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Mondal SK, Aina P, Rownaghi AA, Rezaei F. Cooperative and Bifunctional Adsorbent-Catalyst Materials for In-situ VOCs Capture-Conversion. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300419. [PMID: 38116915 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes and are major components of air pollution that significantly deteriorate air quality and seriously affect human health. Different types of metals, metal oxides, mixed-metal oxides, polymers, activated carbons, zeolites, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and mixed-matrixed materials have been developed and used as adsorbent or catalyst for diversified VOCs detection, removal, and destruction. In this comprehensive review, we first discuss the general classification of VOCs removal materials and processes and outline the historical development of bifunctional and cooperative adsorbent-catalyst materials for the removal of VOCs from air. Subsequently, particular attention is devoted to design of strategies for cooperative adsorbent-catalyst materials, along with detailed discussions on the latest advances on these bifunctional materials, reaction mechanisms, long-term stability, and regeneration for VOCs removal processes. Finally, challenges and future opportunities for the environmental implementation of these bifunctional materials are identified and outlined with the intent of providing insightful guidance on the design and fabrication of more efficient materials and systems for VOCs removal in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanta K Mondal
- Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409-1230, United States
| | - Peter Aina
- Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409-1230, United States
- Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33124, United States
| | - Ali A Rownaghi
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, United States Department of Energy, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, United States
| | - Fateme Rezaei
- Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409-1230, United States
- Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33124, United States
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Liang Z, Yu Y, Sun B, Yao Q, Lin X, Wang Y, Zhang J, Li Y, Wang X, Tang Z, Ma S. The underappreciated role of fugitive VOCs in ozone formation and health risk assessment emitted from seven typical industries in China. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 136:647-657. [PMID: 37923473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Fugitive emission from industrial sources may result in ozone formation and health risk, while the exact contribution of this source remains incompletely understood. In this study, emission characteristics, ozone formation potential (OFP) and health risk of fugitive VOCs in 7 representative industries were investigated. Chemical material industry was the dominant contributor to VOCs of fugitive emission in comparison with other industries. The OFP of VOCs from fugitive emission was in the range of 1.45 × 103-3.98 × 105 µg/m3, with a higher value than that of organized emission in seven industries except for the coking industry and the chemical material industry, suggesting that fugitive VOCs should be taken into account while developing control strategies. Acetaldehyde, m,p-xylene, n-nonane, ethylene, vinyl chloridethe and other high OFP-contributing species were the major reactive species that should be targeted. Health risk assessment investigated non-cancer and cancer risks of fugitive VOCs in 7 industries were all above safe level (HR > 1 and LCR > 1 × 10-4), posing remarkable health threats to human health. OVOCs were the main contributor to non-cancer risk, while halohydrocarbons and aromatics contributed most to cancer risks, posing remarkable health threat on human health. Our findings highlighted the contribution of fugitive VOCs on ozone formation and health risk was underestimated, indicating which should be considered in emission control strategies of industrial sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiling Liang
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Bingbing Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Qian Yao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Xihua Lin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Henan Jiyuan Ecological Environment Testing Center, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Yingzi Li
- Ecological Environment Bureau of Jiyuan Production City Integration Demonstration Zone, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Ecological Environment Bureau of Jiyuan Production City Integration Demonstration Zone, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Zhengzheng Tang
- Ecological Environment Bureau of Jiyuan Production City Integration Demonstration Zone, Jiyuan 454650, China
| | - Shexia Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China.
