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Aakash A, Nabi D. Reliable prediction of sensory irritation threshold values of organic compounds using new models based on linear free energy relationships and GC×GC retention parameters. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137339. [PMID: 36423720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The human sensory irritation threshold (SIT) is an important biochemical parameter for the exposure assessment of organic air pollutants. First, we recalibrated the Abraham solvation models (ASMs) for 9 SIT endpoints by curating 720 individual experimental SIT values to find an accurate and parsimonious ASM variant, which exhibited root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.174-0.473 log unit. Second, we report linear free energy relationships - henceforth called partition models (PMs) - which exploit the correlations of 9 SIT endpoints with the linear combinations of partition coefficients for octanol-water and air-water systems showing RMSE = 0.221-0.591 log unit. These PMs can easily be integrated into widely used EPI-Suite™ screening tool. The explanatory and predictive performance of PMs were like parameter-intensive ASMs. Third, we present GC × GC models that are based on the retention times of the nonpolar analytes on the comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC), which successfully described the SIT variance (R2=0.959-0.996) and depicted a strong predictive power (RMSE = 0.359-0.660 log unit) for an independent set of nonpolar analytes. Taken together, PMs allow easy SIT screening of organic chemicals compared to ASMs. Unlike ASMs, our GC × GC models can be applied to estimate SIT of complex nonpolar mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Aakash
- Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan; Environment and Agriculture Laboratory, School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Deedar Nabi
- Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan; Environment and Agriculture Laboratory, School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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2
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Gržinić G, Piotrowicz-Cieślak A, Klimkowicz-Pawlas A, Górny RL, Ławniczek-Wałczyk A, Piechowicz L, Olkowska E, Potrykus M, Tankiewicz M, Krupka M, Siebielec G, Wolska L. Intensive poultry farming: A review of the impact on the environment and human health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160014. [PMID: 36368402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Poultry farming is one of the most efficient animal husbandry methods and it provides nutritional security to a significant number of the world population. Using modern intensive farming techniques, global production has reached 133.4 mil. t in 2020, with a steady growth each year. Such intensive growth methods however lead to a significant environmental footprint. Waste materials such as poultry litter and manure can pose a serious threat to environmental and human health, and need to be managed properly. Poultry production and waste by-products are linked to NH3, N2O and CH4 emissions, and have an impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, as well as animal and human health. Litter and manure can contain pesticide residues, microorganisms, pathogens, pharmaceuticals (antibiotics), hormones, metals, macronutrients (at improper ratios) and other pollutants which can lead to air, soil and water contamination as well as formation of antimicrobial/multidrug resistant strains of pathogens. Dust emitted from intensive poultry production operations contains feather and skin fragments, faeces, feed particles, microorganisms and other pollutants, which can adversely impact poultry health as well as the health of farm workers and nearby inhabitants. Fastidious odours are another problem that can have an adverse impact on health and quality of life of workers and surrounding population. This study discusses the current knowledge on the impact of intensive poultry farming on environmental and human health, as well as taking a look at solutions for a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gržinić
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Piotrowicz-Cieślak
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Str. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klimkowicz-Pawlas
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute, Czartoryskich Str. 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Rafał L Górny
- Laboratory of Biohazards, Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska Str. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ławniczek-Wałczyk
- Laboratory of Biohazards, Department of Chemical, Aerosol and Biological Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska Str. 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Piechowicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 25, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Olkowska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Marta Potrykus
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Tankiewicz
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Krupka
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Str. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Siebielec
- Department of Soil Science Erosion and Land Protection, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation - State Research Institute, Czartoryskich Str. 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Lidia Wolska
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa Str. 23A, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
