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Sharma GK, Ghuge VV. How urban growth dynamics impact the air quality? A case of eight Indian metropolitan cities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172399. [PMID: 38631640 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution is a matter of great significance that confronts the sustainable progress of urban areas. Against India's swift urbanization, several urban areas exhibit the coexistence of escalating populace and expansion in developed regions alongside extensive spatial heterogeneity. The interaction mechanism between the growth of urban areas and the expansion of cities holds immense importance for the remediation of air pollution. Henceforth, the present investigation utilizes geographically weighted regression (GWR) to examine the influence of urban expansion and population growth on air quality. The examination will use a decade of data on the variation in PM2.5 levels from 2010 to 2020 in eight Indian metropolitan cities. The study's findings demonstrate a spatial heterogeneity between urban growth dynamics and air pollution levels. Urban growth and the expansion of cities demonstrate notable positive impacts on air quality, although the growth of infilling within expanding urban areas can significantly affect air quality. Given the unique trajectories of urban development in developing countries, this research provides many suggestions for urban administrators to foster sustainable urban growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajender Kumar Sharma
- Department of Architecture & Planning, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, India.
| | - Vidya V Ghuge
- Department of Architecture & Planning, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, India.
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2
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Verma A, Ranga V, Vishwakarma DK. A novel approach for forecasting PM2.5 pollution in Delhi using CATALYST. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1457. [PMID: 37950817 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12020-z] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the main environmental issues in densely populated urban areas like Delhi. Predictions of the PM2.5 concentration must be accurate for pollution reduction strategies and policy actions to succeed. This research article presents a novel approach for forecasting PM2.5 pollution in Delhi by combining a pre-trained CNN model with a transformer-based model called CATALYST (Convolutional and Transformer model for Air Quality Forecasting). This proposed strategy uses a mixture of the two models. To derive attributes of the PM2.5 timeline of data, a pre-existing CNN model is utilized to transform the data into visual representations, which are analyzed subsequently. The CATALYST model is trained to predict future PM2.5 pollution levels using a sliding window training approach on extracted features. The model is utilized for analyzing temporal dependencies in PM2.5 time-series data. This model incorporates the advancements in the transformer-based architecture initially designed for natural language processing applications. CATALYST combines positional encoding with the Transformer architecture to capture intricate patterns and variations resulting from diverse meteorological, geographical, and anthropogenic factors. In addition, an innovative approach is suggested for building input-output couples, intending to address the problem of missing or partial data in environmental time-series datasets while ensuring that all training data blocks are comprehensive. On a PM2.5 dataset, we analyze the proposed CATALYST model and compare its performance with other standard time-series forecasting approaches, such as ARIMA and LSTM. The outcomes of the experiments demonstrate that the suggested model works better than conventional methods and is a potential strategy for accurately forecasting PM2.5 pollution. The applicability of CATALYST to real-world scenarios can be tested by running more experiments on real-world datasets. This can help develop efficient pollution mitigation measures, impacting public health and environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Verma
- Biometric Research Laboratory, Department of Information Technology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana Road, Delhi, -110042, India.
| | - Virender Ranga
- Biometric Research Laboratory, Department of Information Technology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana Road, Delhi, -110042, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Vishwakarma
- Biometric Research Laboratory, Department of Information Technology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana Road, Delhi, -110042, India
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Ahmad S, Ahmad T. AQI prediction using layer recurrent neural network model: a new approach. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1180. [PMID: 37690033 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The air quality index (AQI) prediction is important to evaluate the effects of air pollutants on human health. The airborne pollutants have been a major threat in Delhi both in the past and coming years. The air quality index is a figure, based on the cumulative effect of major air pollutant concentrations, used by Government agencies, for air quality assessment. Thus, the main aim of the present study is to predict the daily AQI one year in advance through three different neural network models (FF-NN, CF-NN and LR-NN) for the year 2020 and compare them. The models were trained using AQI values of previous year (2019). In addition to main air pollutants like PM10/PM2.5, O3, SO2, NOx, CO and NH3, the non-criteria pollutants and meteorological data were also included as input parameter in this study. The model performances were assessed using statistical analysis. The key air pollutants contributing to high level of daily AQI were found to be PM2.5/PM10, CO and NO2. The root mean square error (RMSE) values of 31.86 and 28.03 were obtained for the FF-NN and CF-NN models respectively whereas the LR-NN model has the minimum RMSE value of 26.79. LR-NN algorithm predicted the AQI values very closely to the actual values in almost all the seasons of the year. The LR-NN performance was also found to be the best in post-monsoon season i.e., October and November (maximum R2 = 0.94) with respect to other seasons. The study would aid air pollution control authorities to predict AQI more precisely and adopt suitable pollution control measures. Further research studies are recommended to compare the performance of LR-NN model with statistical, numerical and computational models for accurate air quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Ahmad
- Department of Civil Engineering, Bharat Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Tarique Ahmad
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia.
