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Chen F, Zhang W, Mfarrej MFB, Saleem MH, Khan KA, Ma J, Raposo A, Han H. Breathing in danger: Understanding the multifaceted impact of air pollution on health impacts. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116532. [PMID: 38850696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116532] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution, a pervasive environmental threat that spans urban and rural landscapes alike, poses significant risks to human health, exacerbating respiratory conditions, triggering cardiovascular problems, and contributing to a myriad of other health complications across diverse populations worldwide. This article delves into the multifarious impacts of air pollution, utilizing cutting-edge research methodologies and big data analytics to offer a comprehensive overview. It highlights the emergence of new pollutants, their sources, and characteristics, thereby broadening our understanding of contemporary air quality challenges. The detrimental health effects of air pollution are examined thoroughly, emphasizing both short-term and long-term impacts. Particularly vulnerable populations are identified, underscoring the need for targeted health risk assessments and interventions. The article presents an in-depth analysis of the global disease burden attributable to air pollution, offering a comparative perspective that illuminates the varying impacts across different regions. Furthermore, it addresses the economic ramifications of air pollution, quantifying health and economic losses, and discusses the implications for public policy and health care systems. Innovative air pollution intervention measures are explored, including case studies demonstrating their effectiveness. The paper also brings to light recent discoveries and insights in the field, setting the stage for future research directions. It calls for international cooperation in tackling air pollution and underscores the crucial role of public awareness and education in mitigating its impacts. This comprehensive exploration serves not only as a scientific discourse but also as a clarion call for action against the invisible but insidious threat of air pollution, making it a vital read for researchers, policymakers, and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chen
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Wanyue Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Hamzah Saleem
- Office of Academic Research, Office of VP for Research & Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Khalid Ali Khan
- Applied College, Center of Bee Research and its Products, Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, and Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jing Ma
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - António Raposo
- CBIOS (Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, Lisboa 1749-024, Portugal
| | - Heesup Han
- College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-Dong, Gwanjin-Gu, Seoul 143-747, South Korea.
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Wang R, Wang H, Zhan L, Xu Z. Pollution characteristics and release mechanism of microplastics in a typical end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling base, East China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170306. [PMID: 38272096 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) is a novel and significant pollution due to its eco-environmental hazards and ubiquity. In end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling base, MPs are widely distributed but have rare reported in scientific literature. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of MPs was conducted in a typical ELV recycling base. MPs were found in all samples at different sampling sites and environmental mediums. A total of 34 polymer types were detected by μ-FTIR, and the main polymers include PE-PP, ABS, polyester resin, nylon, and PEU plastic. MPs were released from the crushing, tearing, and breaking of plastic parts in ELVs. They were in high content in ground dust, with the abundance of 737-29,021 p/5 g D (the average abundance of 5552 ± 6435 p/5 g D). The abundance, shape, color, and size of MPs are related with functional areas of ELV recycling. Heavy metals could be adsorbed on MPs, and their contents on MPs have a significant correlation with those in the corresponding dust samples. At last, some specific MPs control measures, such as changing transportation mode, using dust-proof cloths, and equipping dust removal equipment, have been put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China
| | - Lu Zhan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China.
| | - Zhenming Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, China
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Yang Y, Shen J, Chen H, Liang Z, Liu X, Ji H. Emission inventories, emission factors, and composition profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (HMs) from an electronic waste dismantling park in southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121890. [PMID: 37236584 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling is a significant source of atmospheric pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals (HMs), which may have adverse effects on the surrounding environment and residents. However, the organized emission inventories and emission characteristics of VOCs and HMs from e-waste dismantling are not well documented. In this study, the concentrations and components of VOCs and HMs were monitored at the exhaust gas treatment facility from two process areas of a typical e-waste dismantling park in southern China in 2021. Emission inventories of VOCs and HMs were established, with total emissions of 8.85 t/a and 18.3 kg/a for VOCs and HMs in this park, respectively. The cutting & crushing (CC) area was the largest emissions source, accounting for 82.6% of VOCs and 79.9% of HMs, respectively, while the baking plate (BP) area had higher emission factors. Additionally, the concentration and composition of VOCs and HMs in the park were also analyzed. For VOCs, the concentrations of halogenated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons were comparable in the park, while m/p-xylene, o-xylene, and chlorobenzene were the key VOC species. The HM concentrations followed the order of Pb > Cu > Mn > Ni > As > Cd > Hg, with Pb and Cu being the main heavy metals released. This is the first VOC and HM emission inventory for the e-waste dismantling park, and our data will lay a solid ground for pollution control and management for the e-waste dismantling industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiarui Shen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Haojia Chen
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, Guangxi University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530000, PR China
| | - Zhiqin Liang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Synergy Innovation Institute of GDUT, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotu Liu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hongbing Ji
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, Guangxi University, Guangxi, Nanning, 530000, PR China
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