Elemental Enrichment And Its Attribution To Natural And Anthropogenic Sources In Fine And Coarse Aerosols Of Kuala Lumpur

1998 ◽  
pp. l-15
Author(s):  
M. Rashid ◽  
R.F Griffiths

A total of 139 collocated samples of fine and coarse atmospheric aerosols collected from July 1988 to December 1990 in Kuala Lumpur were analysed for their elemental composition,and for their assoctated concentrations in the sampled air. Nine elements i.e As, Br, Co, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb and Zn, were found to be strongly attributed to anthropogenic sources. Their elemental enrichment factors in fine and coarse size fraction were more than 17 times higher than those found in the crustal rock. Whilst, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, and V could be attributed to both anthropogenic and soil related aerosols. Both Al and Cl were exclusively originated from soil and marine in all size fractions respectively. Key Words: Air pollution, aerosol, trace elements, enrichment factors

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jehosua Sinolungan

Abstract: The increasing number of vehicles which increase air pollution has negative impacts on  global health, especially that of lung problems. Nowadays, people’s mobility is fast and variable, needing better and more environmentally friendly transportation, without neglecting the socio-economic aspect. These are the reasons to develop better and more environmentally related transportation facilities. By understanding air pollution mechanisms, and kinds of particles and pollutants from vehicles, we will appreciate and pay more attention to our environment, especially in urban areas. Collaboration among health and government related departments has to be improved to regulate the use of inner city vehicles, so that it can decrease lung problems. Key words: air pollution, transportation, dust particles, urban environment.     Abstrak: Bertambahnya jumlah kendaraan bermotor seiring dengan bertambahnya polusi udara, dan menimbulkan masalah global, yang berdampak negatif antara lain masalah kesehatan paru. Mobilitas manusia semakin beragam sehingga diperlukan dukungan sistem transportasi yang makin baik pula serta akrab lingkungan, tanpa mengabaikan segi sosio-ekonomi. Oleh karena itu sistem transportasi ini perlu dikembangkan menjadi sistem transportasi yang berkelanjutan. Diharapkan dengan mengetahui batasan polusi udara, jenis, serta dampak partikel debu dan gas kendaraan bermotor bagi kesehatan manusia akan  membuat kita lebih mencintai dan memperhatikan lingkugan hidup kita, khususnya sekitar perkotaan. Perana kerjasama lintas sektoral untuk mengatasi polusi partikel debu dan gas buangan perlu ditingkatkan Pengaturan kendaraan layak beroperasi akan menekan mening-katnya kasus infeksi atau gangguan saluran napas. Kata kunci: polusi udara, transportasi, partikel debu, lingkungan perkotaan.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 20667-20711 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Srinivas ◽  
A. Kumar ◽  
M. M. Sarin ◽  
A. K. Sudheer

Abstract. The continental outflow from Indo-Gangetic Plain and south-east Asia dominates the widespread dispersal of pollutants over tropical Bay of Bengal (BoB) during the late NE-monsoon (January–March). It is thus pertinent to assess the impact on marine atmospheric boundary layer of BoB. The chemical data, based on analyses of size-segregated (PM2.5 and PM10) aerosols, suggest the dominance of nss-SO42− (range: 1.3 to 28 μg m−3) in PM2.5. Almost all SO42− is of anthropogenic origin and accounts for as much as 65 % of the water-soluble inorganic constituents. The impact of anthropogenic sources is further evident from the widespread depletion of chloride (range: 40 to 100 %) compared to sea-salt composition. The carbonaceous species (EC and OC) contribute nearly 25 % to PM2.5; and significant linear relationship with K+ suggests biomass burning as their dominant source (biofuels and agricultural waste). The enhancement in the fractional solubility of aerosol Fe, as assessed in PM2.5, re-emphasizes the impact of combustion sources (biomass and fossil-fuel) and chemical processing (of dust) during the long-range transport. The high enrichment factors of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) further demonstrate the influence of pollution sources on the chemistry of MABL. The downwind transport of pollutants and exchange across air-sea interface can, thus, have profound impact on the ocean surface biogeochemistry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman Alvi ◽  
Tariq Mahmud ◽  
Magdalena Kistler ◽  
Anne Kasper-Giebl ◽  
Imran Shahid ◽  
...  

