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Gülegen B, Noori AA, Tasdemir Y. Urban air PCDD/Fs: Atmospheric concentrations, temporal changes, gas/particle partitioning, possible sources and cancer risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173231. [PMID: 38761941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173231] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) are pollutants of concern due to their toxic effects. No active sampling study on PCDD/Fs has been conducted in Bursa. This study aimed to fill this gap by measuring PCDD/F levels in the region. Accordingly, the samples were collected from an urban area in Bursa, covering four seasons between June 2022 and April 2023. The total (gas+particulate) ambient air concentrations were between 312.23 and 829.80 fg/m3 (mean: 555.05 ± 173.62 fg/m3). In terms of toxic equivalents (TEQ), the average concentration was 43.29 ± 9.18 fg WHOTEQ/m3. Based on the concentration values obtained, cancer and non-carcinogenic risk values of PCDD/Fs were calculated for three different age groups. The results indicated negligible health risks for all age groups. In addition, a seasonal assessment was also made and it was observed that PCDD/F concentration values varied with the ambient air temperatures. In general, higher values were measured in colder months compared to warmer months. This was probably due to the additional sources and adverse meteorological conditions. Moreover, the gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs was investigated in detail. The average gas and particulate phase concentrations for PCDD/Fs were 101.81 ± 20.77 and 453.24 ± 172.50, respectively. It was found that an equilibrium state was not reached in the gas/particle partitioning. Two different gas/particle partition models based on adsorption and absorption mechanisms were compared, and the absorption model gave more consistent predictions. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the possible PCDD/F sources. The results indicated that the region was influenced by vehicle emissions, residential heating, organized industrial zones and metal recycling facilities. In addition, 72-hour backward air mass trajectory analyses were performed to understand the long-range transported air masses. However, it was found that the transported air masses did not significantly affect the concentration values measured in the sampling site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berke Gülegen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Nilüfer/Bursa, Turkey
| | - Abdul Alim Noori
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Nilüfer/Bursa, Turkey
| | - Yücel Tasdemir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Nilüfer/Bursa, Turkey.
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Santa-Marina L, Barroeta Z, Irizar A, Alvarez JI, Abad E, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Jiménez B, Ibarluzea J, Urbieta N, Jimeno-Romero A, Zubero MB, Lertxundi A. Characterization of PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels in air in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115901. [PMID: 37072078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This research examines the levels and trends of pollutants, specifically 17 congeners of PCDD/Fs and 12 dl-PCBs, in the air measured in the province of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). The study used PCDD/Fs, dl-PCB, and the sum of dioxin-like compounds as separate response variables. A total of 113 air samples were collected and analyzed using the method described in the European Standard (EN-1948:2006) from two industrial areas. The results were analyzed using non-parametric test to assess the variability of these pollutants based on different factors (year, season and day of the week) and General Linear Models to assess the weight of each factor. The study found that the toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PCDD/Fs were 12.29 fg TEQm-3 and for dl-PCBs were 1.63 fg TEQm-3, which were in a similar range or lower than those observed in other national and international studies in industrial areas. The results showed temporal variations, with higher levels of PCDD/Fs in autumn-winter than in spring-summer and higher levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs during weekdays than on weekends. The industrial area where the energy recovery plant (ERP) will be located had higher levels of air pollutants due to the presence of two PCDD/Fs emitting industries nearby, as indicated by the Spanish Registry of Polluting Emission Sources. Both industrial areas showed similar profiles of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs, with the PCDD/F profiles dominated by OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF in terms of concentrations and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and 2,3,7,8-TCDD in terms of TEQs. The dl-PCB profiles were dominated by PCB 118, PCB 105, and PCB 77 in terms of concentrations and PCB 126 in terms of TEQs. The findings of this study can serve as an indicator of the potential impact of ERP on the health of the resident population and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreto Santa-Marina
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Health of the Basque Government, Subdirectorate of Public Health of Gipuzkoa, Avenida Navarra 4, 20013, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ziortza Barroeta
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
| | - Amaia Irizar
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jon Iñaki Alvarez
- Public Health Laboratory of the Basque Government, Bizkaia Technology Park, Ibaizabal Bidea, Building 502, 48160 Derio Spain
| | - Esteban Abad
- Laboratory of Dioxins, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, IQOG-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, IQOG-CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Health of the Basque Government, Subdirectorate of Public Health of Gipuzkoa, Avenida Navarra 4, 20013, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20008, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Nerea Urbieta
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Alba Jimeno-Romero
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Miren Begoña Zubero
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aitana Lertxundi
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Paseo Doctor Begiristain S/n, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