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Puigserver D, Herrero J, Carmona JM. Mobilization pilot test of PCE sources in the transition zone to aquitards by combining mZVI and biostimulation with lactic acid. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162751. [PMID: 36921871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential toxic and carcinogenic effects of chlorinated solvents in groundwater on human health and aquatic ecosystems require very effective remediation strategies of contaminated groundwater to achieve the low legal cleanup targets required. The transition zones between aquifers and bottom aquitards occur mainly in prograding alluvial fan geological contexts. Hence, they are very frequent from a hydrogeological point of view. The transition zone consists of numerous thin layers of fine to coarse-grained clastic fragments (e.g., medium sands and gravels), which alternate with fine-grained materials (clays and silts). When the transition zones are affected by DNAPL spills, free-phase pools accumulate on the less conductive layers. Owing to the low overall conductivity of this zone, the pools are very recalcitrant. Little field research has been done on transition zone remediation techniques. Injection of iron microparticles has the disadvantage of the limited accessibility of this reagent to reach the entire source of contamination. Biostimulation of indigenous microorganisms in the medium has the disadvantage that few of the microorganisms are capable of complete biodegradation to total mineralization of the parent contaminant and metabolites. A field pilot test was conducted at a site where a transition zone existed in which DNAPL pools of PCE had accumulated. In particular, the interface with the bottom aquitard was where PCE concentrations were the highest. In this pilot test, a combined strategy using ZVI in microparticles and biostimulation with lactate in the form of lactic acid was conducted. Throughout the test it was found that the interdependence of the coupled biotic and abiotic processes generated synergies between these processes. This resulted in a greater degradation of the PCE and its transformation products. With the combination of the two techniques, the mobilization of the contaminant source of PCE was extremely effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Puigserver
- Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology. Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Water Research Institute (IdRA-UB), Serra Húnter Tenure-elegible Lecturer, C/ Martí i Franquès, s/n, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jofre Herrero
- Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Water Research Institute (IdRA-UB), C/ Martí i Franquès, s/n, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José M Carmona
- Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Water Research Institute (IdRA-UB), C/ Martí i Franquès, s/n, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
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Ghobakhloo S, Khoshakhlagh AH, Morais S, Mazaheri Tehrani A. Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in Paint Production Plants: Levels and Potential Human Health Risks. TOXICS 2023; 11:111. [PMID: 36850986 PMCID: PMC9961358 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of volatile organic solvents, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, and ketones, are used in the production of paints, and they comprise more than 30% of the ingredients of paints. The present study was designed to evaluate the occupational exposure to 15 volatile organic compounds (VOCs, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, styrene, n-hexane, n-heptane, n-nonane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, n-butyl acetate, n-octane, n-decane, dichlorofluoromethane, and acetone) in Iranian paint production factories and subsequently, the associated health risks. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers using the NIOSH 1501 method, and their qualitative and quantitative characterization was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, respectively. The individual concentrations of VOCs ranged from 23.76 ± 0.57 µg m-3 (acetone) to 92489.91 ± 0.65 µg m-3 (m,p-xylene). The predominant compounds were m,p-xylene (up to 92489.91 ± 0.65 µg m-3), ethylbenzene (up to 91188.95 ± 0.34 µg m-3), and toluene (up to 46088.84 ± 0.14 µg m-3). The non-cancer risks of benzene, n-nonane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, xylene, and ethylbenzene surpassed the reference value in most of the sectors. In addition, total lifetime risks of cancer were in the range of 1.8 × 10-5-3.85 × 10-3, suggesting that there was a risk of carcinogenesis in all studied sections, mainly due to ethylbenzene and benzene. Considering their high exposure concentrations and their associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, biological monitoring of workers and the use of technical and modern engineering control measures are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiye Ghobakhloo
