Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102793
Athanasios Besis , Marco Wietzoreck , Eleni Serafeim , Benjamin A. Musa Bandowe , Stefanie Hildmann , Rong Jin , Jun-Tae Kim , Athanasios Kouras , Gerhard Lammel , Constantini Samara
Size-resolved samples (<0.49, 0.49–0.95, 0.95–1.5, 1.5–3.0, 3.0–7.2 and > 7.2 μm) of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) were collected at an urban Mediterranean and a rural central European site and analyzed for the mass fraction of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), humic-like substances (HULIS) and water-soluble elements. In addition, the total mass fractions of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives i.e., nitrated-PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated-PAHs (OPAHs), chlorinated-PAHs (ClPAHs), and brominated PAHs (BrPAHs), as well as the bioaccessible fraction (extracted with simulated epithelial lining fluid) of OPAHs and NPAHs were analyzed in the same PM samples. The oxidative potential (OP) of PM was determined using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Total concentrations of PM, WSOC, most water-soluble elements and ∑16NPAHs were higher at the urban site, whereas those of ∑20BrPAHs, Cr, As, as well as of the mass-normalized and the air volume-normalized OP (OPmDTT, OPVDTT) were higher at the rural site. OPAHs’ bioaccessibility ranged 0.7 %–25 % and NPAHs’ from 4.2 % to 100 %. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) indicated OPmDTT to be mostly driven by Cu, Fe, and 11H-benzo(a)fluoren-11-one at the urban site, and by water-soluble Co and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone at the rural site. The OP of the PM collected from the two sites in this study could have been influenced by redox active constituents not determined in this study in addition to possible differences in the photochemical age of their secondary organic aerosol content.
{"title":"Oxidative potential of size-resolved PM related to water-soluble components and total and bioaccessible mass fractions of PAH derivatives","authors":"Athanasios Besis , Marco Wietzoreck , Eleni Serafeim , Benjamin A. Musa Bandowe , Stefanie Hildmann , Rong Jin , Jun-Tae Kim , Athanasios Kouras , Gerhard Lammel , Constantini Samara","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Size-resolved samples (<0.49, 0.49–0.95, 0.95–1.5, 1.5–3.0, 3.0–7.2 and > 7.2 μm) of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) were collected at an urban Mediterranean and a rural central European site and analyzed for the mass fraction of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), humic-like substances (HULIS) and water-soluble elements. In addition, the total mass fractions of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives i.e., nitrated-PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated-PAHs (OPAHs), chlorinated-PAHs (ClPAHs), and brominated PAHs (BrPAHs), as well as the bioaccessible fraction (extracted with simulated epithelial lining fluid) of OPAHs and NPAHs were analyzed in the same PM samples. The oxidative potential (OP) of PM was determined using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Total concentrations of PM, WSOC, most water-soluble elements and ∑<sub>16</sub>NPAHs were higher at the urban site, whereas those of ∑<sub>20</sub>BrPAHs, Cr, As, as well as of the mass-normalized and the air volume-normalized OP (OP<sub>m</sub><sup>DTT</sup>, OP<sub>V</sub><sup>DTT</sup>) were higher at the rural site. OPAHs’ bioaccessibility ranged 0.7 %–25 % and NPAHs’ from 4.2 % to 100 %. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) indicated OP<sub>m</sub><sup>DTT</sup> to be mostly driven by Cu, Fe, and 11H-benzo(a)fluoren-11-one at the urban site, and by water-soluble Co and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone at the rural site. The OP of the PM collected from the two sites in this study could have been influenced by redox active constituents not determined in this study in addition to possible differences in the photochemical age of their secondary organic aerosol content.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102793"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study assesses air pollution levels in the city of Chania, Greece, utilizing a combination of bike-mounted sensors and stationary monitoring stations to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of microclimate conditions and key pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, and NO2. The data analysis reveals significant seasonal variations in air pollution levels, with concentrations peaking during winter, primarily due to increased emissions from heating-related combustion and reduced atmospheric dispersion. In contrast, summer months exhibit lower pollution levels, as favorable meteorological conditions enhance pollutant dispersion. In spring, periodic dust episodes contribute to elevated PM concentrations, further influencing seasonal air quality patterns. Weekday pollution levels are generally higher than those on weekends, primarily due to traffic emissions and daily commuting patterns. However, in spring and summer, this trend becomes less consistent, as increased leisure activities and tourism-related transport led to elevated pollutant concentrations on certain weekends. Spatially, the highest pollution concentrations are observed in the city center, where dense traffic and urban structures contribute to pollutant accumulation. Conversely, coastal areas record lower pollution levels, benefiting from natural ventilation and reduced vehicular activity. These findings underscore the need for integrated air quality assessments in urban planning and policy development. Strengthening public transportation networks, enforcing emission control measures, expanding urban green infrastructure, and enhancing real-time air quality monitoring are recommended strategies to mitigate air pollution. By implementing these measures, cities can enhance air quality, public health, and environmental resilience, fostering more sustainable and equitable urban development.
