1
|
Puiu S, Udriștioiu MT. The Impact of Environmental Volunteering on Employees, Companies, and Local Communities: A Case Study on Romanian Companies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:631. [PMID: 38791845 PMCID: PMC11121071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This paper addresses the importance of organizational environmental volunteering as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies of organizations. If more organizations support their employees' involvement in such projects, there can be hope for mitigating climate change and making the transition to a more sustainable world. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling to analyze the impact of management support on organizational environmental volunteering and of the latter on the employees' well-being and productivity. Making environmental volunteering part of an organization's CSR strategy can help the environment, the employees, and the organization itself. The results show a direct and positive relationship between management support and organizational environmental volunteering and between the latter and both the well-being and productivity of employees. The findings will help managers in both public and private organizations to better shape their strategies and encourage their employees to get involved in projects meant to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Puiu
- Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martín F, Janssen S, Rodrigues V, Sousa J, Santiago JL, Rivas E, Stocker J, Jackson R, Russo F, Villani MG, Tinarelli G, Barbero D, José RS, Pérez-Camanyo JL, Santos GS, Bartzis J, Sakellaris I, Horváth Z, Környei L, Liszkai B, Kovács Á, Jurado X, Reiminger N, Thunis P, Cuvelier C. Using dispersion models at microscale to assess long-term air pollution in urban hot spots: A FAIRMODE joint intercomparison exercise for a case study in Antwerp. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171761. [PMID: 38494008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
In the framework of the Forum for Air Quality Modelling in Europe (FAIRMODE), a modelling intercomparison exercise for computing NO2 long-term average concentrations in urban districts with a very high spatial resolution was carried out. This exercise was undertaken for a district of Antwerp (Belgium). Air quality data includes data recorded in air quality monitoring stations and 73 passive samplers deployed during one-month period in 2016. The modelling domain was 800 × 800 m2. Nine modelling teams participated in this exercise providing results from fifteen different modelling applications based on different kinds of model approaches (CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics-, Lagrangian, Gaussian, and Artificial Intelligence). Some approaches consisted of models running the complete one-month period on an hourly basis, but most others used a scenario approach, which relies on simulations of scenarios representative of wind conditions combined with post-processing to retrieve a one-month average of NO2 concentrations. The objective of this study is to evaluate what type of modelling system is better suited to get a good estimate of long-term averages in complex urban districts. This is very important for air quality assessment under the European ambient air quality directives. The time evolution of NO2 hourly concentrations during a day of relative high pollution was rather well estimated by all models. Relative to high resolution spatial distribution of one-month NO2 averaged concentrations, Gaussian models were not able to give detailed information, unless they include building data and street-canyon parameterizations. The models that account for complex urban geometries (i.e. CFD, Lagrangian, and AI models) appear to provide better estimates of the spatial distribution of one-month NO2 averages concentrations in the urban canopy. Approaches based on steady CFD-RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) model simulations of meteorological scenarios seem to provide good results with similar quality to those obtained with an unsteady one-month period CFD-RANS simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Martín
- CIEMAT, Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - S Janssen
- VITO NV, Flemish Institute for Research and Technology, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - V Rodrigues
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - J Sousa
- VITO NV, Flemish Institute for Research and Technology, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - J L Santiago
- CIEMAT, Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - E Rivas
- CIEMAT, Research Center for Energy, Environment and Technology, Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Stocker
- Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC), UK
| | - R Jackson
- Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants (CERC), UK
| | - F Russo
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - M G Villani
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - G Tinarelli
- ARIANET S.r.l., via Crespi 57, 20159 Milano, Italy
| | - D Barbero
- ARIANET S.r.l., via Crespi 57, 20159 Milano, Italy
| | - R San José
- Computer Science School, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Campus de Montegancedo, s/n, 28660 Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Pérez-Camanyo
- Computer Science School, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Campus de Montegancedo, s/n, 28660 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Sousa Santos
