1
|
Deep Inorganic Fraction Characterization of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in an Industrial Area Located in Central Italy by Means of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10072532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollution is an important task in life sciences and, in particular, inorganic fraction characterization is considered as an important issue in this field. For many years, researchers have focused their attention on the particulate matter fraction below 10 μm: in this case, our attention was also focused on PM2.5 (i.e., particles with a size fraction smaller than 2.5 μm) and PM1 (below 1 μm). This paper would like to investigate whether the element accumulation in different granulometric fractions is similar, or whether there are behavior dissimilarities. Among the different analytical techniques, the instrumental neutron activation analysis, an instrumental nuclear method, was used for its peculiarity of investigating the sample without performing any chemical-physical treatment. Forty-two daily samples using the reference method were collected, 15 filters for PM10, 18 for PM2.5, and 12 for PM1; the filters, along with primary standards and appropriate standard reference materials, were irradiated at the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) R.C.-Casaccia’s Triga MARK II reactor. The irradiations carried out in the Rabbit and Lazy Susan channels allowed for the investigation of 36 elements and the relative Pearson’s correlations between elements and PM-fractions (PM10 vs. PM2.5 was good, whereas PM10 vs. PM1 was the worst). The Enrichment Factors were studied for the three fractions to show how anthropogenic sources have affected the element content. A comparison between these data and element levels determined worldwide showed that our concentrations were lower than those determined in similar scenarios. Furthermore, a statistical approach (source discrimination, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis) has allowed us to identify similarities between the samples: the airborne filters can be divided in two main groups (i.e., one made of PM10 and PM2.5 filters and one only of PM1 filters), meaning a different element contribution to this fraction coming from other sources present at the site.
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Ciaula A, Gentilini P, Diella G, Lopuzzo M, Ridolfi R. Biomonitoring of Metals in Children Living in an Urban Area and Close to Waste Incinerators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061919. [PMID: 32187971 PMCID: PMC7143875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of waste incinerators is usually examined by measuring environmental pollutants. Biomonitoring has been limited, until now, to few metals and to adults. We explored accumulation of a comprehensive panel of metals in children free-living in an urban area hosting two waste incinerators. Children were divided by georeferentiation in exposed and control groups, and toenail concentrations of 23 metals were thereafter assessed. The percentage of children having toenail metal concentrations above the limit of detection was higher in exposed children than in controls for Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, and V. Exposed children had higher absolute concentrations of Ba, Mn, Cu, and V, as compared with those living in the reference area. The Tobit regression identified living in the exposed area as a significant predictor of Ba, Ni, Cu, Mn, and V concentrations, after adjusting for covariates. The concentrations of Ba, Mn, Ni, and Cu correlated with each other, suggesting a possible common source of emission. Exposure to emissions derived from waste incinerators in an urban setting can lead to body accumulation of specific metals in children. Toenail metal concentration should be considered a noninvasive and adequate biomonitoring tool and an early warning indicator which should integrate the environmental monitoring of pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Bisceglie (ASL BAT), 76011 Bisceglie, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Gentilini
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Study of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Marco Lopuzzo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Study of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Ruggero Ridolfi
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stabile L, Massimo A, Rizza V, D'Apuzzo M, Evangelisti A, Scungio M, Frattolillo A, Cortellessa G, Buonanno G. A novel approach to evaluate the lung cancer risk of airborne particles emitted in a city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 656:1032-1042. [PMID: 30625635 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Air quality still represents a main threat to human health in cities. Even in developed countries, decades of air pollution control not yet allowed to reduce pollutant concentrations in urban areas adequately. Indeed, high airborne particle concentrations are measured in several European cities; this is a main issue since particles represent a carrier for carcinogenic compounds. Numerous researches measuring the exposure to the different aerosol metrics in urban areas were recently performed, nonetheless, few data on the lung cancer risk in such environments are available. In the present paper a novel approach to evaluate the lung cancer risk related to the airborne particles emitted by the different sources located in a city is proposed and applied to a pilot case-study (i.e. an Italian city). In particular, an existing lung cancer risk model was modified and applied to assess the particle-related lung cancer "emitted" by the different sources of the city using pollutant emission factors provided by accredited emission inventory databases. Therefore, the average toxicity of the particles emitted by the city (i.e. lung cancer slope factor) and the lung cancer risk globally emitted by the city, expressed as new cases of lung cancer, were evaluated. The proposed emission inventory also allowed to identify and localize the main contributors to the overall risk emitted in a city. As an example, for the city under investigation, the research revealed that the main contributor, amongst the sources considered, is the vehicular traffic which is characterized by a lower mass fraction of carcinogenic compounds but a much higher sub-micron particle emission with respect to the other sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy.
