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Bhat MA, Eraslan FN, Awad A, Malkoç S, Üzmez ÖÖ, Döğeroğlu T, Gaga EO. Investigation of indoor and outdoor air quality in a university campus during COVID-19 lock down period. Build Environ 2022; 219:109176. [PMID: 35599669 PMCID: PMC9116033 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 currently shadows the world; the whole earth has been on an unprecedented lockdown. Social distancing among people interrupted domestic and international air traffic, suspended industrial productions and economic activities, and had various far-reaching and undetermined implications on air quality. Improvement in air quality has been reported in many cities during the lockdown. On March 22, 2020, the Turkish government enforced strict lockdown measures to reduce coronavirus disease transmission. This lockdown had a significant impact on the movement of people within the country, which resulted in a major drop in worldwide commercial activities. During this period, university campuses were emptied due to the transition to distance education. In this study, various air pollutants sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), total bacteria, and total fungi were measured in different indoor environments at Eskişehir Technical University Campus in Eskişehir, Turkey during COVID-19 lock down period. Also, to calculate the indoor and outdoor ratios (I/O) of the pollutants, simultaneous outdoor measurements were also carried out. The average indoor SO2, NO2, O3, and PM2.5 concentrations in different indoor environments ranged between 2.10 and 54.58, 1.36-30.89, 12.01-39.05, and 21-94 μg/m3, respectively. The total number of bacteria and fungi ranged between 21.83-514.15 and 13.10-83.36 CFU/m3, respectively. Our study intends to give a glimpse to quantify the impact of a pandemic on air quality in different indoor environments in a university campus in Eskişehir, Turkey and calls for follow-up studies. Indoor concentrations were evaluated together with outdoor concentrations. In general, it can be said that the calculated I/O ratios for SO2, NO2, O3, bacteria, and fungi were less than 1 in most indoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Nur Eraslan
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Alaa Awad
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoç
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
- Eskişehir Technical University, Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
- Eskişehir Technical University, Environmental Research Center (ÇEVMER), 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
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2
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Dörter M, Mağat-Türk E, Döğeroğlu T, Özden-Üzmez Ö, Gaga EO, Karakaş D, Yenisoy-Karakaş S. An assessment of spatial distribution and atmospheric concentrations of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes: ozone formation potential and health risk estimation in Bolu city of Turkey. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:53569-53583. [PMID: 35288854 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric pollutants including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) compounds were evaluated concerning their spatial distribution, temporal variation, and health risk factor. Bolu plateau where sampling was performed has a densely populated city center, semi-rural areas, and forested areas. Additionally, the ozone formation potentials of BTEXs were calculated, and toluene was found to be the most important compound in ground level ozone formation. The spatial distribution of BTEXs and nitrogen dioxide pollution maps showed that their concentrations were higher around the major roads and city center, while rural-forested areas were found to be rich in ozone. BTEXs and nitrogen dioxide were found to have higher atmospheric concentrations in winter. That was mostly related to the source strength and low mixing height during that season. The average toluene to benzene ratios demonstrated that there was a significant influence of traffic emissions in the region. Although there was no significant change in sulfur dioxide concentrations in the summer and winter seasons of 2017, the differences in the spatial distribution showed that seasonal sources such as domestic heating and intensive outdoor barbecue cooking were effective in the atmospheric presence of this pollutant. The lifetime cancer risk through inhalation of benzene was found to be comparable with the limit value (1 × 10-6) recommended by USEPA. On the other hand, hazard ratios for BTEXs were found at an acceptable level for different outdoor environments (villages, roadside, and city center) for both seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Dörter
- Department of Property Protection and Safety, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14900, Bolu, Türkiye
- Department of Chemistry, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14030, Bolu, Türkiye
| | - Esra Mağat-Türk
- Department of Chemistry, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14030, Bolu, Türkiye
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Özden-Üzmez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, 26555, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Duran Karakaş
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14030, Bolu, Türkiye
