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Nguyen TPM, Bui TH, Nguyen MK, Nguyen TH, Tran TMH. Assessing the effect of COVID 19 lockdowns on the composition of organic compounds and potential source of PM 2.5 in Hanoi, Vietnam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:34675-34688. [PMID: 38714614 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
The ambient air quality during COVID-19 lockdowns has been improved in many cities in the world. This study is to assess the changes in persistent organic pollutants in PM2.5 during the COVID-19 lockdown in Hanoi. Individual organic species in PM2.5 ((e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs)) were measured in an urban residential area in Hanoi from before the March 10th to April 22nd, 2020, including before the partial lockdown (BL) and the partial lockdown (PL) phases. During the PL phase, the concentration of Σ14PAHs and Σ28PCBs was reduced by 38 and 52% compared with the BL period, respectively. The diagnostic ratio method implied that the sources of PAHs within the PL phase had a less effect on traffic and industrial activities than in the BL phase. The characteristic ratio method indicated that PCBs were mixed by commercial product and combustion process in both the BL and the PL periods, however, the source of PCBs in the BL phase was influenced by municipal waste incineration more than those in the PL phase. The decreasing concentration of Σ20OCPs during the partial lockdown was attributed to the restriction of human activities during the quarantine period. The results suggested that the source of OCPs was probably derived from the usage of pesticides in current and, historical degradation or the transportation of pesticides from the soil to the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Phuong Mai Nguyen
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Thi Hieu Bui
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Manh Khai Nguyen
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
- VNU Key Laboratory of Green Environment, Technology and Waste Utilization (GreenLab), University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Hue Nguyen
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Minh Hang Tran
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Aghaei Y, Badami MM, Tohidi R, Subramanian PSG, Boffi R, Borgini A, De Marco C, Contiero P, Ruprecht AA, Verma V, Chatila T, Sioutas C. The Impact of Russia-Ukraine geopolitical conflict on the air quality and toxicological properties of ambient PM 2.5 in Milan, Italy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5996. [PMID: 38472234 PMCID: PMC10933473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55292-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted Europe's natural gas supplies, driving up gas prices and leading to a shift towards biomass for residential heating during colder months. This study assessed the consequent air quality and toxicological impacts in Milan, Italy, focusing on fine particulate matter (PM2.5, dp < 2.5 μm) emissions. PM2.5 samples were analyzed for their chemical composition and assessed for their oxidative potential using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay across three periods reflecting residential heating deployment (RHD): pre-RHD, intra-RHD, and post-RHD periods. During the intra-RHD period, PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in other periods, with concentrations reaching 57.94 ± 7.57 μg/m3, indicating a deterioration in air quality. Moreover, levoglucosan was 9.2 times higher during the intra-RHD period compared to the pre-RHD period, correlating with elevated levels of elemental carbon (EC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These findings were compared with previous local studies before the conflict, underscoring a significant rise in biomass-related emissions. DTT assay levels during the intra-RHD were 2.1 times higher than those observed during the same period in 2022, strongly correlating with biomass burning emissions. Our findings highlight the necessity for policies to mitigate the indirect health effects of increased biomass burning emissions due to the energy crisis triggered by the geopolitical conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashar Aghaei
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave. KAP210, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Badami
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave. KAP210, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ramin Tohidi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave. KAP210, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - P S Ganesh Subramanian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Roberto Boffi
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Contiero
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ario Alberto Ruprecht
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), Arezzo, Italy
| | - Vishal Verma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Talal Chatila
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Constantinos Sioutas
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave. KAP210, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Zoran M, Savastru R, Savastru D, Tautan M, Tenciu D. Linkage between Airborne Particulate Matter and Viral Pandemic COVID-19 in Bucharest. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2531. [PMID: 37894189 PMCID: PMC10609195 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102531] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-distance spreading and transport of airborne particulate matter (PM) of biogenic or chemical compounds, which are thought to be possible carriers of SARS-CoV-2 virions, can have a negative impact on the incidence and severity of COVID-19 viral disease. Considering the total Aerosol Optical Depth at 550 nm (AOD) as an atmospheric aerosol loading variable, inhalable fine PM with a diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) or coarse PM with a diameter ≤10 µm (PM10) during 26 February 2020-31 March 2022, and COVID-19's five waves in Romania, the current study investigates the impact of outdoor PM on the COVID-19 pandemic in Bucharest city. Through descriptive statistics analysis applied to average daily time series in situ and satellite data of PM2.5, PM10, and climate parameters, this study found decreased trends of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations of 24.58% and 18.9%, respectively compared to the pre-pandemic period (2015-2019). Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles was positively correlated with COVID-19 incidence and mortality. The derived average PM2.5/PM10 ratios during the entire pandemic period are relatively low (<0.44), indicating a dominance of coarse traffic-related particles' fraction. Significant reductions of the averaged AOD levels over Bucharest were recorded during the first and third waves of COVID-19 pandemic and their associated lockdowns (~28.2% and ~16.4%, respectively) compared to pre-pandemic period (2015-2019) average AOD levels. The findings of this research are important for decision-makers implementing COVID-19 safety controls and health measures during viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zoran
- C Department, National Institute of R&D for Optoelectronics, 409 Atomistilor Street, MG5, 077125 Magurele, Romania; (R.S.); (D.S.); (M.T.); (D.T.)
