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Koch K, Wuyts K, Denys S, Samson R. The influence of plant species, leaf morphology, height and season on PM capture efficiency in living wall systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167808. [PMID: 37838055 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Green infrastructure (GI) is already known to be a suitable way to enhance air quality in urban environments. Living wall systems (LWS) can be implemented in locations where other forms of GI, such as trees or hedges, are not suitable. However, much debate remains about the variables that influence their particulate matter (PM) accumulation efficiency. This study attempts to clarify which plant species are relatively the most efficient in capturing PM and which traits are decisive when it comes to the implementation of a LWS. We investigated 11 plant species commonly used on living walls, located close to train tracks and roads. PM accumulation on leaves was quantified by magnetic analysis (Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM)). Several leaf morphological variables that could potentially influence PM capture were assessed, as well as the Wall Leaf Area Index. A wide range in SIRM values (2.74-417 μA) was found between all species. Differences in SIRM could be attributed to one of the morphological parameters, namely SLA (specific leaf area). This suggest that by just assessing SLA, one can estimate the PM capture efficiency of a plant species, which is extremely interesting for urban greeners. Regarding temporal variation, some species accumulated PM over the growing season, while others actually decreased in PM levels. This decrease can be attributed to rapid leaf expansion and variations in meteorology. Correct assessment of leaf age is important here; we suggest individual labeling of leaves for further studies. Highest SIRM values were found close to ground level. This suggests that, when traffic is the main pollution source, it is most effective when LWS are applied at ground level. We conclude that LWS can act as local sinks for PM, provided that species are selected correctly and systems are applied according to the state of the art.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Koch
- Research group ENdEMIC, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Karen Wuyts
- Research group ENdEMIC, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Siegfried Denys
- Research group DuEL, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roeland Samson
- Research group ENdEMIC, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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2
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Sheikh HA, Maher BA, Woods AW, Tung PY, Harrison RJ. Efficacy of green infrastructure in reducing exposure to local, traffic-related sources of airborne particulate matter (PM). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166598. [PMID: 37634712 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
One aim of roadside green infrastructure (GI) is to mitigate exposure to local, traffic-generated pollutants. Here, we determine the efficacy of roadside GI in improving local air quality through the deposition and/or dispersion of airborne particulate matter (PM). PM was collected on both pumped air filters and on the leaves of a recently installed 'tredge' (trees managed as a head-high hedge) at an open road environment next to a primary school in Manchester, U.K. The magnetic properties of PM deposited on leaves and filters (size fractions PM10 and PM2.5) were deduced from hysteresis loops, first-order reversal curves (FORCs), and low-temperature remanence measurements. These were complemented with electron microscopy to identify changes in magnetic PM concentration downwind of the tredge/GI. We show that the tredge is permeable to airflow using a simple CO2 tracer experiment; hence, it allows interception and subsequent deposition of PM on its leaves. Magnetic loadings per m3 of air from filters (PM10 saturation magnetisation, Ms, at 5 K) were reduced by 40 % behind the tredge and a further 63 % in the playground; a total reduction of 78 % compared to roadside air. For the PM2.5 fraction, the reduction in magnetic loading behind the tredge was remarkable (82 %), reflecting efficient diffusional capture of sub-5 nm Fe-oxide particles by the tredge. Some direct mixing of roadside and playground air occurs at the back of the playground, caused by air flow over, and/or through gaps in, the slowly-permeable tredge. The magnetic loading on tredge leaves increased over successive days, capturing ~23 % of local, traffic-derived PM10. Using a heuristic two-dimensional turbulent mixing model, we assess the limited dispersion of PM < 22.5 μm induced by eddies in the tredge wake. This study demonstrates that PM deposition on leaves reduces exposure significantly in this school playground setting; hence, providing a cost-effective mitigation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H A Sheikh
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK.
