Article
Environmental Sciences
Yukiko Nishihama, Chau-Ren Jung, Shoji F. Nakayama, Kenji Tamura, Tomohiko Isobe, Takehiro Michikawa, Miyuki Iwai-Shimada, Yayoi Kobayashi, Makiko Sekiyama, Yu Taniguchi, Shin Yamazaki
Summary: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The study measured indoor PM concentrations in a large-scale birth cohort, identifying important predictors such as indoor PM10-2.5, outdoor PM2.5, indoor smoking, and temperature. Findings highlight the importance of reducing outdoor PM concentrations, avoiding indoor smoking, and using air cleaners to improve indoor air quality.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xing Wang, Arthur W. H. Chan
Summary: This study compares the particle and gas phase emission factors between cooking with an air fryer and a pan, finding that air frying chicken wings and breast results in higher PM10 emission factors compared to pan cooking. However, by increasing the amount of oil, air frying can achieve higher PM10 emission factors for French fries and asparagus. The emission factors of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also generally higher for air frying.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xingyun Liu, Wei Xing, Zhaoyang Xu, Xiaomin Zhang, Hui Zhou, Kezhou Cai, Baocai Xu, Conggui Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of additives on cooking fumes emissions during meat grilling. The results showed that the application of white pepper, salt, garlic powder, and mixed spices can significantly reduce particle emissions and total concentration of volatile organic compounds. However, grilling meat marinated with compound additives resulted in increased emissions of volatile organic compounds.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yicheng Zeng, Prashik Manwatkar, Aurelie Laguerre, Marina Beke, Insung Kang, Akram S. Ali, Delphine K. Farmer, Elliott T. Gall, Mohammad Heidarinejad, Brent Stephens
Summary: The study evaluated the gas and particle removal effectiveness as well as potential byproduct formation of a commercially available in-duct bipolar ionization device through a series of experiments. The results showed that the operation of the ionization unit led to a decrease in certain hydrocarbons but an increase in oxygenated VOCs and toluene. Additionally, the ionizer had minimal impact on particle, O3, and NO2 concentrations during normal operating conditions, with slightly increased loss rates for ultrafine particles and slightly decreased loss rates for larger particles in particle injection and decay experiments.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xi Zhou, Zhongqin Li, Tingjun Zhang, Feiteng Wang, Yan Tao, Xin Zhang
Summary: A field campaign was conducted in nine cities in northwestern China to investigate the chemical components, sources, and interactions of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The study found that PM was mainly composed of organic matter and water-soluble inorganic ions, and identified two typical haze patterns. Regional sources were found to contribute significantly to PM pollution. The study also examined the concentrations of VOCs and their relationship with PM, and identified the precursors for secondary organic aerosols formation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chairat Treesubsuntorn, Ginting Dwi Setiawan, Bayu Hadi Permana, Yovita Citra, Sucheewin Krobthong, Yodying Yingchutrakul, Dian Siswanto, Paitip Thiravetyan
Summary: Air pollution caused by particulate matter and volatile organic compounds is a major global issue, and phytoremediation technology could be a potential solution to reduce PM and VOC pollution. Plant species like Wrightia religiosa have shown effective PM and VOC remediation abilities, with factors like water content and ethanol soluble wax closely related to plant's capability in dealing with PM and VOCs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Xiaopu Lyu, Yunxi Huo, Jin Yang, Dawen Yao, Kaimin Li, Haoxian Lu, Yangzong Zeren, Hai Guo
Summary: This study focused on the molecular composition, source emissions, and chemical aging of air pollutants in a residence designed to replicate activities found in ordinary Hong Kong homes. More than 150 air pollutants were detected, with 87 quantified at a time resolution of not less than 1 hour. Indoor-to-outdoor ratios for primary air pollutants were generally higher than 1 due to indoor activities and backgrounds, while many secondary pollutants exhibited higher concentrations outdoors. Activities like painting and incense burning were found to be major emission sources for certain pollutants. Results also indicated evidence of chemical aging of cooking emissions, suggesting indoor heterogeneous chemistry. High time resolution measurements of organic molecules were emphasized for enhancing understanding of indoor air quality.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Waleeporn Pongkua, Wararat Sriprapat, Paitip Thiravetyan, Chairat Treesubsuntorn
Summary: This study applied an active living wall with Sansevieria trifasciata cv. Hahnii to reduce PM and VOC contamination. The results showed that the active living wall could remediate more than 90% PM within 12 hours and remove 25-80% VOCs. The suitable inlet flow velocity for the living wall was determined to be 1.7 m(3) h(-1).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hong Phuong Nguyen Thi, Kieu Trang Pham Thi, Nam The Tran, Thuan Huu Mai, Salman Raza Naqvi, Woo Jin Chung, Xuan Hoan Nguyen, D. Duc Nguyen, D. Duong La
Summary: This study developed a new graphene-integrated nonwoven fabric as a potential filtering material for protective masks, which demonstrated remarkable removal efficiency for both particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. It exhibited superhydrophobic characteristics and could be washed and reused multiple times without significant reduction in removal efficiency.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chrystalla Kaikiti, Marinos Stylianou, Agapios Agapiou
Summary: Hairdressing personnel are exposed to various air pollutants, including VOCs and PM, in hair salons. This study analyzed the indoor air in 5 hair salons and found that hair products are a major source of air pollutants. Efforts are needed to reduce the concentration levels of PM and VOCs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manasa Reddy, Mohammad Heidarinejad, Brent Stephens, Israel Rubinstein
