Total Suspended Particulate Concentrations Research Articles

Assessment of environmental impact of open burning of scrap tyres on ambient air quality

Open burning of scrap (bicycle, motorcycle, car and truck) tyres (OBST) was simulated in the laboratory to investigate their impact on the ambient air quality. The tyre samples were burnt in combustion chamber, and gaseous pollutants (CO, NO2 and SO2) emitted were quantified, while concentrations and elemental compositions of emitted total suspended particulates (TSP) were determined. Emission level of SO2 from all the tyre samples exceeded USEPA allowable (156.74 µg/m3) limit. CO due to car and truck tyres exceeded USEPA allowable (10,285.71 µg/m3) limit, while NO2 concentration was below the allowable limit (56.33 µg/m3) only in bicycle tyre. 25% of all the gaseous pollutants emitted are within the Air Quality Index range of 101–150. TSP concentrations from all the tyre samples were higher than the Federal Ministry of Environment standard (250 µg/m3) for ambient TSP. There is strong correlation (R) of 0.885, 0.949 and 0.802 among all the gaseous (CO/NO2, CO/SO2 and NO2/SO2) pollutants, respectively, while the highest (0.999) and lowest (0.079) positive correlations were observed between Mg and Mn as well as Cd and Zn, respectively. The results of this study show that OBST emits hazardous pollutants, which pose serious threat to human health and environment.

Review of total suspended particles (TSP) and PM2.5 concentration variations in Asia during the years of 1998-2015.

In Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, ambient air total suspended particulates and PM2.5 concentration data were collected and discussed during the years of 1998-2015 in this study. The aim of the present study was to (1) investigate and collect ambient air total suspended particulates (TSP) and PM2.5 concentrations for Asian countries during the past two decades. (2) Discuss, analyze and compare those particulates (TSP and PM2.5) annual concentration distribution trends among those Asian countries during the past two decades. (3) Test the mean concentration differences in TSP and PM2.5 among the Asian countries during the past decades. The results indicated that the mean TSP concentration order was shown as China>Malaysia>Pakistan>India>Taiwan>Korea>Japan. In addition, the mean PM2.5 concentration order was shown as Vietnam>India>China>Hong Kong>Mongolia>Korea>Taiwan>Japan and the average percentages of PM2.5 concentrations for Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia and Other (India and Vietnam) were 8, 21, 6, 8, 14, 13 and 30%, respectively, during the past two decades. Moreover, t test results revealed that there were significant mean TSP and PM2.5 concentration differences for either China or India to any of the countries such as Taiwan, Korea and Japan in Asia during the past two decades for this study. Noteworthy, China and India are both occupied more than 60% of the TSP and PM2.5 particulates concentrations out of all the Asia countries. As for Taiwan, the average PM2.5 concentration displayed increasing trend in the years of 1998-1999. However, it showed decreasing trend in the years of 2000-2010. As for Korea, the average PM2.5 concentrations showed decreasing trend during the years of 2001-2013. Finally, the average PM2.5 concentrations for Mongolia displayed increasing trend in the years of 2004-2013.

ZERO STATE OF AIR QUALITY IN THE AREA OF FUTURE FACTORY R-S SILICON IN MRKONJIĆ GRAD

<p>Air quality measurement was conducted in the vicinity of the industrial plot that belongs to RS Silicon LLC Mrkonjić Grad where a plant for the production of the silicon metal is constructed, during the period January – December 2015; this air quality measurement comprised the immissions concentrations of CO, SO2, NO2 and total suspended particles (TSP), while simultaneously measuring wind speed and direction.</p><p>The factory for Si-metal production will generate direct and indirect environmental impacts, especially on air. Generally, the largest environmental impact during operation of the factory will be reflected in the emission of a large quantity of waste gases. This document shows air pollution measurement results which represent the zero state, it is to say a basis for further assessment of air quality after the commissioning of subject factory.</p>

Seasonal and Annual Variations in Atmospheric Hg and Pb Isotopes in Xi'an, China.