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Wyer KE, Kelleghan DB, Blanes-Vidal V, Schauberger G, Curran TP. Ammonia emissions from agriculture and their contribution to fine particulate matter: A review of implications for human health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 323:116285. [PMID: 36261990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) released from agriculture is contributing significantly to acidification and atmospheric NH3 may have on human health is much less readily available. The potential direct impact of NH3 on the health of the general public is under-represented in scientific literature, though there have been several studies which indicate that NH3 has a direct effect on the respiratory health of those who handle livestock. These health impacts can include a reduced lung function, irritation to the throat and eyes, and increased coughing and phlegm expulsion. More recent studies have indicated that agricultural NH3 may directly influence the early on-set of asthma in young children. In addition to the potential direct impact of ammonia, it is also a substantial contributor to the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) fraction (namely the US and Europe); where it accounts for the formation of 30% and 50% of all PM2.5 respectively. PM2.5 has the ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and cause long term illnesses such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Hence, PM2.5 causes economic losses which equate to billions of dollars (US) to the global economy annually. Both premature deaths associated with the health impacts from PM2.5 and economic losses could be mitigated with a reduction in NH3 emissions resulting from agriculture. As agriculture contributes to more than 81% of all global NH3 emissions, it is imperative that food production does not come at a cost to the world's ability to breathe; where reductions in NH3 emissions can be easier to achieve than other associated pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Wyer
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - David B Kelleghan
- Teagasc, Environment, Soils and Land-Use Department, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Y35 TC97, Ireland
| | - Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- Applied AI and Data Science (AID), Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Günther Schauberger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, A-1210 Wien, Veterinärplatz 1, Austria
| | - Thomas P Curran
- UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Morgado-Gamero WB, Parody A, Medina J, Rodriguez-Villamizar LA, Agudelo-Castañeda D. Multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria in landfill bioaerosols: Environmental conditions and biological risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118037. [PMID: 34482243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118037] [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: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Landfills, as well as other waste management facilities are well-known bioaerosols sources. These places may foment antibiotic-resistance in bacterial bioaerosol (A.R.B.) due to inadequate pharmaceutical waste disposal. This issue may foster the necessity of using last-generation antibiotics with extra costs in the health care system, and deaths. The aim of this study was to reveal the multi-antibiotic resistant bacterial bioaerosol emitted by a sanitary landfill and the surrounding area. We evaluated the influence of environmental conditions in the occurrence of A.R.B. and biological risk assessment. Antibiotic resistance found in the bacteria aerosols was compared with the AWaRE consumption classification. We used the BIOGAVAL method to assess the workers' occupational exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacterial bioaerosols in the landfill. This study confirmed the multi-antibiotic resistant in bacterial bioaerosol in a landfill and in the surrounding area. Obtained mean concentrations of bacterial bioaerosols, as well as antibiotic-resistant in bacterial bioaerosol (A.R.B.), were high, especially for fine particles that may be a threat for human health. Results suggest the possible risk of antibiotic-resistance interchange between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species in the landfill facilities, thus promoting antibiotic multi-resistance genes spreading into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy B Morgado-Gamero
- Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58#55-66, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | - Alexander Parody
- Engineering Faculty, Universidad Libre Barranquilla, Cra 46 No. 48-170, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | - Jhorma Medina
- Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58#55-66, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | | | - Dayana Agudelo-Castañeda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Km 5 via Puerto, Colombia.
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Okrasa M, Szulc J, Brochocka A, Gutarowska B. Application of Olfactometry to Assess the Anti-Odor Properties of Filtering Facepiece Respirators Containing Activated Carbon Nonwovens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158157. [PMID: 34360450 PMCID: PMC8346067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) with anti-odor properties are used to reduce odor nuisance occurring both in everyday life and at workplaces. Unfortunately, there are no standardized methods to measure the efficiency of odor reduction of such personal protective devices. This paper aims to determine whether olfactometric-based methods, commonly used in environmental studies, can be employed for this purpose. The proposed procedure is based on the detection of n-butanol by study participants, and it consists of three subsequent stages: (i) defining the individual levels of odor sensitivity of each study participant; (ii) determining THE odor detection level while using FFRs with varying anti-odor properties; and (iii) completing a questionnaire concerning the subjective perceptions of study participants. As a measure of odor reduction efficiency, a coefficient W, defined as a quotient of the degree of odor reduction by the FFR, and the individual odor sensitivity of the subject, was proposed. The experimental results showed the ability of our measure to differentiate the effectiveness of odor reduction of tested FFRs. This indicates that it can be potentially employed as the assessment tool to confirm the effectiveness of such respiratory protective devices as a control measure mitigating the adverse effects of malodors on workers’ health, cognition, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Okrasa
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labor Protection—National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-426480223
| | - Justyna Szulc
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Łódź, Poland; (J.S.); (B.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Brochocka
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labor Protection—National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Beata Gutarowska
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Łódź, Poland; (J.S.); (B.G.)
