Air Quality Atmosphere and Health最新文献

Air pollution is a widespread global environmental hazard that poses significant threats to both human health and the earth’s ecosystems. Particulate matter (PM_2.5) is one of the most perilous forms of air pollution if present in higher concentrations. This tiny material is incorporated into the air by both anthropogenic and natural activities and may further lead to poor ambient air quality. The size of these particles has been directly linked to their reactivity and potential impact on human health. Inhalable coarse particles 2.5 to 10 μm in diameter and fine particles < 2.5 μm in diameter are the primary concern due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. Owing to their diverse physicochemical characteristics, such as the heterogeneous mixture of particle sizes, small diameters, and chemical components, PM_2.5 have been found to be associated with many respiratory and reproductive-related disorders, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system dysfunctions, and cancer. In this review article, we have highlighted the sources, occurrence, and human toxicological effects of PM_2.5, as well as their role in the progression of various human diseases. Various preclinical and epidemiological studies are also covered to reveal the harmful effects of PM_2.5 on human health worldwide. This comprehensive analysis of PM_2.5 may help policymakers and other stakeholders adopt more stringent measures to phase out PM_2.5 levels and mitigate its negative impacts on human health and the ecosystem.

Carbon mitigation policies have emerged as a pivotal strategy for mitigating global climate warming, making it imperative to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of such policies. This study employs a textual analysis approach to construct an indicator of carbon policy intensity (CPI) at the municipal level in China, and utilizes unbalanced panel data from 2006 to 2021 to examine its impact on carbon emissions (CE) in China. The findings reveal as follows: (1) CPI exerts a significant positive effect on reducing carbon emissions, a conclusion that remains robust after being validated by a series of robustness strategies, including multi-time-point difference-in-differences. (2) CPI primarily facilitates carbon emission reduction by stimulating green innovation and promoting the upgrading of industrial structures. (3) CPI demonstrates a more pronounced effect on emission reduction in eastern regions and areas with lower levels of carbon emissions, while its effect is relatively weaker in central and western regions and areas with higher levels of carbon emissions. The research not only confirms China’s positive efforts in carbon mitigation policies but also underscores the necessity of formulating regionally targeted, differentiated carbon policies.

Indoor air pollution is a significant concern as people spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and exposure to indoor air pollutants has been linked to various health issues. Microorganisms play a crucial role in the production of indoor air pollutants, including the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through their metabolic processes and the degradation of primary air pollutants, resulting in the formation of secondary air pollutants. Given the growing evidence linking respiratory diseases to microbial exposure and moisture-damaged buildings, further investigation into microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) as secondary-level indoor air pollutants is warranted. Using a scoping review methodology, this paper examined the existing literature published between 2010 and 2023 that focuses on MVOCs in indoor air in homes and schools. This review identifies information gaps and trends in the scoped literature, synthesizes and consolidates available information, describes, characterizes, and consolidates information on the sources, concentrations, range, and trends of MVOCs, associated health risks, economic and socioeconomic factors, and pinpoints areas that require further investigation. Gaps and limitations identified in the current understanding of MVOCs in indoor air include limited generalizability of findings, incomplete assessment of MVOCs, inadequate consideration of confounding factors, and a lack of standards and exposure thresholds. Identified gaps provided an opportunity to present recommendations for the investigation into MVOCs in indoor air, including the need for investigation into specific cause and effect relationship investigation, remediation strategy, interactive and combined effects, and permissible exposure limits.

Road dust constitutes a significant source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), substantially contributing to urban pollution loads. However, systematic source apportionment of road dust remains insufficient, and conventional receptor modeling approaches exhibit notable limitations. This study aims to trace the sources of urban road dust by integrating micro- and macro-scale perspectives. We innovatively developed and applied a methodology that leverages Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) characterization of particle heterogeneity and regional disparity to constrain Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) source apportionment. Key findings reveal that: The principal sources of urban road dust were identified as geogenic sources, sea salt, coal combustion, vehicle emissions (further differentiated into exhaust and non-exhaust mechanical wear when the PMF model featured multiple characteristic factors), and industrial activities. The proposed multi-scale integrated approach enables more scientifically robust and precise identification of PM sources, offering a novel methodological framework and valuable reference for researchers in related fields.

Molecular passage across the placenta generally serves developmental purposes, but some also can induce harm. Particulate matter (PM) affects the pregnancy through the maternal circulation to the placenta. Black Carbon (BC) particles, produced by high temperature fuel combustion, contribute to global air pollution and climate change. Its health impacts likely extend beyond respiratory complications. Thus, studying BC translocation into human tissues provides insights into the mechanisms of observed adverse outcomes. The placenta is a useful organ since it provides further understanding of placental transport mechanisms, impacts on the tissue and embryo/fetus, and for developing prevention strategies. Having well-measured tissue dose metrics would also provide an epidemiological tool to related exposures to a variety of health outcomes in the woman, fetus, and resulting child. Thus, quantitatively establishing their presence in the placenta and blood provides an important exploratory tool. Such submicron particles challenge traditional microscopy limits, requiring effective measurement systems and rigorous assessment strategies. A microscopic methodology for quantifying BC particles in human placental histology slides utilizing multiphoton microscopy has been previously reported. However, there are substantial issues with the prior method and thus, this work has developed a more rigorous approach to demonstrate transplacental movement of BC particles.

