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Mohd Hanafiah Z, Wan Mohtar WHM, Abd Manan TS, Bachi NA, Abu Tahrim N, Abd Hamid HH, Ghanim A, Ahmad A, Wan Rasdi N, Abdul Aziz H. Determination and risk assessment of pharmaceutical residues in the urban water cycle in Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14719. [PMID: 36748091 PMCID: PMC9899055 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14719] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The environmental fate of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the urban water cycle is still uncertain and their status is mainly assessed based on specific water components and information on human risk assessments. This study (a) explores the environmental fate of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, IBU; naproxen, NAP; ketoprofen, KET; diazepam, DIA; and diclofenac, DIC) in the urban water cycle, including wastewater, river, and treated water via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GCMS), (b) assesses the efficiency of reducing the targeted NSAIDs in sewage treatment plant (STP) using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and (c) evaluates the ecological risk assessment of these drugs in the urban water cycle via teratogenic index (TI) and risk quotient (RQ). The primary receptor of contaminants comes from urban areas, as a high concentration of NSAIDs is detected (ranging from 5.87 × 103 to 7.18 × 104 ng/L). The percentage of NSAIDs removal in STP ranged from 25.6% to 92.3%. The NAP and KET were still detected at trace levels in treated water, indicating the persistent presence in the water cycle. The TI values for NAP and DIA (influent and effluent) were more than 1, showing a risk of a teratogenic effect. The IBU, KET, and DIC had values of less than 1, indicating the risk of lethal embryo effects. The NAP and DIA can be classified as Human Pregnancy Category C (2.1 > TI ≥ 0.76). This work proved that these drugs exist in the current urban water cycle, which could induce adverse effects on humans and the environment (RQ in high and low-risk categories). Therefore, they should be minimized, if not eliminated, from the primary sources of the pollutant (i.e., STPs). These pollutants should be considered a priority to be monitored, given focus to, and listed in the guideline due to their persistent presence in the urban water cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarimah Mohd Hanafiah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Wan Hanna Melini Wan Mohtar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia,Environmental Management Centre, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Teh Sabariah Abd Manan
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia,School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aina Bachi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Nurfaizah Abu Tahrim
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Abdulnoor Ghanim
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amirrudin Ahmad
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia,Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Wan Rasdi
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia,Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia
| | - Hamidi Abdul Aziz
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Zulkifli MFH, Hawari NSSL, Latif MT, Hamid HHA, Mohtar AAA, Idris WMRW, Mustaffa NIH, Juneng L. Volatile organic compounds and their contribution to ground-level ozone formation in a tropical urban environment. Chemosphere 2022; 302:134852. [PMID: 35533940 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the trends of volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations and their potential contribution to O3 formation. The hourly data (August 2017 to July 2018) for 29 VOCs were obtained from three Malaysian Department of Environment continuous air quality monitoring stations with different urban backgrounds (Shah Alam, Cheras, Seremban). The Ozone Formation Potential (OFP) was calculated based on the individual Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) and VOC concentrations. The results showed that the highest mean total VOC concentrations were recorded at Cheras (148 ± 123 μg m-3), within the Kuala Lumpur urban environment, followed by Shah Alam (124 ± 116 μg m-3) and Seremban (86.4 ± 89.2 μg m-3). VOCs such as n-butane, ethene, ethane and toluene were reported to be the most abundant species at all the selected stations, with overall mean concentrations of 16.6 ± 11.9 μg m-3, 12.1 ± 13.3 μg m-3, 10.8 ± 11.9 μg m-3 and 9.67 ± 9.00 μg m-3, respectively. Alkenes (51.3-59.1%) and aromatic hydrocarbons (26.4-33.5%) have been identified as the major contributors to O3 formation in the study areas based on the overall VOC measurements. Relative humidity was found to influence the concentrations of VOCs more than other meteorological parameters. Overall, this study will contribute to further understanding of the distribution of VOCs and their contribution to O3 formation, particularly in the tropical urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faizul Hilmi Zulkifli
