Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Cantera, Martino Lopez, Raul Munoz, Raquel Lebrero
Summary: This study compared the removal performance of four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with different hydrophobicity and molecular structure in different bioreactor configurations, and found that different reactor configurations had an impact on the removal efficiency and stability of different VOCs. Microbial community analysis showed that VOCs as the sole carbon and energy source did not promote the growth of dominant bacterial members, and the populations evolved independently in each reactor configuration and operation mode.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojun Zhou, Jialu Liu, Xuejiao Dong, Ruixue Ma, Xinke Wang, Fenghao Wang
Summary: Understanding the coupling mechanism between multi-material pollution sources and sinks is crucial for predicting pollution load. Indoor fabric materials adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to their high loading rates and large specific surface areas, which leads to secondary source effects and prolongs indoor air pollution. Current research on VOC mass-transfer properties of building materials cannot be directly applied to fabrics because of their multifaceted anisotropic fiber-interlaced structure. This study characterized the triple porous structure of fabrics, analyzed the mass-transfer network, and proposed a theoretical prediction model of the VOC diffusion coefficient using a multistage fractal-like tree network model. The experimental and theoretical results showed that the proposed model accurately predicts the diffusion coefficient of fabrics. This research provides insight into the dynamic source and sink characteristics of fabrics in indoor environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
F. Thevenet, M. Verriele, P. Harb, S. Thlaijeh, R. Brun, M. Nicolas, S. Angulo-Milhem
Summary: This study investigates the fate of volatile organic compounds in indoor environments, with a focus on the behavior of terpenes. By studying the absorption characteristics of limonene on different surfaces, it was found that limonene exhibits varying affinities to indoor materials, providing important insights into the loss of terpenes indoors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lihui Huang, Yanru Wei, Liyuan Zhang, Zhe Ma, Weiping Zhao
Summary: A study conducted in 8 urban residences in Beijing measured the indoor and outdoor concentrations of 43 VOCs, identifying 36 species with significant indoor sources. A model was developed to estimate the indoor emission strengths of these VOCs, ranking D-limonene, alpha-pinene, and styrene as the top contributors. Factors such as air exchange rate, indoor temperature, and humidity were found to have significant impacts on VOC emission strengths.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Montuori, Mariagiovanna Gioia, Michele Sorrentino, Fabiana Di Duca, Francesca Pennino, Giuseppe Messineo, Maria Luisa Maccauro, Simonetta Riello, Ugo Trama, Maria Triassi, Antonio Nardone
Summary: This study used a KAP survey questionnaire to propose quantitative research on indoor household pollution. The results showed that most of the interviewed individuals had positive attitudes towards house cleaning and paid attention to cleaning products. Regression analysis indicated that individuals with higher knowledge, such as younger and more educated subjects, had significantly higher positive attitudes, but their behaviors towards household indoor chemical pollution were not aligned. Therefore, behavioral and attitudinal interventions are necessary for this target population.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evdokia Stratigou, Sebastien Dusanter, Joel Brito, Emmanuel Tison, Veronique Riffault
Summary: The indoor environment is often more polluted than the outdoors, and it is important to assess the sources of indoor pollutants. This study successfully developed a method to differentiate indoor and outdoor pollutant sources, and found that an unoccupied indoor environment acts as a source for VOCs, but a sink for particles.
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Tuomas Alapieti, Camilla Vornanen-Winqvist, Raimo Mikkola, Heidi Salonen
Summary: Stricter energy efficiency requirements of buildings have raised concerns about their effects on indoor air quality (IAQ). We studied measured and perceived IAQ in three low-energy wooden test buildings using different ventilation levels. The results show that increasing ventilation can reduce VOC concentrations and decrease dissatisfaction with air quality. However, buildings made of pinewood had higher VOC levels but lower dissatisfaction in certain ventilation conditions.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Leela Kempton, Dan Daly, Georgios Kokogiannakis, Mark Dewsbury
Summary: Sealing gaps in a house to reduce energy consumption may lead to reduced indoor air quality, but the evidence for direct correlations between increased airtightness and indoor air quality is limited.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David Maria Tobaldi, Dana Dvoranova, Luc Lajaunie, Kristina Czikhardtova, Bruno Figueiredo, Jose Juan Calvino, Maria Paula Seabra, Joao Antonio Labrincha
Summary: Modern lifestyles result in increased indoor time, negatively impacting health. Indoor air quality is important, and a solution to remove pollutants using LED bulbs has been found through the use of copper oxide- and graphene-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Dylan Wall, Paul McCullagh, Ian Cleland, Raymond Bond
Summary: The study presents a didactic approach to implementing indoor air quality monitoring using an IoT solution with low cost sensors and edge computing nodes. It demonstrates a strong relationship between humidity and air quality, with cleaning products adversely affecting air quality. Opening a window to speed up pollutant dissipation can mitigate poor air quality.
