Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Lin, Staci L. Capozzi, Li Lin, Lisa A. Rodenburg
Summary: The study identified five sources of PFAS in fish from the Great Lakes using PMF analysis, including emissions from primary and secondary sources, PVDF manufacture or processing, hot spots near air force bases, and metabolism of precursors. The spatial variations of these sources showed unexpected low values near urbanized areas, potentially due to unique wastewater and stormwater infrastructure or atmospheric transport of precursors. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of PMF in source apportionment of PFAS in fish despite ADME processes potentially altering fingerprints in fish compared to their surrounding environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanan Yi, Qing Li, Kun Zhang, Rui Li, Liumei Yang, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiaojuan Zhang, Shunyao Wang, Yangjun Wang, Hui Chen, Ling Huang, Jian Zhen Yu, Li Li
Summary: This study investigated the sources, health risks, and temporal variations of elemental composition in PM2.5 in urban Changzhou, China. Industrial emissions were identified as the main contributor to carcinogenic risk, highlighting the need for strict regulation of industrial sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md. Badiuzzaman Khan, Shamsunnahar Setu, Niger Sultana, Sneha Gautam, Bilkis Ara Begum, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Yeasmin Nahar Jolly, Shirin Akter, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Badal Chandro Shil, Sadea Afrin
Summary: The study assessed the composition, health risk, and sources of trace elements in road dust from major metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. The research found that K, Fe, Ca, Ti, Mn, Zr, Sr, Zn, Rb, Cr, Cu, Pb, Y, As, and Ni were present in the highest concentrations. The contamination factor was highest near a steel manufacturing company due to increased traffic. The pollution load index was generally low, indicating that the road dust was not heavily polluted.
STOCHASTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siyuan Zhang, Weiru Wang, Fengwen Wang, Daijun Zhang, Neil L. Rose
Summary: The study revealed that concentrations of trace metals in the sediment beneath the water in the Three Gorges Reservoir were generally higher than after exposure, mainly due to the slower settling of suspended solids during the drawdown period.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jacob Pinter, Bailey S. Jones, Bas Vriens
Summary: The growing use of trace elements in industrialized societies has led to an increase in their occurrence in anthropogenic waste streams. However, the sources of these trace elements in wastewater and their elimination during treatment are not well understood. This study examined 42 wastewater treatment facilities in the North American Great Lakes basin and found different removal efficiencies for different groups of trace elements. Advanced treatment technologies achieved higher elimination rates for most trace elements. The results demonstrate the potential of wastewater surveillance for informing the management of emerging trace element contaminants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhong Zhuang, Zidong Mi, Lingxuan Kong, Qi Wang, Andreas H. Schweiger, Yanan Wan, Huafen Li
Summary: Tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular global beverage. Research has found potential toxic elements in tea leaves and infusion that may impact human health. Except for green tea, other tea types exhibit low leachability of Cd, As, Pb, and Cr in tea infusion.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dinesh Sah
Summary: The present study investigated the concentration, seasonal variation, source identification, and human health risk of elements in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Agra, India. The results showed that the annual average concentration of PM2.5 at the urban site exceeded the air quality guidelines. The study also found significant seasonal variations in the concentration of elements and identified possible sources through principal component analysis. The human health risk assessment revealed higher non-carcinogenic risks for certain metals and elevated carcinogenic risks for others.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neele van Laaten, Wolf von Tumpling, Dirk Merten, Rasmus Bro, Thorsten Schaefer, Michael Pirrung
Summary: Elevated levels of particulate matter in urban atmospheres pose a major environmental challenge. Biomonitoring methods, such as analyzing spider webs, can help to identify sources of PM, including brake wear, abrasion of tram/train tracks, and geogenic particles. Statistical analyses reveal the significant contributions of different sources and emphasize the non-exhaust particles associated with road traffic.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuai Chen, Simeng Wang, Yanxi Yu, Mingjun Dong, Yanqiang Li
Summary: This study analyzed the water quality of Honghu Lake using various methods and identified the impact of different pollution sources on water quality, predicting future trends. The results showed that reducing certain pollution sources could improve water quality, but control of rainfall non-point source pollution is still necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Staci L. Capozzi, Daniel C. Lehman, Marta Venier
Summary: The levels of flame retardants in the air near the North American Great Lakes were analyzed from 2005 to 2019, revealing spatial and temporal trends. The levels of flame retardants were found to be higher in urban sites compared to rural and remote sites, except for a few specific compounds. Decreasing levels of one compound, sigma DP, were observed in New York. The levels of total PBDEs remained unchanged near Lakes Michigan and Superior, but declined near Lakes Erie and Ontario, with estimated half-lives of 7 to 14 years.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiang Zhang, Dongli She, Guangbo Wang, Xuan Huang
