Article
Environmental Sciences
Vasiliki Dimou, Eleftheria Binopoulou, Chrisovalantis Malesios
Summary: This study investigated the concentration of large-sized particulate matter (PM10) in different seasons, showing a significant increase in PM10 levels during the summer compared to autumn and winter concentrations. The results are important for understanding the seasonal variations in particulate matter concentration.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy, Fermin Perez-Guevara, Ignacio Elizalde Martinez, Shruti Venkata Chari
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of Saharan dust event on particulate matter concentrations in four majorly affected regions in Mexico. It found that PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations significantly increased during the Saharan dust event and were positively correlated with the number of daily COVID-19 cases and deaths.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Do-Hyeon Park, Sang-Woo Kim, Man-Hae Kim, Huidong Yeo, Sang Seo Park, Tomoaki Nishizawa, Atsushi Shimizu, Cheol-Hee Kim
Summary: This study developed a novel method to estimate the contributions of long-range transport (LRT) and local pollution (LP) to the PM10 concentration in Seoul, finding that the overall contributions to nighttime high-PM10 episodes were approximately 32% and 47% respectively. The contributions varied with seasonal synoptic circulations, with LRT events contributing between 18% and 43% and LP events between 39% and 69% to the PM10 concentration in Seoul.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xueying Zhang, Allan C. Just, Hsiao-Hsien Leon Hsu, Itai Kloog, Matthew Woody, Zhongyuan Mi, Johnathan Rush, Panos Georgopoulos, Robert O. Wright, Annemarie Stroustrup
Summary: The study explores an integrated hybrid approach combining dispersion modeling and land use regression to predict daily NO2 concentrations with high spatial resolution in the New York tri-state area. The mixed model showed good prediction performance and R-LINE outputs significantly improved the CV R-2 in terms of overall, spatial, and temporal aspects. This hybrid approach allows for predicting daily NO2 at extremely high spatial resolution such as city blocks.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shigan Liu, Guannan Geng, Qingyang Xiao, Yixuan Zheng, Xiaodong Liu, Jing Cheng, Qiang Zhang
Summary: PM2.5 chemical components have significant impacts on the climate, air quality, and public health. In this study, a comprehensive and near-real-time PM2.5 chemical composition dataset was developed using various methods, providing valuable information for research and environmental management.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenhua Yu, Shanshan Li, Tingting Ye, Rongbin Xu, Jiangning Song, Yuming Guo
Summary: A multiple-level stacked ensemble machine learning framework was developed to improve the estimation of daily ground-level PM2.5 concentrations. The framework outperformed benchmark models in predicting PM2.5 concentrations in Italy based on data from monitoring stations.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. Feizi, M. T. Sattari, R. Prasad, H. Apaydin
Summary: Air pollution is a serious global issue caused by industrial development, population growth, and increasing number of cars. This study analyzes the air pollution levels in Sakarya, Turkey using deep learning models. The results show that LSTM and Bi-LSTM models are the most effective in predicting CO concentrations, with a correlation coefficient of 0.91, followed by kernel-based SVR with a correlation coefficient of 0.88.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiran Lyu, Kipruto Kirwa, Michael Young, Yue Liu, Jie Liu, Shuxin Hao, Runkui Li, Dongqun Xu, Joel D. Kaufman
Summary: Exposure to ambient air pollution is a significant global health risk, and accurately assessing pollutant concentrations is crucial. This study developed a statistical model that uses monitoring data and geographic covariates to estimate PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing. The model is accurate, user-friendly, and has been implemented in a mobile application for exposure estimation.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Katelyn A. Yu, Meng Li, Colin Harkins, Jian He, Qindan Zhu, Bert Verreyken, Rebecca H. Schwantes, Ronald C. Cohen, Brian C. Mcdonald, Robert A. Harley
Summary: The reduction in anthropogenic NOx emissions from motor vehicles due to emission control technologies and policies is significant but uncertain. This study evaluates a fuel-based emission inventory for southern California, finding that on-road vehicles are the main source of NOx emissions in the South Coast Air Basin. The fuel-based inventory provides different estimates of NOx emissions for different vehicle types compared to the planning inventory.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Cesar Marina-Montes, Elisa Abas, Juan Buil-Garcia, Jesus Anzano