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Hwang O, Scoggin K, Andersen D, Ro K, Trabue S. Swine manure dilution with lagoon effluent impact on odor reduction and manure digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2021; 50:336-349. [PMID: 33415744 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Manure management systems have a major impact on odor from swine operations. A study was conducted to compare deep-pit manure management systems to flushing barn manure management systems for odor reduction and organic matter degradation. Bioreactors were used to mimic manure management systems in which manure and lagoon effluent were loaded initially, and subsequent manure was added daily at 5% of its storage capacity (1 L). Final manure-to-lagoon effluent ratios were 10:0 (deep-pit manure management system), 7:3 (Korean flushing systems), 5:5 (enhanced flushing systems), and 2:8 (enhanced flushing systems). At the end of the trial, at 4 (2:8), 10 (5:5), or 14 (10:0, 7:3) d, manure and gas concentrations of odorants were measured, including total solids (TS), total N (TN), and total C (TC) of manure. Odor was evaluated using the odor activity values (OAVs), and regression analysis was used to determine the effects of dilution and TS on manure properties and OAVs. Solids in the manure were positively correlated to TN, TC, straight chain fatty acids (SCFAs), branch chain fatty acids (BCFAs), total phenols, and total indoles and positively correlated to OAV for SCFAs, BCFAs, ammonia, total phenols, and total indoles. Reducing TS by 90% reduced BCFA, ammonia, phenols, and indoles by equal amounts in air. Carbon dioxide was the main C source evolved, averaging over 90%, and CH4 increased with dilution quadratically. Overall, reducing solids in manure by dilution had the biggest impact on reducing odor and increasing organic C degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okhwa Hwang
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, 1500, Kongjwipatjwi-Ro, Iseo-Myeon, Wanju-Gun, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-Do, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Kenwood Scoggin
- National Lab. for Agriculture and the Environment, USDA-ARS, 1015 N. University Blvd., Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Daniel Andersen
- Dep. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State Univ., 3348 Elings Hall, Ames, AI, 50011, USA
| | - Kyoung Ro
- Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2611 West Lucas St., Florence, SC, 29501, USA
| | - Steven Trabue
- National Lab. for Agriculture and the Environment, USDA-ARS, 1015 N. University Blvd., Ames, IA, 50011, USA
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Cabral M, Garçon G, Touré A, Bah F, Dewaele D, Bouhsina S, Cazier F, Faye A, Fall M, Courcot D, Verdin A. Renal impairment assessment on adults living nearby a landfill: Early kidney dysfunction biomarkers linked to the environmental exposure to heavy metals. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:386-394. [PMID: 33717991 PMCID: PMC7932908 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Health risk of the neighboring population of the Mbeubeuss landfill (Senegal). Assessment of the impact of Cd/Pb exposure through dysfunction renal biomarkers. Specific increases of a set of early dysfunction renal biomarkers in exposed subjects. Glomerular and tubular dysfunction in exposed subjects.
The aim of this study was to assess the integrity and kidney overall functional capacity of subjects exposed to landfill emissions. Urine and blood levels of Pb and Cd, and several of the newly biomarkers of nephrotoxicity (Kim Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1), alpha-1 Microglobulin (α1 M), beta-2 Microglobulin (β2 M), Cystatin-C (Cyst C), Clusterin, alpha-glutathione S-transferase (GSTα), pi-glutathione S-transferase (GSTπ), Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1), Calbindin, Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Osteopontin (OPN), (Retinol Binding Protein(RBP), Liver-type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (FABP-1), Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3), Collagen VI) were measured in order to assess glomerular and tubule damage in adults living near a landfill. Our results indicate glomerular dysfunction in exposed subjects, and supported evidence of necrosis of proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells as specific biomarkers began to appear in the urine. Positive correlation by Pearson test were obtained between : blood Pb and B-OPN, B-Cyst C, Calbindin, U-KIM-1, TIMP1, U-OPN, and U-Clusterin; and also, between urinary Cd and TIMP1, B-Clusterin, U-OPN, FABP-1, Albumin, and U-Clusterin. The relation between biomarkers of Cd/Pb exposure and early effect biomarkers in this study clearly predicts the future risk of severe kidney injury in subjects living close to the landfill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Cabral
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UR 4492, UCEIV, Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, F-59140, Dunkerque, France.,Laboratoire de Toxicologie et d'Hydrologie, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Guillaume Garçon
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UR 4492, UCEIV, Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, F-59140, Dunkerque, France.,CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé Humaine (IMPECS), Université Lille, Lille, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie et d'Hydrologie, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Fatoumata Bah
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie et d'Hydrologie, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Dorothée Dewaele
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, CCM, Centre Commun de Mesures, F-59140, Dunkerque, France
| | - Saâd Bouhsina
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UR 4492, UCEIV, Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, F-59140, Dunkerque, France
| | - Fabrice Cazier
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, CCM, Centre Commun de Mesures, F-59140, Dunkerque, France
| | - Adama Faye
- Institut de Santé et Développement, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mamadou Fall
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie et d'Hydrologie, Faculté de Médecine, de Pharmacie et d'Odontologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Dominique Courcot
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UR 4492, UCEIV, Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, F-59140, Dunkerque, France
| | - Anthony Verdin
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UR 4492, UCEIV, Unité de Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le Vivant, SFR Condorcet FR CNRS 3417, F-59140, Dunkerque, France
