Review
Environmental Sciences
A. Berthiaume, E. Galarneau, G. Marson
Summary: This article presents the current knowledge on Canadian PAC emission sources, with forest fires dominating the emissions nationally. Non-industrial sources are estimated to be the second largest contributor, showing moderate decreases in recent decades. Industrial point sources have seen considerable reductions, while fugitive emissions from other industrial sources remain a gap in our understanding. Overall, there is uncertainty in emissions data and regional/local scale examination is needed to determine the sources contributing most to human and ecosystem exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifeng Zhang, William Shotyk, Rick Pelletier, Claudio Zaccone, Tommy Noernberg, Gillian Mullan-Boudreau, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: With industrial development in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) in northern Alberta, the atmospheric deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has increased. The main source of PAHs to moss in the region is the deposition of particles from the atmosphere. PAH concentrations in the near-field AOSR sites were significantly higher than those in the far-field AOSR sites or reference sites in Alberta. The major sources of PAHs in the AOSR were estimated to be delayed petcoke and fine tailings. Dust control measures should be considered to protect human and environmental health, especially in the northern quadrant of the AOSR.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Wang, Kai Xiang, Yuan Zeng, Haifeng Gu, Yufeng Guan, Shejun Chen
Summary: A study conducted in a subtropical rainforest in southern China found that forest canopies play a crucial role in scavenging airborne semi-volatile organic compounds. The study measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the understory air, foliage, and litterfall, revealing spatial and temporal variations in PAH concentrations. The research provides important insights into the degradation and accumulation dynamics of PAHs in subtropical rainforests.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Minh A. Nguyen, Lutz Ahrens, Sarah Josefsson, Jakob Gustavsson, Hjalmar Laudon, Karin Wiberg
Summary: Atmospheric deposition is the main source of PAHs in remote areas, and their fluxes were measured on a seasonal basis in a subarctic forest catchment in northern Europe. It was found that the deposition fluxes of PAHs and PAH-derivatives were higher during cold periods, and they showed similar seasonal patterns, suggesting similar sources and deposition mechanisms. The study also showed that boreal forests act as sinks for PACs derived from the atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Tevlin, Elisabeth Galarneau, Tianchu Zhang, Hayley Hung
Summary: The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in Canadian air and deposition show large variations, with higher levels near industrial emitters and lower levels in the Arctic. Reductions in industrial emissions can influence the environment near relevant facilities, but the impact in other areas is modest. Future research is needed to further investigate PACs in Canada.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maryam Moradi, Yuan You, Hayley Hung, James Li, Richard Park, Nick Alexandrou, Samar G. Moussa, Liisa Jantunen, Rachelle Robitaille, Ralf M. Staebler
Summary: This study for the first time assessed the emissions of PACs from the Suncor Tailings Pond 2/3 in Alberta, confirming volatilization fluxes of PACs using three different models. The findings highlight the necessity of gathering data from other tailings ponds to determine their contributions to PAC emissions to the atmosphere.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bingxin Xie, Jihong Qin, Hui Sun, Shu Wang, Xin Li
Summary: This study focuses on the distribution and leaching behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oil-based residues of shale gas drilling cuttings. The results show that the concentration of 4-ring PAHs is the highest, and the concentration of PAHs decreases with increasing particle size of the residues. The leachate from the tested residues shows different PAH concentrations during the leaching process, with each leached PAH accounting for 1.50-3.20% of the total PAHs. The leaching characteristics of PAHs are best described by the first-order diffusion model (FRDM), with the leaching rate initially controlled by surface wash-off and then by diffusion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucie M. J. Levesque, Julie Roy, Nancy E. Glozier, Leah Dirk, Colin A. Cooke
Summary: The Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring Program has been conducting long-term surface water quality monitoring on the lower Athabasca River since 2012. The program found that the presence of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the river, especially in the oil sands mineable area, is mainly influenced by mining activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Abdul Samad, Gervais Pelletier, Armand Seguin, Dani Degenhardt, Douglas G. Muench, Christine Martineau
Summary: This study used RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of different types of oil sands tailings (OST) on gene expression in willow. The results showed that some genes responded universally, while others responded specifically to different types of OST. Genes related to detoxification, transport, and stress response were identified. The expression of certain genes could be used as a biosensor to distinguish plants exposed to different OST stresses. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing OST capping and vegetation restoration technologies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Stoyanovich, Z. Yang, M. Hanson, B. P. Hollebone, D. M. Orihel, V Palace, J. R. Rodriguez-Gil, F. Mirnaghi, K. Shah, J. M. Blais
Summary: The physical and chemical properties of dilute bitumens can affect the environmental fate and effects of the compounds. The study found that only a small proportion of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from dilbit enters the aquatic system, but high concentrations can be found in sediments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Larissa Montas, Alesia C. Ferguson, Kristina D. Mena, Helena M. Solo-Gabriele, Claire B. Paris
Summary: This study estimated the age-at-sea of weathered oil slicks using a modeling system and used this information to interpret PAH concentration measurements. The study found that the mean percent depletion of PAHs increased with estimated age-at-sea. Alkylated PAHs showed less depletion compared to parent PAHs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leah Chibwe, Derek C. G. Muir, Yamini Gopalapillai, Dayue Shang, Jane L. Kirk, Carlos A. Manzano, Beau Atkinson, Xiaowa Wang, Camilla Teixeira
Summary: Our study revealed that PACs mass deposition increased between 2008 and 2017 coincident with crude oil production, and identified the potential of retene and benzo[ghi]fluoranthene in distinguishing sources in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR).