Summary: This study investigated the source identification of soil elements and risk assessment of trace elements under different land-use types. The results showed that the concentrations of soil elements in different land-use types exceeded the background values, indicating a certain degree of pollution. Moderate pollution was mainly concentrated in forestland, grassland, and check-dam land, which may pose a threat to the food chain and human health safety.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lorenzo Massimi, Eva Pietrantonio, Maria Luisa Astolfi, Silvia Canepari
Summary: This study conducted a spatial analysis to evaluate the health risks associated with exposure to potentially toxic trace elements (PTTEs) in inhalable particulate matter (PM10) in Terni, Italy. Through chemical fractionation and positive matrix factorization methods, the key pollution sources were identified and quantitative risk apportionment was carried out. Using ordinary kriging interpolation, the risks were mapped to the entire study area, allowing for better planning of control strategies to reduce pollutant concentrations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liangping Long, Jun He, Xiaogang Yang
Summary: In this study, trace elements in airborne particles in an urban area of Ningbo city during haze and non-haze periods were characterized. The main sources of trace elements were identified as traffic emissions, coal combustion, biomass burning, soil dust, and industry emissions. The deposition fractions of elements varied between fine and coarse particles, and the carcinogenic risk of trace elements significantly increased during haze days.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shilpi Mondal, Gurdeep Singh
Summary: The study found that the concentration of trace elements in atmospheric particulate matter at Jharia coalfield exceeded standards, with the highest levels of iron, manganese, and copper, potentially sourced from factors like coal mine fires.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyun Li, Lulu Li, Zijun Zhou, Ting Li, Ji An, Shirong Zhang, Xiaoxun Xu, Yulin Pu, Guiyin Wang, Yongxia Jia, Xiaojing Liu, Yun Li
Summary: The study assessed the differences in sources, pollution levels, and source-oriented human health risks (HHR) of potentially toxic element (PTE) pollution in urban soils across different urban intensity areas. The results showed that traffic activities and atmospheric deposition were major contributors to PTE pollution in medium and high urbanization intensity areas, while all sources had relatively similar contributions in low urbanization intensity areas. Cd was identified as the most polluting element, with the highest pollution levels in high urbanization intensity areas. The source-oriented assessment of HHR revealed that atmospheric deposition was the primary contributor to carcinogenic risk for children, while agricultural activities, traffic activities, and atmospheric deposition were the main contributors for adults in different urban intensity areas.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen-Long Li, Zi-Feng Zhang, John Kilgallon, Chris Sparham, Yi-Fan Li, Yi-Xing Yuan
Summary: Studies on the presence and fate of household and personal care chemicals (HPCCs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have shown that the removal of HPCCs is affected by seasonal patterns and can involve mechanisms such as sorption, degradation, and/or biotransformation. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the effects of HPCCs on the environment and human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maryam Moradi, Hayley Hung, James Li, Richard Park, Cecilia Shin, Nick Alexandrou, Mohammed Asif Iqbal, Manpreet Takhar, Arthur Chan, Jeffrey R. Brook
Summary: This study characterized 22 alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (alk-PAHs) in ambient air for the first time in urban and semi-urban locations in Toronto, Canada. The results showed that the toxic impact of alkylated and gaseous PAHs on air toxicity is significant and should not be neglected.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuening Li, Faqiang Zhan, Ying Duan Lei, Chubashini Shunthirasingham, Hayley Hung, Frank Wania
Summary: The use of passive air samplers (PAS) for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) has been expanding. A year-long calibration study confirmed that the linear uptake period of a passive air sampler using XAD-resin sorbent is longer than estimated with a simulation model and much longer than those of samplers using polyurethane or polyethylene as sorbents. The sampling rates (SRs) for 26 SVOCs were determined, ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 m(3) day(-1) for SVOCs such as brominated flame retardants, organophosphate esters, and halogenated methoxylated benzenes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei W. Song, Wen X. Fang, Huan Liu, Wen L. Li, Zhi Zhang, Chun H. Li, Dajiang Yu, Qing Zhao, Xian S. Wang, Ke B. He
Summary: The emission of fine particles (PM2.5) from diesel trucks is increased at low ambient temperatures, which has attracted significant attention. Carbonaceous matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the main hazardous materials in PM2.5, causing severe adverse effects on air quality, human health, and climate change. This study quantified the enhanced carbonaceous matter and PAH emissions from diesel trucks at very low ambient temperatures, considering factors such as driving speed, vehicle type, and engine certification level. The findings suggest that controlling diesel emissions at low ambient temperatures can benefit human health and contribute positively to climate change.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chun-Yan Huo, Wen-Long Li, Li-Yan Liu, Yu Sun, Jia-Qi Guo, Liang Wang, Hayley Hung, Yi-Fan Li