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the air quality in the city of Zaragoza, Spain, by characterizing atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) during winter and spring. The results revealed the presence of both natural and anthropogenic particles, with the latter mainly formed by black carbon from fossil fuel combustion emissions. Additionally, chemical analysis showed the presence of three types of microplastics in the city's air. These findings are of special interest for future air quality policies aiming to reduce air pollution in cities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Inbo Oh, Mi-Kyoung Hwang, Jin-Hee Bang, Wonho Yang, Soontae Kim, Kiyoung Lee, SungChul Seo, Jiho Lee, Yangho Kim
Summary: This study utilized several hybrid, high-resolution models to simulate the variability of ambient NO2 concentrations in Seoul, South Korea. Results show that observation-fused hybrid models offered improved agreement with mobile measurements, highlighting the potential for enhanced predictive accuracy in air pollutant concentration assessments in complex urban areas.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
A. Zafra-Perez, C. Boente, A. Sanchez de la Campa, J. A. Gomez-Galan, J. D. de la Rosa
Summary: This study proposes a novel methodology for the space-time monitoring of PM concentrations in open-pit mines using mobile low-cost sensors. The study revealed the main sources of PM within the mine and discovered the routes of escape of fugitive emissions from the mine. These findings are important for solving the monitoring issue in mining ambiances and promoting the environmentally friendly development of mines.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aleksei Kholodov, Konstantin Kirichenko, Igor Vakhniuk, Anvir Fatkulin, Maria Tretyakova, Leonid Alekseiko, Valeriy Petukhov, Kirill Golokhvast
Summary: This study investigates the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in the air of Nakhodka city in Russia, and finds that the concentrations of particulate matter are elevated in the port and city center areas, posing potential risks to public health.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tomasz Urbanowicz, Krzysztof Skotak, Krzysztof J. Filipiak, Anna Olasinska-Wisniewska, Krystian Szczepanski, Michal Wyrwa, Jedrzej Sikora, Andrzej Tykarski, Marek Jemielity
Summary: This study found a possible relationship between coronary artery lesion progression and chronic exposure to NO2 air pollution in patients living in cities in Poland.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elza Bontempi, Claudio Carnevale, Antonella Cornelio, Marialuisa Volta, Alessandra Zanoletti
Summary: This study presents a methodology to assess the impact of pandemic restrictions on air quality and applies it in Brescia. The results show that NO2 concentrations are strongly influenced by traffic emissions, while the reduction of transport emissions does not help to avoid severe air pollution due to other pollution sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Diogo A. C. Narciso, Ana Pereira, Nuno O. Dias, Luis F. Melo, F. G. Martins
Summary: This article presents a novel software tool called BISCAP for automatic processing of 2D OCT biofilm images. BISCAP utilizes key principles from CLSM image processing and introduces a new thresholding algorithm and substrate detection strategy. It provides common structural biofilm parameters and processed images for biofilm analysis. The tool was tested on a set of 300 images with satisfactory results, and it is a Python-based standalone application with an intuitive user interface.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sara Pardilho, Jose C. Pires, Rui Boaventura, Manuel Almeida, Joana Maia Dias
Summary: This study compares the performance of five different kinetic models in describing methane production during the digestion of marine macroalgae waste, and finds that the multi-Gompertz model can predict methane yield more accurately.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pascoal M. D. Campos, Jose C. M. Pires, Anabela A. Leitao
Summary: This study characterized the spatiotemporal and component variations of aerosols in five capital cities of Angola and analyzed the relationship between total AOD and meteorological parameters. It also assessed the influence of emissions from the Nyamuragira volcano on air quality. The study found that organic carbon contributed the most to total AOD, sulphate ranges were higher in coastal cities, and AOD values peaked during the dry season.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Daniel R. Lewin, Emilia M. Kondili, Ian T. Cameron, Gregoire Leonard, Seyed Soheil Mansouri, Fernando G. Martins, Luis Ricardez-Sandoval, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Edwin Zondervan
Summary: This paper investigates the current and future trends in teaching PSE topics and addresses what should be taught and how. Surveys were conducted on existing courses and PSE stakeholders to determine their opinions on the taught content and the match between graduates' skills and expectations. Gaps and prospects have been identified, leading to suggestions for the future. The paper also explores the best methods for teaching PSE content given available teaching technologies and time constraints.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. P. Sa, H. Chojer, P. T. B. S. Branco, M. C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, F. G. Martins, S. I. Sousa