The composition of atmospheric aerosols can help to identify pollution sources, particulate transportation and possible impacts on human health. In this study, seasonal variations and sources of elemental contents in PM10 from Faisalabad area were investigated. In total 117 samples were collected on 24 hours basis from September 2015 to December 2016. The selected trace elements, viz., Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Pb, S and Zn were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The average PM10 concentration was found to be 744 � 392 μg m-3, exceeding the limits proposed by Pak-EPA (150 μg m-3), US-EPA (150 μg m-3) and WHO (50 μg m-3). On average concentration basis, the elements were in the order of Ca ] Al ] S ] Fe ] K ] Mg ] Zn ] Na ] Pb ] P ] Mn ] Ba. The elements apparently emitted from natural sources were dominant in spring and summer seasons, while those emitted from anthropogenic inputs were more prominent in winter and autumn seasons. A correlation analysis revealed that pairs of elements originated from common sources were suspended in the ambient air. The enrichment factors (EFs), principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) indicated wind-blown dust, biomass burning, fossil fuel combustion and vehicular exhaust/non-exhaust emissions as major sources. A health risk caused by non-carcinogenic trace elements such as Pb, Zn and Mn was also assessed according to the method specified by US-EPA.


Author(s):  
Jovita PILECKA ◽  
Inga GRINFELDE ◽  
Inga STRAUPE ◽  
Oskars PURMALIS

The anthropogenic sources of air pollution such as transport, energetics, household heating and industry generate different trace element footprint. The urban planning is one of tool to reduce air pollution with trace elements. The aim of this study is to identify air pollution sources in Jelgava city using trace elements. The snow sampling were collected during January and February 2017. The January snow samples characterise average Jelgava city air pollution. However, February characterises intensive tourism impact on total air quality of Jelgava city. The snow samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES). The data analysis consists of three stages. First, data verification and development of waste burning; burning of oil and fossil materials; wastewater treatment and utilisation of sewage sludge; transport; metal industry and fireworks typical pollution trace element data sets. Second, the cluster analysis of each data set, by developing three groups of pollution level for each pollution source. Third the results of clusters were analysed using GIS, and the areas with different air pollution risks were identified. The results show strong evidence of transport and household impact on air quality.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1329-1333
Author(s):  
Miodrag Šmelcerović

The protection of the environment and people’s health from negative influences of the pollution of air as a medium of the environment requires constant observing of the air quality in accordance with international standards, the analysis of emission and imission of polluting matters in the air, and their connection with the sources of pollution. Having in mind the series of laws and delegated legislations which define the field of air pollution, it is necessary to closely observe these long-term processes, discovering cause-and-effect relationships between the activities of anthropogenic sources of emission of polluting matters and the level of air degradation. The relevant evaluation of the air quality of a certain area can be conducted if the level of concentration of polluting matters characteristic for the pollution sources of this area is observed in a longer period of time. The data obtained by the observation of the air pollution are the basis for creation of the recovery program of a certain area. Vranje is a town in South Serbia where there is a bigger number of anthropogenic pollution sources that can significantly diminish the air quality. The cause-and-effect relationship of the anthropogenic sources of pollution is conducted related to the analysis of systematized data which are in the relevant data base of the authorized institution The Institute of Public Health Vranje, for the time period between the year of 2012. and 2017. By the analysis of data of imission concentrations of typical polluting matters, the dominant polluting matters were determined on the territory of the town of Vranje, the ones that are the causers of the biggest air pollution and the risk for people’s health. Analysis of the concentration of soot, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides indicates their presence in the air of Vranje town area in concentrations that do not exceed the permitted limit values annually. The greatest pollution is caused by the soot content in the air, especially in the winter period when the highest number of days with the values above the limit was registered. By perceiving the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors, it is clear that the concentration of polluting matters can be decreased only by establishing control over anthropogenic sources of pollution, and thus it can be contributed to the improvement of the air quality of this urban environment.


Author(s):  
Perrine Hoet ◽  
Chantal Jacquerye ◽  
Gladys Deumer ◽  
Dominique Lison ◽  
Vincent Haufroid

AbstractObjectivesTrace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential or not, their relevance for human health and disease is constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is a widely integrated tool in risk assessment both in occupational and environmental settings. However, the determination of appropriate and accurate reference values in the (specific) population is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution for TEs (Al, As, Sb, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, Sn, V, Zn) in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium.MethodsBlood and plasma samples were analyzed for 178 males and 202 females, recruited according to an a priori selection procedure, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsReference values were established with high confidence for AsT, Cd, Cu, HgT, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, Tl and Zn. Compared to previously published data in the Belgian population, a decreasing time trend is observed for Zn, Cd and Pb. Globally, the results also indicate that the current exposure levels to TEs in the Belgian population are similar to those from other recent national surveys.ConclusionsThese reference values and limits obtained through validated analytical and statistical methods will be useful for future occupational and/or environmental surveys. They will contribute to decision-making concerning both public health policies but also exposure assessments on an individual scale.