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia; Air Division, Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Water, 62574, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Nor Syamimi Sufiera Limi Hawari
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, 60115, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Anis Asma Ahmad Mohtar
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Razi Wan Idris
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Nur Ili Hamizah Mustaffa
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Liew Juneng
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
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Hawari NSSL, Latif MT, Hamid HHA, Leng TH, Othman M, Mohtar AAA, Azhari A, Dominick D. The concentration of BTEX in selected urban areas of Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Urban Clim 2022; 45:101238. [PMID: 35855931 PMCID: PMC9276713 DOI: 10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are air pollutants that harm human health. This study aims to identify BTEX concentrations before the lockdown known as the Movement Control Order was imposed (BMCO), during the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), and then during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). These orders were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The study utilised data measured by the continuous monitoring of BTEX using online gas chromatography instruments located at three urban area stations. The results showed that the BTEX concentrations reduced by between -38% and -46% during the MCO compared to the BMCO period. The reduction of human mobility during the MCO and CMCO influenced the lower BTEX concentrations recorded at a station within the Kuala Lumpur area. The results of the BTEX diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis showed that the major source of BTEX, especially during the BMCO and CMCO periods, was motor vehicle emissions. Further investigation, using correlation analysis and polar plots, showed that the BTEX concentrations were also influenced by meteorological variables such as wind speed, air temperature and relative humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Syamimi Sufiera Limi Hawari
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, 60115 Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Teoh Hwai Leng
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anis Asma Ahmad Mohtar
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azliyana Azhari
- Monash Climate Change Communication Research Node, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Center for Research in Development, Social and Environment, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Doreena Dominick
- Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Uning R, Latif MT, Hamid HHA, Suratman S. A floating chamber system for VOC sea-to-air flux measurement near the sea surface. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 194:531. [PMID: 35760953 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10237-y] [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: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) form ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) in the atmosphere under favourable conditions. Biogenic VOC levels in the marine atmosphere are significantly lower compared with levels in the atmosphere above terrestrial ecosystems. However, much less is known about the marine biogenic VOC sea-to-air flux, specifically at the sea surface level. Therefore, here we describe a newly developed and cost-effective floating chamber system that has the capacity to measure the VOC sea-to-air flux near the sea surface (< 1 m). The floating chamber is coupled with adsorbent cartridges, and samples were analysed in the laboratory using commercial thermal desorption and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The structural performance of the floating flux chamber was evaluated, and it was shown to have the capacity to stay continuously afloat for up to 72 h in various conditions (e.g., rainy, windy) and with wave heights up to approximately 1 m in coastal waters. Preliminary measurements of isoprene (3-Methyl-1,2-butadiene) (C5H8) sea-to-air flux using the floating flux chamber in the coastal waters off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia found values in the region of 107 molecules/cm2/s, comparable with most published values based on various flux measurement techniques. We suggest the proposed floating chamber system could serve as a cost-effective VOC flux technique that allows measurements near the sea surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royston Uning