{"title":"Air pollution in the urban built environment: A comprehensive evaluation","authors":"Elisavet Tsekeri, Aikaterini Lilli, Mihalis Lazaridis, Dionysia Kolokotsa","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses air pollution levels in the city of Chania, Greece, utilizing a combination of bike-mounted sensors and stationary monitoring stations to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of microclimate conditions and key pollutants, including PM<sub>2.5</sub>, PM<sub>10</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, CO, and NO<sub>2</sub>. The data analysis reveals significant seasonal variations in air pollution levels, with concentrations peaking during winter, primarily due to increased emissions from heating-related combustion and reduced atmospheric dispersion. In contrast, summer months exhibit lower pollution levels, as favorable meteorological conditions enhance pollutant dispersion. In spring, periodic dust episodes contribute to elevated PM concentrations, further influencing seasonal air quality patterns. Weekday pollution levels are generally higher than those on weekends, primarily due to traffic emissions and daily commuting patterns. However, in spring and summer, this trend becomes less consistent, as increased leisure activities and tourism-related transport led to elevated pollutant concentrations on certain weekends. Spatially, the highest pollution concentrations are observed in the city center, where dense traffic and urban structures contribute to pollutant accumulation. Conversely, coastal areas record lower pollution levels, benefiting from natural ventilation and reduced vehicular activity. These findings underscore the need for integrated air quality assessments in urban planning and policy development. Strengthening public transportation networks, enforcing emission control measures, expanding urban green infrastructure, and enhancing real-time air quality monitoring are recommended strategies to mitigate air pollution. By implementing these measures, cities can enhance air quality, public health, and environmental resilience, fostering more sustainable and equitable urban development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102797"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-12DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102782
Junxia Gao , Yan Liu , Ning Yang , Zeping Cao , Jing Zhao , Lin Wu , Wentian Xu , Binfeng Yan , Zhengyu Jia , Hongjun Mao
This study analyzed 2020–2022 remote sensing data from 33 stations in Tianjin, a Municipality in Northern China, to identify high-emitters. Rural areas showed higher CO/NO emissions, while urban areas had elevated HC levels. Heavy-duty trucks and special purpose vehicles emitted significantly more than passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Using a 95th percentile threshold, 12.4 % of vehicles were classified as high-emitters, contributing 41.81 % (HC), 29.33 % (NO), and 22.18 % (CO) to total pollution. Tianjin's “China 6 + old vehicle elimination” policy reduced high-emitters by 34 % in 2022 and increased China 6 vehicle adoption to 42 %, validating policy synergy. Diesel emissions exhibited “pollutant-independence,” with only 6.54 % overlap between HC and NO high-emitters. This necessitates a multi-pollutant approach: fuel system inspections for HC, SCR maintenance for NO, and catalytic converter checks for CO. These measures directly address emission hotspots, optimize monitoring accuracy, and guide policy to achieve regional air quality improvements.