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Aldekheel M, Farahani VJ, Sioutas C. Assessing Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Population Exposure to PM-Bound PAHs and Carcinogenic Metals in Three Mid-Latitude Metropolitan Cities. TOXICS 2023; 11:697. [PMID: 37624202 PMCID: PMC10457896 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Lifetime cancer risk characterization of ambient PM-bound carcinogenic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in the cities of Los Angeles (USA), Thessaloniki (Greece) and Milan (Italy), which share similar Mediterranean climates but are different in their urban emission sources and governing air quality regulations. The samples in Milan and Thessaloniki were mostly dominated by biomass burning activities whereas the particles collected in Los Angeles were primary impacted by traffic emissions. We analyzed the ambient PM2.5 mass concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), as well as 13 PAH compounds in the PM samples, collected during both cold and warm periods at each location. Pb exhibited the highest annual average concentration in all three cities, followed by Ni, As, Cr(VI), Cd and PAHs, respectively. The cancer risk assessment based on outdoor pollutants was performed based on three different scenarios, with each scenario corresponding to a different level of infiltration of outdoor pollutants into the indoor environment. Thessaloniki exhibited a high risk associated with lifetime inhalation of As, Cr(VI), and PAHs, with values in the range of (0.97-1.57) × 10-6, (1.80-2.91) × 10-6, and (0.77-1.25) × 10-6, respectively. The highest cancer risk values were calculated in Milan, exceeding the US EPA standard by a considerable margin, where the lifetime risk values of exposure to As, Cr(VI), and PAHs were in the range of (1.29-2.08) × 10-6, (6.08-9.82) × 10-6, and (1.10-1.77) × 10-6, respectively. In contrast, the estimated risks associated with PAHs and metals, except Cr(VI), in Los Angeles were extremely lower than the guideline value, even when the infiltration factor was assumed to be at peak. The lifetime cancer risk values associated with As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and PAHs in Los Angeles were in the range of (0.04-0.33) × 10-6. This observation highlights the impact of local air quality measures in improving the air quality and lowering the cancer risks in Los Angeles compared to the other two cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aldekheel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.A.); (V.J.F.)
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Vahid Jalali Farahani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.A.); (V.J.F.)
| | - Constantinos Sioutas
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.A.); (V.J.F.)
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Gea M, Macrì M, Marangon D, Pitasi FA, Fontana M, Schilirò T, Bonetta S. Biological effects of particulate matter samples during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison with the pre-lockdown period in Northwest Italy. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2023; 16:1-16. [PMID: 37359393 PMCID: PMC10243887 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-023-01381-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, containment measures were applied inducing potential changes in air pollutant concentrations and thus in air toxicity. This study evaluates the role of restrictions on biological effects of particulate matter (PM) in different Northwest Italy sites: urban background, urban traffic, rural, and incinerator. Daily PM samples collected in 2020 were pooled according to restrictions: January/February (no restrictions), March and April (first lockdown), May/June and July/August/September (low restrictions), October/November/December (second lockdown). The 2019 samples (pre-pandemic period) were pooled as 2020 for comparison. Pools were extracted with organic solvents and extracts were tested to assess cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay) and genotoxicity (comet assay) on BEAS-2B cells, mutagenicity (Ames test) on TA98 and TA100 Salmonella typhimurium strains, and estrogenic activity (gene reporter assay) on MELN cells. Pollutant concentrations were also analyzed (PM10, PM2.5, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). No difference was observed for PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations between 2020 and 2019. During lockdown months (2020), PM cytotoxicity/genotoxicity was significantly lower in some sites than during 2019, while considering PM mutagenicity/estrogenic activity some differences were detected but without statistical significance. PM extract effects decreased in some sites during 2020; this may be due to lockdowns that reduced/modified pollutant emissions and may be related also to complex PM origin/formation and to meteorological conditions. In conclusion, the study confirms that PM biological effects cannot be assessed considering only the PM concentration and suggests to include a battery of bioassay for air quality monitoring in order to protect human health from air pollution effects. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11869-023-01381-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gea
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Macrì
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Marangon
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Piedmont (ARPA Piemonte), Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Francesco Antonio Pitasi
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Piedmont (ARPA Piemonte), Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Marco Fontana
- Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Piedmont (ARPA Piemonte), Via Sabaudia 164, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schilirò
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 Bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Wang S, Ren Y, Xia B, Liu K, Li H. Prediction of atmospheric pollutants in urban environment based on coupled deep learning model and sensitivity analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138830. [PMID: 37137395 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Accurate and efficient predictions of pollutants in the atmosphere provide a reliable basis for the scientific management of atmospheric pollution. This study develops a model that combines an attention mechanism, convolutional neural network (CNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM) unit to predict the O3 and PM2.5 levels in the atmosphere, as well as an air quality index (AQI). The prediction results given by the proposed model are compared with those from CNN-LSTM and LSTM models as well as random forest and support vector regression models. The proposed model achieves a correlation coefficient between the predicted and observed values of more than 0.90, outperforming the other four models. The model errors are also consistently lower when using the proposed approach. Sobol-based sensitivity analysis is applied to identify the variables that make the greatest contribution to the model prediction results. Taking the COVID-19 outbreak as the time boundary, we find some homology in the interactions among the pollutants and meteorological factors in the atmosphere during different periods. Solar irradiance is the most important factor for O3, CO is the most important factor for PM2.5, and particulate matter has the most significant effect on AQI. The key influencing factors are the same over the whole phase and before the COVID-19 outbreak, indicating that the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on AQI gradually stabilized. Removing variables that contribute the least to the prediction results without affecting the model prediction performance improves the modeling efficiency and reduces the computational costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Wang
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China; School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Ying Ren
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Bisheng Xia
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, PR China
| | - Kai Liu