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Anand A, Garg VK, Agrawal A, Mangla S, Pathak A. Distribution and concentration pathway of particulate pollution during pandemic-induced lockdown in metropolitan cities in India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37360554 PMCID: PMC10258753 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-05025-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
To characterize the pollutant dispersal across major metropolitan cities in India, daily particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) data for the study areas were collected from the National Air Quality Monitoring stations database provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India. The data were analysed for three temporal ranges, i.e. before the pandemic-induced lockdown, during the lockdown, and after the upliftment of lockdown restrictions. For the purpose, the time scale ranged from 1st April to 31st May for the years 2019 (pre), 2020, and 2021 (post). Statistical distributions (lognormal, Weibull, and Gamma), aerosol optical thickness, and back trajectories were assessed for all three time periods. Most cities followed the lognormal distribution for PM2.5 during the lockdown period except Mumbai and Hyderabad. For PM10, all the regions followed the lognormal distribution. Delhi and Kolkata observed a maximum decline in particulate pollution of 41% and 52% for PM2.5 and 49% and 53% for PM10, respectively. Air mass back trajectory suggests local transmission of air mass during the lockdown period, and an undeniable decline in aerosol optical thickness was observed from the MODIS sensor. It can be concluded that statistical distribution analysis coupled with pollution models can be a counterpart in studying the dispersal and developing pollution abatement policies for specific sites. Moreover, incorporating remote sensing in pollution study can enhance the knowledge about the origin and movement of air parcels and can be helpful in taking decisions beforehand.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Anand
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab India
| | - V. K. Garg
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab India
| | - A. Agrawal
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab India
| | - S. Mangla
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - A. Pathak
- Department of Statistics, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Tomar G, Nagpure AS, Kumar V, Jain Y. High resolution vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust emission analysis of urban-rural district of India. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150255. [PMID: 34818776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Air quality deterioration due to vehicular emissions in smaller Indian cities and rural areas remains unacknowledged, even though the situation is alarmingly similar to megacities. The resulting lack of knowledge on travel behavior and vehicle characteristics impacts accuracy of emission studies in these regions. This study uses a novel approach and appropriate primary and secondary data sets to allocate vehicular activities (vehicle population and vehicle kilometer travelled) and associated emissions at a high spatial resolution for estimation and dispersion analysis of vehicular exhaust and non-exhaust PM2.5 emission in an Indian urban-rural landscape. The study indicates that using approaches that do not allocate vehicles kilometers travelled to areas of their expected travel results in underestimating the percent share of PM2.5 emissions from rural roads and motorways while overestimating overall PM2.5 emissions. Particulate matter resuspension is the dominant form of PM2.5 emissions from the vehicular sector on all road types, constituting an even higher fraction on rural roads. Two-wheelers contribute a high fraction of PM2.5 emissions (exhaust and non-exhaust combined), followed by heavy commercial vehicles and four-wheelers on urban roads. Light commercial vehicles, especially agricultural tractors dominate these emissions on rural roads. PM2.5 hotspots are prevalent in urban areas, but several rural areas also experience heavy particulate matter concentrations. Thus, vehicle movement incorporation results in more accurate emission estimation, especially in an urban-rural landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Tomar
- Centre for Rural Development & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | | | - Vivek Kumar
- Centre for Rural Development & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Yash Jain
- Centre for Rural Development & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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Saini D, Darla UR, Lataye DH, Motghare VM, Shingare AA. Effect on Ambient Air Quality in Nagpur due to lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020: a case study. SĀDHANĀ 2022; 47:98. [PMCID: PMC9094127 DOI: 10.1007/s12046-022-01879-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2024]
Abstract
The present paper deals with the studies on the change in concentration of three standard pollutants namely, respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM or PM10), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) because of lockdown in India to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The monthly average concentrations of the above pollutants observed at four monitoring stations in and around Nagpur city during January to December 2020 were analyzed and compared. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, there was a complete lockdown from 25th March to 31st May 2020 and phased reopening of areas outside containment zones from June 1st onwards. It is found that the average concentration of all the three pollutants at all four stations was reduced by about 50 % to 75 % due to lockdown. During lockdown, the minimum concentration of PM10, SO2 and NO2 amongst all stations were found to be 40, 5 and 11 µg/m3, respectively, whereas the maximum concentrations were found to be 159, 20, and 50 µg/m3, respectively. The concentrations during lockdown were below the standards prescribed by CPCB, which were found to increase due to reopening. The Air quality index (AQI) at all four stations during lockdown was less than 50 (i.e. SATISFACTORY), whereas it increased above 100 (i.e. MODERATE) after reopening. As a result, the annual average concentration of pollutants was reduced in 2020 compared to previous years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyanshu Saini
- Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010 India
| | - Upendra R Darla
- Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010 India
| | - Dilip H Lataye
- Department of Civil Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010 India
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Garg A, Gupta NC. Short-term variability on particulate and gaseous emissions induced by fireworks during Diwali celebrations for two successive years in outdoor air of an urban area in Delhi, India. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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MARQUES JUNIOR AGUINALDON, PANETTO DOUGLASP, LAMEGO FERNANDO, NEPOMUCENO FELIPEO, MONNA FABRICE, LOSNO REMI, GUILLON RODRIGUE. Tracking atmospheric dispersion of metals in Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan region (Brazil) with epiphytes as bioindicators. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 90:2991-3005. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - FERNANDO LAMEGO