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Invernizzi M, Brancher M, Sironi S, Capelli L, Piringer M, Schauberger G. Odour impact assessment by considering short-term ambient concentrations: A multi-model and two-site comparison. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:105990. [PMID: 32795747 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Short-term events are one of the specific aspects that differentiate odour nuisance problems from conventional air quality pollutants. Atmospheric dispersion modelling has been considered the gold standard to realise odour impact assessments and to calculate separation distances. Most of these models provide predictions of concentrations of a pollutant in ambient air on an hourly basis. Even when the hourly mean odour concentration is lower than the perception threshold, concentration peaks above the threshold may occur during this period. The constant peak-to-mean factor is nowadays the most widespread method for evaluating short-term concentrations from the long-term ones. Different approaches have been proposed in the scientific literature to consider non-constant peak-to-mean factors. Two prominent approaches to do so are the i) variable peak-to-mean factor which considers the distance from the source and atmospheric stability and the ii) concentration-variance transport. In this sense, the aim of this work is to compare the results of three different freely available dispersion models (namely, CALPUFF, LAPMOD and GRAL), which implement three distinct ways to evaluate the short-term concentration values. Two sites, one in Austria and the other in Italy, were selected for the investigation. Dispersion model results were compared and discussed both in terms of long-term (hourly) concentrations and short-term. An important outcome of this work is that the dispersion models provided more equivalent results for hourly mean concentrations, in particular in the far-field. On the contrary, the method to evaluate short-term concentrations can deliver disparate results, thereby revealing a potential risk of poor assessment conclusions. The utilistion of a multiangle methodological approach (dispersion models, study site locations, algorithms to incorporate short-term concentrations) allowed providing useful information for future studies and policymaking in this field. Accordingly, our findings call for awareness on how the use of a particular dispersion model and its sub-hourly peak calculation method can affect odour impact assessment conclusions and compliance demonstrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzio Invernizzi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marlon Brancher
- WG Environmental Health, Unit for Physiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Selena Sironi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Capelli
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Piringer
- Department of Environmental Meteorology, Central Institute of Meteorology and Geodynamics, Hohe Warte 38, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Günther Schauberger
- WG Environmental Health, Unit for Physiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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9
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Cantuaria ML, Blanes-Vidal V. Self-reported data in environmental health studies: mail vs. web-based surveys. BMC Med Res Methodol 2019; 19:238. [PMID: 31830906 PMCID: PMC6909640 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-019-0882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet has been broadly employed as a facilitator for epidemiological surveys, as a way to provide a more economical and practical alternative to traditional survey modes. A current trend in survey research is to combine Web-based surveys with other survey modes by offering the participant the possibility of choosing his/her preferred response method (i.e. mixed-mode approach). However, studies have also demonstrated that the use of different survey modes may produce different responses to the same questions, posing potential challenges on the use of mixed-mode approaches. METHODS In this paper, we have implemented a statistical comparison between mixed-mode survey responses collected via mail (i.e. paper) and Web methods obtained from a cross-sectional study in non-urban areas of Denmark. Responses provided by mail and Web participants were compared in terms of: 1) the impact of reminder letters in increasing response rates; 2) differences in socio-demographic characteristics between response groups; 3) changes on the likelihood of reporting health symptoms and negative attitudes towards environmental stressors. Comparisons were mainly performed by two sample t-test, Pearson's Chi-squared test and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 3104 contacted households, 1066 residents decided to participate on the study. Out of those, 971 selected to respond via mail, whereas 275 preferred the Web method. The majority of socio-demographic characteristics between these two groups of respondents were shown to be statistically different. The use of mailed surveys increased the likelihood of reporting health symptoms and negative attitudes towards environmental stressors, even after controlling for demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the use of reminder letters had a higher positive impact in increasing responses of Web surveys when compared to mail surveys. CONCLUSIONS Our main findings suggest that the use of mail and Web surveys may produce different responses to the same questions posed to participants, but, at the same time, may reach different groups of respondents, given that the overall characteristics of both groups considerably differ. Therefore, the tradeoff between using mixed-mode survey as a way to increase response rate and obtaining undesirable measurement changes may be attentively considered in future survey studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella Lech Cantuaria
- The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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10
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Okrasa M, Hitz J, Nowak A, Brochocka A, Thelen C, Walczak Z. Adsorption Performance of Activated-Carbon-Loaded Nonwoven Filters Used in Filtering Facepiece Respirators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111973. [PMID: 31167357 PMCID: PMC6603930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Filtering nonwovens loaded with activated carbon are among the most popular materials used in the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with anti-odour properties that can be used for respiratory protection at workplaces where the occupational exposure limits of harmful substances are not exceeded. Such FFRs, in addition to a polymer filter material of varying effectiveness, also contain a layer of activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter, which limits the quantity of chemical compounds entering the breathing zone. The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of challenge concentration (20-120 ppm), relative humidity (2-70%), flow rate (20-55 L/min), and flow pattern (steady-state and pulsating) on the breakthrough of polymer/carbon nonwovens. A commercial activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter was used in this study. Its morphology and textural parameters were determined using optical microscopy, image processing, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements at 77 K. Breakthrough experiments were carried out using cyclohexane vapours to assess adsorption characteristics of polymer/carbon media. The results showed that the breakthrough times decreased with increasing challenge concentration (up to 30%), relative humidity (up to 73%), and flow rate (up to 72%). The pulsating flow pattern was found to be more favourable in terms of odour reduction efficiency (up to 30%). The results indicate that all of these factors should be considered during selection and performance assessment of respirators used for odour relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Okrasa
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Jörn Hitz
- Sub-Division 3.3 "Personal protective equipment against Chemical and Biological Substances", Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstraße 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany.
| | - Aleksandra Nowak
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Brochocka
- Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection, National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Christoph Thelen
- Sub-Division 3.3 "Personal protective equipment against Chemical and Biological Substances", Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Alte Heerstraße 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany.
| | - Zbigniew Walczak
- Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Lodz, Pomorska 149/153, 90-236 Łódź, Poland.