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 8715988141, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 8715988141, Iran
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashraf Mazaheri Tehrani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan 8715988141, Iran
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Sager TM, Joseph P, Umbright CM, Hubbs AF, Barger M, Kashon ML, Fedan JS, Roberts JR. Biological effects of inhaled crude oil vapor. III. Pulmonary inflammation, cytotoxicity, and gene expression profile. Inhal Toxicol 2023; 35:241-253. [PMID: 37330949 PMCID: PMC10658288 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2023.2224394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Workers may be exposed to vapors emitted from crude oil in upstream operations in the oil and gas industry. Although the toxicity of crude oil constituents has been studied, there are very few in vivo investigations designed to mimic crude oil vapor (COV) exposures that occur in these operations. The goal of the current investigation was to examine lung injury, inflammation, oxidant generation, and effects on the lung global gene expression profile following a whole-body acute or sub-chronic inhalation exposure to COV. MATERIALS AND METHODS To conduct this investigation, rats were subjected to either a whole-body acute (6 hr) or a sub-chronic (28 d) inhalation exposure (6 hr/d × 4 d/wk × 4 wk) to COV (300 ppm; Macondo well surrogate oil). Control rats were exposed to filtered air. One and 28 d after acute exposure, and 1, 28, and 90 d following sub-chronic exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on the left lung to collect cells and fluid for analyses, the apical right lobe was preserved for histopathology, and the right cardiac and diaphragmatic lobes were processed for gene expression analyses. RESULTS No exposure-related changes were identified in histopathology, cytotoxicity, or lavage cell profiles. Changes in lavage fluid cytokines indicative of inflammation, immune function, and endothelial function after sub-chronic exposure were limited and varied over time. Minimal gene expression changes were detected only at the 28 d post-exposure time interval in both the exposure groups. CONCLUSION Taken together, the results from this exposure paradigm, including concentration, duration, and exposure chamber parameters, did not indicate significant and toxicologically relevant changes in markers of injury, oxidant generation, inflammation, and gene expression profile in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina M Sager
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Pius Joseph
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Christina M Umbright
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ann F Hubbs
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Mark Barger
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michael L Kashon
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Fedan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jenny R Roberts
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Exposure assessment of wastewater treatment plant employees to BTEX: a biological monitoring approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21433. [PMID: 36509850 PMCID: PMC9744860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25876-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To monitor employees' work safety and exposure against air contaminants, Trans, trans-muconic acid, Hippuric acid, Methyl hippuric acid, Mandelic acid and Phenylglyoxylic acid can be used as reliable biomarkers of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds. This study aims to determine the level of urinary metabolites of BTEX compounds using biological monitoring in the employees of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the south of Iran. The study was performed on 56 employees of the WWTP of one of the southern cities of Iran in 2020. Urine samples (n total = 112) consisting of 60 samples of employees working in the operation section (exposed group) and 52 samples of employees working in the administrative section (control group) in the WWTP were collected before and at the end of their shift. The mean concentration of urinary metabolites of BTEX of both groups ranged from 546.43 (μg/g cr) for trans, trans-muconic acid to 0.006 (μg/g cr) for methyl hippuric acid, which indicates that most of the evaluated metabolites showed a higher concentration than their occupational threshold limit value urine (p < 0.05). Regression analysis results showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between age and utilization of flame heaters with changes in the measured BTEX metabolites in the urine. The results of this study illustrate that WWTPs should be considered as one of the workplaces with potential sources of BTEX exposure for employees. Future investigations are recommended to perform itemized appraisals of BTEX intake sources, particularly in employees of the operational sections of WWTP.
