scholarly journals Assessment of Indoor Benzene and Its Alkyl Derivatives Concentrations in Offices Belonging to University of Technology (Poland)

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Barbara Kozielska ◽  
Dorota Kaleta
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Role ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Flame Ionization ◽  
Indoor Sources ◽  
Alkyl Derivatives ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Office Rooms ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Indoor air contamination in office rooms is regarded as one of the most important issues in the protection of workers’ health, because contaminants, even those occurring at low concentrations, can cause health problems for the office staff in view of the long exposure time. This paper presents the results of measurements of benzene and its alkyl derivatives (toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene)—known indicators of human exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air in newly renovated offices at University of Technology (Upper Silesia, Poland). Monthly samples of indoor and outdoor air were collected during the years 2018–2019 by passive methods and analyzed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (TD-GC/FID). In the first month of measurements average concentrations of the sum of five VOCs under consideration was 127.7 µg/m3, then in subsequent months between 15.1 µg/m3 to 87.3 µg/m3. The average concentration of carcinogenic benzene was below 1.5 μg/m3. Toluene had the highest concentration among studied VOCs, accounting for as high as 60% and 84% of the total indoor and outdoor VOCs, respectively. High indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios for ethylbenzene (7.1), m,p-xylene (9.8), and styrene (12.5) indicate the dominant role of indoor sources.

scholarly journals Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Determination of Benzene and Its Alkyl Derivatives in Indoor and Outdoor Air in Fuji, Japan

2002 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Amagai ◽  
Takeshi Ohura ◽  
Tomohiko Sugiyama ◽  
Masahiro Fusaya ◽  
Hidetsuru Matsushita
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometric ◽  
Benzene Derivatives ◽  
Outdoor Air ◽  
Indoor Pollution ◽  
Indoor Sources ◽  
Alkyl Derivatives ◽  
Concentration Levels ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor ◽  
Chromatographic Mass

Abstract An analytical method was established for the determination of benzene and 13 of its alkyl derivatives. The method was applied to a survey of indoor pollution that investigated the usefulness of the method, concentration levels, seasonal variations, profiles, correlations between compounds, and factors that affected indoor pollution by these compounds. The survey was performed in 21 houses in the summer of 1999 and 20 houses in the winter of 1999–2000 in Fuji, Japan. All the target compounds were detected in the indoor and outdoor air of all houses. Outdoor concentrations of benzene ranged from 0.779 to 3.17 μg/m3 in summer and from 1.35 to 6.04 μg/m3 in winter, whereas indoor concentrations of benzene ranged from 0.694 to 3.11 μg/m3 in summer and from 1.65 to 6.89 μg/m3 in winter. Indoor concentrations of the target compounds, except for benzene, were elevated, compared with outdoor concentrations. Because indoor and outdoor concentrations of benzene and its derivatives in summer were lower than in winter, the emission of these compounds may be increased by use of a heater and other variables present in winter. Profiles of the compounds, correlations between the compounds, and factors that affected indoor pollution (determined by multiple regression analysis) were investigated. These results suggested that indoor benzene predominantly penetrated from outdoors and that other benzene derivatives were emitted from indoor sources, such as paint solvents and kerosene heaters.

Correlation between Chlorophyll-a Concentration and Environmental Factors in Jihongtan Reservoir

2011 ◽  
Vol 356-360 ◽  
pp. 959-962
Author(s):  
Ji Ping Ma ◽  
Cui Jie Rui ◽  
Jian Hua Ge ◽  
Yu Hua Liu ◽  
Zhi Wen Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Statistical Method ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Potassium Permanganate ◽  
Total Nitrogen ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations

Based on the Jihogntan reservoir’s monitoring data from 2006 to 2009, eutrophication of Jihongtan reservoir was assessed. The result showed that the nutrition level of the Jihongtan reservoir was middle in recent years. The average concentration of chlorophyll-a(Chla) was higher in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. The correlation between concentration of Chla and some environmental factors was studied by statistical method, and seasonal variation of Chla and the extent of eutrophication were also analyzed. The results showed that the correlations between Chla and total nitrogen(TN), dissolved oxygen(DO) and transparency were significantly negative, and that between Chla and total phosphorus(TP), temperature(T) and potassium permanganate index(COD Mn) were significantly positive. The growth of phytoplankton was promoted by TP and TN at low concentrations, and inhibited by TN at high concentrations.