Author(s):  
Jamel Ayari ◽  
Maurizio Barbieri ◽  
Yannick Agnan ◽  
Ahmed Sellami ◽  
Ahmed Braham ◽  
...  

AbstractHigh-quality and accurate environmental investigations are essential for the evaluation of contamination and subsequent decision-making processes. A combination of environmental geochemical indices, multivariate analyses and geographic information system approach was successfully used to assess contamination status and source apportionment of trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in surface stream sediments from the Oued Rarai basin in north-western Tunisia, containing various metal and metalloid ores. The contamination level reported in this study indicates a non-negligible potential ecological risk, mainly related to sediment transport along the river. Antimony (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 297 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), arsenic (from 0.5 to 1490 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), lead (from 2.9 to 5150 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) mercury (from 0.05 to 54.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) and silver (from 0.05 to 9.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) showed the most crucial contamination. Besides, potential ecological risk index values were maximum for arsenic with a median of 302, indicating a very high to serious ecological risk (> 160). Results from correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed three main geochemical associations related to lithologic, tectonic and anthropogenic sources. V, Cr and Cu mainly originated from natural bedrock and soil. Ag and Cd were more controlled by both natural and mining enrichments. Mercury and Pb were mostly influenced by the ancient ore-related activities at the Oued Rarai site and north-east–south-west trending faults. Finally, Sb, As, Ni and Zn were largely controlled by the siliciclastic continental Neogene sequences. Finally, the physical and chemical dynamics of the watershed system, lithological properties, mineralisation, tectonic settings and mobilisation of subsurface sediments largely controlled both concentrations and spatial patterns of trace elements in the study basin. These results need to be considered in the strategies of suitable environmental management at former and current mining sites in north-western Tunisia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 200 ◽  
pp. 693-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jos Lelieveld

In atmospheric chemistry, interactions between air pollution, the biosphere and human health, often through reaction mixtures from both natural and anthropogenic sources, are of growing interest. Massive pollution emissions in the Anthropocene have transformed atmospheric composition to the extent that biogeochemical cycles, air quality and climate have changed globally and partly profoundly. It is estimated that mortality attributable to outdoor air pollution amounts to 4.33 million individuals per year, associated with 123 million years of life lost. Worldwide, air pollution is the major environmental risk factor to human health, and strict air quality standards have the potential to strongly reduce morbidity and mortality. Preserving clean air should be considered a human right, and is fundamental to many sustainable development goals of the United Nations, such as good health, climate action, sustainable cities, clean energy, and protecting life on land and in the water. It would be appropriate to adopt “clean air” as a sustainable development goal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidia I. Tobón Velázquez ◽  
Mario Rebolledo Vieyra ◽  
Adina Paytan ◽  
Kyle H. Broach ◽  
Laura M. Hernández Terrones

The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of trace and major elements in the water and in the sediments of the south part of the Bacalar Lagoon and to identify the sources of the trace elements and their changes over time. The western part of the lagoon water column is characterised by high concentrations of Ca2+, HCO3– and Sr2+, derived from groundwater input. In contrast, the eastern part of the lagoon is characterised by high concentrations of Mg2+, Na+ and Cl–. The lagoon is not affected by present-day seawater intrusion. Water column and sediment geochemical analyses performed in Bacalar Lagoon show clear spatial distribution of different parameters. The saturation index of the water column indicates three main groups: (1) a zone oversaturated with regard to aragonite, calcite and dolomite; (2) an undersaturated area where all three minerals are dissolving; and (3) an area with calcite equilibrium and undersaturation with regard to the other minerals. Herein we present the first measurements of trace element (Ba2+, Mn2+, K+, Ni2+, Zn2+) concentrations in carbonates obtained from sediments in Bacalar Lagoon. In order to evaluate whether the trace elements are derived from natural or anthropogenic sources, four pollution indices were calculated. The results confirmed that Bacalar Lagoon sediments are not contaminated with Ni2+, K+, Mn2+ and Ba2+, and that the Zn2+ seems to have a predominantly anthropogenic origin.


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