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Colin A. Cooke, Paul E. Drevnick
Summary: Mountaintop removal coal mining has negative impacts on downstream ecosystems by delivering nutrients, ions, and heavy metals. This study shows that it also affects ecosystems downwind and releases polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Agnieszka Krzyszczak, Michal P. Dybowski, Magdalena Konczak, Bozena Czech
Summary: In recent years, there has been significant progress in the study of thermal transformation of waste into valuable materials such as biochar. High-temperature processes can lead to the formation of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, the pyrolysis process can also result in the formation of derivatives containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, which may have higher toxicity than parent PAHs. The bioavailability of PAHs is an important parameter in the agricultural application of carbonaceous materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Philippe J. Thomas, David C. Eickmeyer, Kristin M. Eccles, Linda E. Kimpe, Emiel Felzel, Abraham Brouwer, Robert J. Letcher, Bruce D. Maclean, Laurie H. M. Chan, Jules M. Blais
Summary: Although the oil and gas industry in Northern Alberta has economic benefits, concerns exist over the impact of increased oil production on the environment and human health. This study linked chemical analysis of sediment cores with biological effect assessments, showing the feasibility of evaluating toxicity in river systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoliang Wang, Steven Gronstal, Brenda Lopez, Heejung Jung, L. -W. Antony Chen, Guoyuan Wu, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Judith C. Chow, John G. Watson, Qi Yao, Seungju Yoon
Summary: This study collected PM2.5 and PM10 filter samples near two southern California highways (I-5 and I-710) during winter 2020 and analyzed them for chemical source markers. The results showed that organic matter, mineral dust, and elemental carbon (EC) were the main components of particulate matter. The concentrations of EC and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were higher near the I-710 highway, likely due to a higher proportion of diesel vehicles. High correlations were found between elements with common sources, such as markers for brake wear and road dust. Tire tread particles contributed approximately 8.0% and 5.5% to PM2.5 and PM10 mass, respectively, and different tire brands had significantly different abundances of silicon, zinc, carbon, and natural rubber.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Huike Dong, Xiaoping Wang, Li Xu, Jiannan Ding, Frank Wania
Summary: In order to sample airborne microplastics in locations with limited power supply, researchers improved a flow-through passive sampler by placing a glass fiber filter in the inner sampling tube. Field experiments conducted at the Lhasa campus of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research showed that the flow-through sampler accurately collected atmospheric concentrations and compositions of microplastics, making it a reliable and quantitative method for sites with limited or unreliable power supply.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Sivani Baskaran, Ying Duan Lei, Frank Wania
Summary: Bioaccumulation modeling has identified a lower limit for the log KOA values of chemicals that potentially bioaccumulate in air-breathing organisms. We adjusted the generator column method to determine KOA values of volatile compounds and successfully obtained reliable data. These findings have implications in assessing the bioaccumulation potential of different chemicals.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA
(2023)
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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Stacey O'Brien, Cassandra Rauert, Francisca Ribeiro, Elvis D. Okoffo, Stephen D. Burrows, Jake W. O'Brien, Xianyu Wang, Stephanie L. Wright, Kevin Thomas
Summary: In recent years, there has been progress in the literature on microplastics in the atmosphere. However, studies have been conducted in isolation with limited collaboration and exploration of the relationships between air, deposition, and dust. This review provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of current knowledge by collating data from 124 peer-reviewed articles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoliang Wang, John A. Gillies, Steven Kohl, Eden Furtak-Cole, Karl A. Tupper, David A. Cardiel
Summary: A measurement campaign was conducted to identify the sources contributing to PM10 in the downwind area of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). The results showed that mineral dust and sea salt were the major contributors, while unidentified components were also significant. The increase in mineral dust and unidentified components suggested the presence of unmeasured oxides of minerals and carbonate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pradeep Dewapriya, Nikolaos Rousis, Cassandra Rauert, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Kevin V. Thomas
Summary: Urban stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution caused by a large mixture of chemicals. The pollutant profile of stormwater samples collected from an Australian creek was analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry and chemometric tools. The study identified compounds such as nonpolymeric surfactants, plastic additives, rubber and resin-related products, and natural products in the stormwater. The prioritization workflow used in this study proved to be an effective tool for assessing key stormwater-related compounds and determining their environmental effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Ding, Stephen J. Hayward, John N. Westgate, Trevor N. Brown, Ying D. Lei, Frank Wania