We present a 3-year time series of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) concentrations and isotope signatures in total suspended particulate (TSP) matter and as total gaseous Hg (TGM) in Xi'an, Northwestern China. Mean concentrations of TSP (299 ± 120 μg m-3), PbTSP (0.33 ± 0.15 μg m-3) and HgTSP (0.64 ± 0.54 ng m-3), and TGM (5.7 ± 2.7 ng m-3) were elevated. We find that atmospheric Pb levels in winter in Xi'an have decreased by 4.6% per year since 2003, yet remain elevated relative to air quality guidelines and therefore a major health concern. δ202HgTSP and Δ199HgTSP averaged -0.80 ± 0.30‰ (1σ) and -0.02 ± 0.10‰ (1σ) and δ202HgTGM and Δ199HgTGM averaged -0.08 ± 0.41‰ (1σ) and 0.00 ± 0.04‰ (1σ). Relative to raw coal from Shaanxi and surrounding provinces, δ202HgTSP is enriched in the light Hg isotopes, whereas δ202HgTGM is enriched in the heavy isotopes. TSP and TGM Δ199Hg signatures are indistinguishable from raw coal, indicating little photochemical mass independent fractionation of atmospheric Hg in the near-field urban-industrial environment. δ202HgTGM correlates significantly with TGM levels (r2 = 0.3, p < 0.01) and likely reflects binary mixing of local industrial TGM emissions with global background TGM.

Atmospheric aerosol compositions over the South China Sea: temporal variability and source apportionment

Abstract. In order to evaluate impacts of different source emission on marine atmospheric particles over the South China Sea (SCS), major inorganic ionic concentrations (Na+, Cl−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NH4+ and NO3−) were determined in total suspended particulates (TSPs) at Yongxing Island, from March 2014 to February 2015. The annual average concentration of TSPs was 89.6 ± 68.0 µg m−3, with 114.7 ± 82.1, 60.4 ± 27.0 and 59.5 ± 25.6 µg m−3 in cool, warm and transition seasons, respectively. Cl− had the highest concentration, with an annual average of 7.73 ± 5.99 µg m−3, followed by SO42− (5.54 ± 3.65 µg m−3), Na+ (4.00 ± 1.88 µg m−3), Ca2+ (2.15 ± 1.54 µg m−3), NO3− (1.95 ± 1.34 µg m−3), Mg2+ (0.44 ± 0.33 µg m−3), K+ (0.33 ± 0.22 µg m−3) and NH4+ (0.07 ± 0.07 µg m−3). Concentrations of TSPs and the major ions showed seasonal variations, which were higher in the cool season and lower in the warm and transition seasons. Factors of influence were wind speed, temperature, relatively humidity, rain and air mass source region. Back trajectories, concentration-weighted trajectories (CWTs), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) of chemical compositions were analyzed for source apportionment, source contribution and spatiotemporal variation of major ions. Back trajectories and CWTs showed that air masses at Yongxing Island were mainly from the northeast, southwest and southeast in the cool, warm and transition seasons, respectively. The PMF results showed that 77.4 % of Na+ and 99.3 % of Cl− were from sea salt; 60.5 % of NH4+ was from oceanic emission. Anthropogenic sources were very important for atmospheric aerosols over the island. Secondary inorganic aerosol of SO2 and NOx from fossil fuel combustion (especially coal in Chinese coastal regions) was the dominant source of NO3− (69.5 %) and SO42− (57.5 %).

Emissions of Selected Semivolatile Organic Chemicals from Forest and Savannah Fires.

The emission factors (EFs) for a broad range of semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) from subtropical eucalypt forest and tropical savannah fires were determined for the first time from in situ investigations. Significantly higher (t test, P < 0.01) EFs (μg kg-1 dry fuel, gas + particle-associated) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑13 PAHs) were determined from the subtropical forest fire (7,000 ± 170) compared to the tropical savannah fires (1,600 ± 110), due to the approximately 60-fold higher EFs for 3-ring PAHs from the former. EF data for many PAHs from the eucalypt forest fire were comparable with those previously reported from pine and fir forest combustion events. EFs for other SVOCs including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners as well as some pesticides (e.g., permethrin) were determined from the subtropical eucalypt forest fire. The highest concentrations of total suspended particles, PAHs, PCBs, PCNs, and PBDEs, were typically observed in the flaming phase of combustion. However, concentrations of levoglucosan and some pesticides such as permethrin peaked during the smoldering phase. Along a transect (10-150-350 m) from the forest fire, concentration decrease for PCBs during flaming was faster compared to PAHs, while levoglucosan concentrations increased.