| | - A Massimo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - V Rizza
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - M D'Apuzzo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - A Evangelisti
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - M Scungio
- Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - A Frattolillo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Cortellessa
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - G Buonanno
- Department of Engineering, University "Parthenope", Naples, Italy; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pacitto A, Stabile L, Viana M, Scungio M, Reche C, Querol X, Alastuey A, Rivas I, Álvarez-Pedrerol M, Sunyer J, van Drooge BL, Grimalt JO, Sozzi R, Vigo P, Buonanno G. Particle-related exposure, dose and lung cancer risk of primary school children in two European countries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 616-617:720-729. [PMID: 29089125 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Schools represent a critical microenvironment in terms of air quality due to the proximity to outdoor particle sources and the frequent lack of proper ventilation and filtering systems. Moreover, the population exposed in schools (i.e. children) represents a susceptible population due to their age. Air quality-based studies involving students' exposure at schools are still scarce and often limited to mass-based particle metrics and may thus underestimate the possible effect of sub-micron particles and particle toxicity. To this purpose, the present paper aims to evaluate the exposure to different airborne particle metrics (including both sub- and super-micron particles) and attached carcinogenic compounds. Measurements in terms of particle number, lung-deposited surface area, and PM fraction concentrations were measured inside and outside schools in Barcelona (Spain) and Cassino (Italy). Simultaneously, PM samples were collected and chemically analysed to obtain mass fractions of carcinogenic compounds. School time airborne particle doses received by students in classrooms were evaluated as well as their excess lung cancer risk due to a five-year primary school period. Median surface area dose received by students during school time in Barcelona and Cassino resulted equal to 110mm2 and 303mm2, respectively. The risk related to the five-year primary school period was estimated as about 2.9×10-5 and 1.4×10-4 for students of Barcelona and Cassino, respectively. The risk in Barcelona is slightly higher with respect to the maximum tolerable value (10-5, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), mainly due to toxic compounds on particles generated from anthropogenic emissions (mainly industry). On the other hand, the excess lung cancer risk in Cassino is cause of concern, being one order of magnitude higher than the above-mentioned threshold value due to the presence of biomass burning heating systems and winter thermal inversion that cause larger doses and great amount of toxic compounds on particles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pacitto
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Scungio
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - C Reche
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Alastuey
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Rivas
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - J Sunyer
- ISGlobal - Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B L van Drooge
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Sozzi
- ARPA Lazio, Via Garibaldi, 114, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - P Vigo
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy
| | - G Buonanno
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Engineering, University "Parthenope", Naples, Italy; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, FR, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Avino P, Manigrasso M. Dynamic of submicrometer particles in urban environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:13908-13920. [PMID: 27146536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6752-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Many studies show that particle toxicity increases with decreasing their size, emphasizing the role of submicrometric particles, in particular of ultrafine particles (<100 nm). In fact, particles greater than 2.5 μm are quickly removed through dry and wet deposition on the timescale of hours whereas submicrometer particles may reside in atmosphere for weeks, penetrate in indoor environment, and be long-range transported. High aerosol size resolution measurements are important for a correct assessment of the deposition efficiency in the human respiratory system, and time resolution is another important requisite. Starting from such considerations, time-resolved aerosol particle number size distributions have been measured in downtown Rome. Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) measurements have been carried out at the INAIL's Pilot Station, located in downtown Rome, in an area characterized by high density of autovehicular traffic. The two instruments have allowed to investigate deeply the urban aerosol in the range of 5.6-560 and 3.5-117 nm, respectively. In particular, the FMPS measurements have confirmed the interpretation about the transition phenomena in the time interval of few seconds, timescale typically associated with the emission of gasoline and diesel engines. In downtown Rome, the hourly average size distribution is bimodal or trimodal with maxima at about 5-15, 20-30, and 70-100 nm. Particle formation in the nucleation mode was associated to freshly emitted autovehicular exhaust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Avino