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil; Instituto de Engenharia Nuclear, Brazil
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Limaye VS, Knowlton K, Sarkar S, Ganguly PS, Pingle S, Dutta P, M SL, Tiwari A, Solanki B, Shah C, Raval G, Kakkad K, Beig G, Parkhi N, Jaiswal A, Mavalankar D. Development of Ahmedabad's Air Information and Response (AIR) Plan to Protect Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1460. [PMID: 29996566 PMCID: PMC6068810 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Indian cities struggle with some of the highest ambient air pollution levels in the world. While national efforts are building momentum towards concerted action to reduce air pollution, individual cities are taking action on this challenge to protect communities from the many health problems caused by this harmful environmental exposure. In 2017, the city of Ahmedabad launched a regional air pollution monitoring and risk communication project, the Air Information and Response (AIR) Plan. The centerpiece of the plan is an air quality index developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s System for Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research program that summarizes information from 10 new continuous air pollution monitoring stations in the region, each reporting data that can help people avoid harmful exposures and inform policy strategies to achieve cleaner air. This paper focuses on the motivation, development, and implementation of Ahmedabad’s AIR Plan. The project is discussed in terms of its collaborative roots, public health purpose in addressing the grave threat of air pollution (particularly to vulnerable groups), technical aspects in deploying air monitoring technology, and broader goals for the dissemination of an air quality index linked to specific health messages and suggested actions to reduce harmful exposures. The city of Ahmedabad is among the first cities in India where city leaders, state government, and civil society are proactively working together to address the country’s air pollution challenge with a focus on public health. The lessons learned from the development of the AIR Plan serve as a template for other cities aiming to address the heavy burden of air pollution on public health. Effective working relationships are vital since they form the foundation for long-term success and useful knowledge sharing beyond a single city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay S Limaye
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York, NY 10011, USA.
| | - Kim Knowlton
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York, NY 10011, USA.
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Sayantan Sarkar
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York, NY 10011, USA.
| | | | - Shyam Pingle
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Gandhinagar 382042, India.
| | - Priya Dutta
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Gandhinagar 382042, India.
| | - Sathish L M
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Gandhinagar 382042, India.
| | - Abhiyant Tiwari
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Gandhinagar 382042, India.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Bhavin Solanki
- Health Department, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Ahmedabad 380001, India.
| | - Chirag Shah
- Health Department, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Ahmedabad 380001, India.
- Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad 382428, India.
| | - Gopal Raval
- Ashrai Associates and Sparsh Chest Diseases Center, Ahmedabad 380009, India.
| | - Khyati Kakkad
- L.G. Hospital, AMC MET Medical College, Ahmedabad 380008, India.
| | - Gufran Beig
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune 411008, India.
| | - Neha Parkhi
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune 411008, India.
| | - Anjali Jaiswal
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), New York, NY 10011, USA.
| | - Dileep Mavalankar
- Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPH-G), Gandhinagar 382042, India.
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Coburn JL, Cole TB, Dao KT, Costa LG. Acute exposure to diesel exhaust impairs adult neurogenesis in mice: prominence in males and protective effect of pioglitazone. Arch Toxicol 2018. [PMID: 29523932 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is the process by which neural stem cells give rise to new functional neurons in specific regions of the adult brain, a process that occurs throughout life. Significantly, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders present suppressed neurogenesis, activated microglia, and neuroinflammation. Traffic-related air pollution has been shown to adversely affect the central nervous system. As the cardinal effects of air pollution exposure are microglial activation, and ensuing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, we investigated whether acute exposures to diesel exhaust (DE) would inhibit adult neurogenesis in mice. Mice were exposed for 6 h to DE at a PM2.5 concentration of 250-300 μg/m3, followed by assessment of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ), the subventricular zone (SVZ), and olfactory bulb (OB). DE impaired cellular proliferation in the SGZ and SVZ in males, but not females. DE reduced adult neurogenesis, with male mice showing fewer new neurons in the SGZ, SVZ, and OB, and females showing fewer new neurons only in the OB. To assess whether blocking microglial activation protected against DE-induced suppression of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, male mice were pre-treated with pioglitazone (PGZ) prior to DE exposure. The effects of DE exposure on microglia, as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, were reduced by PGZ. PGZ also antagonized DE-induced suppression of neurogenesis in the SGZ. These results suggest that DE exposure impairs adult neurogenesis in a sex-dependent manner, by a mechanism likely to involve microglia activation and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacki L Coburn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt, Suite No. 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Toby B Cole
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt, Suite No. 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
- Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Khoi T Dao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt, Suite No. 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Lucio G Costa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt, Suite No. 100, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Spatio-Temporal Variation and Futuristic Emission Scenario of Ambient Nitrogen Dioxide over an Urban Area of Eastern India Using GIS and Coupled AERMOD-WRF Model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170928. [PMID: 28141866 PMCID: PMC5283685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study focuses on the spatio-temporal variation of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during June 2013 to May 2015 and its futuristic emission scenario over an urban area (Durgapur) of eastern India. The concentration of ambient NO2 shows seasonal as well as site specific characteristics. The site with high vehicular density (Muchipara) shows highest NO2 concentration followed by industrial site (DVC- DTPS Colony) and the residential site (B Zone), respectively. The seasonal variation of ambient NO2 over the study area is portrayed by means of Geographical Information System based Digital Elevation Model. Out of the total urban area under consideration (114.982 km2), the concentration of NO2 exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) permissible limit over an area of 5.000 km2, 0.786 km2 and 0.653 km2 in post monsoon, winter and pre monsoon, respectively. Wind rose diagrams, correlation and regression analyses show that meteorology plays a crucial role in dilution and dispersion of NO2 near the earth’s surface. Principal component analysis identifies vehicular source as the major source of NO2 in all the seasons over the urban region. Coupled AMS/EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD)–Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used for predicting the concentration of NO2. Comparison of the observed and simulated data shows that the model overestimates the concentration of NO2 in all the seasons (except winter). The results show that coupled AERMOD–WRF model can overcome the unavailability of hourly surface as well as upper air meteorological data required for predicting the pollutant concentration, but improvement of emission inventory along with better understanding of the sinks and sources of ambient NO2 is essential for capturing the more realistic scenario.
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Choi JY, Baumgartner J, Harnden S, Alexander BH, Town RJ, D'Souza G, Ramachandran G. Increased risk of respiratory illness associated with kerosene fuel use among women and children in urban Bangalore, India. Occup Environ Med 2014; 72:114-22. [PMID: 25341423 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kerosene is a widely used cooking and lighting fuel in developing countries. The potential respiratory health effects of cooking with kerosene relative to cooking with cleaner fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have not been well characterised. METHODS We sampled 600 households from six urban neighbourhoods in Bangalore, India. Each household's primary cook, usually the woman of the house, was interviewed to collect information on current domestic fuel use and whether there was any presence of respiratory symptoms or illness in her or in the children in the household. Our analysis was limited to 547 adult females (ages 18-85) and 845 children (ages 0-17) in households exclusively cooking with either kerosene or LPG. We investigated the associations between kerosene use and the likelihood of having respiratory symptoms or illness using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Among adult women, cooking with kerosene was associated with cough (OR=1.88; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.99), bronchitis (OR=1.54; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.37), phlegm (OR=1.51; 95% CI 0.98 to 2.33) and chest illness (OR=1.61; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.53), relative to cooking with LPG in the multivariate models. Among children, living in a household cooking with kerosene was associated with bronchitis (OR=1.91; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.13), phlegm (OR=2.020; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.74) and chest illness (OR=1.70; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.90) after adjusting for other covariates. We also found associations between kerosene use and wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma in adults and cough and wheezing in children, though these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Women and children in households cooking with kerosene were more likely to have respiratory symptoms and illnesses compared with those in households cooking with LPG. Transitioning from kerosene to LPG for cooking may improve respiratory health among adult women and children in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Young Choi
- Division of Business, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
| | - Jill Baumgartner
- Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Harnden
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bruce H Alexander
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Robert J Town
- Department of Health Care Management, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George D'Souza
- Department of Chest Diseases, St John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Mahapatra PS, Panda S, Walvekar PP, Kumar R, Das T, Gurjar BR. Seasonal trends, meteorological impacts, and associated health risks with atmospheric concentrations of gaseous pollutants at an Indian coastal city. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:11418-32. [PMID: 24903248 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
This study presents surface ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) measurements conducted at Bhubaneswar from December 2010 to November 2012 and attempts for the very first time a health risk assessment of the atmospheric trace gases. Seasonal variation in average 24 h O3 and CO shows a distinct winter (December to February) maxima of 38.98 ± 9.32 and 604.51 ± 145.91 ppbv, respectively. O3 and CO characteristics and their distribution were studied in the form of seasonal/diurnal variations, air flow patterns, inversion conditions, and meteorological parameters. The observed winter high is likely due to higher regional emissions, the presence of a shallower boundary layer, and long-range transport of pollutants from the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Large differences between daytime and nighttime O3 values during winter compared to other seasons suggest that photochemistry is much more active on this site during winter. O3 and CO observations are classified in continental and marine air masses, and continental influence is estimated to increase O3 and CO by up to 20 and 120 ppbv, respectively. Correlation studies between O3 and CO in various seasons indicated the role of CO as one of the O3 precursors. Health risk estimates predict 48 cases of total premature mortality in adults due to ambient tropospheric O3 during the study period. Comparatively low CO concentrations at the site do not lead to any health effects even during winter. This study highlights the possible health risks associated with O3 and CO pollution in Bhubaneswar, but these results are derived from point measurements and should be complemented either with regional scale observations or chemical transport models for use in design of mitigation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Sarathi Mahapatra
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751013, India
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Franco S, Ravibabu Mandla V. Analysis of road transport energy consumption and emissions: a case study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY SECTOR MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1108/ijesm-03-2013-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the growing energy consumption pattern and emissions due to increasing vehicular density in the Vellore district. The transport demand in Indian cities has increased substantially over the past few years. Increasing household incomes and economic development in cities have added to this growing demand.