| | - B A Maher
- Center for Environmental Magnetism and Palaeomagnetism, University of Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - A W Woods
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK
| | - P Y Tung
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK; Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - R J Harrison
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, CB2 3EQ, UK
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Leite ADS, Rousse S, Léon J, Trindade RIF, Haoues‐Jouve S, Carvallo C, Dias‐Alves M, Proietti A, Nardin E, Macouin M. Barking up the Right Tree: Using Tree Bark to Track Airborne Particles in School Environment and Link Science to Society. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000633. [PMID: 36089983 PMCID: PMC9432803 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposure to air pollution affects both their health and learning skills. Fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1), notably issued from traffic sources in urban centers, belong to the most potential harmful health hazards. However their monitoring and the society's awareness on their dangers need to be consolidated. In this study, raising teacher and pupil involvement for air quality improvement in their schools environment is reached through developing a passive monitoring technique (bio-sensors made of tree bark). The experiment was implemented in two urban elementary schools situated close to a main traffic road of the city of Toulouse (South of France). Magnetic properties, carbonaceous fraction measurements, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM-EDX) investigations were realized both on passive bio-sensors and filters issued from active sampling. We find that traffic is the main PM1 source for both outdoors and indoors at schools. Higher levels of outdoor PM in the school's environments compared to urban background are reached especially in the cold period. The schools proximity to a main traffic source and lack of ventilation are the main causes for observed PM1 accumulation in classrooms. The co-working experiment with educational teams and pupils shows that the use of bio-sensors is a driver for children empowerment to air pollution and therefore represents a potential key tool for the teachers though limiting eco-anxiety. As PM accumulation is observed in many scholar environments across Europe, the proposed methodology is a step toward a better assessment of PM impact on pupil's health and learning skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. d. S. Leite
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - S. Rousse
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - J.‐F. Léon
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - R. I. F. Trindade
- Departamento de GeofísicaInstituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências AtmosféricasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - S. Haoues‐Jouve
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Solidarités Sociétés TerritoiresCNRSUniversité Toulouse 2EHESSENSFEAToulouseFrance
| | - C. Carvallo
- Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de CosmochimieUMR 7590Sorbonne UniversitéParisFrance
| | - M. Dias‐Alves
- Laboratoire d’AérologieCNRSUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - A. Proietti
- Centre de Microcaractérisation Raimond CastaingUniversité Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - E. Nardin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
| | - M. Macouin
- Géosciences Environnement ToulouseCNRSIRDUniversité Toulouse 3CNESToulouseFrance
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Tribaudino M, Solzi M, Mantovani L, Zaccara P, Groppi E. Magnetic particle monitoring on leaves in winter: a pilot study on a highly polluted location in the Po plain (Northern Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:63171-63181. [PMID: 35451717 PMCID: PMC9027023 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental monitoring in Northern Italy, one of the most polluted areas in Europe, is of paramount importance. Leaf monitoring throughout magnetic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis could be considered a good complementary analysis to sampling stations, but the lack of evergreen plants in the northern Italy towns may hinder magnetic leaf analysis in the winter season. Therefore, we tested three species of urban vegetation, which are evergreen and commonly found in urban environment, namely Hedera helix L., Parietaria officinalis L. and Rubus caesius L. Magnetic susceptibility, chosen as a simple parameter suitable for monitoring, was measured in seven stations, during the period 25 January 2019 to 8 March 2019 at a weekly step, in the cities of Torino and Parma in the same days. P. officinalis and R. caesius showed the best response, but also H. helix was suitable to detect highly polluted areas. In Torino, the magnetic susceptibility decreased in the last sampling, together with PM10, whereas in Parma it increased, likely for the beginning of the academic period in the University Campus. SEM-EDS analysis was done comparing leaves from the same plant sampled in February 2019, in highly polluted conditions, and in May 2020, after 2 months of very limited traffic, due to national lockdown. Silicate grains of natural minerals, sized between 10 and 20 µm, are present in both samples, whereas Fe oxides, about one micron size, possibly coming from car brake consumption, are prominent in the February 2019 sample. Magnetic susceptibility of leaves form the examined species looks promising to spot urban sites with high metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Tribaudino
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 157/a, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimo Solzi
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/a, Parma, Italy
| | - Luciana Mantovani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 157/a, Parma, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Zaccara
- Liceo Scientifico Statale "Gobetti-Segrè", Via Maria Vittoria, 39 bis, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Groppi
- Liceo Scientifico "G. Ulivi", Viale Maria Luigia, 3, Parma, Italy