- DIT, INAIL Research Area, via IV Novembre 144, I-00184, Rome, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rizza V, Stabile L, Buonanno G, Morawska L. Variability of airborne particle metrics in an urban area. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:625-635. [PMID: 27742438 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study a mobile monitoring approach (i.e. bike with onboard instruments) was proposed and applied to investigate the spatial variability of all the key airborne particle metrics in an Italian urban area from a statistical point of view. Particle number, alveolar-deposited surface area, and PM10 concentrations were measured through hand-held monitors and compared to simultaneous background concentrations by means of non-parametric tests and further post-hoc tests (Kruskal-Wallis test). Streets characterized by exposure levels statistically higher than the background levels for all the particle metrics were identified for different seasons in a pilot urban area (Cassino, Italy). A higher number of hot spots was detected for metrics affected by ultrafine particles (i.e. number and alveolar-deposited surface area concentrations) with respect to PM10. The effect of metrological requirements of the instrumentation on the proposed method was also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Rizza
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino (FR), Italy
| | - L Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino (FR), Italy.
| | - G Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino (FR), Italy; Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - L Morawska
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Johnson DR. Nanometer-sized emissions from municipal waste incinerators: A qualitative risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 320:67-79. [PMID: 27513371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Municipal waste incinerators (MWI) are beneficial alternatives to landfills for waste management. A recent constituent of concern in emissions from these facilities is incidental nanometer-sized particles (INPMWI), i.e., particles smaller than 1 micrometer in size that may deposit in the deepest parts of the lungs, cross into the bloodstream, and affect different regions of the body. With limited data, the public may fear INPMWI due to uncertainty, which may affect public acceptance, regulatory permitting, and the increased lowering of air quality standards. Despite limited data, a qualitative risk assessment paradigm can be applied to determine the relative risk due to INPMWI emissions. This review compiles existing data on nanometer-sized particle generation by MWIs, emissions control technologies used at MWIs, emission releases into the atmosphere, human population exposure, and adverse health effects of nanometer-sized particles to generate a qualitative risk assessment and identify data gaps. The qualitative risk assessment conservatively concludes that INPMWI pose a low to moderate risk to individuals, primarily due to the lack of relevant toxicological data on INPMWI mixtures in ambient particulate matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Johnson
- GHD, 1755 Wittington Place, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75234, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scungio M, Buonanno G, Stabile L, Ficco G. Lung cancer risk assessment at receptor site of a waste-to-energy plant. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 56:207-215. [PMID: 27462027 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2016.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of particulate matter emitted from waste-to-energy plants, is associated to the compounds attached to the particles, several of which have been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the Group 1 carcinogens. In this paper a modified risk-assessment model, deriving from an existing one, was applied to estimate the lung cancer risk related to both ultrafine and coarse particles emitted from an incinerator whose people living nearby are exposed to. To this end, the measured values of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals (As, Cd, Ni) and PCDD/Fs (Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans) emitted from an incinerator placed in Italy were used to calculate the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) at the stack of the plant. The estimated ELCR was then used as input data in a numerical CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model that solves the mass, momentum, turbulence and species transport equations to study the influence of wind speed and chimney height on the ELCR at receptor sites. Furthermore, combining meteorological data (wind speed and direction), and hypothesizing different exposure scenarios on the basis of time-activity patterns of people living nearby the plant, specific risk maps were obtained by evaluating ELCR around the incinerator. Results show that with the increasing of wind speed, the ELCR value downwind at the plant decreases and its point of maximum risk becomes closer to the stack. On the other hand, increasing the stack height decreases the ELCR, moving away from the stack the point of maximum risk. Finally, the risk maps for people living or working nearby the plant have highlighted that the excess risk of lung cancer due to the presence of the incinerator is below the WHO target (1×10(-5)).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Scungio
