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Vicente ED, Calvo AI, Sainnokhoi TA, Kováts N, de la Campa AS, de la Rosa J, Oduber F, Nunes T, Fraile R, Tomé M, Alves CA. Indoor PM from residential coal combustion: Levels, chemical composition, and toxicity. Sci Total Environ 2024; 918:170598. [PMID: 38340837 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Indoor air quality is crucial for human health due to the significant time people spend at home, and it is mainly affected by internal sources such as solid fuel combustion for heating. This study investigated the indoor air quality and health implications associated with residential coal burning covering gaseous pollutants (CO, CO2 and total volatile organic compounds), particulate matter, and toxicity. The PM10 chemical composition was obtained by ICP-MS/OES (elements), ion chromatography (water-soluble ions) and thermal-optical analysis (organic and elemental carbon). During coal combustion, PM10 levels were higher (up to 8.8 times) than background levels and the indoor-to-outdoor ratios were, on average, greater than unity, confirming the existence of a significant indoor source. The chemical characterisation of PM10 revealed increased concentrations of organic carbon and elemental carbon during coal combustion as well as arsenic, cadmium and lead. Carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to arsenic exceeded safety thresholds. Indoor air quality fluctuated during the study, with varying toxicity levels assessed using the Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay. These findings underscore the importance of mitigating indoor air pollution associated with coal burning and highlight the potential health risks from long-term exposure. Effective interventions are needed to improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks in coal-burning households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela D Vicente
- Department of Physics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Ana I Calvo
- Department of Physics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Tsend-Ayush Sainnokhoi
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Nora Kováts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem str. 10, 8200 Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Ana Sánchez de la Campa
- Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Centre for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, E21071 Huelva, Spain; Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, ETSI, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Jesús de la Rosa
- Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Centre for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, E21071 Huelva, Spain; Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, ETSI, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Fernanda Oduber
- Department of Physics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Teresa Nunes
- Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Roberto Fraile
- Department of Physics, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mário Tomé
- PROMETHEUS, School of Technology and Management (ESTG), Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Célia A Alves
- Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Zafra-Pérez A, Boente C, García-Díaz M, Gómez-Galán JA, de la Campa AS, de la Rosa JD. Aerial monitoring of atmospheric particulate matter produced by open-pit mining using low-cost airborne sensors. Sci Total Environ 2023; 904:166743. [PMID: 37659558 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Mining is an economic activity that entails the production and displacement of significant amounts of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) during operations involving intense earthcrushing or earthmoving. As high concentrations of PM may have adverse effects on human health, it is necessary to monitor and control the fugitive emissions of this pollutant. This paper presents an innovative methodology for the online monitoring of PM10 concentrations in air using a low-cost sensor (LCS, <300 USD) onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle. After comprehensive calibration, the LCS was horizontally flown over seven different areas of the large Riotinto copper mine (Huelva, Spain) at different heights to study the PM10 distribution at different longitudes and altitudes. The flights covered areas of zero activity, intense mining, drilling, ore loading, waste discharge, open stockpiling, and mineral processing. In the zero-activity area, the resuspension of PM10 was very low, with a weak wind speed (3.6 m/s). In the intense-mining area, unhealthy concentrations of PM10 (>51 μgPM10/m3) could be released, and the PM10 can reach surrounding populations through long-distance transport driven by several processes being performed simultaneously. Strong dilution was also observed at high altitudes (> 50 m). Mean concentrations were found to be 22-89 μgPM10/m3, with peaks ranging from 86 to 284 μgPM10/m3. This study demonstrates the potential applicability of airborne LCSs in the high-resolution online monitoring of PM in mining, thus supporting environmental managers during decision-making against fugitive emissions in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Zafra-Pérez
- CIQSO-Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Campus El Carmen s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Carlos Boente
- Departamento de Ingeniería Geológica y Minera, E.T.S.I. Minas y Energía de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/ Ríos Rosas 21, Madrid, 28003, Spain.