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Huiming Li
- School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Pietrogrande MC, Colombi C, Cuccia E, Dal Santo U, Romanato L. Seasonal and Spatial Variations of the Oxidative Properties of Ambient PM 2.5 in the Po Valley, Italy, before and during COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1797. [PMID: 36767162 PMCID: PMC9914037 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031797] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the chemical and toxicological characteristics of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Po Valley, one of the largest and most polluted areas in Europe. The investigated samples were collected in the metropolitan area of Milan during the epidemic lockdown and their toxicity was evaluated by the oxidative potential (OP), measured using ascorbic acid (OPAA) and dithiothreitol (OPDTT) acellular assays. The study was also extended to PM2.5 samples collected at different sites in the Po Valley in 2019, to represent the baseline conditions in the area. Univariate correlations were applied to the whole dataset to link the OP responses with the concentrations of the major chemical markers of vehicular and biomass burning emissions. Of the two assays, OPAA was found mainly sensitive towards transition metals released from vehicular traffic, while OPDTT towards the PM carbonaceous components. The impact of the controlling lockdown restrictions on PM2.5 oxidative properties was estimated by comparing the OP values in corresponding time spans in 2020 and 2019. We found that during the full lockdown the OPAA values decreased to 80-86% with respect to the OP data in other urban sites in the area, while the OPDTT values remained nearly constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pietrogrande
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombi
- Environmental Monitoring Sector, Arpa Lombardia, Via Rosellini 17, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cuccia
- Environmental Monitoring Sector, Arpa Lombardia, Via Rosellini 17, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | - Umberto Dal Santo
- Environmental Monitoring Sector, Arpa Lombardia, Via Rosellini 17, 20124 Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Romanato
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Tohidi R, Altuwayjiri A, Sioutas C. Investigation of organic carbon profiles and sources of coarse PM in Los Angeles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120264. [PMID: 36162557 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120264] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Source apportionment analyses are essential tools to determine sources of ambient coarse particles (2.5 <dp < 10 μm) and to disentangle their association and contribution from other pollutants, particularly PM2.5 (<2.5 μm). A semi-continuous sampling campaign was conducted using two virtual impactors/concentrators to enhance coarse particulate matter concentrations coupled with an online thermal-optical EC/OC monitor to quantify coarse PM-bound organic carbon volatility fractions (OC1-OC4) in central Los Angeles during the winter, spring, and summer of 2021. The total OC and its volatility fraction concentrations, meteorological parameters (i.e., wind speeds and relative humidity), vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and gaseous source tracers (i.e., O3 and NO2) were used as inputs to positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. A 3-factor solution identified vehicular emissions (accounting for 46% in the cold phase and 26% in the warm phase of total coarse OC concentrations), secondary organic carbon (27% and 37%), and re-suspended dust (27% and 37%) as the primary organic carbon sources of coarse PM. The re-suspended dust factor showed a higher contribution of more volatile organic carbons (i.e., OC1 up to 77%) due to their re-distribution on dust particles, whereas the SOA factor was the dominant contributor to less volatile organic aerosols (i.e., OC4 up to 54%), which are the product of reactions at high relative humidity (RH). Our findings revealed that the total OC concentrations in the coarse size range were comparable with those of previous studies in the area, underscoring the challenges in curtailing coarse PM-bound OC sources and the necessity of developing effective emission control regulations on coarse PM. The results from the current study provide insights into the seasonal and temporal variation of total OC and its volatility fractions in Los Angeles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Tohidi
- University of Southern California, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abdulmalik Altuwayjiri
- Majmaah University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Majmaah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Constantinos Sioutas
- University of Southern California, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Yuan CS, Lai CS, Chang-Chien GP, Tseng YL, Cheng FJ. Kidney damage induced by repeated fine particulate matter exposure: Effects of different components. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157528. [PMID: 35882344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) is associated with adverse health effects. This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of the constituents of PM2.5 on mouse kidneys. METHODS We collected PM2.5 near an industrial complex located in southern Kaohsiung, Taiwan, that was divided into water extract and insoluble particles. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control, low- and high-dose insoluble particle exposure, and low- and high-dose water extract exposure. Biochemical analysis, Western blot analysis, histological examination, and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the impact of PM2.5 constituents on mice kidneys. RESULTS PM2.5 was collected from January 1, 2021, to February 8, 2021, from an industrial complex in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Metallic element analysis showed that Pb, Ni, V, and Ti were non-essential metals with enrichment factors >10. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and nitrate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon analyses revealed that the toxic equivalents are, in the order, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene (IP), dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (DBA), and benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), which are potential carcinogens. Both water extract and insoluble particle exposure induced inflammatory cytokine upregulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, antioxidant activity downregulation, and elevation of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) level in mouse kidneys. A dose-dependent effect of PM2.5 water extract and insoluble particle exposure on angiotensin converter enzyme 2 downregulation in mouse kidneys was observed. CONCLUSION We found that water-soluble extract and insoluble particles of PM2.5 could induce oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, influence the regulation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and lead to kidney injury marker level elevation in mouse kidneys. The lowest-observed-adverse-effect level for renal toxicity in mice was 40 μg water-soluble extract/insoluble particle inhalation per week, which was approximately equal to the ambient PM2.5 concentration of 44 μg/m3 for mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Shin Yuan
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC; Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Shu Lai
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840 Chengcing Rd., Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; Super Micro Mass Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840 Chengcing Rd., Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lun Tseng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fu-Jen Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123, Ta-Pei Road, Niao-Sung, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, ROC; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 259, Wenhua 1(st) Road, Guishan District, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan, ROC.