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11
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Li X, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Han L, Gong D, Li J, Wang T, Wang Y, Gao S, Duan H, Kong F. Air pollution exposure and immunological and systemic inflammatory alterations among schoolchildren in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:1304-1310. [PMID: 30677897 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infection, to which children are more susceptible than adults. However, epidemiological evidence regarding the association of chronic exposure to air pollution with the immune and systemic inflammatory function of children is scarce, especially in the context of higher exposure levels. In this study, we included 163 chronically exposed schoolchildren from a polluted area and 110 schoolchildren from a control area in Licheng district, Jinan, China. Immune biomarkers, including the absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets and the levels of immunoglobulins G, A, and M, C3, and C4 were determined. To explore the related biological process of altered immune biomarkers, 2 systemic inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were also determined. After adjusting for confounders, the decreased B lymphocyte count (p = 0.021) and C3 and C4 levels (both p < 0.001) and the increased monocyte count (p = 0.009) and CD8+ T lymphocyte proportion (p = 0.054) were associated with living in the polluted area. Significant differences in the C4 and C3 levels between the areas were only seen in male schoolchildren and in schoolchildren without passive smoking exposure (Pinteraction = 0.036 and 0.042, respectively). The alterations in immune biomarkers suggested that air pollution-induced immunotoxic effects and relevant adaptive responses were simultaneously present in schoolchildren exposed to a higher level of air pollution. Future studies investigating the temporal patterns of these biomarkers among children are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Li
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lianyu Han
- Licheng District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Deping Gong
- Huaiyin District Health and Family Planning Supervision, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Li
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Inner Mongolia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, China
| | - Huawei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health, National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Fanling Kong
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China.
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12
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Cantuaria ML, Løfstrøm P, Blanes-Vidal V. Comparative analysis of spatio-temporal exposure assessment methods for estimating odor-related responses in non-urban populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:702-712. [PMID: 28675880 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of air pollution exposures in epidemiological studies does not always account for spatio-temporal variability of pollutants concentrations. In the case of odor studies, a common approach is to use yearly averaged odorant exposure estimates with low spatial resolution, which may not capture the spatio-temporal variability of emissions and therefore distort the epidemiological results. This study explores the use of different exposure assessment methods for time-variant ammonia exposures with high spatial resolution, in rural communities exposed to odors from agricultural and livestock farming activities. Exposure estimations were based on monthly ammonia concentrations from emission-dispersion models. Seven time-dependent residential NH3 exposures variables were investigated: 1) Annual mean of NH3 exposures; 2) Maximum annual NH3 exposure; 3) Area under the exposure curve; 4) Peak area; 5) Peak-to-mean ratio; 6) Area above the baseline (annual mean of NH3 exposures); and 7) Maximum positive slope of the exposure curve. We developed binomial and multinomial logistic regression models for frequency of odor perception and odor annoyance responses based on each temporal exposure variable. Odor responses estimates, goodness of fit and predictive abilities derived from each model were compared. All time-dependent NH3 exposure variables, except peak-to-mean ratio, were positively associated with odor perception and odor annoyance, although the results differ considerably in terms of magnitude and precision. The best goodness of fit of the predictive binomial models was obtained when using maximum monthly NH3 exposure as exposure assessment variable, both for odor perception and annoyance. The best predictive performance for odor perception was found when annual mean was used as exposure variable (accuracy=71.82%, Cohen's Kappa=0.298) whereas odor annoyance was better predicted when using peak area (accuracy=68.07%, Cohen's Kappa=0.290). Our study highlights the importance of taking temporal variability into account when investigating odor-related responses in non-urban residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella Lech Cantuaria
- The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Per Løfstrøm
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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13
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Blanes-Vidal V, Cantuaria ML, Nadimi ES. A novel approach for exposure assessment in air pollution epidemiological studies using neuro-fuzzy inference systems: Comparison of exposure estimates and exposure-health associations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:196-203. [PMID: 28092762 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have used proximity to sources as air pollution exposure assessment method. However, proximity measures are not generally good surrogates because of their complex non-linear relationship with exposures. Neuro-fuzzy inference systems (NFIS) can be used to map complex non-linear systems, but its usefulness in exposure assessment has not been extensively explored. We present a novel approach for exposure assessment using NFIS, where the inputs of the model were easily-obtainable proximity measures, and the output was residential exposure to an air pollutant. We applied it to a case-study on NH3 pollution, and compared health effects and exposures estimated from NFIS, with those obtained from emission-dispersion models, and linear and non-linear regression proximity models, using 10-fold cross validation. The agreement between emission-dispersion and NFIS exposures was high (Root-mean-square error (RMSE) =0.275, correlation coefficient (r)=0.91) and resulted in similar health effect estimates. Linear models showed poor performance (RMSE=0.527, r=0.59), while non-linear regression models resulted in heterocedasticity, non-normality and clustered data. NFIS could be a useful tool for estimating individual air pollution exposures in epidemiological studies on large populations, when emission-dispersion data are not available. The tradeoff between simplicity and accuracy needs to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Manuella Lech Cantuaria