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy; Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
| | - Luca Stabile
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| | - Giorgio Ficco
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Avino P, Protano C, Vitali M, Manigrasso M. Benchmark study on fine-mode aerosol in a big urban area and relevant doses deposited in the human respiratory tract. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 216:530-537. [PMID: 27325547 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It is well-known that the health effects of PM increase as particle size decreases: particularly, great concern has risen on the role of UltraFine Particles (UFPs). Starting from the knowledge that the main fraction of atmospheric aerosol in Rome is characterized by significant levels of PM2.5 (almost 75% of PM10 fraction is PM2.5), the paper is focused on submicron particles in such great urban area. The daytime/nighttime, work-/weekdays and cold/hot seasonal trends of submicron particles will be investigated and discussed along with NOx and total PAH drifts demonstrating the primary origin of UFPs from combustion processes. Furthermore, moving from these data, the total dose of submicron particles deposited in the respiratory system (i.e., head, tracheobronchial and alveolar regions in different lung lobes) has been estimated. Dosimeter estimates were performed with the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry model (MPPD v.2.1). The paper discusses the aerosol doses deposited in the respiratory system of individuals exposed in proximity of traffic. During traffic peak hours, about 6.6 × 10(10) particles are deposited into the respiratory system. Such dose is almost entirely made of UFPs. According to the greater dose estimated, right lung lobes are expected to be more susceptible to respiratory pathologies than left lobes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Avino
- DIT, INAIL Research Area, Via IV Novembre 144, I-00187 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carmela Protano
- Dept. Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Dept. Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, p.le Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Submicron Particles during Macro- and Micro-Weldings Procedures in Industrial Indoor Environments and Health Implications for Welding Operators. METALS 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/met5021045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
11
|
Scungio M, Buonanno G, Arpino F, Ficco G. Influential parameters on ultrafine particle concentration downwind at waste-to-energy plants. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 38:157-163. [PMID: 25670165 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A numerical investigation on the parameters influencing the ultrafine particle concentrations downwind an incinerator plant has been carried out on a three-dimensional full scale model. The simulation was based on a modified version of the k-ε turbulence model in order to take into account the thermal buoyancy effect of the plume, and reproducing a stable and neutral atmospheric boundary layer by setting appropriate values of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent dissipation rate. The ability of the model to reproduce and maintain a stable atmospheric boundary layer was evaluated by analyzing the turbulent characteristics of the flow along the domain. A parametric analysis made on the basis of different plant operational, environmental, and flue gas treatment parameters was carried out in order to evaluate the impact of incinerator plants on the background concentration of ultrafine particles. The evaluation was made at 5 km downwind the chimney in a breathable area, showing that the most significant impact is due to the flue gas treatment section, with a variation on the background concentration up to 370% for a plant hypothetically working without controls on ultrafine particles emission. Operational and environmental parameters determine variations of the concentrations ranging from 1.62% to 4.48% for the lowest and highest chimney, from 1.41% to 4.52% for the lowest and highest wind speed and from 2.48% to 4.5% for the lowest and highest flue gas velocity, respectively. In addition, plume rise evaluation was carried out as a function of wind speed and flue gas velocity from the chimney.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Scungio
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| | - Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy; Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
| | - Fausto Arpino
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| | - Giorgio Ficco