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Bakola M, Hernandez Carballo I, Jelastopulu E, Stuckler D. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air pollution in Europe and North America: a systematic review. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:962-968. [PMID: 36074061 PMCID: PMC9494388 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies report reductions in air pollution associated with COVID-19 lockdowns. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the changes observed in hazardous air pollutants known or suspected to be harmful to health, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). We searched PubMed and Web of Science for studies reporting the associations of lockdowns with air pollutant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe and North America. RESULTS One hundred nine studies were identified and analyzed. Several pollutants exhibited marked and sustained reductions. The strongest was NO2 (93% of 89 estimated changes were reductions) followed by CO (88% of 33 estimated pollutant changes). All NOx and benzene studies reported significant reductions although these were based on fewer than 10 estimates. About three-quarters of PM2.5 and PM10 estimates showed reductions and few studies reported increases when domestic fuel use rose during COVID-19 lockdowns. In contrast, O3 levels rose as NOx levels fell. SO2 and ammonia (NH3) had mixed results. In general, greater reductions appeared when lockdowns were more severe, as well as where baseline pollutant levels were higher, such as at low-elevation and in densely populated areas. Substantial and robust reductions in NO2, NO, CO, CO2, PM2.5, PM10, benzene and air quality index pollution occurred in association with COVID-19 lockdowns. O3 levels tended to increase, while SO2 and NH3 had mixed patterns. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the profound impact of human activity levels on air pollution and its potential avoidability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bakola
- Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Science, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Ireri Hernandez Carballo
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.,RFF-CMCC European Institute of Economics and the Environment, Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleni Jelastopulu
- Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Social & Political Sciences and Dondena Research Centre, University of Bocconi, Milan, Italy
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Yu Q, Chen J, Qin W, Ahmad M, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Xin K, Ai J. Oxidative potential associated with water-soluble components of PM 2.5 in Beijing: The important role of anthropogenic organic aerosols. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 433:128839. [PMID: 35397338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is the mainstream toxicological mechanism for the adverse health outcomes of ambient aerosols. However, our understanding of the crucial redox-active species affecting the oxidative potential of water-soluble aerosols (OPWS) remains limited. In this study, the OPWS of PM2.5 in Beijing was measured using dithiothreitol (DTT) assay, including DTT consumption rate and ·OH formation rate. OPWS was more closely related to water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) rather than transition metals. Laboratory simulations were conducted to investigate the effects of individual target species in the context of complex metal-organic interactions. The results showed that reducing WSOC can effectively decrease OPWS, while reducing Cu2+ increased OPWS. Parallel factor analysis demonstrated that OPWS was the most significantly correlated with the highly oxidized humic-like or quinone-like substances. Multiple linear regression showed that aromatic secondary organic carbon (SOC) (34.4%), other primary combustion sources of WSOC (20.0%), primary biomass burning WSOC (19.8%), transition metal ions (12.9%) and biomass burning SOC (12.8%) made significant contributions to DTTV. In addition to the anthropogenic sources of WSOC, the aged biogenic SOC also contributed to OHV, particularly in summer. Reducing anthropogenic WSOC was the key to the effective control of OPWS of PM2.5 in Beijing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Weihua Qin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yuepeng Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yuewei Sun
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ke Xin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jing Ai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Skuland T, Grytting VS, Låg M, Jørgensen RB, Snilsberg B, Leseman DLAC, Kubátová A, Emond J, Cassee FR, Holme JA, Øvrevik J, Refsnes M. Road tunnel-derived coarse, fine and ultrafine particulate matter: physical and chemical characterization and pro-inflammatory responses in human bronchial epithelial cells. Part Fibre Toxicol 2022; 19:45. [PMID: 35787286 PMCID: PMC9251916 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traffic particulate matter (PM) comprises a mixture of particles from fuel combustion and wear of road pavement, tires and brakes. In countries with low winter temperatures the relative contribution of mineral-rich PM from road abrasion may be especially high due to use of studded tires during winter season. The aim of the present study was to sample and characterize size-fractioned PM from two road tunnels paved with different stone materials in the asphalt, and to compare the pro-inflammatory potential of these fractions in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT) in relation to physicochemical characteristics. METHODS The road tunnel PM was collected with a vacuum pump and a high-volume cascade impactor sampler. PM was sampled during winter, both during humid and dry road surface conditions, and before and after cleaning the tunnels. Samples were analysed for hydrodynamic size distribution, content of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC) and endotoxin, and the capacity for acellular generation of reactive oxygen species. Cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory responses were assessed in HBEC3-KT cells after exposure to coarse (2.5-10 μm), fine (0.18-2.5 μm) and ultrafine PM (≤ 0.18 μm), as well as particles from the respective stone materials used in the pavement. RESULTS The pro-inflammatory potency of the PM samples varied between road tunnels and size fractions, but showed more marked responses than for the stone materials used in asphalt of the respective tunnels. In particular, fine samples showed significant increases as low as 25 µg/mL (2.6 µg/cm2) and were more potent than coarse samples, while ultrafine samples showed more variable responses between tunnels, sampling conditions and endpoints. The most marked responses were observed for fine PM sampled during humid road surface conditions. Linear correlation analysis showed that particle-induced cytokine responses were correlated to OC levels, while no correlations were observed for other PM characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The pro-inflammatory potential of fine road tunnel PM sampled during winter season was high compared to coarse PM. The differences between the PM-induced cytokine responses were not related to stone materials in the asphalt. However, the ratio of OC to total PM mass was associated with the pro-inflammatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Skuland
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vegard Sæter Grytting
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Låg
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rikke Bræmming Jørgensen
- Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Daan L A C Leseman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment - RIVM, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Alena Kubátová
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Jessica Emond
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Flemming R Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment - RIVM, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jørn A Holme
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Øvrevik
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066, 0316, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magne Refsnes