Atmospheric depositions of biogenic elements and their ecological effects on marine ecosystem of Jiaozhou Bay: A review

As a typical semi-closed bay, Jiaozhou Bay, is remarkably affected by human activities. Biogenic elements transported into the oceans by the atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic particles can lead to profound impacts on the ecosystem of Jiaozhou Bay. In this paper, the researches of atmospheric dry and wet depositions in the Jiaozhou Bay were systematically summarized from the following three aspects: study methods, variation characteristics of the fluxes and their influencing factors and the ecological effects of atmospheric deposition. The concentrations and fluxes of nitrogen species in atmospheric dry and wet depositions were very high in the Jiaozhou Bay compared with other bays, estuaries and marginal seas around the world. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was the main component of the total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and the dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) accounted for 22%-31% of TDN. However, the concentrations and fluxes of phosphate and silicate species were very low. The atmospheric deposition fluxes of (NO3--N+NO2--N) were slightly higher than terrestrial inputs, while the fluxes of NH4+-N, PO43--P and SiO32--Si were very low compared with terrestrial inputs. The concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) in the air, the intensity of the emission sources, precipitation amount and meteorological conditions are the major factors influencing the atmospheric depositions of biogenic elements, which can increase the primary productivity, change the structure of nutrients and the structure of phytoplankton communities in surface seawater and further promote the succession of phytoplankton dominant species from diatom to dinoflagellate in the Jiaozhou Bay. On that basis, the future research should be focused on constructing the monitoring network for atmospheric dry and wet depositions, accurately quantifying the deposition rates of aerosol particles of different forms and sizes, recognizing the ecological effects and biogeochemical mechanisms of atmospheric depositions of biogenic elements and discriminating the mechanisms, fluxes and influencing factors of atmospheric deposition biogenic elements via indirect approaches such as overland runoff, sheetflood and permeation etc. It is significant for illuminating the effects of anthropogenic activities on the coastal waters as well as understanding the bio-geochemical processes of biogenic elements in marginal seas by elucidating atmospheric depositions of biogenic elements in the Jiaozhou Bay.

Characteristics of Particulate-Phase Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Atmosphere over the Central Himalayas

ABSTRACTPAH concentrations were measured in total suspended particle (TSP) samples collected from six sites along two south-north transects across the central Himalayas from April 2013 to March 2014. The annual average TSP and PAH (especially 5- and 6-ring compounds) concentrations were found to decrease noticeably northwards along both transects. At rural and urban sites, the TSP and PAH concentrations showed clear seasonal variations, with the lower concentrations around the mid-monsoon season and the higher values in the winter season. Meanwhile, at the remote sites (e.g., Nyalam and Zhongba), these pollutants generally remained constant throughout the year but with relatively higher levels during the pre-monsoon season. Both IndP/(IndP + BghiP) and Fla/(Fla + Pyr) ratios suggested that atmospheric PAHs from urban and rural sites were mainly associated with emissions from biomass burning, coal burning and petroleum combustion. However, the contribution of biomass burning increased at remote sites. Similar compositions of PAHs were found at three remote sites located on both sides of the Himalayas (Jomsom, Zhongba, and Nyalam), suggesting that the northern side of the Himalayas may be affected by anthropogenic emissions from the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) via long-range atmospheric transport. This work provides a database of PAHs in central Himalayas for further assessing environmental risk of air pollution in the remote regions.