Summary: Some phthalate esters (PAEs), commonly used in consumer products, have been restricted due to their adverse health effects, leading to the emergence of alternative non-phthalate plasticizers (NPPs). This study investigated the presence of PAEs and NPPs in the air of a typical indoor residence in northern China for over a year. It was found that PAEs were still the dominant plasticizers being used, with higher concentrations compared to NPPs. The concentrations of PAEs and NPPs showed seasonal variation, with peak levels occurring in summer and autumn.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pu-Fei Yang, Robie W. Macdonald, Hayley Hung, Derek C. G. Muir, Roland Kallenborn, Anatoly N. Nikolaev, Wan-Li Ma, Li-Yan Liu, Yi-Fan Li
Summary: Using a mass balance box model, the historical loading, removal, and cumulative burden of b-hexa-chlorocyclohexane (b-HCH) in the Arctic Ocean from 1945 to 2020 were investigated. The majority of the loading occurred through ocean currents and river inflow, while atmospheric transport contributed only a small portion. b-HCH accumulated in the Arctic Ocean starting in the late 1940s, reached a peak in 1986, and decreased by 2020. The pathways of b-HCH entering the Arctic differed from those of a-HCH, with b-HCH primarily transported through long-range oceanic transport.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wen-Long Li, Tana V. Mcdaniel, Shane R. de Solla, Lisa Bradley, Alice Dove, Daryl Mcgoldrick, Paul Helm, Hayley Hung
Summary: Since the phase-out of PBDEs, AHFRs have been introduced to the market as alternatives. The persistence and toxicity of HFRs have raised concerns for the ecosystem and human health. However, there is limited assessment of HFRs in Lake Ontario regarding atmospheric loadings, sources, and environmental fate.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhong-Min Li, Vineet Kumar Pal, Pranav Kannan, Wenlong Li, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of DPGs, BTHs, and BTRs and their derivatives in roadside soils in the northeastern United States. The results showed widespread presence of these chemicals, with detection frequencies >= 71% and median concentrations ranging from 0.38-380 ng/g (dry weight). DPGs were the most abundant chemicals, followed by BTHs and BTRs. Higher concentrations of these chemicals were found in soils from highways, rubberized playgrounds, and indoor parking lots compared to gardens, parks, and residential areas. The findings suggest that these chemicals are released from rubber products, especially automobile tires.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuening Li, Faqiang Zhan, Chubashini Shunthirasingham, Ying Duan Lei, Hayley Hung, Frank Wania
Summary: This study demonstrates that even the most volatile PCBs can maintain linear uptake in a passive air sampler using XAD-resin as the sorbent (XAD-PAS). The sampling rates for 66 congeners decrease with the number of chlorines and increase within a homologue with the number of chlorines in the ortho-position. By quantifying the effects of chlorine substitution and temperature on sampling rates, it is possible to estimate the sampling rates for all congeners at any deployment temperature. The XAD-PAS is suitable for unbiased sampling of gaseous PCBs in various settings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Hayley Hung
Summary: Researchers at the Socially Perceptive Computing Lab at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands are exploring innovative ways to measure the quality of our social encounters, ranging from speed-dates to professional networking events and long-term simulated space missions. They aim to understand the distinction between good and bad social encounters in order to develop technologies that can enhance our social interactions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qifan Liu, Runzeng Liu, Xianming Zhang, Wenlong Li, Tom Harner, Amandeep Saini, Hanyang Liu, Fange Yue, Lixi Zeng, Ying Zhu, Changyue Xing, Li Li, Patrick Lee, Shengrui Tong, Weigang Wang, Maofa Ge, Jianjun Wang, Xiaoguo Wu, Cassandra Johannessen, John Liggio, Shao-Meng Li, Hayley Hung, Zhouging Xie, Scott A. Mabury, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt
Summary: This article introduces the widespread use of Organophosphate esters (OPEs) and their potential hazards to ecosystems and human health, stating that existing regulations may be insufficient to control OPE pollution, and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive policies to address this issue.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Laura Cabrera-Quiros, Ekin Gedik, Hayley Hung
Summary: This paper focuses on the automatic classification of self-assessed personality traits in crowded mingle scenarios. It leverages wearable sensors and cameras to study the effect of different behavioral modality types on personality estimation, and analyze the impact of feature complementarity and importance on classification performance.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AFFECTIVE COMPUTING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Hayley Hung, Crispin Halsall, Hollie Ball, Terry Bidleman, Jordi Dachs, Amila De Silva, Mark Hermanson, Roland Kallenborn, Derek Muir, Roxana Suhring, Xiaoping Wang, Simon Wilson
Summary: Climate change has significant effects on the physical environment in the Arctic, which in turn affects the distribution of contaminants and impacts the Arctic ecosystems. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge about the indirect effects of climate change on contaminants, and more research is needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2022)