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, 0213, Skøyen, Oslo, Norway
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13
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Seasonal and Spatial Variations of PM10 and PM2.5 Oxidative Potential in Five Urban and Rural Sites across Lombardia Region, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137778. [PMID: 35805434 PMCID: PMC9265313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) is gaining strong interest as a promising health exposure metric. This study investigated OP of a large set of PM10 and PM2.5 samples collected at five urban and background sites near Milan (Italy), one of the largest and most polluted urban areas in Europe, afflicted with high particle levels. OP responses from two acellular assays, based on ascorbic acid (AA) and dithiothreitol (DTT), were combined with atmospheric detailed composition to examine any possible feature in OP with PM size fraction, spatial and seasonal variations. A general association of volume-normalized OP with PM mass was found; this association may be related to the clear seasonality observed, whereby there was higher OP activity in wintertime at all investigated sites. Univariate correlations were used to link OP with the concentrations of the major chemical markers of vehicular and biomass burning emissions. Of the two assays, AA was particularly sensitive towards transition metals in coarse particles released from vehicular traffic. The results obtained confirm that the responses from the two assays and their relationship with atmospheric pollutants are assay- and location-dependent, and that their combination is therefore helpful to singling out the PM redox-active compounds driving its oxidative properties.
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14
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Efficiency of Emission Reduction Technologies for Residential Biomass Combustion Appliances: Electrostatic Precipitator and Catalyst. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15114066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Residential biomass combustion has been pointed out as one of the largest sources of atmospheric pollutants. Rising awareness of the environmental effects of residential biomass combustion emissions boosted the development of different emission reduction devices that are currently available on the market for small-scale appliances. However, detailed studies on the efficiency of these devices in different combustion systems available in Southern European countries are lacking. In this study, two pollution control devices (catalytic converter and electrostatic precipitator) were tested in two different combustion systems (batch mode operated woodstove and automatically fed pellet stove) in order to assess the emission reduction potential of the devices. Pine firewood was used to fuel the woodstove. One commercial brand of pellets and an agricultural fuel (olive pit) were taken for the experiments in the pellet stove. While the efficiency of the electrostatic precipitator in reducing PM10 was only recorded for woodstove emissions (29%), the effect of the catalyst in decreasing gaseous emissions was only visible when applied to the pellet stove flue gas. For wood pellet combustion, reductions of CO and TOC emissions were in the range of 60–62% and 74–77%, respectively. For olive pit combustion, a lower decrease of 59–60% and 64% in CO and TOC emissions, respectively, was recorded.
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15
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Cheng CY, Tseng YL, Huang KC, Chiu IM, Pan HY, Cheng FJ. Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Pediatric Respiratory Diseases: The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050247. [PMID: 35622660 PMCID: PMC9146083 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The level and composition of air pollution have changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the association between air pollution and pediatric respiratory disease emergency department (ED) visits during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. The study was retrospectively conducted between 2017 and 2020 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 1 January 2020 to 1 May 2020, defined as the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 1 January 2017 to 31 May 2019, defined as the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. We enrolled patients under 17 years old who visited the ED in a medical center and were diagnosed with respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and acute pharyngitis. Measurements of particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameters of <10 μm (PM10) and < 2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and Ozone (O3) were collected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the interquartile range of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 levels was associated with increases of 72.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.5−97.7%), 98.0% (95% CI, 70.7−129.6%), and 54.7% (95% CI, 38.7−72.6%), respectively, in the risk of pediatric respiratory disease ED visits on lag 1, which were greater than those in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period. After adjusting for temperature and humidity, the risk of pediatric respiratory diseases after exposure to PM2.5 (inter p = 0.001) and PM10 (inter p < 0.001) was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic. PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 may play important roles in pediatric respiratory events in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were lower; however, the levels were related to a greater increase in ED during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yung Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lun Tseng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan;
| | - Kuo-Chen Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Chiu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70, Lian-Hai Road, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Yung Pan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (K.-C.H.); (I.-M.C.); (H.-Y.P.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-975056646; Fax: +886-7-7317123
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Contiero P, Borgini A, Bertoldi M, Abita A, Cuffari G, Tomao P, D’Ovidio MC, Reale S, Scibetta S, Tagliabue G, Boffi R, Krogh V, Tramuto F, Maida CM, Mazzucco W. An Epidemiological Study to Investigate Links between Atmospheric Pollution from Farming and SARS-CoV-2 Mortality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084637. [PMID: 35457503 PMCID: PMC9029287 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide has been linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection and death. We hypothesized that long-term exposure to farming-related air pollutants might predispose to an increased risk of COVID-19-related death. To test this hypothesis, we performed an ecological study of five Italian Regions (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Sicily), linking all-cause mortality by province (administrative entities within regions) to data on atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ammonia (NH3), which are mainly produced by agricultural activities. The study outcome was change in all-cause mortality during March-April 2020 compared with March-April 2015-2019 (period). We estimated all-cause mortality rate ratios (MRRs) by multivariate negative binomial regression models adjusting for air temperature, humidity, international import-export, gross domestic product and population density. We documented a 6.9% excess in MRR (proxy for COVID-19 mortality) for each tonne/km2 increase in NH3 emissions, explained by the interaction of the period variable with NH3 exposure, considering all pollutants together. Despite the limitations of the ecological design of the study, following the precautionary principle, we recommend the implementation of public health measures to limit environmental NH3 exposure, particularly while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Future studies are needed to investigate any causal link between COVID-19 and farming-related pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Contiero
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Alessandro Borgini
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.)