Analysis of the TSP, PM10 concentrations and water-soluble ionic species in airborne samples over Sistan, Iran during the summer dusty period

The present study analyzes the total suspended particulates (TSP) and particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM10) concentrations along with the water-soluble ionic species (WSIS) in airborne dust samples collected in Zabol, located in the Sistan basin of southeast Iran. Rather extreme TSP and PM10 mean concentrations of 1867.0 μg m−3 and 433.4 μg m−3 are found, while the WSIS contribute only 8.9% and 19.3% to the TSP and PM10 mass, respectively indicating large fraction of water-insoluble crustal elements, carbonaceous aerosols and heavy metals that remained unexplored. Ca2+ is the most abundant ionic species contributing ∼25–26% to the total WSIS mass, followed by NH4+, K+, and SO42−. Important fractions of Cl− and Na+ (7–9% of the total WSIS mass) indicate the presence of saline dust storms over Sistan due to desiccation of the Hamoun lakes and uplift of evaporated minerals by the strong Levar (120-days) wind. High correlations between the WSIS suggest large possibility for formation of NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, MgSO4, K2SO4, CaSO4 and NH4NO3. The dusty days (visibility < 2 km) are associated with intense winds (11.7 ms−1 on average) and large increase (∼80–100%) in the concentrations of the crustal elements (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl−) compared to the normal days, while the TSP and PM10 concentrations reach to 4496 μgm−3 and 1010.6 μgm−3, respectively.

Source identification of combustion-related air pollution during an episode and afterwards in winter-time in Istanbul.

Conventional air pollutants (PM10, CO, NOx) gradually increased from fall to winter during 2015 in Istanbul. Several air pollution episodes were observed during this period. This study was made in order to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels, identify the sources of air pollution, and make toxicity assessment based on Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentrations. The sampling took 14 sequential days during winter. High-pressure weather conditions prevailed at the start of the sampling. The conditions were then changed to low-pressure condition towards the end of the sampling. Strong inversion was effective on the onset of the sampling. Strong inversion was effective at the onset of the sampling. A high-volume sampler was used to collect gas and particle phase samples. Total suspended particle concentrations were between 27 and 252μgm-3. Sixteen PAH species were investigated. Total (gas+particle) PAH concentrations were between 76.4 and 1280.3ngm-3, with an average of 301.4ngm-3. Individual PAH concentrations were between not detected (n.d.) and 99.2ngm-3 in the gaseous phase, and between n.d. and 11.5ngm-3 in the particle phase. Phenanthrene had the highest share among 16 PAH compounds. Benzo(a)pyrene was not detected in 8days. On the remaining days, its concentration ranged between 5.5 and 14.8ngm-3 with an average of 3.7ngm-3. Low-molecular-weight PAHs dominated gaseous phase; inversely, high-molecular-weight PAHs dominated particle phase. Possible sources were identified by diagnostic ratios. These ratios suggested that coal combustion and diesel vehicle exhaust emissions had a substantial impact on ambient air quality. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalencies were calculated for each PAH compound in order to make toxicity assessment. Total benzo(a)pyrene equivalencies ranged between 0.4 and 30.0ngm-3 with an average of 7.2ngm-3.

Concentrations of mineral aerosol from desert to plains across the central Rocky Mountains, western United States

Abstract Mineral dusts can have profound effects on climate, clouds, ecosystem processes, and human health. Because regional dust emission and deposition in western North America are not well understood, measurements of total suspended particulate (TSP) from 2011 to 2013 were made along a 500-km transect of five remote sites in Utah and Colorado, USA. The TSP concentrations in μg m−3 adjusted to a 24-h period were relatively high at the two westernmost, dryland sites at Canyonlands National Park (mean = 135) and at Mesa Verde National Park (mean = 99), as well as at the easternmost site on the Great Plains (mean = 143). The TSP concentrations at the two intervening montane sites were less, with more loading on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains (Telluride, mean = 68) closest to the desert sites compared with the site on the eastern slope (Niwot Ridge, mean = 58). Dust concentrations were commonly highest during late winter-late spring, when Pacific frontal storms are the dominant causes of regional wind. Low concentrations ( 10), as revealed by relatively low average daily concentrations of fine (

Seasonality in size-segregated ionic composition of ambient particulate pollutants over the Indo-Gangetic Plain: Source apportionment using PMF