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Wang J, Yue H, Cui S, Zhang Y, Li H, Wang J, Ge X. Chemical Characteristics and Source-Specific Health Risks of the Volatile Organic Compounds in Urban Nanjing, China. TOXICS 2022; 10:722. [PMID: 36548555 PMCID: PMC9783090 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This work comprehensively investigated the constituents, sources, and associated health risks of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sampled during the autumn of 2020 in urban Nanjing, a megacity in the densely populated Yangtze River Delta region in China. The total VOC (TVOC, sum of 108 species) concentration was determined to be 29.04 ± 14.89 ppb, and it was consisted of alkanes (36.9%), oxygenated VOCs (19.9%), halogens (19.1%), aromatics (9.9%), alkenes (8.9%), alkynes (4.9%), and others (0.4%). The mean TVOC/NOx (ppbC/ppbv) ratio was only 3.32, indicating the ozone control is overall VOC-limited. In terms of the ozone formation potential (OFP), however, the largest contributor became aromatics (41.9%), followed by alkenes (27.6%), and alkanes (16.9%); aromatics were also the dominant species in secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, indicative of the critical importance of aromatics reduction to the coordinated control of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Mass ratios of ethylbenzene/xylene (E/X), isopentane/n--pentane (I/N), and toluene/benzene (T/B) ratios all pointed to the significant influence of traffic on VOCs. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) revealed five sources showing that traffic was the largest contributor (29.2%), particularly in the morning. A biogenic source, however, became the most important source in the afternoon (31.3%). The calculated noncarcinogenic risk (NCR) and lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) of the VOCs were low, but four species, acrolein, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and 1,2-dibromoethane, were found to possess risks exceeding the thresholds. Furthermore, we conducted a multilinear regression to apportion the health risks to the PMF-resolved sources. Results show that the biogenic source instead of traffic became the most prominent contributor to the TVOC NCR and its contribution in the afternoon even outpaced the sum of all other sources. In summary, our analysis reveals the priority of controls of aromatics and traffic/industrial emissions to the efficient coreduction of O3 and PM2.5; our analysis also underscores that biogenic emissions should be paid special attention if considering the direct health risks of VOCs.
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Hsu CY, Wu PY, Chen YC, Chen PC, Guo YL, Lin YJ, Lin P. An integrated strategy by using long-term monitoring data to identify volatile organic compounds of high concern near petrochemical industrial parks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153345. [PMID: 35085637 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is associated with a risk of cancer in the residents living near petrochemical facilities. However, research on the contribution of different VOCs to the lifetime cancer risk remains inconclusive. The variability in source emissions, geographical locations, seasons, and meteorological conditions can be assessed through long-term measurement of ambient VOCs with a wide spatial distribution, thus reducing the uncertainty of health risk assessment from source emissions. This study analyzed comprehensive measurement data of 109 VOCs at 17 monitoring stations around petrochemical industrial parks, collected once every six days during 2015-2018 by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency. We calculated the annual mean concentration of selected VOCs and then integrated the probability risk assessment (PRA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models to identify the sources of VOCs of high concern. First, we prioritized 12 out of 23 carcinogenic VOCs based on the PRA results. Further, the results obtained from the PMF model revealed that petrochemical industrial parks contributed to more than 50% of the emissions of six VOCs, namely 1,3-butadiene, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, vinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile, measured at a few monitoring stations. This integrated approach can help regulatory agencies to efficiently propose control strategies on the emissions of VOCs of high concern, thereby reducing the population's health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Yu Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Sustainability and Human Health, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Wu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue Leon Guo
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Medicine and NTU Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Lin
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Almomani F, Rene ER, Veiga MC, Bhosale RR, Kennes C. Treatment of waste gas contaminated with dichloromethane using photocatalytic oxidation, biodegradation and their combinations. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:123735. [PMID: 33158652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of waste gas (WG) containing dichloromethane (DCM) using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) [UV and UV-TiO2], biological treatment (BT), and their combination (AOPs-BT) was tested. AOP tests were performed in an annular photo-reactor (APHR), while BT was conducted in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTBR). The effects of gas flow rate (Qgas), inlet DCM concentration ([DCM]i), residence time (τ), photocatalyst loading (PH-CL) and % relative humidity (% RH) on the AOPs performance and the removal of DCM (%DCMr) were studied and optimized. The UV process exhibited %DCMr ≤ 12.5 % for tests conducted at a [DCM]i ≤ 0.45 g/m3, Qgas of 0.12 m3/h and τ of 27.6 s, respectively, and < 4 % when the [DCM]i ≥ 4.2 g/m3. The UV-TiO2 achieved a %DCMr ≥ 71 ± 1.5 % at Qgas of 0.06 m3/h, [DCM]i of 0.45 g/m3, τ of 55.2 s, PH-CL of 10 g/m2, and %RH of 50, respectively. The BT process removed ∼97.6 % of DCM with an elimination capacity (EC) of 234.0 g/m3·h. Besides, the high %DCMr of ∼98.5 % in the UV-BT and 99.7 % in the UV-TiO2-BT processes confirms AOPs-BT as a promising technology for the treatment of recalcitrant compounds present in WG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Eldon R Rene