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0223903536
| | - Martina Bertoldi
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Anna Abita
- UOC Qualità dell’Aria, ARPA Sicilia, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Cuffari
- Reporting Ambientale, Salute e Ambiente, ARPA Sicilia, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Paola Tomao
- Inail-Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro ed Ambientale, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.D.)
| | - Maria Concetta D’Ovidio
- Inail-Dipartimento di Medicina, Epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro ed Ambientale, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy; (P.T.); (M.C.D.)
| | - Stefano Reale
- Laboratorio Tecnologie Diagnostiche Innovative Area Biologia Molecolare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Rocco Dicillo 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Scibetta
- Laboratorio Tecnologie Diagnostiche Innovative Area Biologia Molecolare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Rocco Dicillo 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Giovanna Tagliabue
- Cancer Registry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Roberto Boffi
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Krogh
- Epidemiology and Prevention Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Fabio Tramuto
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”—University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (F.T.); (C.M.M.); (W.M.)
- Regional Reference Laboratory of West Sicily for the Emergency of COVID-19, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Massimo Maida
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”—University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (F.T.); (C.M.M.); (W.M.)
- Regional Reference Laboratory of West Sicily for the Emergency of COVID-19, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) “G. D’Alessandro”—University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (F.T.); (C.M.M.); (W.M.)
- Regional Reference Laboratory of West Sicily for the Emergency of COVID-19, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital “Paolo Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Soba D, Gámez AL, Becerril JM, Esteban R, Aranjuelo I. Traffic restrictions during COVID-19 lockdown improve air quality and reduce metal biodeposition in tree leaves. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2022; 70:127542. [PMID: 35310684 PMCID: PMC8916843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a great global impact on human health, the life of people, and economies all over the world. However, in general, COVID-19´s effect on air quality has been positive due to the restrictions on social and economic activity. This study aimed to assess the impact on air quality and metal deposition of actions taken to reduce mobility in 2020 in two different urban locations. For this purpose, we analysed air pollution (NO2, NO, NOx, SO2, CO, PM10, O3) and metal accumulation in leaves of Tilia cordata collected from April to September 2020 in two cities in northern Spain (Pamplona-PA and San Sebastián-SS). We compared their values with data from the previous year (2019) (in which there were no mobility restrictions) obtained under an identical experimental design. We found that metal accumulation was mostly lower during 2020 (compared with 2019), and lockdown caused significant reductions in urban air pollution. Nitrogen oxides decreased by 33%-44%, CO by 24%-38%, and PM10 by 16%-24%. The contents of traffic-related metals were significantly reduced in both studied cities. More specifically, significant decreases in metals related to tyre and brake wear (Zn, Fe, and Cu) and road dust resuspension (Al, Ti, Fe, Mn, and Ca) were observed. With these results, we conclude that the main reason for the improvement in urban air pollutants and metals was the reduction in the use of cars due to COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, we offer some evidence indicating the suitability of T. cordata leaves as a tool for biomonitoring metal accumulation. This information is relevant for future use by the scientific community and policy makers to implement measures to reduce traffic air pollution in urban areas and to improve environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Soba
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Avenida Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Spain
| | - Angie L Gámez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Avenida Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Spain
| | - José María Becerril
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), c/Sarriena s/n, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Raquel Esteban
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), c/Sarriena s/n, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Iker Aranjuelo
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (IdAB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Gobierno de Navarra, Avenida Pamplona 123, 31192 Mutilva, Spain
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Gorrochategui E, Hernandez I, Pérez-Gabucio E, Lacorte S, Tauler R. Temporal air quality (NO 2, O 3, and PM 10) changes in urban and rural stations in Catalonia during COVID-19 lockdown: an association with human mobility and satellite data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18905-18922. [PMID: 34705210 PMCID: PMC8549430 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, changes in air quality by NO2, O3, and PM10 in Barcelona metropolitan area and other parts of Catalonia during the COVID-19 lockdown with respect to pre-lockdown and to previous years (2018 and 2019) were evaluated. Selected air monitoring stations included 3 urban (Gràcia, Vall d'Hebron, and Granollers), 1 control site (Fabra Observatory), 1 semi-urban (Manlleu), and 3 rural (Begur, Bellver de Cerdanya, and Juneda). NO2 lockdown levels showed a diminution, which in relative terms was maximum in two rural stations (Bellver de Cerdanya, - 63% and Begur, - 61%), presumably due to lower emissions from the ceasing hotel and ski resort activities during eastern holidays. In absolute terms and from an epidemiologic perspective, decrease in NO2, also reinforced by the high amount of rainfall registered in April 2020, was more relevant in the urban stations around Barcelona. O3 levels increased in the transited urban stations (Gràcia, + 42%, and Granollers, + 64%) due to the lower titration effect by NOx. PM10 lockdown levels decreased, mostly in Gràcia, Vall d'Hebron, and Granollers (- 35, - 39%, and - 39%, respectively) due to traffic depletion (- 90% in Barcelona's transport). Correlation among mobility index in Barcelona (- 100% in retail and recreation) and contamination was positive for NO2 and PM10 and negative for O3 (P < 0.001). Satellite images evidenced two hotspots of NO2 in Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) in April 2018 and 2019 that disappeared in 2020. Overall, the benefits of lockdown on air quality in Catalonia were evidenced with NO2, O3 and PM10 levels below WHOAQG values in most of stations opposed to the excess registered in previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gorrochategui
