scholarly journals Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Biological Air Pollutants Occurring during the Processing of Biomass for Energy Purposes: A Case Study

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2086
Author(s):  
Ewa Brągoszewska ◽  
Maja Pawlak
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Andersen Cascade Impactor ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Biomass Processing ◽  
Processing Power ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Bacterial Aerosol

The main goal of this study was to assess the levels of concentration of biological air pollutants in biomass processing power plants, based on the measurements taken in a plant located in Southern Poland. This work shows problems related to the co-combustion of biomass and indicates the health risks to which employees of positions closely related to the processing and combustion of biomass are exposed. Bacterial and fungal aerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor with aerodynamic cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1 and 0.65 µm (Tisch Environmental, USA). The highest average concentration level of micro-organisms was recorded in the air in the biomass analysis laboratory, where there was no constant airflow. It was found that the concentration levels of biological agents were below the Polish proposals for threshold limit values in the work environment polluted with organic dust. However, it was observed that the share of the respirable fraction (RF) of bacterial aerosol (particles less than 3.3 µm) in workplaces was equal to or higher than 50% of the total concentration, which may cause increased potentially adverse health effects and problems with concentration among power plant employees. Therefore, to ensure adequate air quality in the tested object, it is necessary to properly ventilate. This preliminary research could be the important starting point for a complete and precise assessment of bioaerosol exposures in biomass processing power plants in order to protect workers’ health.

scholarly journals Source apportionment of the particulate PAHs at Seoul, Korea: impact of long range transport to a megacity

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (13) ◽  
pp. 3587-3596 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Y. Lee ◽  
Y. P. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Northeast Asia ◽  
Long Range Transport ◽  
Emission Data ◽  
Diesel Vehicles ◽  
Range Transport

Abstract. Northeast Asia including China, Korea, and Japan is one of the world's largest fossil fuel consumption regions. Seoul, Korea, is a megacity in Northeast Asia. Its emissions of air pollutants can affect the region, and in turn it is also affected by regional emissions. To understand the extent of these influences, major sources of ambient particulate PAHs in Seoul were identified and quantified based on measurements made between August 2002 and December 2003. The chemical mass balance (CMB) model was applied. Seven major emission sources were identified based on the emission data in Seoul and Northeast Asia: Gasoline and diesel vehicles, residential coal use, coke ovens, coal power plants, biomass burning, and natural gas (NG) combustion. The major sources of particulate PAHs in Seoul during the whole measurement period were gasoline and diesel vehicles, together accounted for 31% of the measured particulate PAHs levels. However, the source contributions showed distinct daily and seasonal variations. High contributions of biomass burning and coal (residential and coke oven) were observed in fall and winter, accounting for 63% and 82% of the total concentration of PAHs, respectively. Since these sources were not strong in and around Seoul, they are likely to be related to transport from outside of Seoul, from China and/or North Korea. This implies that the air quality in a mega-city such as Seoul can be influenced by the long range transport of air pollutants such as PAHs.

scholarly journals Impact of bacterial aerosol, particulate matter, and microclimatic parameters on animal welfare in Chorzów (Poland) zoological garden

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 3318-3330
Author(s):  
Jacek Grzyb ◽  
Krzysztof Pawlak
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Airborne Bacteria ◽  
Zoological Garden ◽  
Andersen Cascade Impactor ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Bacterial Aerosol ◽  
Zoo Animals ◽  
Average Share ◽  
Almost All

AbstractZoos are very popular facilities visited by entire families with children, who come there to watch live animals. Zoos also provide workplaces for a large number of people directly looking after the animals. For places designed to house animals, regardless of whether they are farm animals, pets, or zoo animals, a higher concentration of both dust and potentially harmful bioaerosols can be expected. Unfortunately, there are almost no studies concerning the concentration of bacterial bioaerosols and particulate matter in animal shelters that would answer the question whether the level of these pollutants is constant or variable and dependent on a particular zoo, group of animals, their number in enclosures, or season. This study aimed to assess the levels of bacterial aerosol in rooms intended for animals (giraffes, camels, elephants, kangaroos, and colobinae) in the Silesian Zoological Garden in Chorzów (Poland). The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria. Particulate matter (PM10) was assessed using an electronic dust meter. Measurements of microclimate parameters were carried out using the Airflow™ Instruments Velocity Meter TA440, while gas concentrations were determined applying GFG Microtector II G450. The results showed that the concentration of airborne bacteria varied significantly between facilities for the analyzed animal groups. The lowest concentration of the total bacterial aerosol was observed in enclosures for colobinae (approx. 850 CFU/m3), while the highest—in rooms for elephants (approx. 105,600 CFU/m3). The average share of respirable fraction of bacteria was quite high, with values ranging from 62.9 (colobinae) to 86.9% (elephants), indicating potential harmfulness to the health of exposed people. PM10 concentrations were relatively low (10–86 μg/m3) and did not exceed the limit values for occupational exposure. Moreover, the levels of bacterial bioaerosol in almost all cases did not exceed the limit values. As the animals constitute a significant source of bioaerosol, attention should be paid to thorough cleaning of animals and their shelters, as well as maintaining appropriate levels of microclimate parameters in the facilities.