scholarly journals Effect of NOx and NO2 Concentration Increase in Ambient Air to Daily Bronchitis and Asthma Exacerbation, Silesian Voivodeship in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Kowalska ◽  
Michał Skrzypek ◽  
Michał Kowalski ◽  
Josef Cyrys
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Exacerbation ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Concentration Increase ◽  
Outpatient Visits ◽  
Log Linear

There is a discussion in Europe about the dominant role of air pollution for health effects, most researchers claim that the particulate matter is responsible for inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, while others underline the role of nitrogen dioxide. The aim of the study was to assess the risk related to NOx, NO2 and PM2.5 concentration increase and daily outpatient visits or hospitalization due to bronchitis and asthma exacerbation in the entire population of Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. To assess the relationship between daily pollutants concentrations and the number of outpatient visits or hospitalizations due to bronchitis and asthma (available in the regional registry), the multivariable log-linear Poisson regression model was used. Results were presented by relative risk (RR) of health outcomes related to the increase in pollutant concentration by unit (interquartile range). Obtained results confirmed a statistically significant association between outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to bronchitis and asthma exacerbation and daily nitrogen oxides concentrations in Silesian voivodeship, Poland. The strongest relationship was observed in the case of NO2 and outpatient visits due to bronchitis, e.g., RR = 1.434 (1.308–1.571) for exposure expressed by the 50-day moving average concentration. In the case of hospitalizations, the health effect was lagged a few days in relation to the increase in exposure.

scholarly journals Seasonal Variability in the Composition of Particulate Matter and the Microclimate in Cultural Heritage Areas

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radulescu ◽  
Stihi ◽  
Ion ◽  
Dulama ◽  
Stanescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Museum Exhibits ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Chemical Measurements ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

This study is the first attempt to decipher the effect of particulate matter (PM) composition on people’s health and on historic sites, in correlation with the daily and seasonal microclimate monitoring of the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice museum (the maritime port of Constanta, Romania). More specifically, the increase of metal concentrations in particulate matter during the summer of 2018 and spring of 2019 in the museum under investigation could possibly be associated with the microclimates of both seasons, with coastal factors, as well as with the anthropic activities specific to the port of Constanta. FTIR and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) techniques, used for the investigation of PM2.5–10 samples, revealed high concentrations of Fe, Al-rich, and soluble particles inside the investigated museum area. In this respect, the chemical measurements of the PM2.5–10 masses highlighted high concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) and low concentrations of trace metals (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, and Cd). Statistical analysis showed that the chemical compositions of the particulate matter in the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice were influenced by microclimatic conditions, mainly temperature and relative humidity (RH). A potential health risk for tourists is the thermal and humid conditions, alongside the toxic components of the particulate matter. This research seeks to provide solutions for improving the environmental conditions inside the Roman Mosaic Edifice and to offer useful suggestions concerning health promotion and the protection of museum exhibits against possible future deterioration.

scholarly journals Diversity of Bioaerosols in Selected Rooms of Two Schools and Antibiotic Resistance of Isolated Staphylococcal Strains (Bydgoszcz, Poland): A Case Study

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1105
Author(s):  
Marta Małecka-Adamowicz ◽  
Beata Koim-Puchowska ◽  
Ewa A. Dembowska
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Penicillium Species ◽  
Low Concentrations

The present study is aimed at evaluating microbiological air pollution in libraries, cafeterias and selected classrooms of two schools in Bydgoszcz city, northern Poland and determining the antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcal strains isolated from the indoor air. One of the investigated schools (School A) is located in the very center of the city, in the vicinity of a park, among old houses and stone-lined streets, while the other (School B), among modern residential buildings, close to a street with heavy traffic. In each school, air samples were collected in the morning, always from all three sampling sites, using the MAS-100 sampler. Selective growth media were used for bacteria and mold isolation and quantifying analysis. The antibiotic resistance of the isolated mannitol-positive staphylococci was assessed using the disc diffusion method in accordance with EUCAST recommendations. The highest mean concentration of heterotrophic bacteria was recorded in the cafeterias: 884 CFU m−3 in School A and 1906 CFU m−3 in School B. Molds were the most abundant in the library and cafeteria in School B, where their average concentration exceeded 300 CFU m−3. Cladosporium and Penicillium species prevailed, while Fusarium, Acremonium and Aspergillus were less abundant. Airborne mannitol-positive staphylococci were recorded at low concentrations, ranging from 6 to 11 CFU m−3 on average. According to the taxonomic analysis, Staphylococcus aureus isolates were the most abundant in both schools, followed by S. xylosus, S. haemolyticus and S. saprophyticus. The antibiograms indicated that resistance to erythromycin was common in 62.5% of the isolated staphylococcal strains. Levofloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics. No multidrug-resistant strains were identified.