Size-segregated particulate pollutants (PM<0.95, PM0.95–1.5, PM1.5–3.0, PM3.0–7.2 and PM>7.2) were collected over Patiala (30.33°N, 76.40°E; 250 m amsl), a semi-urban city located in northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), during October, 2012 to September, 2013. Mass concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP), derived by summation of particulate (aerosol) mass in different size range, varied from 88 to 387 μg m−3 with highest mass concentration (∼55% of total mass) in submicron size (PM<0.95) during the entire study period, which broadly reflects relative higher contribution of various anthropogenic sources (emissions from biomass and bio-fuel burning, vehicles, thermal power plants, etc) to ambient particles. Concentration of SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, K+ and Ca2+ exhibited large variability ranging from 0.52 to 40, 0.20 to 19, 0.14 to 12, 0.06 to 5.3 and 0.08 to 5.6 μg m−3, respectively, in different size ranges with varying size distribution for most of the species, except NH4+. A strong linear correlation (r = 0.97) between (SO42− + NO3−) and (K+ + NH4+) concentrations has been observed in submicron particles collected in different seasons, suggesting the formation of secondary inorganic salts. However, relatively poor correlation is observed in higher size ranges where significant correlation between (SO42− + NO3−) and (Ca2+ + Mg2+) has been observed. These observations indicate the acid neutralization by dust in coarser modes of particles. Chemical composition of submicron particulates (PM<0.95) in different seasons as well as for whole year was used to identify PM sources through the application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF, version 5.0) model. Based on annual data, PMF analyses suggests that six source factors namely biomass burning emission (24%), vehicular emission (22%), secondary organic aerosols (20%), power plant emission (13%), secondary inorganic aerosols (12%) and mineral dust (9%) contribute to PM<0.95 loading over the study region. Such studies are important in dispersion modeling, health impact assessment, and planning of pollution mitigation strategies.

Pollution levels and health risk assessment of particulate phthalic acid esters in arid urban areas

The pollution levels and health risks of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in atmospheric particulates in a typical arid urban area of China were studied and discussed in this paper. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyze the PAE concentrations at seven sites in Changji City during all four seasons. The results indicated that total PAE in atmospheric particulates ranged from 40 to 388 ng m−3 in 2014. The PAE concentrations also showed significant seasonal variation with relatively higher values in summer and autumn (191 and 319 ng m−3) than in spring and winter (70 and 55 ng m−3). Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were found as predominant compounds in PAEs accounting for ca. 90% of the total. Evidence confirms that factors including anthropogenic activities and total suspended particulate matter concentration (TSP) influenced the spatial distribution of phthalates in the atmosphere. The non-cancer and cancer risks assessment of PAEs using U.S. EPA method showed that the respective values were <1 for the former, and <10−6 for the latter; therefore, both of them were within the acceptable level and met the international guidelines. The study here establishes a baseline for future monitoring and management of these contaminants in arid area.

Evaluating the dynamical characteristics of particle matter emissions in an open ore yard with industrial operation activities.

A study to investigate the dynamical characteristics of particle matter emissions in a working open yard is conducted in Caofeidian Port of Hebei Province, China. The average diurnal concentrations of the total suspended particulate (TSP) matter and respirable particulate matter (PM10 and PM5) are monitored during the field measurement campaign. Sampling is performed at a regular interval at 8 monitoring stations in the yard with normal industrial activities. The average TSP, PM10 and PM5 concentrations range from 285 to 568, 198 to 423 and 189 to 330 μg.m-3 in the yard, respectively. The linear regression correlation coefficient of TSP/PM10 and TSP/PM5 is 0.95±0.01 and 0.88±0.02, respectively.By using the Spearman correlation method, the wind speed and relative humidity are both weakly correlated with the PM10 and PM5 concentrations according to the measurements. In addition, industrial operation activities, such as vehicular traffic in the yard and the loading time of stackers, are significantly positively correlated with the PM concentration. Using the multivariate regression method, the main parameters influencing the TSP concentration variations are integratedly analysed. The traffic volume is found to be a significant predictor of TSP concentration variation, with the smallest P value (P<0.05).To understand the dynamical characteristics of particle emissions in the yard, the emissions from the truck transports, that is, from unpaved haul roads and from the loading process, are established. Then, the dynamical emission factor (EFD) based on the industrial activities in the yard is proposed. The dynamical emissions average 5.25x105 kg.year-1 and EFD is evaluated to be 0.29 kg.(ton.day)-1 during the measurement period. These outcomes have meaningful implications not only for understanding the dynamical characteristics of particle emissions in the working stockyard but also for implementing effective control measures at appropriate sites in the harbour area.