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Kayalar Ö, Arı A, Babuççu G, Konyalılar N, Doğan Ö, Can F, Şahin ÜA, Gaga EO, Levent Kuzu S, Arı PE, Odabaşı M, Taşdemir Y, Sıddık Cindoruk S, Esen F, Sakın E, Çalışkan B, Tecer LH, Fıçıcı M, Altın A, Onat B, Ayvaz C, Uzun B, Saral A, Döğeroğlu T, Malkoç S, Üzmez ÖÖ, Kunt F, Aydın S, Kara M, Yaman B, Doğan G, Olgun B, Dokumacı EN, Güllü G, Uzunpınar ES, Bayram H. Existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient particulate matter samples: A nationwide study in Turkey. Sci Total Environ 2021; 789:147976. [PMID: 34058581 PMCID: PMC8144095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been affecting the world since the end of 2019. The disease led to significant mortality and morbidity in Turkey, since the first case was reported on March 11th, 2020. Studies suggest a positive association between air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ambient particulate matters (PM), as potential carriers for SARS-CoV-2. Ambient PM samples in various size ranges were collected from 13 sites including urban and urban-background locations and hospital gardens in 10 cities across Turkey between 13th of May and 14th of June 2020 to investigate the possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient PM. A total of 203 daily samples (TSP, n = 80; PM2.5, n = 33; PM2.5-10, n = 23; PM10μm, n = 19; and 6 size segregated PM, n = 48) were collected using various samplers. The N1 gene and RdRP gene expressions were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to real time (RT)-PCR and three-dimensional (3D) digital (d) PCR analysis, dual RdRP and N1 gene positivity were detected in 20 (9.8%) samples. Ambient PM-bound SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed quantitatively and the air concentrations of the virus ranged from 0.1 copies/m3 to 23 copies/m3. The highest percentages of virus detection on PM samples were from hospital gardens in Tekirdağ, Zonguldak, and Istanbul, especially in PM2.5 mode. Findings of this study have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may be transported by ambient particles, especially at sites close to the infection hot-spots. However, whether this has an impact on the spread of the virus infection remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özgecan Kayalar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Akif Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy Campus, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Gizem Babuççu
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Konyalılar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Doğan
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Füsun Can
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ülkü A Şahin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - S Levent Kuzu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering Faculty, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pelin Ertürk Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy Campus, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Odabaşı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yücel Taşdemir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - S Sıddık Cindoruk
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Fatma Esen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Egemen Sakın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Burak Çalışkan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Lokman H Tecer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Çorlu Faculty of Engineering, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Merve Fıçıcı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Çorlu Faculty of Engineering, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Altın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Burcu Onat
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Coşkun Ayvaz
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Uzun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arslan Saral
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering Faculty, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoç
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kunt
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Senar Aydın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Melik Kara
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Barış Yaman
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Güray Doğan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bihter Olgun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ebru N Dokumacı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gülen Güllü
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elif S Uzunpınar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Gaga EO, Arı A, Akyol N, Üzmez ÖÖ, Kara M, Chow JC, Watson JG, Özel E, Döğeroğlu T, Odabasi M. Determination of real-world emission factors of trace metals, EC, OC, BTEX, and semivolatile organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs and PCNs) in a rural tunnel in Bilecik, Turkey. Sci Total Environ 2018; 643:1285-1296. [PMID: 30189545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A field study was performed in a rural tunnel to determine pollutant concentrations, sources and on road vehicle emission factors (EFs) of particulate matter, trace metals, elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes (BTEX), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Emission factors (EFs) for polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were also determined. A 12-day extensive sampling campaign during morning and afternoon periods at inlet and exit stations of the tunnel was conducted. Morphology of the particles was also investigated by Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM). Correlation analysis, factor analysis and diagnostic PAH ratios were utilized to identify emission sources of trace metals. Identified