{"title":"Spatiotemporal patterns of super-emitting diesel vehicles: A scalable remote sensing framework for urban emission hotspot mitigation","authors":"Junxia Gao , Yan Liu , Ning Yang , Zeping Cao , Jing Zhao , Lin Wu , Wentian Xu , Binfeng Yan , Zhengyu Jia , Hongjun Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102782","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102782","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzed 2020–2022 remote sensing data from 33 stations in Tianjin, a Municipality in Northern China, to identify high-emitters. Rural areas showed higher CO/NO emissions, while urban areas had elevated HC levels. Heavy-duty trucks and special purpose vehicles emitted significantly more than passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Using a 95th percentile threshold, 12.4 % of vehicles were classified as high-emitters, contributing 41.81 % (HC), 29.33 % (NO), and 22.18 % (CO) to total pollution. Tianjin's “China 6 + old vehicle elimination” policy reduced high-emitters by 34 % in 2022 and increased China 6 vehicle adoption to 42 %, validating policy synergy. Diesel emissions exhibited “pollutant-independence,” with only 6.54 % overlap between HC and NO high-emitters. This necessitates a multi-pollutant approach: fuel system inspections for HC, SCR maintenance for NO, and catalytic converter checks for CO. These measures directly address emission hotspots, optimize monitoring accuracy, and guide policy to achieve regional air quality improvements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102782"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102785
Youngkwon Kim , Cinoo Kang , Seung-Muk Yi , JongBae Heo , Hwajin Kim , Woojoo Lee , Ho Kim , Philip K. Hopke , Young Su Lee , Hye-Jung Shin , Jungmin Park , Myungsoo Yoo , Kwonho Jeon , Jieun Park
Missing observations of particulate matter (PM2.5) can distort exposure data, thereby modifying associated mortality risks. This study assessed whether imputing missing data with statistical-learning estimates reduces such modifications. Two types of hourly PM2.5 datasets were used: PM2.5 from 25 districts and chemical constituents from one district in Seoul, South Korea. Each dataset was apportioned into area- and source-specific PM2.5 concentrations. Baseline relative risks (RRs) of all-cause mortality for cumulative lag days 0-1 and 0-5, respectively, associated with each type of PM2.5 were estimated using the daily-averaged datasets. Subsequently, some concentrations in each dataset were masked to create eight realistic missing scenarios (spatial-PM2.5: S0, constituents: S1-S7). In each scenario, the missing concentrations were handled by imputation, exclusion, or replacement with means or medians. Imputations were performed using estimates (r² = 0.609-0.940). Baseline RRs were re-estimated using each missing scenario with both imputation and conventional handling methods. Resulting RRs were compared with baseline RRs, and percentage errors for matching days were calculated. Baseline RRs of PM2.5 specific to two areas and three sources were significantly higher than 1.00 (95% CI): northwestern and southwestern-western combined areas, sulfate, coal combustion, and district heating-incineration. Although some statistical significance was lost when missing data were handled, these losses were least frequent when imputation was applied in most scenarios. Even when significance was retained, RRs showed the lowest error (7.0%) compared with conventional methods (8.7-12%). However, losses occurred more frequently in S5 and S7 (carbon species and trace elements; all constituents), where median replacement partly restored significance.
{"title":"Imputing missing data with statistical-learning estimates: impacts on mortality risks attributable to area- and source-specific PM2.5.","authors":"Youngkwon Kim , Cinoo Kang , Seung-Muk Yi , JongBae Heo , Hwajin Kim , Woojoo Lee , Ho Kim , Philip K. Hopke , Young Su Lee , Hye-Jung Shin , Jungmin Park , Myungsoo Yoo , Kwonho Jeon , Jieun Park","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Missing observations of particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) can distort exposure data, thereby modifying associated mortality risks. This study assessed whether imputing missing data with statistical-learning estimates reduces such modifications. Two types of hourly PM<sub>2.5</sub> datasets were used: PM<sub>2.5</sub> from 25 districts and chemical constituents from one district in Seoul, South Korea. Each dataset was apportioned into area- and source-specific PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. Baseline relative risks (RRs) of all-cause mortality for cumulative lag days 0-1 and 0-5, respectively, associated with each type of PM<sub>2.5</sub> were estimated using the daily-averaged datasets. Subsequently, some concentrations in each dataset were masked to create eight realistic missing scenarios (spatial-PM<sub>2.5</sub>: S0, constituents: S1-S7). In each scenario, the missing concentrations were handled by imputation, exclusion, or replacement with means or medians. Imputations were performed using estimates (<em>r</em>² = 0.609-0.940). Baseline RRs were re-estimated using each missing scenario with both imputation and conventional handling methods. Resulting RRs were compared with baseline RRs, and percentage errors for matching days were calculated. Baseline RRs of PM<sub>2.5</sub> specific to two areas and three sources were significantly higher than 1.00 (95% CI): northwestern and southwestern-western combined areas, sulfate, coal combustion, and district heating-incineration. Although some statistical significance was lost when missing data were handled, these losses were least frequent when imputation was applied in most scenarios. Even when significance was retained, RRs showed the lowest error (7.0%) compared with conventional methods (8.7-12%). However, losses occurred more frequently in S5 and S7 (carbon species and trace elements; all constituents), where median replacement partly restored significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102785"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-10DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102781
Xuan Liu , Mansur Amonov , Jay R. Turner
Insufficient ground-based measurements are available to understand particulate matter (PM) in Central Asia, one of the major global dust source regions. Elemental characterization of PM is needed to examine dust contribution to PM and understand dust impacts in this region. We estimated dust concentrations using the first contemporary elemental composition data of PM2.5 and PM10 samples collected from an urban site in Uzbekistan during the 2023 dusty seasons and compared them to historical PM2.5 samples from the dusty seasons of 2008–2010. The mean dust contribution to PM2.5 during the 2023 dusty seasons was 33 % (7.7 μg/m3), comparable to 2008 (31 %) but higher than in 2009 (20 %) and 2010 (26 %). A large dust event originating from the Kyzylkum Desert in 2023 and another from the Aralkum Desert in 2008 were identified by time series analysis of dust concentration, backward trajectory analysis, and satellite images. The two dust event days show lower Fe but higher Ca fractions in PM2.5 than normal days. Compared to 2008–2010, elevated Zn concentrations were observed in 2023, likely driven by metalworking industries, transportation, and construction activities. These results provide insights into air pollution control in Central Asia and contribute to the understanding of dust composition, sources, and transport within the region.