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via G. di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino (FR), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Buonanno G, Morawska L. Ultrafine particle emission of waste incinerators and comparison to the exposure of urban citizens. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2015; 37:75-81. [PMID: 24726660 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the growing interest on the impact of airborne particles on human exposure as well as the strong debate in Western countries on the emissions of waste incinerators, this work reviewed existing literature to: (i) show the emission factors of ultrafine particles (particles with a diameter less than 100 nm) of waste incinerators; and (ii) assess the contribution of waste incinerators in terms of ultrafine particles to exposure and dose of people living in the surrounding areas of the plants in order to estimate eventual risks. The review identified only a limited number of studies measuring ultrafine particle emissions, and in general they report low particle number concentrations at the stack (the median value was equal to 5.5×10(3) part cm(-3)), in most cases higher than the outdoor background value. The lowest emissions were achieved by utilization of the bag-house filter which has an overall number-based filtration efficiency higher than 99%. Referring to reference case, the corresponding emission factor is equal to 9.1×10(12) part min(-1), that is lower than one single high-duty vehicle. Since the higher particle number concentrations found in the most contributing microenvironments to the exposure (indoor home, transportation, urban outdoor), the contribution of the waste incinerators to the daily dose can be considered as negligible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Buonanno
- University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Via G. Di Biasio, 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
| | - Lidia Morawska
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marini S, Buonanno G, Stabile L, Avino P. A benchmark for numerical scheme validation of airborne particle exposure in street canyons. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:2051-63. [PMID: 25167823 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of particle concentrations and distributions in terms of number, surface area, and mass were performed simultaneously at eight sampling points within a symmetric street canyon of an Italian city. The aim was to obtain a useful benchmark for validation of wind tunnel experiments and numerical schemes: to this purpose, the influence of wind directions and speeds was considered. Particle number concentrations (PNCs) were higher on the leeward side than the windward side of the street canyon due to the wind vortex effect. Different vertical PNC profiles were observed between the two canyon sides depending on the wind direction and speed at roof level. A decrease in particle concentrations was observed with increasing rooftop wind speed, except for the coarse fraction indicating a possible particle resuspension due to the traffic and wind motion. This study confirms that particle concentration fields in urban street canyons are strongly influenced by traffic emissions and meteorological parameters, especially wind direction and speed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Marini
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, via Di Biasio 43, 03043, Cassino, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Classification of an area as metallogenic province: environmental importance and problems. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
15
|
Avino P, Capannesi G, Rosada A. Source identification of inorganic airborne particle fraction (PM10) at ultratrace levels by means of INAA short irradiation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:4527-4538. [PMID: 24338000 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have focused their attention on the determination of elements of toxicological and environmental interest in atmospheric particulate matter using analytical techniques requiring chemical treatments. The instrumental nuclear activation analysis technique allows achieving high sensitivity, good precision, and excellent limit of detection without pretreatment, also considering the problems related to the radioisotope characteristics (e.g., half-life time, interfering reactions, spectral interferences). In this paper, elements such as Al, As, Br, Cl, Cu, I, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Si, Ti, and V are studied in atmospheric PM10 sampled in downtown Rome: The relative radionuclides after activation of the sample are characterized by very short (ranging from 2.24 to 37.2 min) and short (ranging from 2.58 h to 2.70 days) half-lives. Furthermore, As, Br, La, Mn, and Sb were also determined for evaluating the aerosol characteristics. The results, elaborated considering the matrix effects and the interfering reaction contribution to the radioisotope formation (e.g., (28)Al generated by both (n,γ) reaction from (27)Al and (n,p) reaction from (28)Si), show interesting values of As (0.3-6.1 ng m(-3)), Cu (22-313 ng m(-3)), Mn (17-125 ng m(-3)), V (7-63 ng m(-3)), higher than those determined in an area not influenced by autovehicular traffic, and significant levels of I (1-11 ng m(-3)) and Ti (25-659 ng m(-3)) in Rome PM10. The other elements show a pattern similar to the very few data present in the literature. It should be