- NILU - The Climate and Environmental Research Institute, Norway
| | - J Bartzis
- University of Western Macedonia (UOWM), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Sialvera & Bakola Str., 50132 Kozani, Greece
| | - I Sakellaris
- University of Western Macedonia (UOWM), Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Sialvera & Bakola Str., 50132 Kozani, Greece
| | - Z Horváth
- SZE, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | - L Környei
- SZE, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | - B Liszkai
- SZE, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | - Á Kovács
- SZE, Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
| | | | - N Reiminger
- AIR&D, Strasbourg, France; ICUBE Laboratory, UMR 7357, CNRS/University of Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - P Thunis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - C Cuvelier
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ilenič A, Pranjić AM, Zupančič N, Milačič R, Ščančar J. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure assessment among active daily commuters to induce behaviour change to reduce air pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169117. [PMID: 38065488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169117] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a detrimental urban air pollutant primarily emitted by traffic and biomass burning, poses disproportionately significant health risks at relatively limited exposure during commuting. Previous studies have mainly focused on fixed locations when assessing PM2.5 exposure, while neglecting pedestrians and cyclists, who often experience higher pollution levels. In response, this research aimed to independently validate the effectiveness of bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors (LCS) adopted by citizens, evaluate temporal and spatial PM2.5 exposure, and assess associated health risks in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The LCS quality assurance results, verified by co-location field tests by air quality monitoring stations (AQMS), showed comparable outcomes with an average percentage difference of 21.29 %, attributed to humidity-induced nucleation effects. The colder months exhibited the highest air pollution levels (μ = 32.31 μg/m3) due to frequent thermal inversions and weak wind circulation, hindering vertical air mixing and the adequate dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, PM2.5 levels in all sampling periods were lowest in the afternoon (μ = 12.09 μg/m3) and highest during the night (μ = 61.00 μg/m3) when the planetary boundary layer thins, leading to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, thus significantly affecting diurnal and seasonal patterns. Analysis of exposure factors revealed that cyclists were approximately three times more exposed than pedestrians. However, the toxicological risk assessment indicated a minimal potential risk of PM2.5 exposure. The collaborative integration of data from official AQMS and LCS can enhance evidence-based policy-making processes and facilitates the realignment of effective regulatory frameworks to reduce urban air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ilenič
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Mauko Pranjić
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nina Zupančič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Aškerčeva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ZRC SAZU Ivan Rakovec Institute of Paleontology, Novi trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Radmila Milačič
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute Jožef Stefan, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ščančar
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute Jožef Stefan, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng J, Zhang H, Shi J, Li X, Zhang J, Zhang K, Gao Y, He J, Dai J, Wang J. Association of air pollution exposure with overweight or obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168589. [PMID: 37984657 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168589] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Childhood overweight and obesity is a global problem. 38 million children under five years old were reported as being overweight/obese in 2019. However, current evidence regarding the effects of air pollution on children weight status remains scarce and inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the association between air pollutants and the weight status of children and adolescents. Four databases were searched up to August 9, 2023. Adjusted merged odds ratios (ORs), regression coefficients (β), and their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated and pooled. A total of 27 studies were included. The results showed that air pollutants had adverse effects on the body weight of children and adolescents. Exposure to PM1, PM2.5, PMcoarse, and PM10 were associated with increased risk of overweight/obesity, with pooled ORs (95 % CI) of 1.23 (1.09, 1.40), 1.18 (1.10, 1.28), 1.04 (1.03, 1.05) and 1.11 (1.06, 1.17) per 10 μg/m3 increment, respectively. Individuals with higher exposure levels to NOX, O3, SO2 and CO (per 10 μg/m3 increment) were associated with 12 %, 6 %, 28 % and 1 % increased odds of being overweight/obese, respectively. With respect to the level of body mass index, the pooled β (95 % CIs) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and NOX exposure were 0.15 (0.12, 0.18), 0.11 (0.06, 0.16), 0.07 (0.03, 0.10), and 0.03 (0.01, 0.04), respectively. PM1 has relatively strong adverse effects on body weight status. The subgroup analysis revealed a significantly increase in the risk of overweight/obesity when the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 exceeded 35 μg/m3, 50 μg/m3, and 40 μg/m3, respectively. Exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and NOX increased the risk of overweight/obesity, especially in Asia. This study provides evidence of the association between air pollution and being overweight/obese in children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Zheng