scholarly journals Health risks of exposure to air pollutants among students in schools in the vicinities of coal mines

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1638-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adejoke C Olufemi ◽  
Andile Mji ◽  
Murembiwa S Mukhola
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Coal Mines

scholarly journals Influence of Hydrothermal Carbonization on Composition, Formation and Elimination of Biphenyls, Dioxins and Furans in Sewage Sludge

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heiner Brookman ◽  
Fabian Gievers ◽  
Volker Zelinski ◽  
Jan Ohlert ◽  
Achim Loewen
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Hydrothermal Carbonization ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Composition Formation ◽  
Input Material ◽  
Dioxins And Furans ◽  
Toxicity Equivalent

In many areas of application, the influence of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) on the composition of organic pollutants is still unexplored. In this study, sewage sludge (SS) was carbonized and the input as well as the hydrochar were examined for the organic pollutants: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs). The process temperatures of carbonization were 200 °C, 220 °C, and 240 °C and the holding time was 5 h for all tests. The total concentration of PCBs was relatively stable for all temperatures, whereas the toxicity equivalent (WHO-TEQ) at 200 °C and 220 °C increases compared to the input material. The strongest impact on toxicity was observed for PCDDs where concentrations were reduced for higher temperatures, whereas the toxicity increases by more than 16 times for temperatures of 240 °C. The concentrations and toxicity of PCDFs were reduced for all carbonization temperatures. In hydrochar from HTC at 240 °C, the limit values for the application of SS in German agriculture have been exceeded. The results indicate that the process conditions for HTC should be controlled also for SS with average contamination if the hydrochar is to be used as material, especially in agriculture.

scholarly journals Air pollution by nitrogen oxides in Sarajevo from 2005 to 2010

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-254
Author(s):  
Suad Habeš ◽  
Zarema Obradović ◽  
Aida Ridžal ◽  
Asmir Aldžić
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Nitrogen Oxides ◽  
Positive Result ◽  
Nitrogen Dioxide ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Nitrogen Monoxide ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Measuring Point ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Research Show

Introduction: Air pollution occurs when the concentration of certain substances (pollutants) reaches a size which causes its toxicity, or in other words, begins to cause harm to human health, fl ora and wildlife.Methods: Measurements were performed in the period from 2005 to 2010, at the measuring point Bjelave-Sarajevo by the method of Griess-Saltzmann. It encompasses the following parameters: NO, NO2, NOx, measured concentrations of pollutants in the atmosphere reduced to normal atmospheric conditions of 293 K (Kelvin) and pressure of 101.3 kPa (kilopascal).Results: NO concentration in the period from 2005 to 2008 was above the permitted value, but the results of research in the period between 2009 and 2010, have shown that there was a decrease in NO concentration in the atmosphere. Measurements show that the concentration of this pollutant is currently declining, which is a positive result compared to the pollution of the atmosphere by nitrogen monoxide. Furthermore, the results of the research showed that the concentration of NO2 for the period of 2005 to 2010, is in the limited values, and that has a decreasing trend, which is also a positive result compared to the pollution of the atmosphere by nitrogen dioxide. Related to the total concentration of NOx in the atmosphere, the results of the research show that their representation corresponds to the limit values existing in the Rulebook on limit values for air quality.Conclusion: The results of the research for the pollution of the atmosphere by nitrogen oxides in the investigated area show that the amount of nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere is in constant decline.

scholarly journals Interrelationship of Indoor particulate matter and Respiratory dust deposition of women in the residence of Dhanbad City, India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHRAVAN KUMAR ◽  
Manish Kumar Jain
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Fine Particles ◽  
Dust Deposition ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Indoor Particulate Matter ◽  
Indoor Air Pollutants ◽  
Indoor Conditions

Abstract Women spend relatively more time in indoor conditions in developing countries. Exposure to various indoor air pollutants leads them to higher health risks according to Household air quality in which they reside. Particulate matter (PM) exposure with their exposure duration inside the household plays a significant role in women's Respiratory problems. We measured size segregated particulate matter concentrations in 63 residences at different locations. Respiratory dust depositions (RDDs) for 118 women in their different respiratory regions like head-airway (HD), tracheobronchial (TB), and alveolar (AL) region for the three PM size fractions (PM10, PM2.5 & PM1) were investigated. For different positions like Light exercise and the Sitting condition, RDD values found for AL region was 0.091 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.067, 0.012–0.408) and 0.028 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.021, 0.003–0.126) for PM10, 0.325 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.254, 0.053–1.521) and 0.183 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.143, 0.031–0.857) for PM2.5, 0.257 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.197, 0.043–1.04) and 0.057 µgmin− 1 (SD: 0.044, 0.009–0.233) respectively for PM1 to females. RDDs values in the AL region significantly increases as PM10 (11%), PM2.5 (68%), and PM1 (21%), confirm that for women, the AL region is the most prominent affected zone by fine particles (PM2.5).