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Austruy A, Roulier M, Angeletti B, Dron J, Dauphin CE, Ambrosi JP, Keller C, Chamaret P. Concentrations and transportation of metal and organochlorine pollutants in vegetables and risk assessment of human exposure in rural, urban and industrial environments (Bouches-du-Rhône, France). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:64253-64267. [PMID: 34302251 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccumulation of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn, Al, Fe) and organochlorine compounds (PCDD-Fs and PCBs) was assessed in soils and vegetables of 3 sites of contrasted anthropogenic influence (rural and industrial-urban areas). Cultivated soils in industrial areas exhibited diffuse pollution in organochlorine pollutants (PCBs and PCDD-Fs). The pollutant levels encountered in vegetables were always lower than the EU regulatory or recommended values. However, the contents measured in vegetables cultivated near industrialized areas were significantly higher than those observed in rural areas. This was notably the case for Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, NDL- and DL-PCB, PCDD, and PCDF. The leaf pathway appeared as the main absorption pathway for many contaminants. The results suggested that population exposure to pollutants was mainly caused by vegetable ingestion. In the vegetables and soils, the toxicity was mainly caused by the V, Co, Cd, and Pb contents to which can be added As and PCDD-Fs for soils. Therefore, the proximity of vegetable crops to highly anthropised areas has led to long-term exposure of vegetables and soils to air pollutants, leading to an accumulation in the food chain and thus a risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Austruy
- Institut Ecocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions - Centre de Vie La Fossette, RD 268, 13270, Fos-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Marine Roulier
- Institut Ecocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions - Centre de Vie La Fossette, RD 268, 13270, Fos-sur-Mer, France
| | - Bernard Angeletti
- CEREGE, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, Coll de France, INRA, Technopole de l'Arbois, BP80, 13545, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Julien Dron
- Institut Ecocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions - Centre de Vie La Fossette, RD 268, 13270, Fos-sur-Mer, France
| | - Charles-Enzo Dauphin
- Institut Ecocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions - Centre de Vie La Fossette, RD 268, 13270, Fos-sur-Mer, France
| | - Jean-Paul Ambrosi
- CEREGE, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, Coll de France, INRA, Technopole de l'Arbois, BP80, 13545, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Catherine Keller
- CEREGE, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, Coll de France, INRA, Technopole de l'Arbois, BP80, 13545, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Philippe Chamaret
- Institut Ecocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions - Centre de Vie La Fossette, RD 268, 13270, Fos-sur-Mer, France
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Wu D, Qi J, Li Q, Chen J, Chen Y, Chen J. Extreme Exposure Levels of PCDD/Fs Inhaled from Biomass Burning Activity for Cooking in Typical Rural Households. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7299-7306. [PMID: 34014073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), emitted during biomass combustion, are carcinogenic chemicals. The association between indoor biomass burning and PCDD/Fs inhalation exposure levels is still poorly understood. This study first reports direct measurement of personal exposure to PCDD/Fs in real-world households with wood combustion. In homes where biomass burning is used for cooking, toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) PCDD/Fs concentrations were found to be 545 ± 251 fg I-TEQ/m3 in kitchens, with levels of 4.5-, 6.9-, and 13.3-fold higher than those in living rooms (122 ± 92 fg I-TEQ/m3), bedrooms (79 ± 27 fg I-TEQ/m3), and ambient air (41 ± 15 fg I-TEQ/m3), respectively. PCDD/Fs exposure levels in populations using biomass fuels for cooking (353 ± 110 fg I-TEQ/m3) were 4.3-fold higher than those in the control groups (82 ± 32 fg I-TEQ/m3). Additionally, the average cancer risks for biomass cooking person were approximately 3.1-fold higher than those in factory workers. Overall, residents of household that use biomass fuels for cooking have the highest known risk of PCDD/Fs exposure. These results highlight that aiming to mitigate the PCDD/Fs exposure risk in the general population, the focus of dioxin emission source control measures should shift from industrial sectors to residential biomass combustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Juan Qi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou College of Industrial Technology, Xuzhou 221140, China
| | - Qing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Shanghai Institute of Eco-Chongming (SIEC), No. 3663 Northern Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jiping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yingjun Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Shanghai Institute of Eco-Chongming (SIEC), No. 3663 Northern Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Jianmin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Trinh MM, Tsai CL, Hien TT, Thuan NT, Chi KH, Lien CG, Chang MB. Atmospheric concentrations and gas-particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs around Hochiminh city. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 202:246-254. [PMID: 29571145 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs samples were collected in Hochiminh city, Vietnam to address the effect of meteorological parameters, especially rainfall, on the occurrence and gas/particle partitioning of these persistent organic pollutants. The results indicate that PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs concentrations in industrial site are higher than those measured in commercial and rural sites during both rainy and dry seasons. In terms of mass concentration, ambient PCDD/F levels measured in dry season are significantly higher than those measured in rainy season while dl-PCB levels do not vary significantly between rainy and dry seasons. The difference could be attributed to different gas/particle partitioning characteristics between PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. PCDD/Fs are found to be mainly distributed in particle phase while dl- PCBs are predominantly distributed in gas phase in both rainy and dry seasons. Additionally, Junge-Pankow and Harner-Bidleman models are applied to better understand the gas/particle partitioning of these pollutants in atmosphere. As a results, both PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs are under non-equilibrium gas/particle partitioning condition, and PCDD/Fs tend to reach equilibrium easier in rainy season while there are no clear trend for dl-PCBs. Harner-Bidleman model performs better in evaluating the gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/Fs while Junge-Pankow model results in better prediction for dl-PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Man Trinh
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan.
| | | | - To Thi Hien
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Ngo Thi Thuan
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Kai Hsien Chi
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien Guo Lien
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Moo Been Chang
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Central University, Chungli, Taiwan.