Source apportionment of particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Lumbini, Nepal by using the positive matrix factorization receptor model

Indo–Gangetic Plain (IGP) is one of the most polluted regions in the world. Despite numbers of studies conducted at urban site, few data are available at rural area. In this study, characteristics of 15 particle-bound priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of total suspended particles (TSPs) collected at a typical rural area (Lumbini) of IGP from April 2013 to March 2014 were reported. The results showed that annual average TSP and PAH concentrations were 209±123μg/m3 and 94.8±54.6ng/m3, respectively, which were similar to those of large cities such as Agra and Delhi in the upwind adjacent regions. Clear seasonal variation of TSP and PAH concentrations was observed, with the highest average concentration occurring in winter followed by the pre-monsoon, post-monsoon, and monsoon seasons, reflecting combined influence of source strength and monsoon circulation on PAH concentrations of Lumbini. Positive matrix factorization analysis showed that biomass combustion (50.6%) and vehicular emissions (30.4%) were first two sources of PAHs, followed by coal combustion (11.6%) and air-soil exchange (7.4%), in line with that of diagnostic molecular ratios results. Because of extensive agro-residue burning, intensive forest fires, and conducive weather conditions, contribution of biomass burning during non-monsoon season (55.7%) was higher than that of monsoon season (42.1%). The total BaP equivalent concentration (BaPeq) of particulate PAHs ranged between 2.51 and 47.3ng/m3, was 2–40 times higher than the WHO guideline (1ng/m3), implying local residents were at risk for adverse health effects.

Water-sediment distribution and behaviour of Polonium (²¹⁰Po) in a shallow coastal area with high concentration of dissolved organic matters in water, North Vietnam

The behaviour and water-sediment distribution of particle-reactive Polonium-210 in the marine environment with high concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) and dissolved organic matters (DOC) along the coast of the Tonkin Gulf (North Vietnam) were investigated. It was revealed that the water-sediment distribution coefficient, Kd(s), of 210Po varied from 2.39x103 to 1.9x104 (L kg-1) and from 7x103to 2.5x105 (L kg-1), respectively, in the rainy and dry season. This implies that in the aquatic environment 210Po tends to be of high affinity to suspended particulates. The 210Po Kd(s) was positively correlated with salinity in both rainy and dry seasons. With DOC the Kd(s) was positively correlated in the rainy season, but in the dry season the relationship tended to be reverse. This behaviour of 210Po in the coastal region was explained by the variation of pH of seawater and by the complexation of the isotope with DOC. The Kd(s) found in this study was in an order lower compared to that reported by Malaysian researchers for the Thailand Gulf. The most important source of 210Po was suggested to be from in-situ generation by the decay of its grand-parent 210Pb which mainly derived from the atmospheric fall-out.

Atmospheric Polycyclic and Nitropolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in an Iron-manufacturing City

Total suspended particulates (TSP) in the atmosphere were collected for 2 weeks during winter in Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan, a typical iron-manufacturing city. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) in TSP were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using fluorescence and chemiluminescence detectors, respectively. No relationship was observed between the atmospheric PAH and NPAH concentration, or the atmospheric PAH and TSP concentration. However, there was a tendency that the atmospheric PAH concentration was higher when the wind blew from the coke-oven plant. Furthermore, the concentration ratios of 1-nitropyrene to pyrene, which is a suitable indicator of the contribution made by automobiles and coal combustion systems to urban air particulates, were smaller in Muroran and the values were close to those observed in particulates from coal combustion systems. Therefore, these results show that the PAH and NPAH compositions for Muroran are characteristic of an iron-manufacturing city.