{"title":"Quantifying dust contribution to particulate matter in Central Asia: Insights from the elemental composition of PM2.5 and PM10 in Uzbekistan","authors":"Xuan Liu , Mansur Amonov , Jay R. Turner","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insufficient ground-based measurements are available to understand particulate matter (PM) in Central Asia, one of the major global dust source regions. Elemental characterization of PM is needed to examine dust contribution to PM and understand dust impacts in this region. We estimated dust concentrations using the first contemporary elemental composition data of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> samples collected from an urban site in Uzbekistan during the 2023 dusty seasons and compared them to historical PM<sub>2.5</sub> samples from the dusty seasons of 2008–2010. The mean dust contribution to PM<sub>2.5</sub> during the 2023 dusty seasons was 33 % (7.7 μg/m<sup>3</sup>), comparable to 2008 (31 %) but higher than in 2009 (20 %) and 2010 (26 %). A large dust event originating from the Kyzylkum Desert in 2023 and another from the Aralkum Desert in 2008 were identified by time series analysis of dust concentration, backward trajectory analysis, and satellite images. The two dust event days show lower Fe but higher Ca fractions in PM<sub>2.5</sub> than normal days. Compared to 2008–2010, elevated Zn concentrations were observed in 2023, likely driven by metalworking industries, transportation, and construction activities. These results provide insights into air pollution control in Central Asia and contribute to the understanding of dust composition, sources, and transport within the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102781"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-26DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102800
Mingxin Luo , Hongwei Lou , Xiaofang Zhang , Hai Xiao , Qin Yang
Kitchens are significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), yet water-soluble VOCs (W-VOCs) remain understudied despite their heightened bioavailability and health risks. This study investigates how temperature and relative humidity (RH) influence W-VOC profiles in kitchen environments and assesses associated pulmonary health risks. Simulating real cooking conditions, W-VOCs were collected using color-changing absorbent silica gel across 20 temperature (10–35 °C) and RH (30–≥90 %) scenarios. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 65 W-VOCs, including 58 previously unreported compounds, predominantly aldehydes (e.g., nonanal, hexanal, heptanal). Humidity critically impacted W-VOC diversity: species count increased with rising RH across all temperatures, peaking at 25–30 °C. Aldehydes consistently dominated the relative composition. Using molecular probes, W-VOCs significantly enhanced activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and glutathione reductase (GR) (p < 0.05), while inhibiting catalase (CAT). Humidity amplified these effects: higher RH intensified LDH/ACE/GR activation and CAT suppression. Temperature exhibited no clear pattern on enzyme modulation. These findings suggest that W-VOCs may represent a key class of overlooked pollutants, with humidity as a critical modulator of both pollutant diversity and lung injury biomarkers. This study provides pollutant sampling and analysis for W-VOCs and their toxicity screening, supporting targeted kitchen air quality interventions.