Design/methodology/approach
– The growth of Vellore town currently is such that in a short period of time, the development is likely to engulf the entire district as one big city, as it happened for Chennai. It is at a transitional stage where it is possible to bring about certain policy changes to prevent the catastrophic effects of urbanization. To test the objectives of the study, statistical and mathematical tools such as mean, coefficient of variation, correlation and regression models are used. Growth of vehicle population in Tamil Nadu in general and Vellore in particular are analyzed by computing the percentage rate of change and trend rate of growth.
Findings
– A study of the past four years shows a tremendous growth in the number of two-wheelers, while the number of buses has declined. The study also shows that public transport fuel consumption is < 20 per cent of the overall fuel consumption. The emission of all greenhouse gases is rising and it shows a linear growth. The increase in emission of CO2 is most alarming.
Research limitations/implications
– The diversity of sources that have been combined together implies a consequent reduction in accuracy. Data from different sources had different geographical boundaries (state, district, region and country). Thus, the data had to be translated to the relevant geographical area by using proportionality ratio. This manipulation does impact on the accuracy of the used data.
Practical implications
– This article provides a framework that can inform decisions makers on consequences in the absence of timely intervention and policy changes.
Originality/value
– Road transport is an inherently complex sector as it deals with a very large number of individual vehicles and factors of influence. The findings have implications for government in general and policy-makers in particular. This article puts together data of a particularly vulnerable region at a time when policy changes could bring about lasting beneficial effects. This region has not been included in any previous research.
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Saraswat A, Apte JS, Kandlikar M, Brauer M, Henderson SB, Marshall JD. Spatiotemporal land use regression models of fine, ultrafine, and black carbon particulate matter in New Delhi, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:12903-11. [PMID: 24087939 DOI: 10.1021/es401489h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution in New Delhi, India, is a significant environmental and health concern. To assess determinants of variability in air pollutant concentrations, we develop land use regression (LUR) models for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and ultrafine particle number concentrations (UFPN). We used 136 h (39 sites), 112 h (26 sites), 147 h (39 sites) of PM2.5, BC, and UFPN data respectively, to develop separate morning (0800-1200) and afternoon (1200-1800) models. Continuous measurements of PM2.5 and BC were also made at a single fixed rooftop site located in a high-income residential neighborhood. No continuous measurements of UFPN were available. In addition to spatial variables, measurements from the fixed continuous monitoring site were used as independent variables in the PM2.5 and BC models. The median concentrations (and interquartile range) of PM2.5, BC, and UFPN at LUR sites were 133 (96-232) μg m(-3), 11 (6-21) μg m(-3), and 40 (27-72) × 10(3) cm(-3) respectively. In addition (a) for PM2.5 and BC, the temporal variability was higher than the spatial variability; (b) the magnitude and spatial variability in pollutant concentrations was higher during morning than during afternoon hours. Further, model R(2) values were higher for morning (for PM2.5, BC, and UFPN, respectively: 0.85, 0.86, and 0.28) than for afternoon models (0.73, 0.69, and 0.23); (c) the PM2.5 and BC concentrations measured at LUR sites all over the city were strongly correlated with measured concentrations at a fixed rooftop site; (d) spatial patterns were similar for PM2.5 and BC but different for UFPN; (e) population density and road variables were statistically significant predictors of pollutant concentrations; and (f) available geographic predictors explained a much lower proportion of variability in measured PM2.5, BC, and UFPN than observed in other LUR studies, indicating the importance of temporal variability and suggesting the existence of uncharacterized sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Saraswat
- Institute for Resources Environment and Sustainability The University of British Columbia , Rm 411, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 4T1, Canada
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Anwar K, Ejaz S, Ashraf M, Ahmad N, Javeed A. Monitoring trace elements generated by automobiles: air pollutants with possible health impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:4574-4586. [PMID: 23263758 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-1383-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Major transformations in the environmental composition are principally attributable to the combustion of fuels by automobiles. Motorized gasoline-powered two-stroke auto-rickshaws (TSA) and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (FSA) are potential source of air pollution in south Asia and produce toxic amount of particulate matter (PM) to the environment. In this study, we attempted to characterize elemental pollutants from the PM of TSA and FSA using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The observations of the existing investigation recognized significant increase in Al (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.01), and Zn (P < 0.01) from the PM samples of FSA. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na and S were also observed exceeding the recommended National Institute for Environmental Studies limits. On the contrary, increased concentration of Sr and V were observed in the PM samples from TSA. It is generally believed that FSA generates smaller amount of PM but data obtained from FSA are clearly describing that emissions from FSA comprised potentially more toxic substances than TSA. The current research is specific to metropolitan population and has evidently revealed an inconsistent burden of exposure to air pollutants engendered by FSA in urban communities, which could lead to the disruption of several biological activities and may cause severe damage to entire ecological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleeq Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Abdul Qadir Jilani Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54600
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18
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Goyal P, Mishra D, Kumar A. Vehicular emission inventory of criteria pollutants in Delhi. SPRINGERPLUS 2013; 2:216. [PMID: 23741649 PMCID: PMC3664745 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The rapid urbanization in Delhi has resulted in a tremendous increase in the number of motor vehicles with the increase in population and urban mobilization. The vehicular traffic is now recognized as one of the main sources of air pollution in Delhi and has noticeable impact on air quality. The emission of criteria pollutants namely Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) due to vehicles is estimated through the International Vehicle Emission (IVE) model, which includes the different driving modes of vehicles and meteorological parameters. The estimated emissions of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) due to different types of vehicles in the year 2008–09 are found to be 509, 194 and 15 tons/day respectively. The diurnal variation of emissions of air pollutants shows two peaks, which are fortunately matching with the morning and evening office hours. The emissions of CO and NOx due to personal cars (PCs) are found to be about 34% and 50% respectively, and the emission of CO due to 2 W (2- Wheeler) is about 61%. Similarly, the Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) are contributing PM about 92%. The analysis of fuel-wise emission of pollutants reveals that CO is mainly contributed by petrol, and NOx and PM are contributed by diesel. It is also noticeable that CO, NOx and PM emissions at ITO, one of the busiest traffic intersections of Delhi, are approximately 15, 6 and 0.5 tons/day respectively, which are found to be the maximum followed by Kashmiri Gate (ISBT), Nizamuddin etc. The present vehicular emissions inventory has been compared quantitatively with previous studies of Delhi. The present vehicular emission inventory has also validated using US environmental protection agency’s (USEPA’s) AERMOD model with observed concentration at different locations in Delhi. However, the present study shows that the air quality of Delhi has been degraded due to high level emissions of criteria pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramila Goyal
- Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016 India
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19
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Singh NJ, Bagchi S. Applied ecology in India: scope of science and policy to meet contemporary environmental and socio-ecological challenges. J Appl Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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20
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Guttikunda SK, Gurjar BR. Role of meteorology in seasonality of air pollution in megacity Delhi, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:3199-211. [PMID: 21713474 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The winters in megacity Delhi are harsh, smoggy, foggy, and highly polluted. The pollution levels are approximately two to three times those monitored in the summer months, and the severity is felt not only in the health department but also in the transportation department, with regular delays at airport operations and series of minor and major accidents across the road corridors. The impacts felt across the city are both manmade (due to the fuel burning) and natural (due to the meteorological setting), and it is hard to distinguish their respective proportions. Over the last decade, the city has gained from timely interventions to control pollution, and yet, the pollution levels are as bad as the previous year, especially for the fine particulates, the most harmful of the criteria pollutants, with a daily 2009 average of 80 to 100 μg/m(3). In this paper, the role of meteorology is studied using a Lagrangian model called Atmospheric Transport Modeling System in tracer mode to better understand the seasonality of pollution in Delhi. A clear conclusion is that irrespective of constant emissions over each month, the estimated tracer concentrations are invariably 40% to 80% higher in the winter months (November, December, and January) and 10% to 60% lower in the summer months (May, June, and July), when compared to annual average for that year. Along with monitoring and source apportionment studies, this paper presents a way to communicate complex physical characteristics of atmospheric modeling in simplistic manner and to further elaborate linkages between local meteorology and pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarath K Guttikunda
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512, USA.