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Jamhari AA, Latif MT, Wahab MIA, Hassan H, Othman M, Abd Hamid HH, Tekasakul P, Phairuang W, Hata M, Furuchi M, Rajab NF. Seasonal variation and size distribution of inorganic and carbonaceous components, source identification of size-fractioned urban air particles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chemosphere 2022; 287:132309. [PMID: 34601373 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the inorganic and carbonaceous components depending on the seasonal variation and size distribution of urban air particles in Kuala Lumpur. Different fractions of particulate matter (PM) were measured using a Nanosampler from 17 February 2017 until 27 November 2017. The water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs) and carbonaceous components in all samples were analysed using ion chromatography and carbon analyser thermal/optical reflectance, respectively. Total PM concentration reached its peak during the southwest (SW) season (70.99 ± 6.04 μg/m3), and the greatest accumulation were observed at PM0.5-1.0 (22%-30%, 9.55 ± 1.03 μg/m3) and PM2.5-10 (22%-25%, 10.34 ± 0.81 μg/m3). SO42-, NO3- and NH4+ were major contributors of WSIIs, and their formation was favoured mainly during SW season (80.5% of total ions). PM0.5-1.0 and PM2.5-10 exhibited the highest percentage of WSII size distribution, accounted for 28.4% and 13.5% of the total mass, respectively. The average contribution of carbonaceous species (OC + EC) to total carbonaceous concentrations were higher in PM0.5-1.0 (35.2%) and PM2.5-10 (26.6%). Ultrafine particles (PM<0.1) consistently indicated that the sources were from vehicle emission while the SW season was constantly dominated by biomass burning sources. Using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, secondary inorganic aerosol and biomass burning (30.3%) was known as a significant source of overall PM. As a conclusion, ratio and source apportionment indicate the mixture of biomass burning, secondary inorganic aerosols and motor vehicle contributed to the size-segregated PM and seasonal variation of inorganic and carbonaceous components of urban air particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ahmad Jamhari
- Biomedical Science Program, Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (HCARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 20400, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ikram A Wahab
- Environmental Health and Industry Safety Program, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanashriah Hassan
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Perapong Tekasakul
- Air Pollution and Health Effect Research Center and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Worradorn Phairuang
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Mitsuhiko Hata
- Faculty of Geoscience and Civil Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Masami Furuchi
- Faculty of Geoscience and Civil Engineering, Institute of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan; Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Biomedical Science Program, Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (HCARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Hanafiah ZM, Wan Mohtar WHM, Abd Manan TS, Bachi' NA, Abu Tahrim N, Abd Hamid HH, Ghanim AAJ, Ahmad A, Wan Rasdi N, Abdul Aziz H. Determination and Risk Assessment of Pharmaceutical Residues in the Urban Water Cycle. SSRN Journal 2022. [DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4192414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Mohd Hanafiah Z, Wan Mohtar WHM, Abd Manan TSB, Bachi' NA, Abdullah NA, Abd Hamid HH, Beddu S, Mohd Kamal NL, Ahmad A, Wan Rasdi N. The occurrence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Malaysian urban domestic wastewater. Chemosphere 2022; 287:132134. [PMID: 34517236 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The water stream has been reported to contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), released from households and premises through discharge from Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). This research identifies commonly consumed NSAIDs namely ibuprofen (IBU), diclofenac (DIC), ketoprofen (KET) and naproxen (NAP) in the influent wastewater from two urban catchments (i.e. 2 STPs). We expand our focus to assess the efficiency of monomer (C18) and dimer (HLB) types of sorbents in the solid phase extraction method followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis and optimize model prediction of NSAIDs in the influent wastewater using I-Optimal design. The ecological risk assessment of the NSAIDs was evaluated. The HLB produced reliable analysis for all NSAIDs under study (STP1: 6.7 × 10-3 mg L-1 to 2.21 × 10-1 mg L-1, STP2: 1.40 × 10-4 mg L-1 to 9.72 × 10-2 mg L-1). The C18 however, selective to NAP. Based on the Pearson proximity matrices, the DICHLB can be a good indicator for IBUHLB (0.565), NAPC18 (0.721), NAPHLB (0.566), and KETHLB (0.747). The optimized model prediction for KET and NAP based on DIC are successfully validated. The risk quotients (RQ) values of NSAIDs were classified as high (RQ > 1), medium (RQ, 0.1-1) and low (RQ, 0.01-0.1) risks. The optimized models are beneficial for major NSAIDs (KET and NAP) monitoring in the influent wastewater of urban domestic area. An upgrade on the existing wastewater treatment infrastructure is recommended to counteract current water security situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarimah Mohd Hanafiah
- Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Wan Hanna Melini Wan Mohtar
- Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia.
| | - Teh Sabariah Binti Abd Manan
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, 21030, Malaysia.