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Esmaeil S Nadimi
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark
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14
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Cantuaria ML, Suh H, Løfstrøm P, Blanes-Vidal V. Characterization of exposure in epidemiological studies on air pollution from biodegradable wastes: Misclassification and comparison of exposure assessment strategies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:770-779. [PMID: 27692572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The assignment of exposure is one of the main challenges faced by environmental epidemiologists. However, misclassification of exposures has not been explored in population epidemiological studies on air pollution from biodegradable wastes. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of different approaches for assessing exposure to air pollution from biodegradable wastes by analyzing (1) the misclassification of exposure that is committed by using these surrogates, (2) the existence of differential misclassification (3) the effects that misclassification may have on health effect estimates and the interpretation of epidemiological results, and (4) the ability of the exposure measures to predict health outcomes using 10-fold cross validation. Four different exposure assessment approaches were studied: ammonia concentrations at the residence (Metric I), distance to the closest source (Metric II), number of sources within certain distances from the residence (Metric IIIa,b) and location in a specific region (Metric IV). Exposure-response models based on Metric I provided the highest predictive ability (72.3%) and goodness-of-fit, followed by IV, III and II. When compared to Metric I, Metric IV yielded the best results for exposure misclassification analysis and interpretation of health effect estimates, followed by Metric IIIb, IIIa and II. The study showed that modelled NH3 concentrations provide more accurate estimations of true exposure than distances-based surrogates, and that distance-based surrogates (especially those based on distance to the closest point source) are imprecise methods to identify exposed populations, although they may be useful for initial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuella Lech Cantuaria
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helen Suh
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Per Løfstrøm
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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15
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Loftus C, Yost M, Sampson P, Torres E, Arias G, Breckwich Vasquez V, Hartin K, Armstrong J, Tchong-French M, Vedal S, Bhatti P, Karr C. Ambient Ammonia Exposures in an Agricultural Community and Pediatric Asthma Morbidity. Epidemiology 2016; 26:794-801. [PMID: 26352250 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale animal feeding operations compromise regional air quality in the rural US through emission of pollutants, such as ammonia gas. Exposure to airborne pollution from animal feeding operations may cause pediatric asthma exacerbations in surrounding communities. OBJECTIVES To describe spatial and temporal patterns in ambient ammonia concentrations in an agricultural region, and to investigate associations between short-term fluctuations in ammonia and subsequent changes in respiratory health in children with asthma. METHODS For 13 months in the Yakima Valley of Washington State, 14 monitors sampled ammonia in outdoor air for 24-hour periods every 6 days. School-age children with asthma (n = 51) were followed for two health outcomes: biweekly reports of asthma symptoms and quick relief medication usage, and daily measurements of forced expiratory volume in 1 second. We assessed associations between each outcome and ammonia using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Twenty-four-hour ammonia concentrations varied from 0.2 to 238.1 μg/m during the study period and displayed a strong correlation with proximity to animal feeding operations. The percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 3.8% lower (95% confidence interval = 0.2, 7.3) per interquartile increase in 1-day lagged ammonia concentration and 3.0% lower (95% confidence interval = 0.5, 5.8) for 2-day lagged concentration. We observed no associations between self-reported asthma symptoms or medication usage and estimated ammonia exposure. CONCLUSIONS Ammonia concentrations were elevated in this community and strongly predicted by proximity to animal feeding operations. Ammonia's association with acute lung function decrements in children with asthma in the surrounding community may be causal or, alternatively, ammonia may be a marker for other pollutants from animal feeding operations associated with respiratory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Loftus
- From the aDepartment of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; bDepartment of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; cDepartment of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; dNorthwest Communities Education Center, Radio KDNA, Granger, WA; eYakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Yakima, WA; fPacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and gDepartment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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16