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21
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Reynolds CCO, Grieshop AP, Kandlikar M. Climate and health relevant emissions from in-use Indian three-wheelers fueled by natural gas and gasoline. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:2406-2412. [PMID: 21322628 DOI: 10.1021/es102430p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Auto-rickshaws in India use different fuels and engine technologies, with varying emissions and implications for air quality and climate change. Chassis dynamometer emission testing was conducted on 30 in-use auto-rickshaws to quantify the impact of switching from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) in spark-ignition engines. Thirteen test vehicles had two-stroke CNG engines (CNG-2S) and 17 had four-stroke CNG engines (CNG-4S), of which 11 were dual-fuel and operable on a back-up gasoline (petrol) system (PET-4S). Fuel-based emission factors were determined for gaseous pollutants (CO(2), CH(4), NO(X), THC, and CO) and fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)). Intervehicle variability was high, and for most pollutants there was no significant difference (95% confidence level) between "old" (1998-2001) and "new" (2007-2009) age-groups within a given fuel-technology class. Mean fuel-based PM(2.5) emission factor (mean (95% confidence interval)) for CNG-2S (14.2 g kg(-1) (6.2-26.7)) was almost 30 times higher than for CNG-4S (0.5 g kg(-1) (0.3-0.9)) and 12 times higher than for PET-4S (1.2 g kg(-1) (0.8-1.7)). Global warming commitment associated with emissions from CNG-2S was more than twice that from CNG-4S or PET-4S, due mostly to CH(4) emissions. Comprehensive measurements and data should drive policy interventions rather than assumptions about the impacts of clean fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor C O Reynolds
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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22
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Mohan M, Bhati S, Rao A. Application of air dispersion modelling for exposure assessment from particulate matter pollution in mega city Delhi. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Ejaz S, Chekarova I, Ahmad M, Nasir A, Ashraf M, Lim CW. Pollution dilemma in Asian population: CNG and wound healing. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2009; 28:323-332. [PMID: 21784023 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Automobile exhaust constituents contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas and compressed natural gas (CNG) is considered one of the most promising fuel alternatives for the future. CNG-powered four-stroke engine auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous in South Asian cities as taxi and for commercial transportation. Automotive exhaust contains several toxins, which are overwhelmingly toxic to the processes of wound healing. By utilizing the in vivo mouse model of wound healing, this report analyzes the effects of CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws smoke solution (4SARSS) on different events of wound healing; dermal matrix regeneration, re-epithelialization and neovascularization. A total of 72 adult mice, divided in eight groups were exposed to 4SARSS for 12 days. A highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in wound closure was observed among all 4SARSS treated groups, at each time point of the experiment. An immature development in both the neoepidermis and the neodermis was observed among all 4SARSS treated wounds with defective re-epithelialization, dermal matrix regeneration and maturation of collagen bundles. Abbott curve, angular spectrum, 3D surface topographies, and histological investigations of wounds explicated highly significant activation (P<0.001) of delayed-neovascularization among 4SARSS treated wounds. All these annotations advocate excessive toxicity of emission from CNG-powered auto-rickshaws to the process of wound healing and people occupationally exposed to this toxic emissions may suffer varying degree of delayed wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Ejaz
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, R3 Stroke Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Angiogenesis and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan; Biosafety Research Institute and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, 561-756, South Korea
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Ejaz S, Ejaz A, Sohail A, Ahmed M, Nasir A, Lim CW. Exposure of smoke solutions from CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws induces distressed embryonic movements, embryonic hemorrhaging and ectopia cordis. Food Chem Toxicol 2009; 47:1442-52. [PMID: 19332102 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2009.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In south Asian countries, a campaign has launched to promote CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (CNFAR) to decrease emission load in the environment. Even though, CNFAR are considered environmentally safe, emissions of some other toxic chemicals would amplify, which may effect the development of growing fetus and may result in different growth defects. By utilizing the in vivo chicken embryo model, this report analyzes the toxic potential of CNFAR smoke solutions (CNFARSS) on embryonic movements (EM) and cardiovascular development. Application of CNFARSS to embryos caused profound decline (p<0.001) in all four types of EMs. Several recovery attempts of all EMs were observed in oscillating fashion, however, EMs did not recover by the end of experiment. Exposure of CNFARSS escorted intense decline (p<0.001) with temperate recovery phases in the EM of tail. Macroscopic evaluation of all CNFARSS treated chicken embryos revealed several widespread hemorrhaging throughout the whole body. Moreover, four different types of ectopia cordis were prominently observed among all CNFARSS treated embryos, namely; incomplete ectopia cordis, complete ectopia cordis, cervico-thoracic ectopia cordis and thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Ejaz
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Reynolds CCO, Kandlikar M. Climate impacts of air quality policy: switching to a natural gas-fueled public transportation system in New Delhi. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:5860-5865. [PMID: 18767636 DOI: 10.1021/es702863p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Between 2001 and 2003, public transport vehicles in New Delhi were required to switch their fuel to natural gas in an attemptto reduce their air pollution impacts. This study examines the climatic impacts of New Delhi's fuel switching policy, and outlines implications for such efforts in rapidly industrializing countries. Natural gas is mostly composed of methane, an important greenhouse gas. Emitted aerosols (black carbon, particulate organic carbon, and sulfate) also cause radiative forcing. We find that methane and black carbon emissions are critical contributors to the change in carbon dioxide equivalent [CO2(e)] emissions. In New Delhi, the switch to natural gas results in a 30% increase in CO2(e) when the impact of aerosols is not considered. However, when aerosol emissions are taken into account in our model, the net effect of the switch is estimated to be a 10% reduction in CO2(e), and there may be as much as a 30% reduction in CO2(e). There is significant potential for emissions reductions through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Clean Development Mechanism for such fuel switching projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor C O Reynolds