| | - Nur Aina Bachi'
- Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azura Abdullah
- Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43600, Malaysia
| | - Salmia Beddu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43000, Malaysia
| | - Nur Liyana Mohd Kamal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43000, Malaysia
| | - Amirrudin Ahmad
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, 21030, Malaysia; Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, 21030, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Wan Rasdi
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, 21030, Malaysia; Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu Darul Iman, 21030, Malaysia
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8
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Uning R, Latif MT, Hamid HHA, Mohd Nadzir MS, Khan MF, Suratman S. Sea-to-Air Fluxes of Isoprene and Monoterpenes in the Coastal Upwelling Region of Peninsular Malaysia. ACS Earth Space Chem 2021; 5:3429-3436. [DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Royston Uning
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Md Firoz Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suhaimi Suratman
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
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Mohd Hanif N, Limi Hawari NSS, Othman M, Abd Hamid HH, Ahamad F, Uning R, Ooi MCG, Wahab MIA, Sahani M, Latif MT. Ambient volatile organic compounds in tropical environments: Potential sources, composition and impacts - A review. Chemosphere 2021; 285:131355. [PMID: 34710962 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely recognized to affect the environment and human health. This review provides a comprehensive presentation of the types and levels of VOCs, their sources and potential effects on human health and the environment based on past and current observations made at tropical sites. Isoprene was found to be the dominant biogenic VOC in the tropics. Tropical broad leaf evergreen trees are the main emitters of isoprene, making up more than 70% of the total emissions. The VOCs found in the tropical remote marine atmosphere included isoprene (>100 ppt), dimethyl sulfide (≤100 ppt) and halocarbons, i.e. bromoform (≤8.4 ppt), dibromomethane (≤2.7 ppt) and dibromochloromethane (≤1.6 ppt). VOCs such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) are the most monitored anthropogenic VOCs and are present mainly due to motor vehicles emissions. Additionally, biomass burning contributes to anthropogenic VOCs, especially high molecular weight VOCs, e.g. methanol and acetonitrile. The relative contributions of VOC species to ozone are determined through the level of the Ozone Formation Potential (OFP) of different species. Emissions of VOCs (e.g. very short-lived halogenated gases) in the tropics are capable of contributing to stratospheric ozone depletion. BTEX has been identified as the main types of VOCs that are associated with the cancer risk in urban areas in tropical regions. Finally, future studies related to VOCs in the tropics and their associated health risks are needed to address these concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norfazrin Mohd Hanif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nor Syamimi Sufiera Limi Hawari
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Ahamad
- AQ Expert Solutions, Jalan Dato Muda Linggi, Seremban, 70100, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Royston Uning
- Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Maggie Chel Gee Ooi
- Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ikram A Wahab
- Environmental Health and Industrial Safety Program, Center for Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mazrura Sahani
- Environmental Health and Industrial Safety Program, Center for Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Mohd Nadzir MS, Mohd Nor MZ, Mohd Nor MFF, A Wahab MI, Ali SHM, Otuyo MK, Abu Bakar MA, Saw LH, Majumdar S, Ooi MCG, Mohamed F, Hisham BA, Abd Hamid HH, Khaslan Z, Mohd Ariff N, Anuar J, Tok GR, Ya’akop NA, Mohd Meswan M. Risk Assessment and Air Quality Study during Different Phases of COVID-19 Lockdown in an Urban Area of Klang Valley, Malaysia. Sustainability 2021; 13:12217. [DOI: 10.3390/su132112217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on humans and the environment. In general, a positive impact can be seen on the environment, especially in regard to air quality. This positive impact on air quality around the world is a result of movement control orders (MCO) or lockdowns, which were carried out to reduce the cases of COVID-19 around the world. Nevertheless, data on the effects on air quality both during and post lockdown at local scales are still sparse. Here, we investigate changes in air quality during normal days, the MCOs (MCO 1, 2 and 3) and post MCOs, namely the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) in the Klang Valley region. In this study, we used the air sensor network AiRBOXSense that measures carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) at Petaling Jaya South (PJS), Kelana Jaya (KJ) and Kota Damansara (KD). The results showed that the daily average concentrations of CO and NO2 mostly decreased in the order of normal days > MCO (MCO 1, 2 and 3) > CMCO > RMCO. PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and O3 showed a decrease from the MCO to RMCO. PJS showed that air pollutant concentrations decreased from normal days to the lockdown phases. This clearly shows the effects of ‘work from home’ orders at all places in the PJS city. The greatest percentage reductions in air pollutants