| | - Manuel García-Díaz
- Department of Fluid Mechanics, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart, Gijón 33204, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Gómez-Galán
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Computers and Automation, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez de la Campa
- CIQSO-Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Campus El Carmen s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain
| | - Jesús D de la Rosa
- CIQSO-Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Campus El Carmen s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva 21007, Spain
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Alves C, Evtyugina M, Vicente E, Vicente A, Rienda IC, de la Campa AS, Tomé M, Duarte I. PM 2.5 chemical composition and health risks by inhalation near a chemical complex. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 124:860-874. [PMID: 36182189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected in the vicinity of an industrial chemical pole and analysed for organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC), 47 trace elements and around 150 organic constituents. On average, OC and EC accounted for 25.2% and 11.4% of the PM2.5 mass, respectively. Organic compounds comprised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, anhydrosugars, phenolics, aromatic ketones, glycerol derivatives, aliphatic alcohols, sterols, and carboxyl groups, including aromatic, carboxylic and dicarboxylic acids. Enrichment factors > 100 were obtained for Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Sn, B, Se, Bi, Sb and Mo, showing the contribution of industrial emissions and nearby major roads. Principal component analysis revealed that vehicle, industrial and biomass burning emissions accounted for 66%, 11% and 9%, respectively, of the total PM2.5-bound PAHs. Some of the detected organic constituents are likely associated with plasticiser ingredients and thermal stabilisers used in the manufacture of PVC and other plastics in the industrial complex. Photooxidation products of both anthropogenic (e.g., toluene) and biogenic (e.g., isoprene and pinenes) precursors were also observed. It was estimated that biomass burning accounted for 13.8% of the PM2.5 concentrations and that secondary OC represented 37.6% of the total OC. The lifetime cancer risk from inhalation exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs was found to be negligible, but it exceeded the threshold of 10-6 for metal(loi)s, mainly due to Cr and As.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Alves
- Department of Environment, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Margarita Evtyugina
- Department of Environment, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Estela Vicente
- Department of Environment, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Vicente
- Department of Environment, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ismael Casotti Rienda
- Department of Environment, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Sánchez de la Campa
- Associate Unit CSIC-University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Centre for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, E21071 Huelva, Spain; Department of Mining, Mechanic, Energetic and Construction Engineering, ETSI, University of Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Mário Tomé
- PROMETHEUS, School of Technology and Management (ESTG), Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-348 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
| | - Iola Duarte
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Sánchez de la Campa A, García-Salamanca A, Solano J, de la Rosa J, Ramos JL. Chemical and microbiological characterization of atmospheric particulate matter during an intense African dust event in Southern Spain. Environ Sci Technol 2013; 47:3630-8. [PMID: 23484487 DOI: 10.1021/es3051235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the results of the physicochemical characterization of particulate matter associated with an important dust event from the Sahara area that occurred in the South of Spain in 2010. The chemical composition of the samples reflected the dominance of the crustal component of sand from the Sahara desert, although the presence of Mo, Ti, and V trace elements indicated that the dust contained industrial material; probably collected in its transport from Africa. Microbial biodiversity associated with the dust was low, but dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Some Firmicutes (belonging to the genus Bacillus and Sporosarcina) were cultured on solid and liquid medium, which suggested that the transported microbes were alive or present as spores that germinated under favorable conditions. These cultivable microbes in the form of spores were highly resistant to desiccation, heat, and UV light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sánchez de la Campa
- CIQSO-Associate Unit University of Huelva Atmospheric Pollution, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, E-21071 Huelva, Spain
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Alves CA, Gonçalves C, Mirante F, Nunes T, Evtyugina M, Sánchez de la Campa A, Rocha AC, Marques MC. Organic speciation of atmospheric particles in Alvão Natural Park (Portugal). Environ Monit Assess 2010; 168:321-337. [PMID: 19688603 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-1116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PM(10) continental rural background aerosols were collected during a summer field campaign (August-September 2006) at Lamas de Olo in the upper zone of the Alvão Natural Park, a mountain region of northern Portugal. In addition to the determination of the carbonaceous content by a thermal-optical method, the organic speciation of aerosols was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in an effort to evaluate photo-oxidation products of biogenic volatile organic compounds and other markers for source characterization. The detailed analysis revealed relatively high concentrations of polyols and short-chain dicarboxylic, tricarboxylic, hydroxycarboxylic, and oxocarboxylic acids, many of which are thought to be indicators of secondary aerosol formation, accounting for about 70% of global chromatographically resolved mass. Major photo-oxidation products of alpha- and beta-pinene have been detected. The tracers for the photo-oxidation of isoprene comprise two diastereoisomeric 2-methyltetrols, C(5)-alkene triols, and 2-methylglyceric acid, which have only recently been elucidated. In addition, the occurrence of levoglucosan and other biomass combustion tracers indicates that the site was affected by wildfires. This source contributed to more than 80% of the organic carbon mass during a period of strong forest fire influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Anjos Alves
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Alastuey A, Querol X, Plana F, Viana M, Ruiz CR, Sánchez de la Campa A, de la Rosa J, Mantilla E, García dos Santos S. Identification and chemical characterization of industrial particulate matter sources in southwest Spain. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 2006; 56:993-1006. [PMID: 16878590 DOI: 10.1080/10473289.2006.10464502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A detailed physical and chemical characterization of coarse particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the city of Huelva (in Southwestern Spain) was carried out during 2001 and 2002. To identify the major emission sources with a significant influence on PM10 and PM2.5, a methodology was developed based on the combination of: (1) real-time measurements of levels of PM10, PM2.5, and very fine particulate matter (PM1); (2) chemical characterization and source apportionment analysis of PM10 and PM2.5; and (3) intensive measurements in field campaigns to characterize the emission plumes of several point sources. Annual means of 37, 19, and 16 microg/m3 were obtained for the study period for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, respectively. High PM episodes, characterized by a very fine grain size distribution, are frequently detected in Huelva mainly in the winter as the result of the impact of the industrial emission plumes on the city. Chemical analysis showed that PM at Huelva is characterized by high PO4(3-) and As levels, as expected from the industrial activities. Source apportionment analyses identified a crustal source (36% of PM10 and 31% of PM2.5); a traffic-related source (33% of PM10 and 29% of PM2.5), and a marine aerosol contribution (only in PM10, 4%). In addition, two industrial emission sources were identified in PM10 and PM2.5: (1) a petrochemical source, 13% in PM10 and 8% in PM2.5; and (2) a mixed metallurgical-phosphate source, which accounts for 11-12% of PM10 and PM2.5. In PM2.5 a secondary source has been also identified, which contributed to 17% of the mass. A complete characterization of industrial emission plumes during their impact on the ground allowed for the identification of tracer species for specific point sources, such as petrochemical, metallurgic, and fertilizer and phosphate production industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Alastuey
- Institute of Earth Sciences "Jaume Almera," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
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