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Speranza A, Caggiano R. Impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown measures on coarse and fine atmospheric aerosol particles (PM) in the city of Rome (Italy): compositional data analysis approach. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 15:2035-2050. [PMID: 35999835 PMCID: PMC9387888 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the year 2020, Italy faced a pandemic due to the virus SARS-CoV-2 for short COVID-19. Following this pandemic, a national lockdown period was imposed and throughout the year 2020 various measures were taken by the government to limit the mobility of people and contain the mortality associated with COVID-19. In Italy, pandemic measures led to a reduction in anthropogenic activities and provided an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate the possible effects that restrictions on anthropogenic activities may have on the air quality. Two background site (i.e., Cipro and Cinecittà) and a traffic sites (i.e., Corso Francia) were studied in the city of Rome. PM10 and PM2.5 were considered for the years 2019 and 2020. Moreover, the vehicular mobility, the emission classes of the vehicles, and the people mobility were taken into consideration along with meteorological variables. A compositional data analysis was used to evaluate the effect of pandemic measures on the fine- and coarse-size fractions of PM in the three considered sites. The results showed that in the traffic site (i.e., Corso Francia site) in 2020, there was a reduction of fine-size fraction of PM of about 10% when compared to the data of 2019, whereas in the background site (i.e., Cinecittà site) in 2020 there was an increase of fine-size fraction of PM of about 14% when compared to the data of 2019. No variation in the coarse- and fine-size fractions of PM were observed at the background site Cipro. This study showed how, in an urban context, PM can be influenced by strong changes in people's habits and in vehicular mobility such as those recorded during the investigated period and due to pandemic lockdown measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Speranza
- IMAA, Istituto Di Metodologie Per L’Analisi Ambientale, CNR, C.da S. Loja—Zona Industriale, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ Italy
| | - Rosa Caggiano
- IMAA, Istituto Di Metodologie Per L’Analisi Ambientale, CNR, C.da S. Loja—Zona Industriale, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ Italy
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Hua Y, Dong F. How can new energy vehicles become qualified relays from the perspective of carbon neutralization? Literature review and research prospect based on the CiteSpace knowledge map. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:55473-55491. [PMID: 35678969 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Analyzing the feasibility of fuel vehicle transition will be conducive to the realization of the carbon neutralization goal. However, at present, there are few studies specifically aimed at the transition of fuel vehicles. Therefore, this study first analyzed the necessity for the transition of fuel vehicles and then used CiteSpace to analyze 2081 articles in the core Web of Science database in the past decade with "fuel vehicle emission reduction" as the search keyword. After clarifying the research context and development frontier of fuel vehicle emission reduction, we found that most of the literature with the research theme on this topic ends with the research of electric vehicles. Therefore, we took new energy vehicles represented by electric vehicles as the starting point to explore the realization path of carbon neutralization by analyzing the development dilemma and residents' feedback on electric vehicles. Finally, the research review and research prospects were carried out. The study found that although the development of new energy vehicles has made obvious progress at this stage, there are still some problems in comprehensively promoting electric vehicles, such as battery power, charging facilities, and the weak willingness of consumers to accept electric vehicles. Therefore, improving the usage efficiency of new energy vehicles can more effectively force fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles to complete the relay from the perspective of market attraction. This study will provide a more scientific solution and implementation path for the transition of fuel vehicles in various countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Hua
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Dong
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Winkler A, Contardo T, Lapenta V, Sgamellotti A, Loppi S. Assessing the impact of vehicular particulate matter on cultural heritage by magnetic biomonitoring at Villa Farnesina in Rome, Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 823:153729. [PMID: 35143797 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic biomonitoring methodologies were applied at Villa Farnesina, Rome, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, with loggias frescoed by renowned artists such as Raffaello Sanzio. Plant leaves were sampled in September and December 2020 and lichen transplants were exposed from October 2020 to early January 2021 at increasing distances from the main trafficked road, Lungotevere Farnesina, introducing an outdoor vs. indoor mixed sampling design aimed at assessing the impact of vehicular particulate matter (PM) on the Villa Loggias. The magnetic properties of leaves and lichens - inferred from magnetic susceptibility values, hysteresis loops and first order reversal curves - showed that the bioaccumulation of magnetite-like particles, associated with trace metals such as Cu, Ba and Sb, decreased exponentially with the distance from the road, and was mainly linked to metallic emission from vehicle brake abrasion. For the frescoed Halls, ca. 30 m from the road, the exposure to traffic-related emissions was very limited or negligible. Tree and shrub leaves of the Lungotevere and of the Villa's Gardens intercepted much traffic-derived PM, thus being able to protect the indoor cultural heritage and providing an essential conservation service. It is concluded that the joint use of magnetic and chemical analyses can profitably be used for evaluating the impact of particulate pollution on cultural heritage within complex metropolitan contexts as a preventive conservation measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Winkler
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, 00143 Rome, Italy.