were observed during the change from normal days to MCO 1 (24% to 64%), while during MCO 1 to MCO 2, the concentrations were slightly increased during the changes of the lockdown phase, except for SO2 and NO2 over PJS. In KJ, most of the air pollutants decreased from MCO 1 to MCO 3 except for CO. However, the percentage reduction and increments of the gas pollutants were not consistent during the different phases of lockdown, and this effect was due to the sensor location—only 20 m from the main highway (vehicle emissions). The patterns of air pollutant concentrations over the KD site were similar to the PJS site; however, the percentage reduction and increases of PM2.5, O3, SO2 and CO were not consistent. We believe that local burning was the main contribution to these unstable patterns during the lockdown period. The cause of these different changes in concentrations may be due to the relaxation phases during the lockdown at each station, where most of the common activities, such as commuting and industrial activities changed in frequency from the MCO, CMCO and RMCO. Wind direction also affected the concentrations, for example, during the CMCO and RMCO, most of the pollutants were blowing in from the Southeast region, which mostly consists of a city center and industrial areas. There was a weak correlation between air pollutants and the temperature and relative humidity at all stations. Health risk assessment analysis showed that non-carcinogenic risk health quotient (HQ) values for the pollutants at all stations were less than 1, suggesting unlikely non-carcinogenic effects, except for SO2 (HQ > 1) in KJ. The air quality information showed that reductions in air pollutants can be achieved if traffic and industry emissions are strictly controlled.
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11
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Saw LH, Leo BF, Nor NSM, Yip CW, Ibrahim N, Hamid HHA, Latif MT, Lin CY, Nadzir MSM. Modeling aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from human-exhaled particles in a hospital ward. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:53478-53492. [PMID: 34036501 PMCID: PMC8148403 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14519-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into uncharted territory, leaving people feeling helpless in the face of an invisible threat of unknown duration that could adversely impact the national economic growths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the mouth or nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 through aerosols remains unclear. In this study, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) is used to complement the investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission through aerosol. The Lagrangian particle tracking method was used to analyze the dispersion of the exhaled particles from a SARS-CoV-2-positive patient under different exhale activities and different flow rates of chilled (cooling) air supply. Air sampling of the SARS-CoV-2 patient ward was conducted for 48-h measurement intervals to collect the indoor air sample for particulate with diameter less than 2.5 μm. Then, the reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to analyze the collected air sample. The simulation demonstrated that the aerosol transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an enclosed room (such as a hospital ward) is highly possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lip Huat Saw
- Lee Kong Chian, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bey Fen Leo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Norefrina Shafinaz Md Nor
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wai Yip
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nazlina Ibrahim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chin Yik Lin
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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12
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Othman M, Latif MT, Jamhari AA, Abd Hamid HH, Uning R, Khan MF, Mohd Nadzir MS, Sahani M, Abdul Wahab MI, Chan KM. Spatial distribution of fine and coarse particulate matter during a southwest monsoon in Peninsular Malaysia. Chemosphere 2021; 262:127767. [PMID: 32763576 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of PM2.5 and PM10 collected in four regions (North, Central, South and East Coast) of Peninsular Malaysia during the southwest monsoon. Concurrent measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 were performed using a high volume sampler (HVS) for 24 h (August to September 2018) collecting a total of 104 samples. All samples were then analysed for water soluble inorganic ions (WSII) using ion chromatography, trace metals using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results showed that the highest average PM2.5 concentration during the sampling campaign was in the North region (33.2 ± 5.3 μg m-3) while for PM10 the highest was in the Central region (38.6 ± 7.70 μg m-3). WSII recorded contributions of 22% for PM2.5 and 20% for PM10 mass, with SO42- the most abundant species with average concentrations of 1.83 ± 0.42 μg m-3 (PM2.5) and 2.19 ± 0.27 μg m-3 (PM10). Using a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, soil fertilizer (23%) was identified as the major source of PM2.5 while industrial activity (25%) was identified as the major source of PM10. Overall, the studied metals had hazard quotients (HQ) value of <1 indicating a very low risk of non-carcinogenic elements while the highest excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was recorded for Cr VI in the South region with values of 8.4E-06 (PM2.5) and 6.6E-05 (PM10). The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) calculated from the PAH concentrations was within the acceptable range for all regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anas Ahmad Jamhari