INTERNET OF THINGS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luca Tofful, Maria Catrambone, Marco Giusto, Salvatore Pareti, Elena Rantica, Tiziana Sargolini, Silvia Canepari, Maria Agostina Frezzini, Lorenzo Massimi, Martina Ristorini, Armando Pelliccioni, Cinzia Perrino
Summary: In the study of indoor particulate matter in a university building, it was found that indoor PM is mainly influenced by soil components and organics, especially when crowded. The penetration of PM components is regulated by their chemical nature and particle dimensions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mojtaba Malayeri, Chang-Seo Lee, Fariborz Haghighat
Summary: This paper presented a model for predicting UV-PCO reactor performance in removing VOCs from indoor environment, which was validated through inter-model comparison and experimental data. The study highlighted the impact of light distribution, light absorption, and competitive effects on system performance, providing insights for scale-up of PCO in real application.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Andrew Persily
Summary: Indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations have long been used to evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, as well as to discuss the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission. However, the significance of indoor CO2 levels, ventilation, and IAQ is often misunderstood. This paper presents an approach to estimate space-specific CO2 levels that can serve as a metric for outdoor ventilation rates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Di Fiore, Pietro Pandolfi, Fabiana Carriera, Alessia Iannone, Gaetano Settimo, Vincenzo Mattei, Pasquale Avino
Summary: Indoor air quality is a major concern, and burning incense has been identified as a primary source of volatile organic compounds, particularly benzene. This study evaluated the emissions of volatile organic compounds, specifically benzene, in indoor environments through experiments in a clean room. The results showed that incense sticks emitted benzene at concentrations ranging from 11.1 to 66.5 & mu;g m(-3), which were 2.5 times lower than the recommended limit for non-occupational indoor exposure set by ACGIH. This research highlights the significant effects of burning incense in private and public indoor settings, considering the health risks associated with benzene and the lack of precise legislation on indoor air quality in residential areas.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Helene Niculita-Hirzel, Pascal Wild, Alexandre H. Hirzel
Summary: Exposure to specific microbiome compositions in the built environment can impact human health and well-being. This study found that season and insulation effectiveness are important factors influencing indoor fungal communities, while the urban landscape has a weaker influence.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Helene Monteil, Yoan Pechaud, Nihal Oturan, Clement Trellu, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study aimed to develop and characterize a new pilot-scale reactor using BDD anode and carbon felt cathode operating in continuous mode, and successfully achieved high mineralization rates. Experimental results showed that liquid flow rate and reactor configuration were crucial for reactor performance, and a new mathematical model successfully captured the trends in experimental data.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zahra Heidari, Rasool Pelalak, Reza Alizadeh, Nihal Oturan, Saeed Shirazian, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study investigated the potential use of novel iron-based mineral catalysts for electrocatalytic oxidation of refractory contaminants. Chalcopyrite showed the highest efficiency in degrading the antibiotic cefazolin, and remained stable and reusable after consecutive runs. Iron-based mineral catalysts, especially chalcopyrite, were found to be a cost-effective alternative due to their high catalytic activity, availability, eco-friendly nature and low energy consumption.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Soliu Oladejo Ganiyu, Carlos A. Martinez-Huitle, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: The knowledge of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) mechanisms has evolved over the past three decades, aided by advances in analytical and spectrometric techniques. The type, nature, and quantity of reactive species generated in EAOPs are controlled by various factors, and their accurate identification is crucial for understanding their reactivity. The potency and reactivity of oxidants generated in EAOPs are similar regardless of the technique used, except in the case of heterogeneous and homogeneous hydroxyl radicals.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Clement Trellu, Hugo Olvera Vargas, Emmanuel Mousset, Nihal Oturan, Mehmet Oturan
Summary: Pesticides are widely used to increase agricultural yield, but they have adverse effects on the environment and human health, requiring efficient treatment before release into water bodies. Electrochemical technology appears to be effective in removing pesticides from water.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Clement Trellu, Yoan Pechaud, Nihal Oturan, Emmanuel Mousset, Eric D. van Hullebusch, David Huguenot, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: Soil remediation is necessary for contaminated sites, and soil washing using extracting agents has become a common technique. However, the cost-effectiveness of using large amounts of extracting agents is a challenge. Recovery and reuse of extracting agents can be achieved through various separation and degradation processes.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuedong Du, Mehmet A. Oturan, Minghua Zhou, Nacer Belkessa, Pei Su, Jingju Cai, Prime Ement Trellu, Emmanuel Mousset