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Hernandez
- Direcció General de Qualitat Ambiental I Canvi Climàtic, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Pérez-Gabucio
- Direcció General de Qualitat Ambiental I Canvi Climàtic, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romà Tauler
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08034, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Changes in Personal Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) during the Spring 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK: Results of a Simulation Model. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13020273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to behaviour changes in the UK’s population, including a sudden shift towards working from home. These changes may have affected overall exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an air pollutant and source of health harm. We report the results of a simulation model of a representative sample of the UK’s population, including workers and non-workers, to estimate PM2.5 exposure before and during the pandemic. Methods: PM2.5 exposure was simulated in April and August 2017–2020 for 10,000 individuals across the UK drawn from the 2011 nationwide census. These data were combined with data from the UK’s ambient PM2.5 monitoring network, time use data and data on relevant personal behaviour before and during the first stage of the pandemic (such as changes in smoking and cooking). Results: The simulated exposures were significantly different between each year. Changes in ambient PM2.5 resulted in regional and temporal variation. People living in homes where someone smoked experienced higher exposure than those in smoke-free homes, with an increase of 4 µg/m3 in PM2.5 exposure in 2020. Conclusions: Changes in PM2.5 exposure were minimal for most individuals despite the simulated increases in cooking activity. Those living in smoking homes (estimated to be around 11% of the UK population) experienced increased exposure to PM2.5 during COVID lockdown measures and this is likely to have increased mortality and morbidity among this group. Government policy should address the risk of increased exposure to second-hand smoke in the event of future COVID-19-related restrictions.
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Clemente Á, Yubero E, Nicolás JF, Caballero S, Crespo J, Galindo N. Changes in the concentration and composition of urban aerosols during the COVID-19 lockdown. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111788. [PMID: 34339692 PMCID: PMC8654612 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This work investigates the impact of COVID-19 restrictive measures on the mass concentrations of PM1 and PM10, and their chemical components (water-soluble ions, organic and elemental carbon, and major and trace metals) at an urban site in the western Mediterranean. The evolution of gaseous pollutants (NOx, O3 and some volatile organic compounds) was also analyzed. The concentrations measured during the lockdown in 2020 were compared to those obtained during the same period over the preceding five years. The average decrease in the levels of NOx and traffic-related volatile organic compounds was higher than 50 %, while O3 concentrations did not exhibit significant variations during the study period. Our results show that temporal variations in PM1 and PM10 concentrations were strongly affected by the frequency of Saharan dust events. When these episodes were excluded from the analysis period, a 35 % decrease in PM1 and PM10 levels was observed. Traffic restrictions during the lockdown led to important reductions in the concentrations of elemental carbon and metals derived from road dust (e.g. Ca and Fe) and break wear (e.g. Cu). Regarding secondary inorganic aerosols, nitrate showed the largest reductions as a consequence of the drop in local emissions of NOx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Clemente
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Eduardo Yubero
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Jose F Nicolás
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Sandra Caballero
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Nuria Galindo
- Atmospheric Pollution Laboratory (LCA), Department of Applied Physics, Miguel Hernández University, Avenida de la Universidad S/N, 03202, Elche, Spain.
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21
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Spatiotemporal Change of Air-Quality Patterns in Hubei Province—A Pre- to Post-COVID-19 Analysis Using Path Analysis and Regression. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12101338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitigation measures and control strategies relating to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been widely applied in many countries to reduce the transmission of this pandemic disease. China was the first country to implement a strong lockdown policy to control COVID-19 when countries worldwide were struggling to manage COVID-19 cases. However, lockdown causes numerous changes to air-quality patterns due to the low amount of traffic and the decreased human mobility it results in. To study the impact of the strict control measures of the new COVID-19 epidemic on the air quality of Hubei in early 2020, the air-quality monitoring data of Hubei’s four cities, namely Huangshi, Yichang, Jingzhou, and Wuhan, from 2019 to 2021, specifically 1 January to 30 August, was examined to analyze the characteristics of the temporal and spatial distribution. All air-quality pollutants decreased during the active-COVID-19 period, with a maximum decrease of 26% observed in PM10, followed by 23% of PM2.5, and a minimum decrease of 5% observed in O3. Changes in air pollutants from 2017 to 2021 were also compared, and a decrease in all pollutants through to 2020 was found. The air-quality index (AQI) recorded an increase of 2% post-COVID-19, which shows that air quality will worsen in future, but it decreased by 22% during the active-COVID-19 period. A path analysis model was developed to further understand the relationship between the AQI and air-quality patterns. This path analysis shows a strong correlation between the AQI and PM10 and PM2.5, however its correlation with other air pollutants is weak. Regression analysis shows a similar pattern of there being a strong relationship between AQI and PM10 (r2 = 0.97) and PM2.5 (r2 = 0.93). Although the COVID-19 pandemic had numerous negative effects on human health and the global economy, it is likely that the reduction in air pollution and the significant improvement in ambient air quality due to lockdowns provided substantial short-term health benefits. The government must implement policies to control the environmental issues which are causing poor air quality in post-COVID-19.