Summary: Urban air pollution is a pressing global concern that impairs citizens' health, necessitating the need for monitoring by city managers. City-wide networks based on low-cost sensors show promise in providing unprecedented real-time data on air pollution. However, there are limitations to their widespread use. Therefore, this study aimed to validate and calibrate a low-cost ozone sensor used in a city-wide network for air pollution and meteorology monitoring, addressing the main challenges.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose C. M. Pires, Ana L. L. Goncalves
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline R. da S. Rodrigues, Ramon da S. Santos, Rayssa A. A. Matos, Jose C. M. Pires, Eva M. M. Salgado
Summary: Microalgae can be harvested using coagulant agents, with biocoagulants being a natural and biodegradable option that promotes efficient harvesting. This study focused on optimizing the harvesting of Chlorella vulgaris using Opuntia cochenillifera extract and different eluents for biopolymer extraction. The results showed that the microalgal biomass can be effectively harvested using mucilage from O. cochenillifera in acid and alkaline solutions, with high harvesting efficiencies achieved.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stephanie Andrade, Debora Nunes, Meghna Dabur, Maria J. Ramalho, Maria C. Pereira, Joana A. Loureiro
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and current medicines only alleviate symptoms. Natural compounds are gaining popularity as alternatives to synthetic drugs for neurodegenerative disease treatment. This article provides a systematic review of clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of natural compounds for the five most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie Andrade, Maria J. Ramalho, Silvio B. Santos, Luis D. R. Melo, Rita S. Santos, Nuno Guimaraes, Nuno F. Azevedo, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a major concern. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising approach for treating MRSA infections, acting as antibacterial agents or drug delivery systems. The targeted delivery of NPs to the infection site is crucial for effective treatment, allowing for high concentrations of therapeutics while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells and reducing AMR emergence and disruption of the healthy microbiota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helena M. Amaro, Joana F. Sousa, Eva M. Salgado, Jose C. M. Pires, Olga C. Nunes
Summary: This study assessed the ability of Chlorella vulgaris and UWW autochthonous microalgal species (AMS) to simultaneously remove PO4-P, and reduce the proliferation of coliforms and ARGs. Results showed that AMS performed better in all aspects, indicating its potential as an effective final treatment for urban wastewater.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva M. Salgado, Ana F. Esteves, Ana L. Goncalves, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: Microalgae can efficiently uptake nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the impact of different N:P ratios on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and nutrient removal. The results showed that microalgae can adapt to N:P ratios between 2 and 67, but nutrient uptake is influenced by these variations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Helena M. Amaro, Eva M. Salgado, Olga C. Nunes, Jose C. M. Pires, Ana F. Esteves
Summary: Water, the most valuable resource, faces threats from anthropogenic activities that generate high levels of pollutants. Conventional wastewater treatment systems are not efficient in removing these pollutants. Microalgal systems have been seen as an environmentally friendly solution to remove pollutants, antibiotics, coliforms, and antibiotic resistance genes. Recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness of microalgal systems in various types of wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana Rosa Silva, Diogo A. C. Narciso, Luciana C. Gomes, F. G. Martins, Luis F. Melo, Ana Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the impact of thermal disinfection procedures on pre-established Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms. The results show that the impact of thermal disinfection on biofilm structure depends on the hydrodynamic conditions, and is crucial for the structural rearrangement during biofilm regrowth.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biology
Joana Oliveira, Sara Pardilho, Joana M. Dias, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: This study evaluates the influence of acid concentration, hydrolysis time, and biomass/acid ratio on the thermal acid hydrolysis of Aurantiochytrium sp. through the response surface methodology, aiming at further bioethanol production. The biomass/acid ratio and time are the most influential parameters on the sugar concentration and yield models. This study provides insights into the hydrolysis of microalgae for bioethanol production and suggests that Aurantiochytrium sp. microalgae could be a promising feedstock.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Joana Oliveira, Emanuel Costa, Joana Maia Dias, Jose C. Pires