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Li J, Wang J, Wang F, Wang A, Yan P. Evaluation of gaseous concentrations, bacterial diversity and microbial quantity in different layers of deep litter system. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2016; 30:275-283. [PMID: 27383809 PMCID: PMC5205617 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.16.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective An experiment was conducted to investigate the environment of the deep litter system and provided theoretical basis for production. Methods The bedding samples were obtained from a pig breeding farm and series measurements associated with gases concentrations and the bacterial diversity as well as the quantity of Escherichia coli, Lactobacilli, Methanogens were performed in this paper. Results The concentrations of CO2, CH4, and NH3 in the deep litter system increased with the increasing of depth while the N2O concentrations increased fiercely from the 0 cm to the −10 cm depth but then decreased beneath the −10 cm depth. Meanwhile, the Shannon index, the dominance index as well as the evenness index at the −20 cm layer was significantly different from the other layers (p<0.05). On the other hand, the quantity of Escherichia coli reached the highest value at the surface beddings and there was a significant drop at the −20 cm layer with the increasing depth. The Lactobacilli numbers increased with the depth from 0 cm to −15 cm and then decreased significantly under the −20 cm depth. The expression of Methanogens reached its largest value at the depth of −35 cm. Conclusion The upper layers (0 cm to −5 cm) of this system were aerobic, the middle layers (−10 cm to −20 cm) were micro-aerobic, while that the bottom layers (below −20 cm depth) were anaerobic. In addition, from a standpoint of increasing the nitrification pathway and inhibiting the denitrification pathway, it should be advised that the deep litter system should be kept aerobic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Fujin Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Aiguo Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Peishi Yan
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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17
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Mataloni F, Badaloni C, Golini MN, Bolignano A, Bucci S, Sozzi R, Forastiere F, Davoli M, Ancona C. Morbidity and mortality of people who live close to municipal waste landfills: a multisite cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 45:806-15. [PMID: 27222499 PMCID: PMC5005946 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence on the health effects related to residing close to landfills is controversial. Nine landfills for municipal waste have been operating in the Lazio region (Central Italy) for several decades. We evaluated the potential health effects associated with contamination from landfills using the estimated concentration of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) as exposure. METHODS A cohort of residents within 5 km of landfills was enrolled (subjects resident on 1 January 1996 and those who subsequently moved into the areas until 2008) and followed for mortality and hospitalizations until 31 December 2012. Assessment of exposure to the landfill (H2S as a tracer) was performed for each subject at enrolment, using a Lagrangian dispersion model. Information on several confounders was available (gender, age, socioeconomic position, outdoor PM10 concentration, and distance from busy roads and industries). Cox regression analysis was performed [Hazard Ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs)]. RESULTS The cohort included 242 409 individuals. H2S exposure was associated with mortality from lung cancer and respiratory diseases (e.g. HR for increment of 1 ng/m(3) H2S: 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.19; HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.19, respectively). There were also associations between H2S and hospitalization for respiratory diseases (HR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03), especially acute respiratory infections among children (0-14 years) (HR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.11). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to H2S, a tracer of airborne contamination from landfills, was associated with lung cancer mortality as well as with mortality and morbidity for respiratory diseases. The link with respiratory disease is plausible and coherent with previous studies, whereas the association with lung cancer deserves confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Badaloni
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Simone Bucci
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Ancona
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
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18
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Blanes-Vidal V, Schwartz J. Wind turbines and idiopathic symptoms: The confounding effect of concurrent environmental exposures. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 55:50-7. [PMID: 27046778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Whether or not wind turbines pose a risk to human health is a matter of heated debate. Personal reactions to other environmental exposures occurring in the same settings as wind turbines may be responsible of the reported symptoms. However, these have not been accounted for in previous studies. We investigated whether there is an association between residential proximity to wind turbines and idiopathic symptoms, after controlling for personal reactions to other environmental co-exposures. We assessed wind turbine exposures in 454 residences as the distance to the closest wind turbine (Dw) and number of wind turbines <1000m (Nw1000). Information on symptoms, demographics and personal reactions to exposures was obtained by a blind questionnaire. We identified confounders using confounders' selection criteria and used adjusted logistic regression models to estimate associations. When controlling only for socio-demographic characteristics, log10Dw was associated with "unnatural fatigue" (ORadj=0.38, 95%CI=0.15-1.00) and "difficulty concentrating" (ORadj=0.26, 95%CI=0.08-0.83) and Nw1000 was associated with "unnatural fatigue" (ORadj=1.35, 95%CI=1.07-1.70) and "headache" (ORadj=1.26, 95%CI=1.00-1.58). After controlling for personal reactions to noise from sources different from wind turbines and agricultural odor exposure, we did not observe a significant relationship between residential proximity to wind turbines and symptoms and the parameter estimates were attenuated toward zero. Wind turbines-health associations can be confounded by personal reactions to other environmental co-exposures. Isolated associations reported in the literature may be due to confounding bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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19