sources include brake wear (33%), resuspension of road dust (15%), tyre wear (12%), exhaust emissions (10%), and lubricants (9%). Based on the PAH diagnostic ratios, major sources of PAHs were estimated as diesel emissions. EFs were comparable with the literature and varied from 31.5 to 295.4 mg vehicle-1 km-1 with an average of 129.2 ± 80 mg vehicle-1 km-1 for PM2.5. PM2.5-10 EFs varied between 15.9 and 236.1 mg vehicle-1 km-1 with an average of 96 ± 30 mg vehicle-1 km-1. Average EC EFs were 40.3 ± 9.8 mg vehicle-1 km-1 for PM2.5 samples and 19.5 ± 0.5 mg vehicle-1 km-1 for PM2.5-10 samples while OC EFs were 33.7 ± 18 and 15.5 ± 8.4 mg vehicle-1 km-1 for fine and coarse particles, respectively. EFs of elements were generally 2 (Al) to 59 (Mg) times higher than those previously reported in the literature. Compared to literature, relatively higher EFs for Σ13PAHs (range: 48.1-168 μg vehicle-1 km-1, average: 84.3 ± 46.4 μg vehicle-1 km-1) were obtained. BTEX emission factors were in the range of 4.2 ± 4.7 mg vehicle-1 km-1 (m + p-xylene) and 16.7 ± 10.5 mg vehicle-1 km-1 (toluene). Average EFs for ΣPCBs and ΣPCNs were 12.06 ± 5.3 μg vehicle-1 km-1 and 88.9 ± 70.4 ng vehicle-1 km-1, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Akif Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Nesimi Akyol
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Melik Kara
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Judith C Chow
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512, USA
| | - John G Watson
- Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno, NV 89512, USA
| | - Emel Özel
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Odabasi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylul University, Tinaztepe Campus, 35160 Buca, İzmir, Turkey
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Bozkurt Z, O Gaga E, Taşpınar F, Arı A, Pekey B, Pekey H, Döğeroğlu T, Özden Üzmez Ö. Atmospheric ambient trace element concentrations of PM10 at urban and sub-urban sites: source apportionment and health risk estimation. Environ Monit Assess 2018; 190:168. [PMID: 29476395 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6517-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, PM10 concentrations and elemental (Al, Fe, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Pb, and Bi) contents of particles were determined in Düzce, Turkey. The particulate matter samplings were carried out in the winter and summer seasons simultaneously in both urban and sub-urban sampling sites. The average PM10 concentration measured in the winter season was 86.4 and 27.3 μg/m3, respectively, in the urban and sub-urban sampling sites, while it was measured as 53.2 and 34.7 μg/m3 in the summer season. According to the results, it was observed that the PM10 levels and the element concentrations reached higher levels, especially at the urban sampling site, in the winter season. The positive matrix factorization model (PMF) was applied to the data set for source apportionment. Analysis with the PMF model revealed six factors for both the urban (coal combustion, traffic, oil combustion, industry, biomass combustion, and soil) and sub-urban (industry, oil combustion, traffic, road dust, soil resuspension, domestic heating) sampling sites. Loadings of grouped elements on these factors showed that the major sources of the elements in the atmosphere of Düzce were traffic, fossil fuel combustion, and metal industry-related emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Bozkurt
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Düzce University, 81620, Düzce, Turkey.
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Fatih Taşpınar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Düzce University, 81620, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Akif Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Beyhan Pekey
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hakan Pekey
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Altuğ H, Gaga EO, Döğeroğlu T, Brunekreef B, Hoek G, Van Doorn W. Effects of ambient air pollution on respiratory tract complaints and airway inflammation in primary school children. Sci Total Environ 2014; 479-480:201-9. [PMID: 24561926 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.01.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory health effects of ambient air pollution were studied in 605 school children 9 to 13 years in Eskişehir, Turkey. Each child performed a fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement and a lung function test (LFT). Self-reported respiratory tract complaints (having cold, complaints of throat, runny nose and shortness of breath/wheezing) in the last 7 days and on the day of testing were also recorded. As acute health outcomes were investigated, weekly average ambient concentrations of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were determined by passive sampling in the school playgrounds simultaneously with the health survey. Effects of air pollution on respiratory tract complaints and exhaled NO/lung function were estimated by multivariate logistic regression and multivariate linear mixed effects models, respectively. Upper respiratory tract complaints were significantly (p<0.05) associated with weekly average O3 concentrations during the health survey (adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.21 and 1.28 for a 10 μgm(-3) increment for having cold and a runny nose on day of testing, respectively). FENO levels were significantly (p<0.05) increased in children with various upper respiratory tract complaints (ratio in FENO varied between 1.16 and 1.40). No significant change in FENO levels was detected in association with any of the measured pollutants (p ≥ 0.05). Lung function was not associated with upper respiratory tract complaints and FENO levels. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) levels were negatively associated with weekly average O3 levels for children without upper respiratory tract complaints. In summary, elevated levels of air pollutants increased respiratory tract complaints in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicran Altuğ