{"title":"Effects of temperature and humidity on water-soluble organic pollutants in the kitchen environment and health risks of lung diseases","authors":"Mingxin Luo , Hongwei Lou , Xiaofang Zhang , Hai Xiao , Qin Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kitchens are significant sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), yet water-soluble VOCs (W-VOCs) remain understudied despite their heightened bioavailability and health risks. This study investigates how temperature and relative humidity (RH) influence W-VOC profiles in kitchen environments and assesses associated pulmonary health risks. Simulating real cooking conditions, W-VOCs were collected using color-changing absorbent silica gel across 20 temperature (10–35 °C) and RH (30–≥90 %) scenarios. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 65 W-VOCs, including 58 previously unreported compounds, predominantly aldehydes (e.g., nonanal, hexanal, heptanal). Humidity critically impacted W-VOC diversity: species count increased with rising RH across all temperatures, peaking at 25–30 °C. Aldehydes consistently dominated the relative composition. Using molecular probes, W-VOCs significantly enhanced activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and glutathione reductase (GR) (p < 0.05), while inhibiting catalase (CAT). Humidity amplified these effects: higher RH intensified LDH/ACE/GR activation and CAT suppression. Temperature exhibited no clear pattern on enzyme modulation. These findings suggest that W-VOCs may represent a key class of overlooked pollutants, with humidity as a critical modulator of both pollutant diversity and lung injury biomarkers. This study provides pollutant sampling and analysis for W-VOCs and their toxicity screening, supporting targeted kitchen air quality interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102800"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102808
Bhupendra Das , Hishila Sujakhu , Suvekshya Sitaula , K.C. Sheela , Meera Prajapati , James Hall , James Robert Hodgson , Bijaya Maharjan , Rejina M. Byanju
This cross-sectional study investigates the health impact of air pollutants from brick kilns in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal's most urbanized region. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Air quality data was collected from working environment, exposed and control households using devices (Air Visual Pro, calibrated with GRIMM sensors and Gas meter).
PM2.5 concentration around brick kilns was 151.2 μg/m3 compared to control grocery stores (8.8 μg/m3), while households to the brick kilns (<1 km) was 84.6 μg/m3 compared to control households (>1 km) 7.5 μg/m3. The correlation between PM2.5 and self-reported respiratory symptoms was greater in the exposed communities compared to control one with a strong positive correlation for breathlessness (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.68, p < 0.05), moderate correlation for persistent cough (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), asthmatic symptoms (r = 0.55, p < 0.05), phlegm (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), wheeze (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) and bronchitis (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). Around brick kiln workers, PM2.5 concentrations showed a strong correlation with breathlessness (r = 0.56, p < 0.05), phlegm (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), and wheeze (r = 0.82, p < 0.05), and weak correlation with persistent cough (r = 0.18, p > 0.05) and asthmatic symptoms (r = 0.24, p > 0.05). The findings suggest high PM2.5 concentrations at brick kiln sites are associated with respiratory symptoms among residents living in local communities. This study emphasizes better quality management through various interventions.
这项横断面研究调查了尼泊尔城市化程度最高的地区加德满都谷地砖窑空气污染物对健康的影响。采用定量和定性数据相结合的混合方法。空气质量数据来自工作环境、暴露环境和控制家庭，使用设备（Air Visual Pro，使用GRIMM传感器和燃气表校准），砖窑周围的pm2.5浓度为151.2 μg/m3，而控制杂货店的pm2.5浓度为8.8 μg/m3，砖窑周围（<；1公里）的pm2.5浓度为84.6 μg/m3，而控制家庭（>；1公里）的pm2.5浓度为7.5 μg/m3。与对照组相比，暴露社区PM2.5与自报呼吸症状的相关性更大，其中呼吸困难（Pearson相关系数r = 0.68, p < 0.05）、持续性咳嗽（r = 0.53, p < 0.05）、哮喘症状（r = 0.55, p < 0.05）、痰（r = 0.58, p < 0.05）、喘息（r = 0.44, p < 0.05）和支气管炎（r = 0.41, p < 0.05）的相关性较强。砖窑工人周围PM2.5浓度与呼吸困难（r = 0.56, p < 0.05）、痰多（r = 0.70, p < 0.05）、喘息（r = 0.82, p < 0.05）呈强相关，与持续咳嗽（r = 0.18, p < 0.05）、哮喘症状（r = 0.24, p < 0.05）呈弱相关。研究结果表明，砖窑工地的高PM2.5浓度与当地社区居民的呼吸道症状有关。本研究强调透过各种干预措施改善品质管理。
{"title":"Assessment of brick kiln’s air pollutants impact on human health in industrial areas of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal","authors":"Bhupendra Das , Hishila Sujakhu , Suvekshya Sitaula , K.C. Sheela , Meera Prajapati , James Hall , James Robert Hodgson , Bijaya Maharjan , Rejina M. Byanju","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102808","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102808","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This cross-sectional study investigates the health impact of air pollutants from brick kilns in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal's most urbanized region. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Air quality data was collected from working environment, exposed and control households using devices (Air Visual Pro, calibrated with GRIMM sensors and Gas meter).