Summary: This study evaluates the feasibility of using microalgae as oil feedstock for biodiesel production. The results show that oil extracted at room temperature has a higher biodiesel conversion yield compared to high-temperature extraction. The potential of using Chlorella vulgaris for biodiesel production is low, but enzymatic biodiesel production from microalgae represents a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youjung Jang, Hyejung Hu, Bomi Kim, Younha Kim, Seung-Jick Yoo, Kyungae Jang, Yoon-Kwan Kim, Hyungah Jin, Jung-Hun Woo
Summary: This study quantitatively analyzed the effects of climate and air pollutant reduction policies in Korea, demonstrating that these policies can lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants. The integrated model used in the study provides advantages for evaluating climate and air quality policies, and the findings offer valuable insights and data for policy development and assessment.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Piras, Fabrizio Pini, Paolo Di Girolamo
Summary: This study assesses the contribution of tires to atmospheric PM10 pollution and finds that tire emissions of PM10 are larger than those from exhaust gases. It suggests the need for specific strategies to reduce tire emissions, such as producing lighter vehicles, using narrower wheels, and promoting public transportation.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Vallecillos, Rosa Maria Marce, Francesc Borrull
Summary: This study focuses on the implementation of a gas chromatograph-photoionization detection (GC-PID) analyzer for the continuous monitoring of 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD) levels in urban and industrial atmospheres. The study found that the concentrations of 1,3-BD recorded by the GC-PID analyzer were comparable to those obtained by active sampling, and the concentration peaks showed consistency in values and time slots. In the test of urban atmospheres, the results showed that the concentrations of 1,3-BD were related to prevailing wind direction and activities in the petrochemical zone, while other factors had minor effects on the distribution of this pollutant.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ajay Kumar, Arun K. Attri
Summary: This study investigated the temporal profile and composition of PM10 over a 14-month period, and found significant variations between different seasons. The highest concentrations of PM10 were observed in summer and winter, exceeding the national limits. Water-soluble ionic species and n-alkanes contributed to the PM10 mass, with the highest concentration in winter and the lowest in the monsoon season. The ion balance study revealed a strong correlation between anion and cation charge equivalents, indicating their main contribution to PM10. The main sources of PM10 components were identified using statistical correlation, regression, and principal component analysis.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jenny Martinez, Yris Olaya Morales, Prashant Kumar
Summary: The impact of bicycle lane designs on cyclist exposure to air pollution is a significant concern. This study found that in the city of Medellin, Colombia, the sections without dedicated bicycle lanes had the highest PM2.5 exposure and inhaled dose. Cyclists had higher PM2.5 exposure and inhaled dose during morning peak hours compared to evening peak and off-peak hours. Segregated cycling lanes on the sidewalk can considerably lower PM2.5 exposure and inhaled doses for cyclists.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Xu, Qingyang Liu, James J. Schauer
Summary: In this study, a quantitative method using dual-wavelength ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy was developed to analyze carbon black with amorphous structures and ordering in a graphene sheet. Water extracts of carbon black showed high oxidative potential, and the presence of water-soluble ions enhanced its oxidative potential. These findings can help mitigate health risks associated with nano-carbon black emissions.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhongmin Zhu, Hui Li, Shumin Fan, Wenfa Xu, Ruimin Fang, Boming Liu, Wei Gong
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between temperature inversions (TI) and aerosol vertical distribution in China. The results show that TI frequency, inversion strength (Delta T), and TI height (TIH) exhibit similar seasonal patterns across different regions in China. NC has a significantly higher TI frequency during summer, possibly due to the heating effect of black carbon aerosol. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) above the TIH is higher in spring and summer, indicating the presence of aerosol high-level transport over mainland China during these seasons. The study also finds that a strong inversion can suppress surface aerosols below the TI, but in regions with strong atmospheric stability, aerosols tend to accumulate above the TIH. These findings are valuable for understanding aerosol transport.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2024)