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huiling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jianyang Shi
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Kunlun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yameng Gao
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jingtong He
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jianghong Dai
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang 834000, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zgłobicki W, Baran-Zgłobicka B. Air pollution in major Polish cities in the period 2005-2021: Intensity, effects and attempts to reduce it. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117497. [PMID: 37914007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117497] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Air quality in Poland is among the lowest in Europe due to high emissions of harmful substances. This causes the development of diseases and leads to a high number of premature deaths. Particularly high pollution occurs in parts of urban areas. The most serious problem is unregulated emissions from buildings and vehicles. That is why it is so important to take action to improve air quality at the local level. The study assessed changes in the concentrations of NO2, O3, PM10, PM2.5 and benzo(a)pyrene in 11 major Polish cities between 2005 and 2021. In 2021 average levels were: NO2 - 25 μg/m3, O3 - 45 μg/m3, PM10 - 26 μg/m3, PM2.5 -17 μg/m3, benzo(a)pyrene - 2.1 ng/m3. The highest exceedances of WHO standards over the studied period were for PM2.5, followed by NO2 and PM10. The annual average levels fell by 17% for NO2 and by 18% for PM10 between 2005 and 2021, and by 34% for PM2.5 and 27% for benzo(a)pyrene between 2010 and 2021. The most polluted cities are Kraków, Katowice and Łódź. The highest concentrations of pollutants typically occurred in 2006 and 2011, the lowest in 2020. Strategic documents and programmes that formulate objectives for reducing emissions and improving air quality were evaluated. Policy documents enable numerous measures to improve air quality. Plans are not always effectively implemented due to a lack of formal tools and financial resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Zgłobicki
- Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka 2d, 20-718, Poland.
| | - Bogusława Baran-Zgłobicka
- Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka 2d, 20-718, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Coelho S, Ferreira J, Lopes D, Carvalho D, Lopes M. Facing the challenges of air quality and health in a future climate: The Aveiro Region case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162767. [PMID: 36907400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution and climate change are the most important environmental issues for European citizens. Despite the air quality improvements achieved in recent years, with most pollutants' concentrations below the European Union legislated values, it is necessary to understand whether this will continue in the future due to expected climate changes impacts. In this context, this work tries to answer two main questions: (i) What is the relative contribution of emission source regions/activities to air quality, now and in the future, considering a climate change scenario?; and (ii) What additional policies are needed to support win-win strategies for air quality and climate mitigation and/or adaptation, at urban scale? For that, a climate and air quality modelling system, with source apportionment tools, was applied to the Aveiro Region, in Portugal. Main results show that in the future, due to the implementation of carbon neutrality measures, air quality in the Aveiro Region may improve, with reduction up to 4 μg.m-3 for particulate matter (PM) concentrations and 22 μg.m-3 for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and consequently, the premature deaths due to air pollution exposure will also decrease. The expected air quality improvement will ensure that, in the future, the limit values of the European Union (EU) Air Quality Directive will not be exceeded, but the same will not happen if the proposed revision of the EU Air Quality Directive is approved. Results also shown that, in the future, industrial sector will be the one with higher relative contribution for PM concentrations and the second one for NO2. For that sector, additional emission abatement measures were tested, showing that, in the future, it is possible to comply with all the new limit values proposed by the EU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Coelho
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - J Ferreira
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - D Lopes
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - D Carvalho
- CESAM & Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Lopes