Summary: Indoor air quality in nursing homes often exceeds outdoor levels, which may adversely affect the health of elderly residents who are more susceptible to air pollutants. Regular monitoring and improvement of indoor air quality in nursing homes can reduce medical expenditures and improve residents' quality of life.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chieh-An Cheng, Ting-Chun Ching, Shih-Wei Tsai, Kai-Jen Chuang, Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Ta-Yuan Chang
Summary: This study investigated the indoor concentrations of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different locations on a medical university campus. The study found that dichloromethane was the most detected compound, and the Department of Medicine had the highest concentration of the total VOCs. The carcinogenic risks of dichloromethane and benzene were classified as possible for faculty members, and the noncarcinogenic risks were relatively low.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abinaya Sekar, B. Binoy, Dheeraj Alshetty, Manoj Kumar, George Kuttiparichel Varghese, Ravi Varma
Summary: The growth of India's food delivery sector has led to an increase in the number of delivery persons on the road, exposing them to traffic-related air pollution. This study assessed the exposure of delivery persons in Ghaziabad to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, finding that their exposure levels exhibited significant diurnal variation, with higher levels at night.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiao Wang, Lihua Li, Yu Hong, Qingyu Zhai, Yitian He
Summary: This study investigated the effects of six common indoor ornamental plants and three types of microalgae on the removal of air pollutants. The results showed that microalgae, especially C. vulgaris, were more effective in removing PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde, and VOCs. Physical methods were weaker compared to plants and microalgae in terms of increasing relative humidity and oxygen content. Overall, microalgae, especially C. vulgaris, can efficiently purify indoor air pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Francisco A. Casado-Carmona, Guillermo Lasarte-Aragones, Abuzar Kabir, Kenneth G. Furton, Rafael Lucena, Soledad Cardenas
Summary: This article presents a new air sampler based on a conventional computer fan, which is portable and energy-efficient, with an alternative method proposed for internal standard use to increase measurement precision.
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Faria, V Martins, N. Canha, E. Diapouli, M. Manousakas, P. Fetfatzis, M. Gini, S. M. Almeida
Summary: Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a significant environmental concern due to its negative impact on human health. This study evaluates the daily exposure and inhaled dose of PM chemical compounds by integrating the concentrations measured in the micro-environments (MEs) where children spend most of their time. Results indicate that homes and schools contribute the most to children's daily exposure and inhaled dose. The study also highlights the high contribution of indoor sources to the organic fraction of particles, particularly in schools where mineral elements from dust resuspension and chalk usage stand out. Additionally, outdoor activities result in higher inhalation rates, leading to a higher contribution of outdoor particles to the inhaled dose. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality in relation to children's exposure and health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Natacha Tessier, Romain Boissonnot, Virginie Desvignes, Marie Frochen, Mathilde Merlo, Olivier Blanchard, Cecile Chevrier, Laurence Guldner, Corinne Mandin, Ohri Yamada, Jean-Luc Volatier
Summary: This study investigated pesticide usage in French households and compiled a list of pesticides and active ingredients stored at home. The findings showed that 75% of households had used at least one pesticide in the past year, with insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, being the most commonly used type.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Anna Figueroa-Lopez, Xabat Oregi, Marta Almeida, Rufino J. Hernandez-Minguillon
Summary: Indoor Environmental Quality has an impact on the health of educational centre users. This study analyzed the hygrothermal comfort of three case studies with different ventilation systems in the same city. Results showed better comfort in summer than in winter. Both naturally and mechanically ventilated classrooms achieved comfortable temperatures, but the gyms had very low temperatures during winter.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carla A. Gamelas, Nuno Canha, Ana Vicente, Anabela Silva, Sonia Borges, Celia Alves, Zsofia Kertesz, Susana Marta Almeida
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns have had an impact on air quality, leading to changes in PM2.5 levels and composition in an urban-industrial area of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The study found that the mean concentration of PM2.5 during the period from December 2019 to November 2020 was 13 +/- 11 mu g.m(-3), with BC, SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ being the most abundant species. Comparison with previous years showed that the concentrations of most PM2.5 components were higher before the lockdown period. Positive Matrix Factorisation identified seven sources of PM2.5, with vehicle exhaust showing the sharpest decrease during the pandemic.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Minh Tien Tran, Wenjuan Wei, Claire Dassonville, Christophe Martinsons, Pascal Ducruet, Corinne Mandin, Valerie Hequet, Pawel Wargocki
Summary: As the importance of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in schools becomes more recognized, a systematic strategy for assessing IEQ needs to be developed. This paper provides a summary of parameters measured in school classrooms to characterize the quality of thermal, acoustic, visual environments, and indoor air quality (IAQ). The review of literature from Europe and North America over the past ten years identified 88 papers that described measurements in schools. The review reveals inconsistencies in measurement methods, parameters, and concentrations, suggesting the need for a standardized rating scheme and protocols for assessing classroom IEQ.