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Bert Brunekreef
- IRAS Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerard Hoek
- IRAS Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
| | - Wim Van Doorn
- Royal Haskoning, Business line Industry and Energy, P.O. Box 151, 6500 AD Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Demirel G, Ozden O, Döğeroğlu T, Gaga EO. Personal exposure of primary school children to BTEX, NO₂ and ozone in Eskişehir, Turkey: relationship with indoor/outdoor concentrations and risk assessment. Sci Total Environ 2014; 473-474:537-548. [PMID: 24388904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Personal exposures of 65 primary school children to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes (BTEX), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) were measured during 24h by using organic vapor monitors and tailor-made passive samplers. Two schools were selected to represent students living in more polluted (urban) and less polluted (sub-urban) areas in the city of Eskişehir, Turkey. The pollutant concentrations were also measured in indoor and outdoor environments during the personal sampling to investigate the contribution of each micro-environment on measured personal concentrations. Socio-demographic and personal time-activity data were collected by means of questionnaires and half-hour-time resolution activity diaries. Personal exposure concentrations were found to be correlated with indoor home concentrations. Personal, indoor and outdoor concentrations of all studied pollutants except for ozone were found to be higher for the students living at the urban traffic site. Ozone, on the other hand, had higher concentrations at the sub-urban site for all three types of measurements (personal, indoor and outdoor). Analysis of the questionnaire data pointed out to environmental tobacco smoke, use of solvent based products, and petrol station nearby as factors that affect personal exposure concentrations. Cancer and non-cancer risks were estimated using the personal exposure concentrations. The mean cancer risk for the urban school children (1.7×10(-5)) was found to be higher than the sub-urban school children (0.88×10(-5)). Children living with smoking parents had higher risk levels (1.7×10(-5)) than children living with non-smoking parents (1.08×10(-5)). Overall, the risk levels were <1×10(-4). All hazard quotient values for BTEX for the non-cancer health effects were <1 based on the calculations EPA's Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) part F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülçin Demirel
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Ozden
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
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Demircigil GÇ, Erdem O, Gaga EO, Altuğ H, Demirel G, Özden Ö, Arı A, Örnektekin S, Döğeroğlu T, van Doorn W, Burgaz S. Cytogenetic biomonitoring of primary school children exposed to air pollutants: micronuclei analysis of buccal epithelial cells. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:1197-1207. [PMID: 23884878 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing attempt in the world to determine the exposures of children to environmental chemicals. To analyze the genotoxic effect of air pollution, micronucleus (MN) assay was carried out in buccal epithelial cells (BECs) of children living in an urban city of Turkey. Children from two schools at urban-traffic and suburban sites were investigated in summer and winter seasons for the determination of BEC-MN frequency (per mille) and frequency of BEC with MN (per mille). The same children were also recruited for lung function measurements within a MATRA project ("Together Towards Clean Air in Eskisehir and Iskenderun") Measured NO2 and SO2 concentrations did not exceed the European Union (EU) limit levels either in urban-traffic or suburban regions. Higher O3 concentrations were measured in the suburban site especially in the summer period. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels which did not differ statistically between two regions were above the EU limits in general. Although BEC-MN frequencies of children living in the suburban sites were higher in general, the difference between two regions was not significant either in the summer or winter periods. BEC-MN frequencies of the urban-traffic children were found to be significantly higher in summer period (mean ± SD, 2.68 ± 1.99) when compared to winter period (1.64 ± 1.59; p = 0.004). On the other hand, no seasonality was observed for the suburban children. Similar results have been obtained in the BEC frequency with MN in our study. In summer, BEC-MN frequencies were significantly increased with the decrease in pulmonary function levels based on forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75%) levels (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, children living in urban-traffic and suburban areas in the city of Eskişehir exhibited similar genotoxicity. Seasonal variation in genotoxicity may be interpreted as relatively high ozone levels and increasing time spent at outdoors in the summer.