underlined the good correlation (r (2)) of Al vs. Mg (0.915) and Al vs. La (0.726), indicating a same sources for these species as well as Br-Sb showing a little lower correlation (0.623). This last hypothesis is confirmed by the study of the enrichment factors: Sb and Br may be attributed to anthropogenic sources; Cu, Cl, and I show a mixed origin (natural and anthropogenic), whereas Al, Si, Ti, Mn, Na, Mg, and As are of crustal origin. For having more information, a statistical approach based on the principal component analysis and the canonical discriminant analysis has been performed: All the samples (except one) are grouped in a cluster, and elements such as As, Br, Cu, I, La, Mn, Sb, Ti, and V are highly correlated, whereas Na and Cl and Mg and Al assemble in two different clusters. Finally, a comparison with other similar studies is reported showing interesting values for Al, As, Mg, Mn, and Ti.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Avino
- DIPIA, INAIL Settore Ricerca, via IV Novembre 144, 00187, Rome, Italy,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Avino P, Capannesi G, Manigrasso M, Rosada A, Russo MV. Deep investigation on inorganic fraction of atmospheric PM in Mediterranean area by neutron and photon activation analysis. Chem Cent J 2013; 7:173. [PMID: 24196275 PMCID: PMC3826512 DOI: 10.1186/1752-153x-7-173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthropogenic activities introduce materials increasing levels of many dangerous substances for the environmental quality and being hazardous to human health. Major attention has been given to those elements able to alter the environment and endanger human health. The airborne particulate matter pollutant is considered one of the most difficult task in environmental chemistry for its complex composition and implications complicating notably the behavior comprehension. So, for investigating deeply the elemental composition we used two nuclear techniques, Neutron Activation Analysis and Photon Activation Analysis, characterized by high sensitivity, precision and accuracy. An important task has been devoted to the investigation of Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) of the methodology used in this study. This study was therefore extended as far back as possible in time (from 1965 until 2000) in order to analyze the trend of airborne concentration of pollutant elements in connection with the industrial and lifestyle growth during the entire period. Results Almost all the elements may be attributed to long-range transport phenomena from other natural and/or anthropogenic sources: this behavior is common to all the periods studied even if a very light decreasing trend can be evidenced from 1970 to 2002. Finally, in order to investigate a retrospective study of elements in PM10 and their evolution in relationship with the natural or anthropogenic origins, we have investigated the Enrichment Factors. The study shows the EF trends for some elements in PM10 during four decades. Conclusions The two nuclear techniques have allowed to reach elevated sensibility/accuracy levels for determining elements at very low concentrations (trace and ultra-trace levels). The element concentrations determined in this study do not basically show a significant level of attention from a toxicological point of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Avino
- DIPIA, INAIL settore Ricerca, Certificazione e Verifica, Via IV Novembre 144, Rome 00187, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ranzi A, Fustinoni S, Erspamer L, Campo L, Gatti MG, Bechtold P, Bonassi S, Trenti T, Goldoni CA, Bertazzi PA, Lauriola P. Biomonitoring of the general population living near a modern solid waste incinerator: a pilot study in Modena, Italy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 61:88-97. [PMID: 24103350 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND GOALS As part of the authorization process for the solid waste incinerator (SWI) in Modena, Italy, a human biomonitoring cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to investigate the degree to which people living and working in the proximity of the plant were exposed to SWI emissions. METHODS Between May and June 2010, 65 subjects living and working within 4km of the incinerator (exposed) and 103 subjects living and working outside this area (unexposed) were enrolled in the study. Blood, serum and urinary metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg, Mn, Ni), urinary benzene, toluene, xylene (BTEX), S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA), and urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed. Information about lifestyle, anthropometric characteristics, residence, and health status was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) emitted from the SWI was estimated using fall-out maps from a quasi-Gaussian dispersion model. A multiple linear regression analysis investigated the relationship between biomarkers and the distance of a subject's place of residence from the SWI plant or the exposure to PM. RESULTS Urinary BTEX and SPMA and blood, serum and urinary metals showed no differences between exposed and unexposed subjects. PAHs were higher in exposed than in unexposed subjects for phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene (median levels: 9.5 vs. 7.2ng/L, 0.8 vs. <0.5ng/L and 1.6 vs. 1.3ng/L, respectively, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that blood Cd and Hg and urinary Mn, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene and pyrene were inversely correlated to the distance of a subject's residence from the SWI. Urinary Mn, fluorene and phenanthrene were directly correlated to PM exposure. CONCLUSIONS This study, although not representative of the general population, suggests that specific biomarkers may provide information about the degree of exposure the subjects working and living in the proximity of the SWI plant may have to emissions from that facility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ranzi