</div><div>PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration around brick kilns was 151.2 μg/m<sup>3</sup> compared to control grocery stores (8.8 μg/m<sup>3</sup>), while households to the brick kilns (<1 km) was 84.6 μg/m<sup>3</sup> compared to control households (>1 km) 7.5 μg/m<sup>3</sup>. The correlation between PM<sub>2.5</sub> and self-reported respiratory symptoms was greater in the exposed communities compared to control one with a strong positive correlation for breathlessness (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.68, p < 0.05), moderate correlation for persistent cough (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), asthmatic symptoms (r = 0.55, p < 0.05), phlegm (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), wheeze (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) and bronchitis (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). Around brick kiln workers, PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations showed a strong correlation with breathlessness (r = 0.56, p < 0.05), phlegm (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), and wheeze (r = 0.82, p < 0.05), and weak correlation with persistent cough (r = 0.18, p > 0.05) and asthmatic symptoms (r = 0.24, p > 0.05). The findings suggest high PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations at brick kiln sites are associated with respiratory symptoms among residents living in local communities. This study emphasizes better quality management through various interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102808"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102810
Ku Mohd Kalkausar Ku Yusof , Nurul Najwa Zulkarnain , Sabiqah Tuan Anuar , Mohd Nizam Lani , Noorlin Mohamad , Elham Taghavi , Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
Microplastics (<5 mm) exhibit intrinsic characteristics, including density, hydrophobic surfaces, and a high surface-to-volume ratio, that determine their airborne deposition and subsequent exposure within food systems. Their presence has affected humans in several aspects, namely, air quality, public health, and food safety. However, limited information on microplastic contamination and microplastic-related issues as a carrier in airborne contamination at various air quality levels (suburban, urban, and industrial areas) can be investigated at food hawker stalls in coastal environments. This study aims to determine the significant differences in Airborne Microplastic (AMP) abundance among hawker stalls located in suburban, urban, and industrial areas of dry deposition exposure across seven locations in the coastal state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The microplastic particles were collected in an airborne environment using Whatman glass filter paper (0.2 μm). They were then manually sorted under a digital stereomicroscope and identified based on a functional group polymer's physical characteristics (color, shape) and chemical characteristics (ATR-FTIR). The findings provide strong evidence that individuals frequenting coastal hawker stalls are likely exposed to and may ingest atmospheric microplastics, with deposition rates ranging from 0.48 to 17.44 n/m2/d. Microplastic fiber was the dominant microplastic found in the air compared to fragment types in Malaysia. In particular, it was found that transparent microplastics were the most dominant, followed by black, purple, and brown. Two polymers have been identified, namely polyester and polyamide (nylon). This study confirms the dry deposition distribution of atmospheric microplastics associated with hawker stalls in suburban, urban, and industrial populations.
{"title":"New insights into the dry deposition distribution of atmospheric microplastics in suburban, urban, and industrial areas: A focus on hawker stalls in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia","authors":"Ku Mohd Kalkausar Ku Yusof , Nurul Najwa Zulkarnain , Sabiqah Tuan Anuar , Mohd Nizam Lani , Noorlin Mohamad , Elham Taghavi , Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102810","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102810","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microplastics (<5 mm) exhibit intrinsic characteristics, including density, hydrophobic surfaces, and a high surface-to-volume ratio, that determine their airborne deposition and subsequent exposure within food systems. Their presence has affected humans in several aspects, namely, air quality, public health, and food safety. However, limited information on microplastic contamination and microplastic-related issues as a carrier in airborne contamination at various air quality levels (suburban, urban, and industrial areas) can be investigated at food hawker stalls in coastal environments. This study aims to determine the significant differences in Airborne Microplastic (AMP) abundance among hawker stalls located in suburban, urban, and industrial areas of dry deposition exposure across seven locations in the coastal state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The microplastic particles were collected in an airborne environment using Whatman glass filter paper (0.2 μm). They were then manually sorted under a digital stereomicroscope and identified based on a functional group polymer's physical characteristics (color, shape) and chemical characteristics (ATR-FTIR). The findings provide strong evidence that individuals frequenting coastal hawker stalls are likely exposed to and may ingest atmospheric microplastics, with deposition rates ranging from 0.48 to 17.44 n/m<sup>2</sup>/d. Microplastic fiber was the dominant microplastic found in the air compared to fragment types in Malaysia. In particular, it was found that transparent microplastics were the most dominant, followed by black, purple, and brown. Two polymers have been identified, namely polyester and polyamide (nylon). This study confirms the dry deposition distribution of atmospheric microplastics associated with hawker stalls in suburban, urban, and industrial populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102810"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102783