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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26
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Mohan M, Kandya A. An analysis of the annual and seasonal trends of air quality index of Delhi. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2007; 131:267-77. [PMID: 17242967 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-006-9474-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2006] [Accepted: 08/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index for reporting daily air quality. A study on the annual and seasonal variations of Air Quality Index over a period of 9 years (1996-2004) based on daily averaged concentration data of criteria air pollutants has been conducted for Delhi. An attempt has been made to quantify the changes in the AQI on annual and seasonal (winter, summer, monsoon and post monsoon) basis for 9 years. Measurements for the seven monitoring sites (Nizamuddin, Ashok Vihar, Shahzada Baug, Shahadara, Janakpuri, Sirifort and ITO) in Delhi were analysed and trends were also compared amongst these sites. Maximum Operator Function method was used to compute the Air Quality Index of the above areas and percentage variations in different severity class is discussed which provides in depth analysis of the trends. The best air quality was depicted by Shahzada Baug followed by Shahdara, both of these were classified as industrial areas indicating that policy measures relating to the industries in the city during past years have helped in improving the air quality. The air quality in other areas have improved slightly in the span of nine years but still remains critical indicating continued rigorous efforts in this direction. Increased traffic density seems to have resulted into the worst air quality at ITO in the city amongst all the monitoring stations. There is a shift for the worst AQI in the city from winter to summer season in a time span of these nine years. Change of season for worst AQI from Winter to Summer may also be likely due to increased photochemical reactions playing major role with change in the nature of emissions imposed due to different control measures such as CNG implementation, significant shift to LPG in domestic sector etc. calling for a detailed study, those which started after the year 2000. After the year 2000, there is a significant increase in the Nitrogen-dioxide (NO(2)) concentration at all stations. ITO which has shown continuous exponential increase in pollution levels has first time showed a declining AQI trend in the year 2004 and one of the contributing factors could have been the Delhi metro (initiated in 2002) passing through congested neighbouring areas causing traffic decongestion here. In general, the areas which are farthest from metro route viz., Siri-fort, Nizamuddin, Janakpuri etc. did not record declining AQI in 2003 onwards as happened with stations closer to Metro route such as Ashok Vihar and ITO. An attempt has been made to quantify the reasons that lead to the changes in the values of the AQI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Mohan
- Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110 016, India.
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Wang S, Hao J, Ho MS, Li J, Lu Y. Intake fractions of industrial air pollutants in China: estimation and application. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 354:127-41. [PMID: 16398989 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2005] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Intake fractions, an emissions-intake relationship for primary pollutants, are defined and are estimated in order to make simple estimates of health damages from air pollution. The sulfur dioxide (SO2) and total suspended particles (TSP) intake fractions for five cities of China are estimated for the four main polluting industries-electric power generation, mineral (mostly cement) products industry, chemical process industry and metallurgical industry (mainly iron and steel smelting). The Industrial Source Complex Long Term (ISTLT3) model is used to simulate the spatial distribution of incremental ambient concentrations due to emissions from a large sample of site-specific sources. Detailed population distribution information is used for each city. The average intake fractions within 50 km of these sources are 4.4x10(-6) for TSP, and 4.2x10(-6) for SO2, with standard deviations of 8.15x10(-6) and 9.16x10(-6), respectively. They vary over a wide range, from 10(-7) to 10(-5). Although the electric power generation has been the focus of much of the air pollution research in China, our results show that it has the lowest average intake fraction for a local range among the four industries, which highlights the importance of pollutant emissions from other industrial sources. Sensitivity analyses show how the intake fractions are affected by the source and pollutant characteristics, the most important parameter being the size of the domain. However, the intake fraction estimates are robust enough to be useful for evaluating the local impacts on human health of primary SO2 and TSP emissions. An application of intake fractions is given to demonstrate how this approach provides a rapid population risk estimate if the dose-response function is linear without threshold, and hence can help in prioritizing pollution control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxiao Wang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Saksena S, Singh PB, Prasad RK, Prasad R, Malhotra P, Joshi V, Patil RS. Exposure of infants to outdoor and indoor air pollution in low-income urban areas - a case study of Delhi. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE ANALYSIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2003; 13:219-30. [PMID: 12743616 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jea.7500273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is potentially a very serious environmental and public health problem in India. In poor communities, with the continuing trend in biofuel combustion coupled with deteriorating housing conditions, the problem will remain for some time to come. While to some extent the problem has been studied in rural areas, there is a dearth of reliable data and knowledge about the situation in urban slum areas. The microenvironmental model was used for assessing daily-integrated exposure of infants and women to respirable suspended particulates (RSP) in two slums of Delhi - one in an area of high outdoor pollution and the other in a less polluted area. The study confirmed that indoor concentrations of RSP during cooking in kerosene-using houses are lesser than that in wood-using houses. However, the exposure due to cooking was not significantly different across the two groups. This was because, perhaps due to socioeconomic reasons, kerosene-using women were found to cook for longer durations, cook inside more often, and that infants in such houses stayed in the kitchen for longer durations. It was observed that indoor background levels during the day and at nighttime can be exceedingly high. We speculate that this may have been due to resuspension of dust, infiltration, unknown sources, or a combination of these factors. The outdoor RSP levels measured just outside the houses (near ambient) were not correlated with indoor background levels and were higher than those reported by the ambient air quality monitoring network at the corresponding stations. More importantly, the outdoor levels measured in this study not only underestimated the daily-integrated exposure, but were also poorly correlated with it.
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