSP levels is associated with a 0.14 point reduction in average income percentile ranking as measured in adulthood. Notably, we find no association for children from high income families. Our findings indicate early life exposure to air pollution may reduce the prospects children from low-income families will achieve upward economic mobility and suggest variation in environmental quality may help explain observed variation in mobility outcomes.

Aerosol pollution in a megacity of southwest China inferred from variation characteristics of sulfate-δ34S and water-soluble inorganic compositions in TSP

Daytime and nighttime aerosol samples for total suspended particles (TSP) were collected in Chengdu from 12 to 23 January 2013 (winter) and 10 to 21 August 2014 (summer). The mass concentrations of TSP, major inorganic ions, and stable sulfur isotope ratios were determined. Clear winter–summer variation in TSP was observed; the mass concentrations of TSP in summer were below levels defined by the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095-2012), whereas winter TSP levels exceeded the standard by 2–4 times. Overall, the sum of SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ concentrations represented the highest contribution to water-soluble ionic components, which showed similar trends to TSP mass. According to correlations among major ions, the major compounds in TSP were likely to be (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, CaCl2, and KCl in both sampling times, and CaSO4 and Ca(NO3)2 were also present in summer. The NO3−/SO42− ratios ranged from 0.57 to 1.28 (average 0.85±0.16) in winter and 0.5 to 0.93 (average 0.66±0.11) in summer, indicating stationary source emissions (coal burning) were more important sources than the vehicle exhaust. The relationship between SO42− and δ34S indicated the sulfate sources were affected by the low sulfur isotope value of biogenic sulfur release in summer, and the high sulfur isotope value of coal in winter. As a whole, the mixture of coal burning and vehicle exhaust represent the major TSP sources in Chengdu in the study period, and biogenic sulfur also contributes to TSP in summer.

Human health risk as a basis for prioritizing air quality monitoring stations in a megacity: a case study

This paper presents an objective methodology for determining the optimum number of ambient air quality stations in a monitoring network based on human health risk (HHR). The case study is related to HHRs in terms of mortality and morbidity (hospital admission) due to adverse effects of air pollution in 41 wards in Delhi in India, which were evaluated using Ri-MAP model developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). By adopting the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline concentrations of the air pollutants total suspended particles (TSP) or its surrogate, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), concentration-response relationships and a population attributable-risk proportion concept are applied. It was found that an average total mortality was 1150 [631–1852 at 95% confidence interval (CI)], cardiovascular mortality was 450 (440–665 at 95% CI), respiratory mortality was 170 (96–288 at 95% CI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) morbidity was 176 (2–333 at 95% CI) for every one million population in Delhi according to 2008 population statistics. There were 20 wards which had mortality and morbidity higher than the average. It may be concluded that pollution control authorities need to monitor air quality in these 20 identified locations having high health risk more rigorously. From the result, it was also seen that the excess number of mortality and morbidity in Delhi was basically due to particulate matter (PM) than due to gaseous pollutants. Hence, the pollution control authorities in Delhi urgently need proper management policy to improve ambient air quality in terms of TSP levels.

Cashing in on clean air

Policy Experiment Exposure to air pollution early in life could undermine earnings as an adult. Isen et al. studied 5.7 million people born in hundreds of counties across the United States, within a few years before and after those counties reduced ambient levels of total suspended particulates (TSPs) under the Clean Air Act (CAA) in the early 1970s. U.S. Census Bureau data were used to link date and location of birth with labor market outcomes decades later. Although those born 1 to 3 years before the CAA improvements still enjoyed cleaner air beginning at ages one to three, they were exposed to more pollutants from conception until age one. Compared to them, those born after the CAA induced a 10% decline in TSP levels earned roughly 1% more at age 30, possibly due to improved cognitive ability and health. J. Polit. Econ. , (2015).

Distribution of Particulate Matter in Cawthorne Channels Air Basin in Nigeria

The concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM) were determined in tropical wetlands air basin of Cawthorne Channel, Awoba and Krakrama. The sampling was performed with well calibrated equipment (A MultiRAE PLUS (PGM – 50), a programmable Multi Gas monitor with an electrochemical sensor). Parameters measured were particulate matter with 1 µm, 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ), 7 µm (PM 7 ) , 10 µm (PM 10 ) and Total suspended particulate (TSP). Seasonal variations were displayed by all fractions of particulate matter. TSP at Cawthorne Channels was observed, with very high concentration in January (346.1 µg/m 3 ) at the upwind and (401.7 µg/m 3 ) downwind in dry season. This was followed by wet season measurement. The PM 10 results at Cawthorne Channels also showed strong seasonal variations with very high concentration in January (313.6 µg/m 3 ) at the upwind and (367.5µg/m 3 ) downwind. Of all the respirable particulate size fractions studied, allowable International Standard according to USEPA (1990), was exceeded in PM 10 and PM 7 . PM 2.5 had values that were generally below 60.0 µg/m 3 while PM 1 had values below 10.0 µg/m 3 . The TSP levels exceeded 250.0 ug/m 3 , being Nigerian National allowable limit. The respirable particulate matter had no statistical difference between the upwind and downwind directions (p< 1) 0.05 .