An integrated Water Curtain-Microalgal Culture system (WCMC) to mitigate air emissions and recover nutrients from animal feeding operations

Economically and technologically feasible air emission mitigation technologies are in high demand to sustain future animal agriculture. In this study, we designed an integrated Water Curtain-Microalgal Culture (WCMC) system to mitigate air emissions and recover nutrients to culture microalgae from Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). The WCMC system included a water curtain, a windbreak wall and a raceway pond bioreactor. The water curtain was formed by continuously pumping water into a perforated water tank that flowed into the raceway pond bioreactor. The exhaust pollutants (NH3 and particulate matter-PM) from a poultry house were dissolved and absorbed by the water droplets. Microalgal species were collected from local ponds and went through natural selection. Desmodesmus (R. Chodat) showed the best tolerances of temperature, nutrients, pH, and circulation shear force. The microalgal culture in the bioreactor was run in batch mode and the average productivity was 12.7±2.9g/m2/day. Exhaust ammonia (NH3) and total suspended particle (TSP) concentrations were reduced by 74.9% and 89.2%, respectively. The harvested microalgal biomass had a protein content of 41.3%. The amino acid profile of microalgae demonstrated comparable quality to the WHO/FAO reference. Omega-3 fatty acids accounted for about 23% of total fat acids. Heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Fe and Zn) did not exceed the tolerance levels. The adaptation of this new technology will reduce AFOs environmental impact, create a win-win situation for future animal agriculture and microalgal cultivation, and generate new alternative protein sources as food and feed supplements.

Distribution of Organophosphate Esters between the Gas and Particle Phase-Model Predictions vs Measured Data.

Gas-particle partitioning is one of the key factors that affect the environmental fate of semivolatile organic chemicals. Many organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been reported to primarily partition to particles in the atmosphere. However, because of the wide range of their physicochemical properties, it is unlikely that OPEs are mainly in the particle phase "as a class". We compared gas-particle partitioning predictions for 32 OPEs made by the commonly used OECD POV and LRTP Screening Tool ("the Tool") with the partitioning models of Junge-Pankow (J-P) and Harner-Bidleman (H-B), as well as recently measured data on OPE gas-particle partitioning. The results indicate that half of the tested OPEs partition into the gas phase. Partitioning into the gas phase seems to be determined by an octanol-air partition coefficient (log KOA) < 10 and a subcooled liquid vapor pressure (log PL) > -5 (PL in Pa), as well as the total suspended particle concentration (TSP) in the sampling area. The uncertainty of the physicochemical property data of the OPEs did not change this estimate. Furthermore, the predictions by the Tool, J-P- and H-B-models agreed with recently measured OPE gas-particle partitioning.

Variability of dust mass concentrations and deposition rates under different weather conditions in Cele Oasis, southern Tarim Basin

Sand and dust invasions are a serious issue for oases; therefore, understanding the characteristics of dust concentrations, deposition rates, and influencing factors, under a variety of differing dust weather intensities, is important for the prevention of dust disasters. Field observations made in the Cele Oasis, in the southern Tarim Basin, indicated that the atmospheric levels of suspended mineral dust were far above those of other regions in China, and very close to Sahelian belt. The mass concentrations of TSP (total suspended particulates) and PM10 (particles with aerodynamical diameter <10 μm) span three orders of magnitude under different intensities of dust weathers. The TSP and PM10 concentrations exceeded the second grid of China’s National Standard 66.0- and 20.8-fold during dust storms, 35.8- and 9.2-fold during blowing sand, and 17.8- and 3.8-fold during floating dust. The dust accumulation caused by dust storms, blowing sand, and floating dust accounted for 40.16, 31.57, and 28.27 % of the total accumulation, respectively, but the blowing sand and floating dust had almost the same average deposition rate, which was 37 % less than that of dust storms. Winds blowing from the WSW, W, WNW, and NW brought more dust into the oasis than other directions. The correlation analysis between the dust concentrations, deposition rates and meteorological factors revealed that the oasis microclimate effect plays an important role in enhancing dust deposition during blowing sand and floating dust days. The hygroscopic growth of particles, in particular, is most likely the main mechanism for enhancing deposition.