scholarly journals A physical modeling approach for identification of source regions of primary and secondary air pollutants

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 6467-6496 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. F. Lo ◽  
A. K. H. Lau ◽  
Z. B. Yuan ◽  
J. C. H. Fung ◽  
F. Chen
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Regional Transport ◽  
Meteorological Model ◽  
Secondary Air Pollutants ◽  
Secondary Air ◽  
The Pearl River

Abstract. This paper describes a simple but practical methodology to identify the contribution of primary and secondary air pollutants from the local/regional emission sources to Hong Kong, a highly urbanized city with complex terrain and coastlines. The meteorological model MM5 coupled with a three-dimensional, mutli-particle trajectory model is used to identify salient aspects of regional air pollutant transport characteristics during some typical meteorological conditions over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region. Several weighting factors are determined for calculating the air mass/pollutant trajectory and are used to evaluate the local and regional contribution of primary pollutants over the PRD to Hong Kong pollution. The relationships between emission inventories, physical paths and chemical transformation rates of the pollutants, and observational measurements are formulated. The local and regional contributions of secondary pollutants are obtained by this conceptual module under different weather scenarios. Our results demonstrate that major pollution sources over Hong Kong come from regional transport. In calm-weather situations, 78% of the respirable suspended particulates (RSP) totals in Hong Kong are contributed by regional transport, and 49% are contributed by the power plants within the PRD. In normal-day situations, 71% of the RSP are contributed by regional transport, and 45% are contributed by the power plants.

Stabilization of heavy metals in sewage sludge composting process

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-Y. Chiang ◽  
S.-D. Yoi ◽  
H.N. Lin ◽  
K.-S. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Sludge Compost ◽  
Composting Process ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Maturation Rate ◽  
Sludge Composting

This study investigated the stabilization of heavy metals in a sewage sludge composting process using kaoline addition. The results indicate that the temperature increased rapidly to the thermophilic phase (>55°C) at day 1. The additives enhanced the rate of biodegradation and microbial activity during the co-composting process. The changes in pH (ranging from 8 to 8.5) and electrical conductivity (EC) (≤3 mS/cm) were in compliance with the best conditions during the co-composting process. The C/N ratio was determined in each co-compost sample as an indicator of the co-compost maturity. From the end product of the co-compost experiment, changes in the ratios indicate that the additives promote the co-compost maturation rate. Based on the physicochemical characteristics of the co-compost, the potential use for sewage sludge resource recovery as manure is suggested. The total concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn in the co-compost product were far below the limit values for agricultural use. The leachability of Pb, Cu, and Cr decreased with increasing co-composting time. That is, the kaoline additive has an inhibitory capacity for leaching heavy metals. The Cd concentrations in the sludge compost were below the detection limits. Because the total concentration of Zn was high in the sludge compost and most soluble Zn was leachable, the leachability of Zn ranged from 25% to 29%. As a result of the physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal stabilization, the selected additive was shown to improve the sewage sludge compost quality and provide information for agricultural applications.

scholarly journals Danube water quality and assessment on ecotourism in the biosphere reserve ‘Bačko Podunavlje’ in Serbia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1215-1228
Author(s):  
Sanja Obradović ◽  
Milana Pantelić ◽  
Vladimir Stojanović ◽  
Aleksandra Tešin ◽  
Dragan Dolinaj
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Danube River ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract ‘Bačko Podunavlje’ represents one of the largest and the best-preserved wetland areas of the upper Danube. Water quality is crucial for nature in protected areas and ecotourism. The paper is based on data for the period 1992–2016. Using multivariate statistical analysis, water quality was defined. One-factor analysis of variations is the starting point for the analysis of time variables (annual and monthly analysis). The principal component analysis (PCA) of the ten quality parameters is in the three factors that determine the greatest impact on the change in water quality. Results revealed the satisfactory ecological status of the Danube River in these sections (Bezdan and Bogojevo) and there is no threat that the biodiversity of this area is endangered by poor water quality, which fully justifies the possibilities for intensive development of ecotourism in the biosphere reserve. Suspended solids are the only parameter that exceeds the allowed limit values in a larger number of measurements, especially in the summer period of the year. Other analyzed water quality parameters range within the allowed limit values for the second class of surface water quality based on the Law on Waters (Republic of Serbia) and in accordance with the Water Quality Classification Criteria of ICPDR.

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