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Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Venier M, Faggiano A, Cucciniello R, Proto A. Sulphurous air pollutants and exposure events of workers in thermal-mineral springs: a case study of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:3112-3120. [PMID: 35945319 PMCID: PMC9892073 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22432-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Thermo-mineral springs are widely spread over the volcanic areas of Salerno, a city in southern Italy. Although the water of thermal structures provides beneficial effects on human health, the air is characterized by the presence of potentially toxic compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Exposure to sulphurous compounds may have detrimental effects on human health, with asthma being the most common. In this study, air concentrations of H2S and SO2 in the thermal springs of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy) were monitored for 4 months (using both active and passive sampling), along with the chemical and microclimatic characterization of thermal water, to assess workers' exposure to these pollutants. An in-depth characterization of indoor air at the springs is paramount to establish emission control limits for occupational exposure and to take protective measures. The air concentration of SO2 varied from 0.11 ± 0.02 to 0.91 ± 0.02 mg/m3, following a seasonal pattern (higher values in winter and lower in spring). Conversely, indoor H2S concentrations did not vary significantly with time, but outdoor levels (from 0.40 ± 0.03 to 1.90 ± 0.03 mg/m3) were always higher than indoor ones (from 0.11 ± 0.03 to 0.56 ± 0.03 mg/m3). Not negligible air concentrations of these pollutants were detected in this thermal spring workplace, so further investigations are needed to ensure workers' safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pironti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, via S. Allende, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
| | - Marta Venier
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Antonio Faggiano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Raffaele Cucciniello
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Antonio Proto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy
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Evaluation of ·OH Production Potential of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Collected on TiO2-Supporting Quartz Filters. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12091016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress induced by fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a potential cause of adverse health effects owing to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Air filtration is a key technology for preventing exposure to particulate contaminations; however, particulate matter trapped by filters has the potential risk of human contact with condensed PM2.5. Thus, this study aims to reduce the hydroxyl radical (·OH) production potential of PM2.5 collected on such TiO2-supporting quartz filters. The ·OH production potential was evaluated for PM2.5, which was collected in Kanagawa, Japan, using a terephthalate assay coupled with flow injection analysis. Although the PM2.5 levels at the sampling site were not severe, the PM2.5 samples exhibited ·OH production potential, which was mostly attributed to organic aerosols. The effect was verified using a TiO2-supporting quartz filter for the collection and subsequent degradation of PM2.5. The ·OH production potential was significantly reduced from 0.58 ± 0.40 pmol/(min m3) to 0.22 ± 0.13 pmol/(min m3) through ultraviolet irradiation for 24 h. This suggests that the photocatalytic reaction of the TiO2 filter is effective in reducing the ·OH production potential of PM2.5.
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