| | - Tania Contardo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Buonaurio F, Borra F, Pigini D, Paci E, Spagnoli M, Astolfi ML, Giampaoli O, Sciubba F, Miccheli A, Canepari S, Ancona C, Tranfo G. Biomonitoring of Exposure to Urban Pollutants and Oxidative Stress during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Rome Residents. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050267. [PMID: 35622680 PMCID: PMC9143243 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of traffic on human health comparing biomonitoring data measured during the COVID-19 lockdown, when restrictions led to a 40% reduction in airborne benzene in Rome and a 36% reduction in road traffic, to the same parameters measured in 2021. Methods: Biomonitoring was performed on 49 volunteers, determining the urinary metabolites of the most abundant traffic pollutants, such as benzene and PAHs, and oxidative stress biomarkers by HPLC/MS-MS, 28 elements by ICP/MS and metabolic phenotypes by NMR. Results: Means of s-phenylmercaputric acid (SPMA), metabolites of naphthalene and nitropyrene in 2020 are 20% lower than in 2021, while 1-OH-pyrene was 30% lower. A reduction of 40% for 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) and 60% for 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) were found in 2020 compared to 2021. The concentrations of B, Co, Cu and Sb in 2021 are significantly higher than in the 2020. NMR untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 35 urinary metabolites. Results show in 2021 a decrease in succinic acid, a product of the Krebs cycle promoting inflammation. Conclusions: Urban pollution due to traffic is partly responsible for oxidative stress of nucleic acids, but other factors also have a role, enhancing the importance of communication about a healthy lifestyle in the prevention of cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Buonaurio
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Francesca Borra
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Daniela Pigini
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00144 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (E.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Enrico Paci
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00144 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (E.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariangela Spagnoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00144 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (E.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.B.); (M.L.A.)
| | - Ottavia Giampaoli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (O.G.); (F.S.); (A.M.); (S.C.)
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Sciubba
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (O.G.); (F.S.); (A.M.); (S.C.)
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Miccheli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (O.G.); (F.S.); (A.M.); (S.C.)
- NMR-Based Metabolomics Laboratory (NMLab), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (O.G.); (F.S.); (A.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Carla Ancona
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, 00154 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Tranfo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00144 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (E.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0694181436
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Atmospheric Concentration of CO 2 and PM 2.5 at Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano Islands (Italy): How Anthropogenic Sources, Ordinary Volcanic Activity and Unrests Affect Air Quality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084833. [PMID: 35457709 PMCID: PMC9027128 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Geogenic and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric particulate and CO2 can lead to threats to human health in volcanic areas. Although the volcanic CO2 hazard is a topic frequently debated in the related scientific literature, space and time distribution of PM2.5 are poorly known. The results of combined CO2/PM2.5 surveys, carried out at Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano islands (Aeolian archipelago, Italy) in the years 2020–2021, and integrated with investigations on bioaccumulation of metallic particulate matter by the mean of data on the magnetic properties of oleander leaves, are presented in this work. The retrieved results indicate that no significant anthropogenic sources for both CO2 and PM2.5 are active in these islands, at the net of a minor contribution due to vehicular traffic. Conversely, increments in volcanic activity, as the unrest experienced by Vulcano island since the second half of 2021, pose serious threats to human health, due to the near-ground accumulation of CO2, and the presence of suspended micro-droplets of condensed hydrothermal vapor, fostering the diffusion of atmophile viruses, such as the COVID-19. Gas hazard conditions can be generated, not only by volcanic vents or fumarolic fields, but also by unconventional sources, such as the outgassing from shallow hydrothermal aquifers through drilled or hand-carved wells.
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