Marios Panagi , Roberto Sommariva , Zoë L. Fleming , Paul S. Monks , Gongda Lu , Eloise A. Marais , James R. Hopkins , Alastair C. Lewis , Qiang Zhang , James D. Lee , Freya A. Squires , Lisa K. Whalley , Eloise J. Slater , Dwayne E. Heard , Robert Woodward-Massey , Chunxiang Ye , Joshua D. Vande Hey
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors to the formation of ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and can also have direct human health impacts. The emissions of VOCs remain poorly characterized due to the complexity and variability of their sources. The VOC levels in Beijing during the winter campaign (APHH) were investigated using a dispersion model (NAME), and a chemical box model (AtChem2) in order to understand how chemistry and transport affect the VOC concentrations in Beijing. Emissions of VOCs in Beijing and contributions from outside Beijing were modelled using the NAME dispersion model combined with the emission inventories and were used to initialize the AtChem2 box model. The modelled concentrations of VOCs from the NAME-AtChem2 combination were then compared to the output of a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). The results from the emission inventories and the NAME air mass pathways suggest that industrial sources to the south of Beijing and within Beijing during the winter campaign are very important in controlling the VOC levels in Beijing. A number of scenarios with different nitrogen oxides to ozone ratios (NOx/O3) and hydroxyl (OH) levels were simulated to determine the changes in VOC levels. In Beijing over 80 % of VOC are emitted locally during winter. Most scenarios are in good agreement with daily GEOS-Chem simulations, with the best agreements seen for the modelled concentrations of ethanol, benzene and propane with correlation coefficients of 0.67, 0.63 and 0.64 respectively. Furthermore, the production of formaldehyde in an air mass within 24 h of travel from Beijing was investigated, and it was estimated that 90 % of formaldehyde in Beijing is secondary, produced from oxidation of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). The benzene/CO and toluene/CO ratios during the campaign are very similar to the ratio derived from literature for 2014 in Beijing, however more data are needed to enable investigation of more species over longer timeframes to determine whether this ratio can be applied to predicting VOCs in Beijing. The results suggest that VOC concentrations in Beijing are driven predominantly by sources within Beijing and by local atmospheric chemistry during the winter. Moreover, the relationship of the NOx/VOC and O3 shows that the VOCs during the winter campaign are possibly emitted from similar sources as NOx.
{"title":"Daily evolution of VOCs in Beijing: chemistry, emissions, transport, and policy implications","authors":"Marios Panagi , Roberto Sommariva , Zoë L. Fleming , Paul S. Monks , Gongda Lu , Eloise A. Marais , James R. Hopkins , Alastair C. Lewis , Qiang Zhang , James D. Lee , Freya A. Squires , Lisa K. Whalley , Eloise J. Slater , Dwayne E. Heard , Robert Woodward-Massey , Chunxiang Ye , Joshua D. Vande Hey","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102783","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102783","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors to the formation of ozone (O<sub>3</sub>) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and can also have direct human health impacts. The emissions of VOCs remain poorly characterized due to the complexity and variability of their sources. The VOC levels in Beijing during the winter campaign (APHH) were investigated using a dispersion model (NAME), and a chemical box model (AtChem2) in order to understand how chemistry and transport affect the VOC concentrations in Beijing. Emissions of VOCs in Beijing and contributions from outside Beijing were modelled using the NAME dispersion model combined with the emission inventories and were used to initialize the AtChem2 box model. The modelled concentrations of VOCs from the NAME-AtChem2 combination were then compared to the output of a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem). The results from the emission inventories and the NAME air mass pathways suggest that industrial sources to the south of Beijing and within Beijing during the winter campaign are very important in controlling the VOC levels in Beijing. A number of scenarios with different nitrogen oxides to ozone ratios (NO<sub>x</sub>/O<sub>3</sub>) and hydroxyl (OH) levels were simulated to determine the changes in VOC levels. In Beijing over 80 % of VOC are emitted locally during winter. Most scenarios are in good agreement with daily GEOS-Chem simulations, with the best agreements seen for the modelled concentrations