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Altuğ H, Gaga EO, Döğeroğlu T, Ozden O, Ornektekin S, Brunekreef B, Meliefste K, Hoek G, Van Doorn W. Effects of air pollution on lung function and symptoms of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in primary school children. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2013; 20:6455-6467. [PMID: 23591930 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1674-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Health effects of ambient air pollution were studied in three groups of schoolchildren living in areas (suburban, urban and urban-traffic) with different air pollution levels in Eskişehir, Turkey. This study involved 1,880 students aged between 9 and 13 years from 16 public primary schools. This two-season study was conducted from January 2008 through March 2009. Symptoms of asthma, rhinitis and eczema were determined by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire in 2008. Two lung function tests were performed by each child for summer and winter seasons with simultaneous ambient air measurements of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by passive sampling. Effects of air pollution on impaired lung function and symptoms in schoolchildren were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Girls with impaired lung function (only for the summer season evaluation) were more observed in suburban and urban areas when compared to urban-traffic area ([odds ratio (OR) = 1.49; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04-2.14] and [OR = 1.69 (95 % CI 1.06-2.71)] for suburban vs. urban-traffic and urban vs. urban-traffic, respectively). Significant association between ambient ozone concentrations and impaired lung function (for an increase of 10 μg m(-3)) was found only for girls for the summer season evaluation [OR = 1.11 (95 % CI 1.03-1.19)]. No association was found for boys and for the winter season evaluation. No association was found between any of the measured air pollutants and symptoms of current wheeze, current rhinoconjunctivitis and current itchy rash. The results of this study showed that increasing ozone concentrations may cause a sub-acute impairment in lung function of school aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicran Altuğ
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey.
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Gaga EO, Döğeroğlu T, Ozden O, Ari A, Yay OD, Altuğ H, Akyol N, Ornektekin S, Van Doorn W. Evaluation of air quality by passive and active sampling in an urban city in Turkey: current status and spatial analysis of air pollution exposure. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2012; 19:3579-3596. [PMID: 22535226 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), ozone (O(3)), particulate matter (PM(2.5) and PM(10)), trace metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 2008 and 2009 in the city of Eskişehir, central Turkey. Spatial distributions of NO(2), SO(2), and ozone were determined by passive sampling campaigns carried out during two different seasons with fairly large spatial coverage. A basic population exposure assessment was carried out employing Geographical Information System techniques by combining population density maps with pollutant distribution maps of NO(2) and SO(2). It was found that 95 % of the population is exposed to NO(2) levels close to the World Health Organization guideline value. Regarding SO(2), a large proportion of the population (83 %) is exposed to levels above the WHO second interim target value. Concentrations of all the pollutants showed a seasonal pattern increasing in winter period, except for ozone having higher concentrations in summer season. Daily PM(10) and PM(2.5) concentrations exceeded European Union limit values almost every sampling day. Toxic fractions of the measured PAHs were calculated and approximately fourfold increase was observed in winter period. Copper, Pb, Sn, As, Cd, Zn, Sb, and Se were found to be moderately to highly enriched in PM(10) fraction, indicating anthropogenic input to those elements measured. Exposure assessment results indicate the need for action to reduce pollutant emissions especially in the city center. Passive sampling turns out to be a practical and economical tool for air quality assessment with large spatial coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
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Ozden O, Döğeroğlu T. Performance evaluation of a tailor-made passive sampler for monitoring of tropospheric ozone. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2012; 19:3200-3209. [PMID: 22392689 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-0825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study presents the performance evaluation of a tailor-made passive sampler developed for the monitoring of tropospheric ozone. METHODS The performance of the passive sampler was tested in the field conditions in terms of accuracy, precision, blank values, detection limit, effects of some parameters such as sampling site characteristics and sampling period on the field blanks, self-consistency, experimental and theoretical uptake rates, shelf life and comparison with commercial passive samplers. RESULTS There was an agreement (R (2) = 0.84) between the responses of passive sampler and the continuous automatic analyser. The accuracy of the sampler, expressed as percent relative error, was obtained lower than 15%. Method precision in terms of coefficient of variance for three simultaneously applied passive samplers was 12%. Sampler detection limit was 2.42 μg m(-3) for an exposure period of 1 week, and the sampler can be stored safely for a period of up to 8 weeks before exposure. Satisfactory self-consistency results showed that extended periods gave the same integrated response as a series of short-term samplers run side by side. The uptake rate of ozone was found to be 10.21 mL min(-1) in a very good agreement with the theoretical uptake rate (10.32 mL min(-1)). The results of the comparison study conducted against a commercially available diffusion tube (Gradko diffusion tube) showed a good linear relationship (R (2) = 0.93) between two passive samplers. CONCLUSIONS The sampler seems suitable to be used in large-scale measurements of ozone where no data are available or the number of existing automated monitors is not sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ozden
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey.