Summary: Large amounts of pesticides are used in agriculture worldwide, and we have limited knowledge about their movement in the atmosphere. To investigate the distribution of pesticides and their relationship with environmental variables, we deployed air samplers in four mountains in Southern British Columbia. We found varying concentrations of pesticides in the air across the mountains, with proximity to sources and altitude playing important roles.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Luo, Yuxuan Ren, Zehang Sun, Yu Li, Bing Li, Sen Yang, Wanpeng Zhang, Frank Wania, Yuanan Hu, Hefa Cheng
Summary: This study used low-cost passive air samplers to investigate atmospheric mercury pollution in a large industrial city in South China. The findings showed that areas with mercury-added product manufacturing activities had significantly higher gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations compared to other areas, indicating local releases were responsible for the pollution. Elevated GEM concentrations were found near fluorescent lamp and electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) factories, presumably due to outdated production technologies and non-standard operation. Overall, the manufacturing of mercury-added products contributes notable anthropogenic gaseous mercury releases in industrial areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Environmental
Leslie J. Saunders, Frank Wania
Summary: The susceptibility of organic chemicals to elimination in air-breathing organisms can be assessed using the octanol-water partition ratio (K-OW) and the octanol-air partition ratio (K (OA)). According to regulations, chemicals with K (OW) values <10(5) and K (OA) values <10(4.85) are considered non-bioaccumulative in air breathers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mathieu Feraud, Jake W. O'Brien, Saer Samanipour, Pradeep Dewapriya, Denice van Herwerden, Sarit Kaserzon, Ian Wood, Cassandra Rauert, Kevin V. Thomas
Summary: Non-target analysis (NTA) using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) coupled with liquid chromatography is increasingly employed for identifying biologically relevant chemicals. Interpreting HRMS datasets, which are often recorded in vendor-specific formats, can be challenging due to their large and complex nature. InSpectra is a web-based, open-source platform that offers flexible and extensible NTA workflows for the systematic detection of emerging chemical threats. It provides a reproducible and transparent approach for identifying, tracking, and prioritizing these threats.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Elisabeth S. Rodland, Mats Gustafsson, David Jaramillo-Vogel, Ida Jarlskog, Kathrin Mueller, Cassandra Rauert, Juanita Rausch, Stephan Wagner
Summary: As one of the largest sources of microplastic particle emissions, tire-road wear particle mixtures (TRWPs) pose a potentially high threat to various environmental compartments. Current analytical methods for TRWP can be summarized in two main groups: single-particle-based and bulk-based methods. This review provides an overview of the current analytical methods used for TRWP studies and in particularly quantifications, with focus on methods that have been peer-reviewed and tested for environmental samples.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifeng Zhang, William Shotyk, Rick Pelletier, Claudio Zaccone, Tommy Noernberg, Gillian Mullan-Boudreau, Jonathan W. Martin
Summary: With industrial development in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) in northern Alberta, the atmospheric deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has increased. The main source of PAHs to moss in the region is the deposition of particles from the atmosphere. PAH concentrations in the near-field AOSR sites were significantly higher than those in the far-field AOSR sites or reference sites in Alberta. The major sources of PAHs in the AOSR were estimated to be delayed petcoke and fine tailings. Dust control measures should be considered to protect human and environmental health, especially in the northern quadrant of the AOSR.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matthew S. Landis, Eric S. Edgerton
Summary: The Canadian Federal Government and the province of Alberta have implemented new and lower NO2 air quality standards. The Wood Buffalo Environmental Association conducted a three-year comparison of four NO2 analyzers in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, and found that the data from all analyzers were highly correlated and in agreement.
JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ingjerd S. Krogseth, Knut Breivik, Sylvia Frantzen, Bente M. Nilsen, Sabine Eckhardt, Therese H. Nost, Frank Wania
Summary: This study developed a Nested Exposure Model (NEM) to simulate the link between global emissions and resulting ecosystem exposure, taking into account variations in time and space. By using NEM, the researchers were able to estimate PCB-153 concentrations in seawater and marine organisms in the Norwegian marine environment, and the model accurately reproduced the measured concentrations and variations in different locations and organisms. The study also highlighted the significant contribution of European and global emissions to the PCB-153 load in fish from Norwegian marine offshore areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2023)