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Center for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of La Coruña (UDC), E-15008, La Coruña, Spain; IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Department of Water Supply, Sanitation and Environmental Engineering, P. O. Box 3015, 2601 DA, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - María C Veiga
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Center for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of La Coruña (UDC), E-15008, La Coruña, Spain
| | - Rahul R Bhosale
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Christian Kennes
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Center for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of La Coruña (UDC), E-15008, La Coruña, Spain
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Moridzadeh M, Dehghani S, Rafiee A, Hassanvand MS, Dehghani M, Hoseini M. Assessing BTEX exposure among workers of the second largest natural gas reserve in the world: a biomonitoring approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:44519-44527. [PMID: 32770338 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urinary benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) can be used as a reliable biomarker of exposure to these pollutants. This cross-sectional study aimed to employ biomonitoring to assess BTEX exposure among South Pars Gas Field (SPGF) workers in Assaluyeh, Iran. Forty employees who were working on the site were recruited as the case group. Besides, 31 administrative employees were recruited as the control group. Pre-shift and post-shift spot urine samples were collected from the subjects in the case group, while the subjects in the control group provided mid-morning urine samples. Overall, 111 urine samples, including 80 samples from the case group and 31 samples from the controls, were collected. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to determine the urinary levels of BTEX compounds. The median urinary levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene in the post-shift samples of the exposed group were 1.24, 2.28, 0.5, 1.32, and 1.5 μg/l, respectively. Significant differences were observed in urinary BTEX levels among smokers and non-smokers in both studied groups (p < 0.05). Accordingly, the median urinary BTEX concentrations in smokers were 2 to 6.5 times higher than the corresponding values in non-smoker subjects. Smoking status was the only predictor of the urinary BTEX concentration. Our findings revealed that refinery workers are exposed to significant levels of BTEX compounds. Considering the health risks associated with BTEX exposure for refinery workers, implementation of suitable control strategies, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment and improving on-site ventilation systems, are recommended reducing their exposure to BTEX via the inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moridzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Department of Environmental Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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11
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Domingo JL, Marquès M, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M. Health risks for the population living near petrochemical industrial complexes. 1. Cancer risks: A review of the scientific literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109495. [PMID: 32283337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Petrochemical complexes and oil refineries are well known sources of a wide range of environmental pollutants. Consequently, the potential harmful health effects of living near these facilities is a topic of concern among the population living in the neighborhood. Anyhow, the number of studies carried out on this issue is rather limited and, in some cases, results are even slightly contradictory. The present Review was aimed at assessing whether living in the vicinity of petrochemical industries and oil refineries is associated with a higher incidence of cancer and cancer mortality. In this sense, up to 23 investigations were found in PubMed and Scopus databases. According to the type of cancer, leukemia and other hematological malignancies were reported as the main types of cancer for populations living in the neighborhood of petrochemical industries. This was concluded based on studies performed in Taiwan, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy and Nigeria. In contrast, no association was found in 4 different investigations conducted in Sweden, Finland and USA with the same purpose. Other scientific studies reported a high incidence of lung and bladder cancer in Taiwan, Italy and USA, as well as an excess mortality of bone, brain, liver, pleural, larynx and pancreas cancers in individuals living near petrochemical complexes from Taiwan, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and USA. Thus, human exposure to certain carcinogenic pollutants emitted from petrochemical industries might increase the incidence of some cancers and cancer mortality. Anyway, since the limited number of investigations conducted until now, further studies are required in order to corroborate -in a more generalized way-this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Avd. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Baum JS, Norton AE. In Your Face: Consideration of higher risks for chemical exposure to persons with disabilities in laboratories. ACS CHEMICAL HEALTH & SAFETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchas.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Lu T, Lansing J, Zhang W, Bechle MJ, Hankey S. Land Use Regression models for 60 volatile organic compounds: Comparing Google Point of Interest (POI) and city permit data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:131-141. [PMID: 31054441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Land Use Regression (LUR) models of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) normally focus on land use (e.g., industrial area) or transportation facilities (e.g., roadway); here, we incorporate area sources (e.g., gas stations) from city permitting data and Google Point of Interest (POI) data to compare model performance. We used measurements from 50 community-based sampling locations (2013-2015) in Minneapolis, MN, USA to develop LUR models for 60 VOCs. We used three sets of independent variables: (1) base-case models with land use and transportation variables, (2) models that add area source variables from local business permit data, and (3) models that use Google POI data for area sources. The models with Google POI data performed best; for example, the total VOC (TVOC) model has better goodness-of-fit (adj-R2: 0.56; Root Mean Square Error [RMSE]: 0.32 μg/m3) as compared to the permit data model (0.42; 0.37) and the base-case model (0.26; 0.41). Area source variables were selected in over two thirds of models among the 60 VOCs at small-scale buffer sizes (e.g., 25 m-500 m). Our work suggests that VOC LUR models can be developed using community-based sampling and that models improve by including area sources as measured by business permit and Google POI data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjun Lu
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Jennifer Lansing
- Minneapolis Health Department, 250 S. Fourth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415, United States
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Matthew J Bechle
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 201 More Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Steve Hankey
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, 140 Otey Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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Chen WH, Chen GF, Lin YC. Influence of emulsified biodiesel on the emission and health risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the vapor and particulate phases during engine combustion. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:13510-13521. [PMID: 30911966 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04805-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biofuel is a renewable energy source for transportation. Given the toxicity associated with particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is not fully understood, investigating the difference of adverse health risks posed between vapor and particulate PAH emissions from biodiesel-fueled engine combustion was the objective of this study. Three different fuel types, including typical diesel, emulsified diesel with a water fraction from 10 to 19% (v/v), and emulsified biodiesel with water (10%) and biofuel fractions from 10 to 40% (v/v), were studied. The fugacity model and risk assessment were conducted to predict the health risks when different fuels were used. In the results, the addition of water and biofuel elevated and reduced the total PAH emissions in the exhausts, respectively. After the emission, chrysene and benzo(a)anthracene were two dominant carcinogenic species in the environment. The excess cancer risk of the PAH emission significantly decreased (e.g., up to two orders of magnitude) while the emulsified biodiesel was applied, with limiting the formation of benzo(a)pyrene being the explanation. The PAH emissions with molecular weights ranging from 166 to 255 g/mol were significantly different between the vapor and particulate phases during the emulsified biodiesel combustion (p < 0.01). From the viewpoint of cancer risk, the contribution posed by the particulate PAHs was significantly greater than those by the vapor PAHs (e.g., from 54% (benzo(a)pyrene) to 76% (benzo(b)fluoranthene)). Benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene represent the species with the highest and lowest risks, respectively. The multi-ringed PAHs with four or five rings were more indicative of potential cancer risk posed by the PAHs associated with particulate matters during combustion of the emulsified biodiesel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Chen
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
- Aerosol Science and Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
| | - Guan-Fu Chen
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chung Lin
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
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Effects of BTEX on the Removal of Acetone in a Coaxial Non-Thermal Plasma Reactor: Role Analysis of the Methyl Group. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040890. [PMID: 29649112 PMCID: PMC6017784 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The removal of acetone and benzene series (BTEX) under individual and concurrent conditions is carried out in a coaxial nonthermal plasma (NTP) reactor. The results show that the benzene series has a significant negative impact on acetone conversion and CO₂ selectivity under NTP treatment. Furthermore, it is found that p-xylene significantly promotes COx selectivity under co-treatment with acetone because of greater CO generation. Based on the results of transient FTIR, MS, and GC-MS, it is seen that quantities of formic acid, formaldehyde, and ring-opening byproducts from benzene series decomposition are reduced, while quantities of aromatic byproducts with carboxyl, phenolic, and aldehyde groups on the benzene ring increase under coexistence conditions. With the help of theoretical calculation and kinetic analysis, hydrogen abstraction from the methyl group and active hydroxyl radical consumption are proposed as critical factors in the BTEX inhibition effect on acetone degradation.