- Environmental Health Reference Centre, Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention of Emilia-Romagna, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Determination of interesting toxicological elements in PM₂.₅ by neutron and photon activation analysis. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:458793. [PMID: 23878525 PMCID: PMC3708433 DOI: 10.1155/2013/458793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Human activities introduce compounds increasing levels of many dangerous species for environment and population. In this way, trace elements in airborne particulate have a preeminent position due to toxic element presence affecting the biological systems. The main problem is the analytical determination of such species at ultratrace levels: a very specific methodology is necessary with regard to the accuracy and precision and contamination problems. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Instrumental Photon Activation Analysis assure these requirements. A retrospective element analysis in airborne particulate collected in the last 4 decades has been carried out for studying their trend. The samples were collected in urban location in order to determine only effects due to global aerosol circulation; semiannual samples have been used to characterize the summer/winter behavior of natural and artificial origin. The levels of natural origin element are higher than those in other countries owing to geological and meteorological factors peculiar to Central Italy. The levels of artificial elements are sometimes less than those in other countries, suggesting a less polluted general situation for Central Italy. However, for a few elements (e.g., Pb) the levels measured are only slight lower than those proposed as air ambient standard.
Collapse
|
19
|
Buonanno G, Bernabei M, Avino P, Stabile L. Occupational exposure to airborne particles and other pollutants in an aviation base. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 170:78-87. [PMID: 22771354 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The occupational exposure to airborne particles and other pollutants in a high performance jet engine airport was investigated. Three spatial scales were considered: i) a downwind receptor site, ii) close to the airstrip, iii) personal monitoring. Particle number, surface area, mass concentrations and distributions were measured as well as inorganic and organic fractions, ionic fractions and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Particle number distribution measured at a receptor site presents a mode of 80 nm and an average total concentration of 6.5 × 10(3) part. cm(-3); the chemical analysis shows that all the elements may be attributed to long-range transport from the sea. Particle number concentrations in the proximity of the airstrip show short term peaks during the working day mainly related to takeoff, landing and pre-flight operations of jet engines. Personal exposure of workers highlights a median number concentration of 2.5 × 10(4) part. cm(-3) and 1.7 × 10(4) part. cm(-3) for crew chief and hangar operator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Buonanno
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Marris H, Deboudt K, Augustin P, Flament P, Blond F, Fiani E, Fourmentin M, Delbarre H. Fast changes in chemical composition and size distribution of fine particles during the near-field transport of industrial plumes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 427-428:126-138. [PMID: 22542297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Aerosol sampling was performed inside the chimneys and in the close environment of a FeMn alloys manufacturing plant. The number size distributions show a higher abundance of ultrafine aerosols (10-100 nm) inside the plume than upwind of the plant, indicating the emissions of nanoparticles by the industrial process. Individual analysis of particles collected inside the plume shows a high proportion of metal bearing particles (Mn-/Fe-) consisting essentially of internally mixed aluminosilicate and metallic compounds. These particles evolve rapidly (in a few minutes) after emission by adsorption of VOC gas and sulfuric acid emitted by the plant but also by agglomeration with pre-existing particles. At the moment, municipalities require a monitoring of industrial emissions inside the chimneys from manufacturers. However those measures are insufficient to report such rapid changes in chemical composition and thus to evaluate the real impact of industrial plumes in the close environment of plants (when those particles leave the industrial site). Consequently, environmental authorities will have to consider such fast evolutions and then to adapt future regulations on air pollution sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Marris