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Kuzu SL, Saral A, Güneş G, Karadeniz A. Evaluation of background soil and air polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations on a hill at the outskirts of a metropolitan city. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:79-89. [PMID: 27038903 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.095] [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: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Air and soil sampling was conducted inside a forested area for 22 months. The sampling location is situated to the north of a metropolitan city. Average atmospheric gas and particle concentrations were found to be 180 and 28 pg m(-3) respectively, while that of soil phase was detected to be 3.2 ng g(-1) on dry matter, The congener pairs of PCB#4-10 had the highest contribution to each medium. TEQ concentration was 0.10 pg m(-3), 0.07 pg m(-3), 21.92 pg g(-1), for gas, particle and soil phases, respectively. PCB#126 and PCB#169 contributed to over 99% of the entire TEQ concentrations for each medium. Local sources were investigated by conditional probability function (CPF) and soil/air fugacity. Landfilling area and medical waste incinerator, located to the 8 km northeast, contributed to ambient concentrations, especially in terms of dioxin-like congeners. The industrial settlement (called Dilovasi being to the east southeast of 60 km distant) contributed from southeast direction. Further sources were identified by potential source contribution function (PSCF). Sources at close proximity had high contribution. Air mass transportation from Aliaga industrial region (being to the southwest of 300 km distant) moderately contributed to ambient concentrations. Low molecular weight congeners were released from soil body. 5-CBs and 6-CBs were close to equilibrium state between soil/air interfaces. PCB#171 was close to equilibrium and PCB#180 was likely to evaporate from soil, which constitute 7-CBs. PCB#199, representing 8-CBs deposited to soil. 9-CB (PCB#207) was in equilibrium between soil and air phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Levent Kuzu
- Yildiz Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, 34220, Davutpaşa-Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Arslan Saral
- Yildiz Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, 34220, Davutpaşa-Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülten Güneş
- Bartin University, Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Kutlubey/Yazicilar Campus, 74100, Bartin, Turkey
| | - Aykut Karadeniz
- Yildiz Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, 34220, Davutpaşa-Esenler/Istanbul, Turkey
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Tian Y, Nie Z, Tian S, Liu F, He J, Yang Y, Wang X, Die Q, Fang Y, Huang Q. Passive air sampling for determining the levels of ambient PCDD/Fs and their seasonal and spatial variations and inhalation risk in Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:13243-13250. [PMID: 25940471 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal and spatial variations, compositional profiles, and possible sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in ambient air samples in Shanghai of China were investigated by passive air samplers, and the potential inhalation risks posed by these chemicals were evaluated. The following results were obtained: (1) The World Health Organization (WHO) toxic equivalency (TEQ) values for PCDD/Fs were in the range of 10.8-259 fg m(-3) (mean 63.4 fg m(-3)) in summer and 24.1-154 fg m(-3) (mean 83.4 fg m(-3)) in winter. Atmospheric PCDD/F levels were in the following order: industrial areas > commercial and residential areas > rural areas. (2) 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (24 %), 2,3,7,8-TeCDD (16 %), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD (13 %), and 2,3,7,8-TeCDF (12 %) were the predominant contributors to the TEQ of PCDD/Fs. (3) There was a slight seasonal trend with higher TEQ values in winter than in summer, which could be related to seasonal variations in the dispersion of PCDD/Fs in ambient air. (4) The children's daily intake was at the lower end of the range for the tolerable daily intake of PCDD/Fs recommended by WHO, which indicates that the inhalation risk of PCDD/Fs for local residents in Shanghai is relatively low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
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Vilavert L, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Two Decades of Environmental Surveillance in the Vicinity of a Waste Incinerator: Human Health Risks Associated with Metals and PCDD/Fs. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 69:241-253. [PMID: 26054593 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as well as the levels of a number of heavy metals, have been periodically measured in samples of soil and vegetation collected around a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) for approximately 20 years. Since 2007, the levels of the above-mentioned pollutants have also been determined in air samples by means of either active or passive samplers. In the present study, data regarding the environmental impact of the MSWI, in terms of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals, are updated. The temporal trends of these pollutants were evaluated by comparison with data from previous surveys. In the current survey (2013-2014), mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs in soil, vegetation, and air were 0.63 ng I-TEQ/g, 0.07 ng I-TEQ/g, and 10.1 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3), respectively. Decreases of 47 and 35 % of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation, respectively, were observed in relation to the background study (1999). Regarding air samples, a slight temporal decrease of the PCDD/F levels was also found with the remaining concentrations staying nearly constant through time. With respect to metals, notable fluctuations in the concentrations were noted, being dependent on each specific environmental monitor. Overall, the current exposure to PCDD/Fs and metals does not mean any additional health risks for the population living near the facility. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that the environmental impact of the Tarragona MSWI is not significant, in terms of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals, after >20 years of continuous operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Vilavert
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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