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bai S, Cui L, Du S, Zhao X, Lin S, Yang X, Zhang J, Liang Y, Wang Z. A life course approach to asthma and wheezing among young children caused by ozone: A prospective birth cohort in northern China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115687. [PMID: 36925033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given differences in vulnerability of children in early life, a life course approach to asthma and wheezing (AW) in young children caused by ozone (O3) is not fully understood. METHODS We conducted a birth cohort in Jinan, China from 2018 to 2021 to elucidate the onset model of childhood AW due to O3 exposure. An inverse distance weighted model was used for individual exposure assessment. The time-dependent Cox proportional-hazard model and logistic model were used to investigate the effects of O3 exposure on AW. Principal component analysis, interaction analysis, and distributed lag model were used to analyze the life course approach. RESULTS The cumulative incidence rate for AW among 6501 children aged 2 was 1.4%. A high level of O3 was related to AW (HR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.37). Only O3 exposure after birth was associated with AW, with an OR of 1.82 (1.08, 3.12), after adjusting for the effect before birth. Furthermore, adjusting for other air pollutants, the HR for the individual effect of high O3 exposure on AW was 2.44 (1.53, 3.89). Interestingly, P values for interactions for O3 and the principal components of other pollutants, as well as the characteristic variable of open windows were less than 0.1. Moreover, an increase in the IQR of O3 exposure at the 31st to 37th weeks before birth and the 1st to 105th weeks after birth was associated with an increase in the HRs for AW. CONCLUSIONS High-level of O3 exposure after birth could lead to AW among young children. Importantly, the AW onset model may include the risk factors accumulation and the sensitive period model. Specifically, there are two sensitive windows in early life, and the correlated insults between the high level of O3 and other pollutants as well as open windows in the asthma-inducing effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuoxin Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Liangliang Cui
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shuang Du
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Shaoqian Lin
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiwei Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jiatao Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yuxiu Liang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ruiz-Páez R, Díaz J, López-Bueno JA, Asensio C, Ascaso MS, Saez M, Luna MY, Barceló MA, Navas MA, Linares C. Short-term effects of air pollution and noise on emergency hospital admissions in Madrid and economic assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115147. [PMID: 36580986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to study the effect of air pollution and noise has on the population in Madrid Community (MAR) in the period 2013-2018, and its economic impact. METHODS Time series study analysing emergency hospital admissions in the MAR due to all causes (ICD-10: A00-R99), respiratory causes (ICD-10: J00-J99) and circulatory causes (ICD-10: I00-I99) across the period 2013-2018. The main independent variables were mean daily PM2.5, PM10, NO2, 8-h ozone concentrations, and noise. We controlled for meteorological variables, Public Holidays, seasonality, and the trend and autoregressive nature of the series, and fitted generalised linear models with a Poisson regression link to ascertain the relative risks and attributable risks. In addition, we made an economic assessment of these hospitalisations. RESULTS The following associations were found: NO2 with admissions due to natural (RR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1.004-1.011) and respiratory causes (RR: 1.012, 95% CI: 1.005-1.019); 8-h ozone with admissions due to natural (RR: 1.049, 95% CI: 1.014-1.046) and circulatory causes (RR: 1.088, 95% CI: 1.039-1.140); and diurnal noise (LAeq7-23h) with admissions due to natural (RR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.001-1.002), respiratory (RR: 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.003) and circulatory causes (RR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.002-1.005). Every year, a total of 8246 (95% CI: 4580-11,905) natural-cause admissions are attributable to NO2, with an estimated cost of close on €120 million and 5685 (95% CI: 2533-8835) attributed to LAeq7-23h with an estimated cost of close on €82 million. CONCLUSIONS Nitrogen dioxide, ozone and noise are the main pollutants to which a large number of hospitalisations in the MAR are attributed, and are thus responsible for a marked deterioration in population health and high related economic impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - J Díaz
- Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment Reference Unit, Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - C Asensio
- Universidad Politéctnica de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación en Instrumentación y Acústica Aplicada, Ctra. Valencia Km 7, Campus sur, 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - M S Ascaso
- Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment Reference Unit, Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Saez
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Y Luna