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Dai XR, Saha CK, Ni JQ, Heber AJ, Blanes-Vidal V, Dunn JL. Characteristics of pollutant gas releases from swine, dairy, beef, and layer manure, and municipal wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 76:110-119. [PMID: 25794466 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2015.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about characteristics of gas releases from various types of organic wastes can assist in developing gas pollution reduction technologies and establishing environmental regulations. Five different organic wastes, i.e., four types of animal manure (swine, beef, dairy, and layer hen) and municipal wastewater, were studied for their characteristics of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) releases for 38 or 43 days in reactors under laboratory conditions. Weekly waste additions and continuous reactor headspace ventilation were supplied to simulate waste storage conditions. Results demonstrated that among the five waste types, layer hen manure and municipal wastewater had the highest and lowest NH3 release potentials, respectively. Layer manure had the highest and dairy manure had the lowest CO2 release potentials. Dairy manure and layer manure had the highest and lowest H2S release potentials, respectively. Beef manure and layer manure had the highest and lowest SO2 releases, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics of the different types of wastes, especially the total nitrogen, total ammoniacal nitrogen, dry matter, and pH, had strong influence on the releases of the four gases. Even for the same type of waste, the variation in physicochemical characteristics affected the gas releases remarkably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Rong Dai
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 S University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Chayan Kumer Saha
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 S University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Ji-Qin Ni
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 S University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Albert J Heber
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 S University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - James L Dunn
- ADM Alliance Nutrition, 7453 N Piqua Rd, Decatur, IN 46733, USA
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Blanes-Vidal V. Air pollution from biodegradable wastes and non-specific health symptoms among residents: direct or annoyance-mediated associations? CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:371-377. [PMID: 25192839 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Adverse health effects of exposure to high levels of air pollutants from biodegradable wastes have been well-studied. However, few investigations have examined the potential effects of chronic exposure to low-to-moderate levels on non-specific health symptoms among residents. Besides, most studies have relied on distances to waste sites to assign exposure status, and have not investigated whether the exposure-symptoms associations are direct or mediated by odor annoyance. In this study, individual-level exposures to a proxy indicator of biodegradable waste pollution (ammonia, NH3) in non-urban residences (n=454) during 2005-2010 were characterized by data from emission-dispersion validated models. Logistic regression and mediating analyses were used to examine associations between exposures and questionnaire-based data on annoyance and non-specific symptoms, after adjusting by person-specific covariates. Strong dose-response associations were found between exposures and annoyance, and between annoyance and symptoms. Associations between exposures and symptoms (nausea, headache, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and unnatural fatigue) were indirect (annoyance-mediated). This study indicates that environmental exposures play an important role in the genesis of non-specific symptoms among residents exposed to low-to-moderate air pollution from biodegradable wastes, although the effects seem to be indirect, relayed through stress-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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21
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Blanes-Vidal V, Bælum J, Nadimi ES, Løfstrøm P, Christensen LP. Chronic exposure to odorous chemicals in residential areas and effects on human psychosocial health: dose-response relationships. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:545-554. [PMID: 24880544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Perceived air pollution, including environmental odor pollution, is known to be an environmental stressor that affects individuals' psychosocial health and well-being. However, very few studies have been able to quantify exposure-response associations based on individual-specific residential exposures to a proxy gas and to examine the mechanisms underlying these associations. In this study, individual-specific exposures in non-urban residential environments during 2005-2010 on a gas released from animal biodegradable wastes (ammonia, NH3) were calculated by the Danish Eulerian long-range transport model and the local-scale transport deposition model. We used binomial and multinomial logistic regression and mediation analyses to examine the associations between average exposures and questionnaire-based data on psychosocial responses, after controlling for person-specific covariates. About 45% of the respondents were annoyed by residential odor pollution. Exposures were associated with annoyance (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]=3.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.33-5.39), health risk perception (ORadj=4.94; 95% CI=1.95-12.5) and behavioral interference (ORadj=3.28; 95% CI=1.77-6.11), for each unit increase in loge(NH3 exposure). Annoyance was a strong mediator in exposure-behavior interference and exposure-health risk perception relationships (81% and 44% mediation, respectively). Health risk perception did not play a mediating role in exposure-annoyance or exposure-behavioral interference relationships. This is the first study to provide a quantitative estimation of the dose-response associations between ambient NH3 exposures and psychosocial effects caused by odor pollution in non-urban residential outdoor environments. It further shows that these effects are both direct and mediated by other psychosocial responses. The results support the use of NH3 as a proxy gas of air pollution from animal biodegradable wastes in epidemiologic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Blanes-Vidal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Niels Bohrs Alle, 1, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Jesper Bælum
- Institute of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 9A, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Esmaeil S Nadimi
- Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Per Løfstrøm
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lars P Christensen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, Niels Bohrs Alle, 1, DK-5230, Odense M, Denmark
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