of ethanol, benzene and propane with correlation coefficients of 0.67, 0.63 and 0.64 respectively. Furthermore, the production of formaldehyde in an air mass within 24 h of travel from Beijing was investigated, and it was estimated that 90 % of formaldehyde in Beijing is secondary, produced from oxidation of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). The benzene/CO and toluene/CO ratios during the campaign are very similar to the ratio derived from literature for 2014 in Beijing, however more data are needed to enable investigation of more species over longer timeframes to determine whether this ratio can be applied to predicting VOCs in Beijing. The results suggest that VOC concentrations in Beijing are driven predominantly by sources within Beijing and by local atmospheric chemistry during the winter. Moreover, the relationship of the NO<sub>x</sub>/VOC and O<sub>3</sub> shows that the VOCs during the winter campaign are possibly emitted from similar sources as NO<sub>x</sub>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102783"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-05DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2025.102819
Renato S. Pacaldo , Miraç Aydın , Randell Keith Amarille
Alleviating soil CO2 pollution after forest fires is challenging, especially for large tracts of post-fire forest land. Thus, a granular management approach prioritizing CO2 hotspot areas must be accounted for in CO2 pollution management and the efficient implementation of post-fire forest rehabilitation programs. However, identifying precisely CO2 hotspot areas requires understanding the effects of multiple factors on soil CO2 fluxes because the interaction among multiple variables magnifies the effects of forest fires. This study addresses a critical question of how fire types (crown and surface fires), aspects (north- and south-facing slopes), and soil moisture extremes (extremely wet and dry soils) affect soil CO2 effluxes (FCO2). We simultaneously measured FCO2, soil, and air temperatures, as well as soil moisture, in post-fire black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) forests using an automated soil respiration system (LI-8100 A). The analysis revealed significant effects of the aforementioned factors and their interaction on FCO2 (p < 0.05), with the highest emissions (2.55 μmol s−1 m−2) occurring at the water-saturated surface fire on the south-facing slope, suggesting that CO2 pollution management efforts should prioritize this location. Although the water-drought crown fire areas at the south-facing slope generate the significantly lowest FCO2 (1.21 μmol s−1 m−2), offsetting CO2 emissions during wet periods, this site should be given priority in rehabilitation efforts to accelerate recovery. The FCO2 correlates positively with temperatures but negatively with soil moisture. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for multiple factors in quantifying the FCO2 and identifying CO2 pollution hotspots in post-fire forest ecosystems.
{"title":"Forest fire types, soil moisture extremes, and aspects and their interactions significantly affect soil CO2 effluxes in post-fire black pine forests","authors":"Renato S. Pacaldo , Miraç Aydın , Randell Keith Amarille","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alleviating soil CO<sub>2</sub> pollution after forest fires is challenging, especially for large tracts of post-fire forest land. Thus, a granular management approach prioritizing CO<sub>2</sub> hotspot areas must be accounted for in CO<sub>2</sub> pollution management and the efficient implementation of post-fire forest rehabilitation programs. However, identifying precisely CO<sub>2</sub> hotspot areas requires understanding the effects of multiple factors on soil CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes because the interaction among multiple variables magnifies the effects of forest fires. This study addresses a critical question of how fire types (crown and surface fires), aspects (north- and south-facing slopes), and soil moisture extremes (extremely wet and dry soils) affect soil CO<sub>2</sub> effluxes (F<sub>CO2</sub>). We simultaneously measured F<sub>CO2</sub>, soil, and air temperatures, as well as soil moisture, in post-fire black pine (<em>Pinus nigra</em> Arnold) forests using an automated soil respiration system (LI-8100 A). The analysis revealed significant effects of the aforementioned factors and their interaction on F<sub>CO2</sub> (p < 0.05), with the highest emissions (2.55 μmol s<sup>−1</sup> m<sup>−2</sup>) occurring at the water-saturated surface fire on the south-facing slope, suggesting that CO<sub>2</sub> pollution management efforts should prioritize this location. Although the water-drought crown fire areas at the south-facing slope generate the significantly lowest F<sub>CO2</sub> (1.21 μmol s<sup>−1</sup> m<sup>−2</sup>), offsetting CO<sub>2</sub> emissions during wet periods, this site should be given priority in rehabilitation efforts to accelerate recovery. The F<sub>CO2</sub> correlates positively with temperatures but negatively with soil moisture. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for multiple factors in quantifying the F<sub>CO2</sub> and identifying CO<sub>2</sub> pollution hotspots in post-fire forest ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"17 3","pages":"Article 102819"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号