- Meteorological Statal Agency. (AEMET), Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Barceló
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Navas
- Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment Reference Unit, Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - C Linares
- Climate Change, Health and Urban Environment Reference Unit, Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Graça D, Reis J, Gama C, Monteiro A, Rodrigues V, Rebelo M, Borrego C, Lopes M, Miranda AI. Sensors Network as an Added Value for the Characterization of Spatial and Temporal Air Quality Patterns at the Urban Scale. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1859. [PMID: 36850456 PMCID: PMC9967040 DOI: 10.3390/s23041859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Within the scope of the Aveiro STEAM City project, an air quality monitoring network was installed in the city of Aveiro (Portugal), to evaluate the potential of sensors to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of air quality in the city. The network consists of nine sensors stations with air quality sensors (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, O3 and CO) and two meteorological stations, distributed within selected locations in the city of Aveiro. The analysis of the data was done for a one-year measurement period, from June 2020 to May 2021, using temporal profiles, statistical comparisons with reference stations and Air Quality Indexes (AQI). The analysis of sensors data indicated that air quality variability exists for all pollutants and stations. The majority of the study area is characterized by good air quality, but specific areas-associated with hotspot traffic zones-exhibit medium, poor and bad air quality more frequently. The daily patterns registered are significantly different between the affected and non-affected road traffic sites, mainly for PM and NO2 pollutants. The weekly profile, significative deltas are found between week and weekend: NO2 is reduced on the weekends at traffic sites, but PM10 is higher in specific areas during winter weekends, which is explained by residential combustion sources.
Collapse
|
10
|
Khorsandi A, Li L. A novel Energy Resources Allocation Management model for air pollution reduction. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1035395. [PMID: 36684936 PMCID: PMC9853078 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1035395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although air pollution has been reduced in various industrial and crowded cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, curbing the high concentration of the crisis of air pollution in the megacity of Tehran is still a challenging issue. Thus, identifying the major factors that play significant roles in increasing contaminant concentration is vital. This study aimed to propose a mathematical model to reduce air pollution in a way that does not require citizen participation, limitation on energy usage, alternative energies, any policies on fuel-burn style, extra cost, or time to ensure that consumers have access to energy adequately. In this study, we proposed a novel framework, denoted as the Energy Resources Allocation Management (ERAM) model, to reduce air pollution. The ERAM is designed to optimize the allocation of various energies to the recipients. To do so, the ERAM model is simulated based on the magnitude of fuel demand consumption, the rate of air pollution emission generated by each energy per unit per consumer, and the air pollution contribution produced by each user. To evaluate the reflectiveness and illustrate the feasibility of the model, a real-world case study, i.e., Tehran, was employed. The air pollution emission factors in Tehran territory were identified by considering both mobile sources, e.g., motorcycles, cars, and heavy-duty vehicles, and stationary sources, e.g., energy conversion stations, industries, and household and commercial sectors, which are the main contributors to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. An elaborate view of the results indicates that the ERAM model on fuel distribution could remarkably reduce Tehran's air pollution concentration by up to 14%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armita Khorsandi
- Injury Prevention Research Centre, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- School of Public Health, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Liping Li
- Injury Prevention Research Centre, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- School of Public Health, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu H, Blande JD. A potential ozone defense in intercellular air space: Clues from intercellular BVOC concentrations and stomatal conductance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158456. [PMID: 36058323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158456] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ozone (O3) enters plants through the stomata, passes into the intercellular air space and is decomposed in cell walls. Two factors that affect the O3 level in the intercellular air space are the stomatal conductance and the concentration of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Stomatal conductance controls the O3 flux into the air space and the intercellular BVOCs react with the O3. Therefore, the intercellular air space serves as a place where O3 defense can occur, but it has received relatively little attention. This study aimed to explore potential plant-defense against