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Royston Uning
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Md Firoz Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mazrura Sahani
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ikram Abdul Wahab
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kok Meng Chan
- Centre for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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13
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Idris SA'A, Hanafiah MM, Khan MF, Hamid HHA. Indoor generated PM 2.5 compositions and volatile organic compounds: Potential sources and health risk implications. Chemosphere 2020; 255:126932. [PMID: 32402880 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential sources of heavy metals in fine air particles (PM2.5) and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and isomeric xylenes (BTEX) in gas phase indoor air. PM2.5 samples were collected using a low volume sampler. BTEX samples were collected using passive sampling onto sorbent tubes and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the lower and upper floors of the evaluated building, the concentrations of PM2.5 were 96.4 ± 2.70 μg/m3 and 80.2 ± 3.11 μg/m3, respectively. The compositions of heavy metals in PM2.5 were predominated by iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and aluminum (Al) with concentration of 500 ± 50.07 ng/m3, 466 ± 77.38 ng/m3, and 422 ± 147.38 ng/m3. A principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main sources of BTEX were originated from vehicle emissions and exacerbate because of temperature variations. Hazard quotient results for BTEX showed that the compounds were below acceptable limits and thus did not possess potential carcinogenic risks. However, a measured output of lifetime cancer probability revealed that benzene and ethylbenzene posed definite carcinogenic risks. Pollutants that originated from heavy traffic next to the sampling site contributed to the indoor pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Amira 'Ainaa' Idris
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Marlia M Hanafiah
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia; Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Md Firoz Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
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Hamid HHA, Latif MT, Uning R, Nadzir MSM, Khan MF, Ta GC, Kannan N. Observations of BTEX in the ambient air of Kuala Lumpur by passive sampling. Environ Monit Assess 2020; 192:342. [PMID: 32382809 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08311-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are well known hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to their human health risks and photochemical effects. The main objective of this study was to estimate BTEX levels and evaluate interspecies ratios and ozone formation potentials (OFP) in the ambient air of urban Kuala Lumpur (KL) based on a passive sampling method with a Tenax® GR adsorbent tube. Analysis of BTEX was performed using a thermal desorption (TD)-gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS). OFP was calculated based on the Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR). Results from this study showed that the average total BTEX during the sampling period was 66.06 ± 2.39 μg/m3. Toluene (27.70 ± 0.97 μg/m3) was the highest, followed by m,p-xylene (13.87 ± 0.36 μg/m3), o-xylene (11.49 ± 0.39 μg/m3), ethylbenzene (8.46 ± 0.34 μg/m3) and benzene (3.86 ± 0.31 μg/m3). The ratio of toluene to benzene (T:B) is > 7, suggesting that VOCs in the Kuala Lumpur urban environment are influenced by vehicle emissions and other anthropogenic sources. The average of ozone formation potential (OFP) value from BTEX was 278.42 ± 74.64 μg/m3 with toluene and xylenes being the major contributors to OFP. This study also indicated that the average of benzene concentration in KL was slightly lower than the European Union (EU)-recommended health limit value for benzene of 5 μg/m3 annual exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Institute for Environmental and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Royston Uning
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Md Firoz Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Goh Choo Ta
- Institute for Environmental and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Narayanan Kannan
- Smart Green Consultancy Sdn Bhd, 20A Jalan Ipoh Kecil, Off Jalan Ipoh, 50350, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Othman M, Latif MT, Yee CZ, Norshariffudin LK, Azhari A, Halim NDA, Alias A, Sofwan NM, Hamid HHA, Matsumi Y. PM 2.5 and ozone in office environments and their potential impact on human health. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2020; 194:110432. [PMID: 32169727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is important to have good indoor air quality, especially in indoor office environments, in order to enhance productivity and maintain good work performance. This study investigated the effects of indoor office activities on particulate matter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) concentrations, assessing their potential impact on human health. Measurements of indoor PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were taken every 24 h during the working days in five office environments located in a semi-urban area. As a comparison, the outdoor concentrations were derived from the nearest Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Station. The results showed that the average 24 h of indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were 3.24 ± 0.82 μg m-3 and 17.4 ± 3.58 μg m-3 respectively, while for O3 they were 4.75 ± 4.52 ppb and 21.5 ± 5.22 ppb respectively. During working hours, the range of PM2.5 concentrations were 1.00 μg m-3 to 6.10 μg m-3 while for O3 they were 0.10 ppb to 38.0 ppb. The indoor to outdoor ratio (I/O) for PM2.5 and O3 was <1, thus indicating a low infiltration of outdoor sources. The value of the hazard quotient (HQ) for all sampling buildings was <1 for both chronic and acute exposures, indicating that the non-carcinogenic risks are negligible. Higher total cancer risk (CR) value for outdoors (2.67E-03) was observed compared to indoors (4.95E-04) under chronic exposure while the CR value for acute exposure exceeded 1.0E-04, thus suggesting a carcinogenic PM2.5 risk for both the indoor and outdoor environments. The results of this study suggest that office activities, such as printing and photocopying, affect indoor O3 concentrations while PM2.5 concentrations are impacted by indoor-related contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murnira Othman
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Talib Latif
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chong Zin Yee
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lina Khalida Norshariffudin
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azliyana Azhari
- UKMPakarunding Sdn. Bhd, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Diana Abdul Halim
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azwani Alias
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurzawani Md Sofwan
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Branch, Samarahan Campus, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yutaka Matsumi
- Institute for Space-Earth Environment Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Latif MT, Abd Hamid HH, Ahamad F, Khan MF, Mohd Nadzir MS, Othman M, Sahani M, Abdul Wahab MI, Mohamad N, Uning R, Poh SC, Fadzil MF, Sentian J, Tahir NM. BTEX compositions and its potential health impacts in Malaysia. Chemosphere 2019; 237:124451. [PMID: 31394440 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the composition of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) and assess the risk to health at different sites in Malaysia. Continuous monitoring of BTEX in Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Hill were conducted using Online Gas Chromatograph. For comparison, BTEX at selected hotspot locations were determined by active sampling method using sorbent tubes and Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic and the life-time cancer risk (LTCR) of BTEX were calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) health risk assessment (HRA) methods. The results showed that the highest total BTEX concentrations using continuous monitoring were recorded in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (49.56 ± 23.71 μg/m3). Toluene was the most dominant among the BTEX compounds. The average concentrations of benzene ranged from 0.69 ± 0.45 μg/m3 to 6.20 ± 3.51 μg/m3. Measurements using active sampling showed that BTEX concentrations dominated at the roadside (193.11 ± 114.57 μg/m3) in comparison to petrol station (73.08 ± 30.41 μg/m3), petrochemical industry (32.10 ± 13.13 μg/m3) and airport (25.30 ± 6.17 μg/m3). Strong correlations among BTEX compounds (p<0.01, r>0.7) at Kuala Lumpur City Centre showed that BTEX compounds originated from similar sources. The values of HQ at all stations were <1 indicating the non-carcinogenic risk are negligible and do not pose threats to human health. The LTCR value based on benzene inhalation (1.59 × 10-5) at Kuala Lumpur City Centre were between 1 × 10-4 and 1 × 10-5, representing a probable carcinogenic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Talib Latif
- School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid
- School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Ahamad
- Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Md Firoz Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
- School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia; Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Murnira Othman
- School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mazrura Sahani
- Centre for Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ikram Abdul Wahab
- Centre for Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noorlin Mohamad
- Environmental Research Group, School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Royston Uning
- School of Environment and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Seng Chee Poh
- Environmental Research Group, School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Fais Fadzil
- Environmental Research Group, School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Justin Sentian
- Faculty Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Md Tahir
- Environmental Research Group, School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
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17
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Hamid HHA, Latif MT, Nadzir MSM, Uning R, Khan MF, Kannan N. Ambient BTEX levels over urban, suburban and rural areas in Malaysia. Air Qual Atmos Health 2019; 12:341-351. [DOI: 10.1007/s11869-019-00664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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