Measuring of Outdoor and Indoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in Village of Jasov

2015 ◽  
Vol 244 ◽  
pp. 182-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Vilcekova ◽  
Judita Kubinova ◽  
Eva Kridlova Burdova
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Combustion Products ◽  
Particulate Matters ◽  
Atmospheric Reactions ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Indoor Sources ◽  
Indoor Particulate Matter ◽  
Stationary Sources

Increase in particulate matter air contamination and its negative impact on human health have resulted in efforts to monitor and identify the sources. Particles are produced by photochemical atmospheric reactions and the coagulation of combustion products from automobiles and stationary sources, with lifetimes of several days or more. The occurrence of particulate matters indoors depends on outdoor pollution and its transport indoors as well as on the presence of indoor sources. This paper aims to carry out a measuring of particular matters concentrations in indoor air of selected buildings and in outdoor air in village of Jasov. The mass concentrations of particulate matters for fractions of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 micrometers were measured and evaluated in order to determine the extent of exposure of people.

scholarly journals Size Distribution, Bioaccessibility and Health Risks of Indoor/Outdoor Airborne Toxic Elements Collected from School Office Room

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Jie Tang ◽  
Xin Hu ◽  
Jun-Qin Qiao ◽  
Hong-Zhen Lian
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Inhalation Exposure ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Lung Fluid ◽  
Mass Size ◽  
Office Rooms ◽  
Simulated Lung Fluid ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

20 sets of indoor and outdoor size-segregated aerosol (SSA) samples (180 foils) were collected synchronously by using two 8 Stage Non-Viable Cascade Impactor from an office room in the central region of the megacity-Nanjing, China in winter and spring in 2016. The mass size distribution of SSAs was bimodal for outdoor SSAs and unimodal for indoor in both winter and spring. The crustal elements, such as K, Ca, Mg and Fe, were mainly distributed in the coarse fractions of SSAs while toxic elements such as As, Cd, Pb and Sb were enriched more in the fine fractions in both winter and spring. Moreover, indoor/outdoor (I/O) concentration ratios of SSAs and inorganic elements indicated the penetration of outdoor fine fractions of SSAs into indoor air. As, Pb, V and Mn showed higher inhalation bioaccessibility extracted by the artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF); while V, As, Sr and Cd showed higher inhalation bioaccessibility using the simulated lung fluid (SLF), suggesting differences in elemental inhalation bioaccessibility between ALF and SLF extraction. There were similar potential carcinogenic and accumulative non-carcinogenic risks via inhalation exposure to indoor and outdoor particle-bound toxic elements based on their bioaccessible concentrations. Therefore, the potential health risks to human posed by toxic elements in office rooms cannot be neglected via inhalation exposure of the fine airborne particles.

scholarly journals Assessment of airborne particles and bioaerosols concentrations in a waste recycling environment in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Fernanda Hei Wikuats ◽  
Eduardo Henrique Duarte ◽  
Kátia Valéria Marques Cardoso Prates ◽  
Laura Lahr Lourenço Janiaski ◽  
Bárbara de Oliveira Gabriel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Air Contamination ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Indoor Sources ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Materials Recycling ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Abstract This study aims to assess the concentrations of size-fractioned particle mass (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10) and number (PNC0.3, PNC0.5, PNC1.0, PNC2.5), bacteria, and fungi in a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Brazil. The measurements were performed inside the waste processing shed (P1) and in the outdoor environment (P2) during working days in winter and spring of 2017, and summer of 2019. A total of 2,400 min of PM, 1,440 min of PNC, and 216 samples of bioaerosols were collected in the morning and afternoon. P1 has the strongest air contamination with mean values of 475.5 ± 563.7 µg m−3 for PM10, 58.6 ± 36.0 cm−3 for PNC0.3, 1,088.8 ± 825.2 colony-forming units per cubic meter (CFU m−3) for bacteria, and 2,738.3 ± 1,381.3 CFU m−3 for fungi. The indoor/outdoor ratios indicated the large influence of indoor sources due to the activities performed inside P1 that promote the generation and resuspension of pollutants. Gram-positive bacteria dominated with 58.6% of indoor samples. Overall, our results show a critical indoor air quality situation in a Brazilian MRF, which may cause several health risks for waste pickers. Finally, we call attention to the lack of occupational exposure limits for bioaerosols in industrial workplaces and mainly in MRFs.

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