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Gallego E, Roca FJ, Perales JF, Gadea E. Outdoor air 1,3-butadiene monitoring near a petrochemical industry (Tarragona region) and in several Catalan urban areas using active multi-sorbent bed tubes and analysis through TD-GC/MS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:1440-1448. [PMID: 29108694 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
1,3-Butadiene is a carcinogenic compound that can be emitted to the atmosphere from several sources, such as the combustion of organic matter or traffic. However, petrochemical industry is one of the main origins of this compound. Several campaigns (2013-2017) were conducted in twelve Catalan urban areas to determine 1,3-butadiene concentrations in outdoor air, five of which were close to Tarragona petrochemical region. 1,3-Butadiene was dynamically sampled in multi-sorbent bed tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X and Carboxen 569) using portable pump equipment. The analysis was performed by automatic thermal desorption coupled with capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry detector. El Morell, Perafort and Puigdelfí, located near petrochemical facilities, were the most impacted locations, with average concentrations up to 15±33, 33±41 and 27±39μgm-3, respectively. Maximum 24h concentrations of 125μgm-3 were observed in Puigdelfí. However, 1,3-butadiene average and maximum concentrations in the Tarragona petrochemical region diminished significantly (p≤0.05) in a drastic way (40-80%) since the first monitoring program in 2013. On the other hand, average concentrations in the rest of studied Catalan urban areas generally presented average values below 1μgm-3, ranging from 0.07-1.1μgm-3. Spain does have neither a monitoring strategy nor standard regulations related to 1,3-butadiene. Taking into account that relevant values can be found in locations near petrochemical facilities, a regulation should be implemented as soon as possible, at least in this specific areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gallego
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francisco Javier Roca
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Francisco Perales
- Laboratori del Centre de Medi Ambient, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona (ETSEIB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (LCMA-UPC), Avda. Diagonal, 647, E 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Gadea
- Centro Nacional de Condiciones de Trabajo, CNCT-INSSBT, Dulcet 2-10, E 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Lin C, Nguyen KA, Vu CT, Senoro D, Villanueva MC. Contamination levels and potential sources of organic pollution in an Asian river. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2017; 76:2434-2444. [PMID: 29144301 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Houjing River has long been an environmental victim of economic development. Industries that have settled along the bank of this river may have largely contributed to severe organic wastes pollution. This study collected water and sediment samples at various points along the river and measured concentrations of 61 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 128 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) for a period of 16 months (Feb 2014-June 2015). Our analyses show that elevated levels of VOCs were observed near two industrial areas, Dashe and Renwu industrial parks. High SVOC concentrations were found in the vicinities of the Nanzih Export Processing Zone (NEPZ) and CingPu station, possibly due to considerable effluent discharges of adjacent industrial and residential areas. Comparing this study's findings with the standard values of different governmental agencies and studies similar to this one, the ecosystem of the Houjing River was seriously contaminated. This study could be used by the government as a basis for future and urgent pollution prevention actions aimed at protecting this ecosystem and reducing the negative impacts of these contaminants on the health and well-being of the local residents and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitsan Lin
- Center of Environmental Analysis Service, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan E-mail:
| | - Kim Anh Nguyen
- Center of Environmental Analysis Service, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan E-mail:
| | - Chi Thanh Vu
- Center of Environmental Analysis Service, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan E-mail:
| | - Delia Senoro
- Sustainable Development Research Office, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines
| | - Maria Ching Villanueva
- IFREMER Centre de Bretagne, Unité de Sciences et Technologies Halieutiques, Pointe du Diable B.P. 70, Plouzané 29280, France
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