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22
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Polednik B. Air quality changes in a Central European city during COVID-19 lockdown. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2021; 73:103096. [PMID: 36570016 PMCID: PMC9760271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A comparison of mobile and stationary air quality measurements in Lublin, Poland during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and in a comparable period in 2017 has demonstrated that a substantial decrease of the traffic intensity by more than 50%, especially during certain times of the day in the lockdown period has only been partially reflected in the air quality improvement in the city. Mobile measurements carried out during six runs within a 24-hour period in 2017 and 2020 indicated a decrease of the average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by ~ 30% and ~14%, respectively. In turn, stationary measurement results obtained for the same periods demonstrated their increase by respectively ~35% and ~106% and a decrease in the average NO2, NOx, C6H6 and CO concentrations. This could have been impacted by meteorological factors and emissions from other, non-traffic-related sources, mainly from residential coal burning. The changes in the vehicle fleet structure could also have played a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Polednik
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, ul. Nadbystrzycka 40B, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
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23
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Spohn TK, Martin D, Geever M, O’Dowd C. Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on regional pollution in Ireland. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2021; 15:221-234. [PMID: 34603555 PMCID: PMC8476717 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-021-01098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the regional impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on pollution in Ireland by comparing the 2020 measurements of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM) from monitoring stations around the country to the previous 3-year average. Results indicate that O3 was 5.6% lower and 13.7% higher than previous years during the lockdown at rural and suburban sites, respectively. NO2 decreased by 50.7% in urban areas, but increased slightly in agricultural regions, consistent with satellite observations. PM concentrations did not change significantly compared to previous years; however, a reduction in the signal variability in the smaller size particle measurements may be the result of different emission sources. The reduction in NO2 likely increased the ratio of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to NOx (nitrogen oxides), creating a NOx limited environment, which resulted in an initial increase in O3 in suburban areas, and the lower than usual levels observed at rural sites. Meteorology showed higher than average wind speeds prior to lockdown, which likely acted to disperse PM and NO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa K. Spohn
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Damien Martin
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Geever
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Colin O’Dowd
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies (C-CAPS), School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
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24
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Lovarelli D, Fugazza D, Costantini M, Conti C, Diolaiuti G, Guarino M. Comparison of ammonia air concentration before and during the spread of COVID-19 in Lombardy (Italy) using ground-based and satellite data. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2021; 259:118534. [PMID: 36567919 PMCID: PMC9760411 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Several anthropogenic activities have undergone major changes following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, which in turn has had consequences on the environment. The effect on air pollution has been studied in detail in the literature, although some pollutants, such as ammonia (NH3), have received comparatively less attention to date. Focusing on the case of Lombardy in Northern Italy, this study aimed to evaluate changes in NH3 atmospheric concentration on a temporal scale (the years from 2013 to 2019 compared to 2020) and on a spatial scale (countryside, city, and mountain areas). For this purpose, ground-based (from public air quality control units scattered throughout the region) and satellite observations (from IASI sensors on board MetOp-A and MetOp-B) were collected and analyzed. For ground-based measurements, a marked spatial variability is observed between the different areas while, as regards the comparison between periods, statistically significant differences were observed only for the countryside areas (+31% in 2020 compared to previous years). The satellite data show similar patterns but do not present statistically significant differences neither between different areas, nor between the two periods. In general, there have been no reduction effects of atmospheric NH3 as a consequence of COVID-19. This calls into question the role of the agricultural sector, which is known to be the largest responsible for NH3 emissions. Even if the direct comparison between the two datasets shows little correlation, their contextual consideration allows making more robust considerations regarding air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lovarelli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Fugazza
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Costantini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Cecilia Conti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Guglielmina Diolaiuti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marcella Guarino
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria, 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Air Quality in the Italian Northwestern Alps during Year 2020: Assessment of the COVID-19 «Lockdown Effect» from Multi-Technique Observations and Models. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12081006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The effect of COVID-19 confinement regulations on air quality in the northwestern Alps is assessed here based on measurements at five valley sites in different environmental contexts. Surface concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), together with a thorough microphysical (size), chemical, and optical (light absorption) aerosol characterisation, complemented by observations along the vertical column are considered. Even in the relatively pristine environment of the Alps, the «lockdown effect» is well discernible, both in the early confinement phase and in late 2020. The variations observed during the first confinement period in the city of Aosta (−61% NO, −43% NO2, +5% O3, +9% PM2.5, −12% PM10, relative to average 2015–2019 conditions) are attributed to the competing effects of air pollution lockdown-induced changes (−74%, −52%, +18%, −13%, −27%, relative to the counterfactual scenario for 2020 provided by a predictive statistical model trained on past measurements) and meteorology (+52%, +18%, −11%, +25%, +20%, relative to average conditions). These changes agree well with the ones obtained from a chemical transport model with modified emissions according to the restrictions. With regard to column-integrated quantities and vertical profiles, the NO2 column density decreases by >20% due to the lockdown, whereas tropospheric aerosols are mainly influenced by large-scale dynamics (transport of secondary particles from the Po basin and mineral dust from the Sahara desert and the Caspian Sea), except a shallow layer about 500 m thick close to the surface, possibly sensitive to curtailed emissions (especially exhaust and non-exhaust particles from road traffic and fugitive emissions from the industry).
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