O3 in the intercellular air space by measuring the stomatal conductance and intercellular BVOC concentrations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Seedlings of both species were exposed to two levels of O3, ambient (15 nmol mol-1) and 80 nmol mol-1 (dropping to an ambient level at night), in plant growth chambers for five days in both spring and summer. We found that O3 decreased stomatal conductance in both species and in both seasons, which can lower the O3 flux into the intercellular air space. Intercellular BVOC concentrations were decreased in spring while increased in summer for both species in response to O3. This suggests that the BVOC protection in the intercellular air space is only of consequence in summer. These results demonstrate the potential for BVOCs to provide intercellular O3 defense in both species, but with seasonal variation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P. O. Box 1672, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - James D Blande
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P. O. Box 1672, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Coelho S, Ferreira J, Rodrigues V, Lopes M. Source apportionment of air pollution in European urban areas: Lessons from the ClairCity project. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115899. [PMID: 35963069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has become a major threat to human health in the last decades, with an increase of acute air pollution episodes in many cities worldwide. Source apportionment modelling provides valuable information on the contribution from different emission source sectors and source regions to distinct air pollutants concentrations. In this study, the CAMx model, with its PSAT tool, was applied to quantify the contribution of multiple source areas, categories and pollutant types to ambient air pollution, namely to PM and NO2 concentrations, over six European urban areas: Bristol (United Kingdom), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Liguria Region (Italy), Sosnowiec (Poland) and Aveiro Region (Portugal). Results indicate overall higher annual NO2 and PM concentrations located in the urban centres of the case studies. A comparison between the different areas showed that Liguria is the region with highest NO2 annual mean concentrations, while Ljubljana, Liguria Region and Sosnowiec are the case studies with the highest PM annual mean concentrations. The annual average contributions denote a major influence from road transport to NO2 concentrations, with up to 50%, except in Aveiro region, where road transport presents a lower contribution to NO2 concentrations, and the greatest contributor is the industrial combustion and processes sector with 45%. These results indicate a negligible contribution of the transboundary transport to NO2 concentrations, highlighting the relevance of local sources, while for PM concentrations the transboundary transport is the major contributor. The results highlight the relevance of long-range transport of PM across Europe. The transboundary transport reduces its importance during winter, when residential and commercial combustion increases its contribution. In the case of the Aveiro region, the industrial combustion and processes sector also plays an important contribution to PM concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Coelho
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - J Ferreira
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - V Rodrigues
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Lopes
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu H, Kivimäenpää M, Blande JD. Volatile-mediated between-plant communication in Scots pine and the effects of elevated ozone. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220963. [PMID: 36069014 PMCID: PMC9449471 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conifers are dominant tree species in boreal forests, but are susceptible to attack by bark beetles. Upon bark beetle attack, conifers release substantial quantities of volatile organic compounds known as herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Earlier studies of broadleaved plants have shown that HIPVs provide information to neighbouring plants, which may enhance their defences. However, the defence responses of HIPV-receiver plants have not been described for conifers. Here we advance knowledge of plant-plant communication in conifers by documenting a suite of receiver-plant responses to bark-feeding-induced volatiles. Scots pine seedlings exposed to HIPVs were more resistant to subsequent weevil feeding and received less damage. Receiver plants had both induced and primed volatile emissions and their resin ducts had an increased epithelial cell (EC) mean area and an increased number of cells located in the second EC layer. Importantly, HIPV exposure increased stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rate of receiver plants. Receiver-plant responses were also examined under elevated ozone conditions and found to be significantly altered. However, the final defence outcome was not affected. These findings demonstrate that HIPVs modulate conifer metabolism through responses spanning photosynthesis and chemical defence. The responses are adjusted under ozone stress, but the defence benefits remain intact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Kivimäenpää
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - James D Blande
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|