Tropospheric ozone (O₃) remains a critical air quality challenge in China despite effective reductions in PM_2.5 levels. This study investigates the phenomenon of Ozone Suppression (OS) under high-temperature conditions across six major urban agglomerations in China—Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD), Cheng-Yu (CY), Middle Yangtze River Delta (MYR), and Middle Plain (MP)—from 2015 to 2024. Using a Z-test, we identified the cutoff temperature (T_c) for OS events and analyzed its spatiotemporal variability. Results revealed significant regional differences, with T_c ranging from 28.0 °C to 35.3 °C, higher in plains and lower in coastal and plateau regions. An XGBoost model was developed to predict daily maximum 8-hour O₃ (O₃-8 h) under OS, demonstrating strong performance (CV-R²: 0.69–0.85, CV-RMSE: 18.12–23.37 µg·m^− 3). SHAP analysis quantified the relative contributions of meteorological, anthropogenic, and natural factors. Key drivers included PM_2.5, 2-m temperature (t2m), and meridional wind (v10), with pronounced regional heterogeneity: PM_2.5 dominated in MYR, PRD, and YRD, while t2m, surface solar downwards (ssrd), and 2-m dew point (d2m) were primary in BTH, CY, and MP, respectively. Meteorological factors contributed 39.0%–66.2% to O₃-8 h variations. These findings underscore the need for region-specific ozone control strategies tailored to localized drivers under warming climate conditions.

Magnetic nanoparticles are recognized components of air pollution with potential health impacts. While outdoor sources and effects have been studied, the characteristics, origins, and health implications of magnetic particles indoors remain less understood. Here we review current literature on indoor magnetic particles, analyzing their physicochemical properties, sources and potential health risks inferred from related environmental studies. Although source-attribution studies show progress for outdoor emissions, only limited evidence exists for indoor sources, with combustion activities, cigarette smoke, and toner-based printing identified as contributors. Current data indicate that exogenous magnetic nanoparticles can be internalized and translocated across multiple organs, and several toxicity pathways have been described. However, key uncertainties persist regarding dose–response relationships, toxicologically meaningful magnetic metrics, and exposure thresholds. These findings highlight the need for integrated research to better characterize indoor magnetic nanoparticles, differentiate indoor and outdoor sources, and clarify their role in chronic health outcomes associated with air pollution.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of 12 heavy metals in atmospheric dustfall from Xi’an, a major city in northwestern China, during 2021–2022. The results revealed severe contamination levels, with Cd being the most heavily contaminated element, exceeding the Shaanxi soil background value by 45.1 times, followed by Zn, Pb, and Cu. Notably, acid-extractable fractions of Zn and Ni showed increasing trends compared to levels from a decade ago, whereas Pb exhibited a decreasing trend. Spatiotemporal variations were more pronounced in acid-extractable fractions than in total metal concentrations. Bioavailability assessments identified Zn, Cd, and Mn as the most bioavailable metals, highlighting their enhanced mobility and potential toxicity. Source apportionment resolved three dominant sources in urban areas-natural sources (35.8%), industrial/traffic emissions (26.5%), and coal combustion (25.6%)-while industrial and coal-related sources predominated (31.1%) in surrounding counties. Health risk assessment underscored Cr as a major concern, presenting notable carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. This work provides novel insights into the bioavailability and evolving trends of metal fractions in dustfall, offering a scientific basis for targeted pollution control in arid and semi-arid urban environments.

The debate over whether mobile or stationary sources are the primary contributors to urban air pollution persists. To accurately assess the specific impact of a coal-fired power plant in Hefei on local air quality, this study was conducted on Hefei Science Island from January to February 2025. Utilising two-dimensional multi-axis differential absorption spectroscopy (2D-MAX-DOAS), the horizontal distribution of NO₂ was observed. The technique was used to measure the differential slant column densities (dSCDs) of NO₂ and O₄ in eight azimuthal directions within ultraviolet spectral window, thereby establishing a spatial distribution data foundation for source apportionment. Based on observational data, the vertical distribution of NO₂ within the atmosphere and the height of the mixing layer were inverted. Considering the exponential distribution characteristic of NO₂ in the inversion results, a correction factor was proposed to adjust the volume mixing ratio of NO₂. Multiplying this corrected value by the mixing layer height yielded the vertical column density of NO₂. Comparisons were made between the mixing layer height and lidar observations, as well as between the vertical column density of NO₂ and TROPOMI satellite data. The results demonstrated high consistency, thereby further validating the reliability of the horizontal NO₂ concentration data. The study indicates that NO₂ concentrations near a power plant in Hefei remain around 20 µg/m³, suggesting a limited contribution to local NO₂ pollution and not constituting a primary source.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the atmosphere of Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. Sampling was conducted using semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed during the austral summers of 2023 and 2024, and the spring of 2023. Contaminant profiles, temporal variations, and potential sources were evaluated to gain a deeper understanding of pollutant dynamics in this remote region. The presence of atmospheric contaminants was influenced by long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT), local emissions, volatilization from snow, soil, and water, short-term meteorological variations, and degradation processes. Hexachlorobenzene was the most abundant and frequently detected compound (mean: 2.88 ± 0.62 ng g⁻¹ triolein), primarily associated with LRAT. In contrast, other organochlorine pesticides (mean: 0.18 ± 0.22 and 0.27 ± 0.45 ng g⁻¹ triolein for aldrin and dieldrin, respectively) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (mean: 0.02 ± 0.03 ng g⁻¹ triolein) are likely to have originated from secondary sources. The detection of low-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyls (mean: 0.42 ± 0.41 ng g⁻¹ triolein) at higher altitudes during spring and summer suggests LRAT as a significant transport mechanism. PAHs (mean: 2.39 ± 2.73 ng g⁻¹ triolein) appeared to be more strongly influenced by local sources, with enhanced volatilization and increased human activity during the summer complicating source attribution. Overall, POPs distribution was predominantly shaped by LRAT, while local processes drove PAHs concentrations. The use of SPMDs proved to be an effective passive sampling approach for assessing organic pollutants in remote polar environments. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and international efforts to control emissions. This study supports the goals of the Madrid Protocol and highlights the vulnerability of polar regions to global contamination.