Summary: The implementation of nanostructured materials in electrochemistry has enhanced conversion yield in fuel cells, electrosynthesis of oxidants, electrolytic treatment for environmental protection, and reduced the detection limit in electroanalysis. Nanostructuration brings about new material properties, such as increased number of active sites and improved conductivity, leading to enhanced heterogeneous catalysis mechanisms at electrode surfaces.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fatima Ezzahra Titchou, Hicham Zazou, Hanane Afanga, Jamila El Gaayda, Rachid Ait Akbour, Mohamed Hamdani, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study investigated the degradation and mineralization of dye Direct Red 23 by the electro-Fenton process using BDD and DSA anodes and a CG cathode. The results showed that the best treatment efficiencies were achieved in sulfate medium, with higher TOC removal and lower energy consumption. By combining Na2SO4 and NaCl salts as supporting electrolytes, the mineralization rate of DR23 solution and current efficiency were further increased.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Nihal Oturan, Jiang Bo, Clement Trellu, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) are developed for effective destruction of recalcitrant organic pollutants, where the choice of electrode materials plays a crucial role in process efficiency. This study compares the performance of ten electrodes in the removal of the antibiotic p-aminosalicylic acid (p-ASA), highlighting the significant impact of oxidative degradation kinetics and mineralization rate on performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Weilu Yang, Minghua Zhou, Lei Mai, Huase Ou, Nihal Oturan, Mehmet A. Oturan, Eddy Y. Zeng
Summary: In this study, metal-free electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) were developed using nitrogen and sulfur co-doped electrochemically exfoliated graphene catalysts. These catalysts showed excellent performance in efficiently removing organic substances and had a broader range of solution pH values, making them suitable for wastewater treatment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Moussa Mbaye, Pape Abdoulaye Diaw, Olivier Maurice Aly Mbaye, Nihal Oturan, Mame Diabou Gaye Seye, Clement Trellu, Atanasse Coly, Alphonse Tine, Jean-Jacques Aaron, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: The electro-Fenton process was used to efficiently degrade and mineralize the fungicide thiram, with the study finding that using a BDD anode resulted in higher mineralization efficiency compared to a Pt anode, leading to almost complete removal of organic carbon from the thiram solution.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ansaf Karim, Puthiya Veetil Nidheesh, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes provide a promising means for the mineralization of persistent organic compounds, transforming them into more biodegradable compounds or completely removing them from water. Recent advances in the utilization of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes for the anodic oxidation process in real wastewater have shown significant progress, shedding light on the characteristic properties of BDD electrodes and the degradation mechanism involved. This review offers an overview of the application of BDD electrodes for the mineralization of real wastewater.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Ezzahra Titchou, Hicham Zazou, Hanane Afanga, El Gaayda Jamila, Rachid Ait Akbour, Mohamed Hamdani, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study compared the efficiency of different treatment methods for removing Direct Red 23 from wastewater, finding varying removal effects in different electrolytes, with the use of a mixed supporting electrolyte leading to enhanced TOC removal efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esra Kulaksiz, Berkant Kayan, Belgin Gozmen, Dimitrios Kalderis, Nihal Oturan, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of the antineoplastic agent 5-FU using various advanced oxidation processes, with the EF process being the most efficient. Different anodes in the EF process showed varying effects on the oxidative degradation of 5-FU, with the production of heterogeneous hydroxyl radicals playing a significant role at higher currents. Titanium dioxide-based photocatalytic oxidation and subcritical water oxidation processes showed lower degradation efficiency compared to the EF process. Overall, performance indicators such as degradation efficiency, mineralization power, cost, and energy consumption were considered in the comparison between the different treatment methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjuan Wei, John C. Little, Melanie Nicolas, Olivier Ramalho, Corinne Mandin
Summary: The use of liquid products on material surfaces and human skin can result in emissions of chemicals in indoor air. Existing models do not allow for comparison of different scenarios and mechanisms. This study developed a mechanistic model based on mass transfer theories to characterize emissions from liquid products into the air. The model was validated using data on chemical emissions and a sensitivity analysis was conducted. The percentage of emitted chemical mass varied depending on the surface and the peak gas-phase concentration and emission time depended on the properties of the chemical and the surface.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Thi Hao Nguyen, Anda Ionescu, Evelyne Gehin, Olivier Ramalho
Summary: In this study, the opening state of five windows in a real open-plan office was modeled using three machine learning models. The previous 24-hour environmental factors and the current time were used to predict the current state of the windows. The results showed that the window status, current time, and previous 24-hour mean outdoor air temperature were the most relevant factors.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