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Gaga EO, Ari A, Döğeroğlu T, Çakırca EE, Machin NE. Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an industrialized city, Kocaeli, Turkey: study of seasonal variations, influence of meteorological parameters and health risk estimation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2219-29. [PMID: 22699796 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30118k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Ambient gas and particle phase samples were collected during two sampling periods from a residential area of an industrialized city, Kocaeli, Turkey. The sampling occurred during winter months when structures were being heated, and summer months when structures were not being heated. Σ(13)PAH (gas + particle) concentrations ranged between 6.2 ng m(-3) (DahA) and 98.6 ng m(-3) (Phe) in the heating (winter) period and 3.0 ng m(-3) (BaA) and 35.1 ng m(-3) (Phe) in the non-heating (summer) period. Phe, Flt and Pyr were found to be at high concentrations in both sampling periods. Winter time to summer time concentration ratios for individual ambient PAH concentration ratios ranged between 1.2 (DahA) and 17.5 (Flu), indicating the effect of the emissions from residential heating on measured concentrations of PAHs, but great industrial plants and the only incinerator facility of Turkey are other important pollution sources around the city. Temperature dependence of gas phase PAHs was investigated using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. A high slope obtained (5069.7) indicated the effect of the local sources on measured gas phase PAHs. Correlation of the supercooled vapor pressure (P) with the gas particle partitioning coefficient (K(p)) and particle phase fraction was also evaluated. The relationship between the meteorological parameters and individual PAH (gas + particle) concentrations was investigated further by multiple linear regression analysis. It was found that the temperature had a significant effect on all of the measured PAH concentrations, while the effects of the wind speed and direction were not significant on the individual PAHs. On the other hand, PAH concentrations showed a strong linear relationship with the ventilation coefficient (VC) which showed the influence of local sources on measured PAHs. Benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent (BaP(eq.)) concentrations were used for health risk assessment purposes. The winter period risk level (2.92 × 10(-3)) due to the respiratory exposure to PAHs was found to be almost 3 times higher than in the summer period (1.15 × 10(-3)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftade O Gaga
- Anadolu University, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26470, Eskisehir, Turkey.
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Gül H, Gaga EO, Döğeroğlu T, Özden Ö, Ayvaz Ö, Özel S, Güngör G. Respiratory health symptoms among students exposed to different levels of air pollution in a Turkish city. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2011; 8:1110-25. [PMID: 21695031 PMCID: PMC3118880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8041110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of respiratory health symptoms among high school students attending schools at industrial, urban and rural areas in a Turkish city. Three schools located in different zones of the city having different pollution characteristics were chosen based on the pollutant distribution maps using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 667 high school students in the schools. Outdoor and indoor nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and ozone (O(3)) concentrations were also measured by passive samplers in the same schools to investigate possible routes of exposure. Chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11-1.99; p = 0.008), tightness in the chest (OR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.22-2.02; p = 0.001), morning cough (OR = 1.81 95%CI: 1.19-2.75; p = 0.006) were higher among students in the industrial zone where nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels were also highest. There were no indoor sources of nitrogen dioxide and ozone exists in the schools except for the dining hall. As a conclusion, this study has noticed that air pollution and respiratory health problems among high school students are high in industrial zones and the use of passive samplers combined with GIS is an effective tool that may be used by public health researchers to identify pollutant zones and persons at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hülya Gül
- Public Health Department, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093, Çapa, Istanbul, Turkey; E-Mails: (Ö.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Eftade O. Gaga
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey; E-Mails: (E.O.G.); (T.D.); (Ö.Ö.)
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey; E-Mails: (E.O.G.); (T.D.); (Ö.Ö.)
| | - Özlem Özden
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Anadolu University, İki Eylül Campus, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey; E-Mails: (E.O.G.); (T.D.); (Ö.Ö.)
| | - Özkan Ayvaz
- Public Health Department, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093, Çapa, Istanbul, Turkey; E-Mails: (Ö.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Sevda Özel
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34390, Çapa, Istanbul, Turkey; E-Mail: (S.Ö.)
| | - Günay Güngör
- Public Health Department, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34093, Çapa, Istanbul, Turkey; E-Mails: (Ö.A.); (G.G.)