- Université du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie de l'Atmosphère (LPCA), Bâtiment MREI2, 189A avenue Maurice Schumann, 59140 Dunkerque, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Buonanno G, Scungio M, Stabile L, Tirler W. Ultrafine particle emission from incinerators: the role of the fabric filter. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2012; 62:103-111. [PMID: 22393815 DOI: 10.1080/10473289.2011.636501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Incinerators are claimed to be responsible of particle and gaseous emissions: to this purpose Best Available Techniques (BAT) are used in the flue-gas treatment sections leading to pollutant emission lower than established threshold limit values. As regard particle emission, only a mass-based threshold limit is required by the regulatory authorities. However; in the last years the attention of medical experts moved from coarse and fine particles towards ultrafine particles (UFPs; diameter less than 0.1 microm), mainly emitted by combustion processes. According to toxicological and epidemiological studies, ultrafine particles could represent a risk for health and environment. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify particle emissions from incinerators also to perform an exposure assessment for the human populations living in their surrounding areas. A further topic to be stressed in the UFP emission from incinerators is the particle filtration efficiency as function of different flue-gas treatment sections. In fact, it could be somehow important to know which particle filtration method is able to assure high abatement efficiency also in terms of UFPs. To this purpose, in the present work experimental results in terms of ultrafine particle emissions from several incineration plants are reported. Experimental campaigns were carried out in the period 2007-2010 by measuring UFP number distributions and total concentrations at the stack of five plants through condensation particle counters and mobility particle sizer spectrometers. Average total particle number concentrations ranging from 0.4 x 10(3) to 6.0 x 10(3) particles cm(-3) were measured at the stack of the analyzed plants. Further experimental campaigns were performed to characterize particle levels before the fabric filters in two of the analyzed plants in order to deepen their particle reduction effect; particle concentrations higher than 1 x 10(7) particles cm(-3) were measured, leading to filtration efficiency greater than 99.99%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Buonanno
- Dipartimento di Meccanica, Strutture, Ambiente e Territorio, University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Buonanno G, Stabile L, Avino P, Belluso E. Chemical, dimensional and morphological ultrafine particle characterization from a waste-to-energy plant. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2011; 31:2253-2262. [PMID: 21802934 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Waste combustion processes are responsible of particles and gaseous emissions. Referring to the particle emission, in the last years specific attention was paid to ultrafine particles (UFPs, diameter less than 0.1 μm), mainly emitted by combustion processes. In fact, recent findings of toxicological and epidemiological studies indicate that fine and ultrafine particles could represent a risk for health and environment. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify particle emissions from incinerators also to perform an exposure assessment for the human populations living in their surrounding areas. To these purposes, in the present work an experimental campaign aimed to monitor UFPs was carried out at the incineration plant in San Vittore del Lazio (Italy). Particle size distributions and total concentrations were measured both at the stack and before the fabric filter inlet in order to evaluate the removal efficiency of the filter in terms of UFPs. A chemical characterization of UFPs in terms of heavy metal concentration was performed through a nuclear method, i.e., Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), as well as a mineralogical investigation was carried out through a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) in order to evaluate shape, crystalline state and mineral compound of sampled particles. Maximum values of 2.7 × 10(7) part. cm(-3) and 2.0 × 10(3) part. cm(-3) were found, respectively, for number concentration before and after the fabric filter showing a very high efficiency in particle removing by the fabric filter. With regard to heavy metal concentrations, the elements with higher boiling temperature present higher concentrations at lower diameters showing a not complete evaporation in the combustion section and the consequent condensation of semi-volatile compounds on solid nuclei. In terms of mineralogical and morphological analysis, the most abundant compounds found in samples collected before the fabric filter are Na-K-Pb oxides followed by phyllosilicates, otherwise, different oxides of comparable abundance were detected in the samples collected at the stack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Buonanno
- University of Cassino, via G. Di Biasio 43, 03043 Cassino, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|