Article
Environmental Sciences
I. Cunha-Lopes, K. Lehtoranta, S. M. Almeida, M. Evtyugina, A. Vicente, E. Vicente, H. Kuutti, F. Amato, C. A. Alves
Summary: Particulate matter (PM) produced by vehicle emissions is the deadliest form of air pollution, but the detailed chemical speciation of PM is still poorly understood. In this study, different heavy-duty vehicles were tested and the PM emission factors were determined. The study found that major and trace elements accounted for a significant fraction of PM mass, and the composition of PM varied depending on the vehicle and fuel used. Various organic compounds, including n-alkanes and acids, were detected in the exhaust particulates. The study provides important insights into the composition and sources of PM emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to a better understanding of air pollution.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alice C. Forello, Ines Cunha-Lopes, Susana M. Almeida, Celia A. Alves, Oxana Tchepel, Federica Crova, Roberta Vecchi
Summary: This study presents a source apportionment study conducted in Coimbra, Portugal. The novelty lies in the methodological approach and sensitivity study, providing insights for future applications. A multi-time resolution and multi-parameter study was performed using aerosol data and high-time resolution absorption coefficients. The results can guide the implementation of optical variables and chemical ones in the same model run.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuno Canha, Mehriban Jafarova, Lisa Grifoni, Carla A. Gamelas, Luis C. Alves, Susana Marta Almeida, Stefano Loppi
Summary: Urban vegetable gardens are often featured in cities to promote a sustainable lifestyle. However, pollution levels in cities, especially from traffic, can be high. Microplastics have emerged as a concern due to their environmental contamination and potential health impacts. This study compared the levels of microplastics in lettuce plants from urban gardens in Lisbon with those from a rural area and supermarket-bought samples. Microplastics were found in all washed leaves, with higher levels in lettuce grown in urban gardens with high traffic density. Weak correlations were found between microplastics content and concentrations of certain elements that are considered traffic-source tracers. These findings shed light on the microplastic contamination of vegetables grown in urban environments and the potential health risks from dietary intake.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yago Alonso Cipoli, Carla Alexandra Gamelas, Susana Marta Almeida, Manuel Feliciano, Celia Alves
Summary: This study monitored PM10 concentrations in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens of three dwellings in a small inland town to determine if exposure varies significantly between microenvironments. The study found that bedrooms had the highest PM10 concentrations. Houses 1 and 3 showed no significant differences in PM10 concentrations between microenvironments, while House 2 did, suggesting ventilation as a determining factor. BC mainly originated from fossil fuel emissions and PM10 predominantly deposited in the head region while BC deposited in the pulmonary region.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucyna Samek, Anna Rys, Jan Dudek, Zdzislaw Stegowski, Vania Martins, Susana Marta Almeida, Katarzyna Styszko
Summary: This study collected PM10 samples from different periods between 2018 and 2020 and found a decrease in PM10 concentration, as well as changes in concentrations of certain elements and ions. Modeling analysis revealed the contributions of different pollution sources. The characteristics of PM10 were significantly influenced by the implementation of a ban and the COVID-19 pandemic.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Dikaia E. Saraga, Xavier Querol, Regina M. B. O. Duarte, Noel J. Aquilina, Nuno Canha, Elena Gomez Alvarez, Milena Jovasevic-Stojanovic, Gabriel Beko, Steigvile Bycenkiene, Renata Kovacevic, Kristina Plauskaite, Nicola Carslaw
Summary: Source apportionment for indoor air pollution is challenging due to the complexity and variability of indoor sources, as well as the interconnectedness with the outdoor environment. This paper reviews the current understanding of source apportionment techniques, targeted pollutants, and identified sources, while highlighting limitations and knowledge gaps in this research field.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stergios Vratolis, Evangelia Diapouli, Manousos I. Manousakas, Susana Marta Almeida, Ivan Beslic, Zsofia Kertesz, Lucyna Samek, Konstantinos Eleftheriadis
Summary: An inversion method was developed to quantify the emission fluxes of certain aerosol pollution sources in Europe and western Asia. The method utilized aerosol contribution factors derived from PM2.5 chemical composition data from 16 European and Asian cities. The results showed significant source areas for secondary sulfate on the east of the Caspian Sea and for dust aerosol in the west Sahara region.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sabyne Audignon-Durand, Olivier Ramalho, Corinne Mandin, Audrey Roudil, Olivier Le Bihan, Fleur Delva, Aude Lacourt
Summary: Ultrafine particles pose a growing concern due to their potential toxicity. This study provides a comprehensive summary of indoor exposure to these particles in highly industrialized countries. It identifies activities such as cooking, smoking, and cleaning as major contributors to indoor ultrafine particle exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