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Abstract
This paper presents an assessment of air quality of the city Eskişehir, located 230 km southwest to the capital of Turkey. Only five of the major air pollutants, most studied worldwide and available for the region, were considered for the assessment. Available sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), ozone (O(3)), and non-methane volatile organic carbons (NMVOCs) data from local emission inventory studies provided relative source contributions of the selected pollutants to the region. The contributions of these typical pollution parameters, selected for characterizing such an urban atmosphere, were compared with the data established for other cities in the nation and world countries. Additionally, regional ambient SO(2) and PM concentrations, determined by semi-automatic monitoring at two sites, were gathered from the National Ambient Air Monitoring Network (NAAMN). Regional data for ambient NO(2) (as a precursor of ozone as VOCs) and ozone concentrations, through the application of the passive sampling method, were provided by the still ongoing local air quality monitoring studies conducted at six different sites, as representatives of either the traffic-dense-, or coal/natural gas burning residential-, or industrial/rural-localities of the city. Passively sampled ozone data at a single rural site were also verified with the data from a continuous automatic ozone monitoring system located at that site. Effects of variations in seasonal-activities, newly established railway system, and switching to natural gas usage on the temporal changes of air quality were all considered for the assessment. Based on the comparisons with the national [AQCR (Air Quality Control Regulation). Ministry of Environment (MOE), Ankara. Official Newspaper 19269; 1986.] and a number of international [WHO (World Health Organization). Guidelines for Air Quality. Geneva; 2000. Downloaded in January 2006, website: http://www.who.int/peh/; EU (European Union). Council Directive 1999/30/EC relating to limit values for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead in ambient air. Of J Eur Communities L 163: 14-30; 29.6.1999; EU (European Union). Council Directive 2002/3/EC relating to ozone in ambient air. Of J Eur Communities. L 67: 14-30; 9.3.2002.; USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Downloaded in January 2006, website: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/] ambient air standards, among all the pollutants studied, only the annual average SO(2) concentration was found to exceed one specific limit value (EU limit for protection of the ecosystem). A part of the data (VOC/NO(x) ratio), for determining the effects of photochemical interactions, indicated that VOC-limited regime was prevailing throughout the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ozden
- Environmental Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering & Architecture, Anadolu University, Iki Eylül Campus, 26555 Eskişehir, Turkey
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Atasoy E, Döğeroğlu T, Kara S. The estimation of NMVOC emissions from an urban-scale wastewater treatment plant. Water Res 2004; 38:3265-74. [PMID: 15276743 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2004.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2003] [Revised: 04/08/2004] [Accepted: 04/29/2004] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The emissions of 19 different non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) from the sewage treatment plant of the province of Eskişehir in Turkey were estimated. The estimations were based on the modified surface-renewal model suggested by EPA. The estimated total annual amounts of the pollutants emitted (from the plant's primary and secondary clarifier units and their weirs, as well as the aerated biological treatment unit) varied between a range of 0.00024 t (1,3-dichlorobenzene) and 0.1646 t (tetrachloroethylene). The corresponding flux data ranged from 9.98 x 10(-10)g cm(-2) h(-1) (1,3-dichlorobenzene) to 8450 x 10(-10)g cm(-2) h(-1) (tetrachloroethylene). Resulting total hourly NMVOC emission rate (0.041 kg h(-1)) was found not to exceed the current national standards. This work may be considered as a regional background for a possible contribution to the national and international emission inventory study on NMVOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Atasoy
- Environmental Engineering Department, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Abstract
Data on the short-term effects of fumigation with hydrogen fluoride (HF) on the response behavior of the Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. St. Karabalar 6265 are being presented. Growth rate, fluoride accumulation in leaves and soils, and degradation in chlorophyll and nicotine contents of the plant species against the variations in two experimental factors, namely the exposure concentration and exposure time parameters, were investigated. Resulting data reveals that the variety selected for this study is not so tolerant to fluoride as generally reported in the literature, if only the individual effects of the pollutant is considered.
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