Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lin Chang, Yongchun Zhao, Yi Zhang, Xuehai Yu, Zenghua Li, Bengen Gong, Huan Liu, Shuzhou Wei, Hao Wu, Junying Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence, partitioning, and leaching risks of mercury in WFGD sludge. The results showed that residual mercury in the sludge was mainly related to HgS, with a potentially high leaching risk.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qingfeng Wang, Dan Wang, Zhonggen Li, Leiming Zhang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: The study revealed that the mercury content in flue gas desulfurization gypsum of coal-fired power plants primarily originates from the flue gas, with a lesser contribution from limestone. The mercury content in gypsum correlates positively with chlorine content and mercury content in coal, while coal characteristics play a significant role in influencing mercury contents in gypsum.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mona Q. Dai, Benjamin M. Geyman, Xindi C. Hu, Colin P. Thackray, Elsie M. Sunderland
Summary: Hazardous air pollutants emitted by U.S. coal-fired power plants have been controlled by the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) since 2012. However, there are sociodemographic disparities in exposures to mercury from these power plants. Despite a significant decrease in atmospheric mercury deposition, communities near active power plants still face potential exposure risks, especially for individuals consuming self-caught fish. The study highlights the need for further efforts to address distributional justice and protect vulnerable populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maureen Cropper, Ryna Cui, Sarath Guttikunda, Nate Hultman, Puja Jawahar, Yongjoon Park, Xinlu Yao, Xiao-Peng Song
Summary: The study found that coal-fired power plants in India have significant impacts on environmental pollution, PM2.5 concentration, and human health, resulting in a large number of premature deaths each year. Avoiding the construction of planned coal-fired power plants could prevent at least 844,000 premature deaths.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiming Huang, Jinling Liu, Guan Wang, Qingfeng Wang, Boping Zeng, Zhongjiu Xiao, Guangyi Sun, Zhonggen Li
Summary: This study investigated the different forms of Hg in coal fly ash from fifteen coal-fired power plants in Guizhou province, and found that Hg was mainly present in strong complexed form. Leaching experiments showed that acidic and strong alkaline conditions could lead to higher Hg leachability.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alphin Joy, Asif Qureshi
Summary: Coal combustion is the primary source of power in India and it emits hazardous substances such as mercury. India is one of the top mercury emitters globally, with coal combustion contributing to a significant portion of the emissions. Current regulations do not require specific technologies to control mercury emissions, and reductions can be achieved through controlling other pollutants or improving power plant efficiency. Accelerating the transition to renewable energy in India could further reduce mercury emissions.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bin Liang, Haolong Bai, Bo Tan, Dingrong Bai
Summary: Different control technologies have been adopted globally to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from coal-fired boilers. However, little attention has been paid to the potential effects of these control technologies on particulate matter emissions. This study observed that the flue gas emission control technology significantly affects condensable particulate matter emissions from coal-fired boilers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhonggen Li, Xufeng Chen, Wenli Liu, Taishan Li, Guangle Qiu, Haiyu Yan, Mingmeng Wang, Ji Chen, Guangyi Sun, Qingfeng Wang, Xinbin Feng
Summary: This study indicates that emissions from coal-fired power plants have a noticeable impact on ambient GEM and agricultural soil THg levels in the vicinity, with approximately 3.9% of the discharged mercury accumulating in nearby soils. The low retention rate of total emitted mercury by soils is attributed to the high proportion of Hg-0 in stack gas emissions and the potential loss of Hg through reemission from soil surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Mikalai Filonchyk, Michael P. Peterson
Summary: The United States is a leading producer of electricity in the world, with coal accounting for 21.8% of the total electricity generated, which amounted to about 4116 billion kWh in 2021. This study examines emissions from coal-fired power plants and their spatial extent using both terrestrial and satellite data, and emphasizes the effectiveness of government policies in reducing emissions. The research reveals a steady decline in pollutant emissions from the US energy sector, with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) decreasing by 93.4% and 84.8% respectively between 1990 and 2020, and carbon dioxide (CO2) decreasing by 37% between 2007 and 2020. However, while overall emissions from coal-fired power plants are declining, some individual plants still lack environmental equipment to control emissions, and certain power plants remain major emitters of SO2, NOx, and CO2. The use of TROPOMI satellite data enables the detection of point emissions from individual power plants, including those in rural areas, highlighting the ongoing pollution concerns from coal-fired power plants despite the progress made.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhixiong Weng, Yuqi Song, Cuiyun Cheng, Dan Tong, Meng Xu, Minghao Wang, Yang Xie
Summary: The Chinese government's strict policies on coal-fired power plants have had considerable environmental benefits, but further testing is needed to determine whether these plants still contribute to air pollution. Using a Difference-In-Differences model, this study compared air quality stations with varying degrees of influence from nearby coal-fired power plants during pandemic lockdowns. The results showed that reduced operation of coal-fired power plants during the lockdowns led to improvements in air quality, but the extent of the impact varied across cities with different economic levels, electricity usage, population sizes, and between capital and non-capital cities. Technological upgrades are crucial for addressing emission control issues and improving air quality.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qing Chen, Long Chen, Jiashuo Li, Yaqin Guo, Yongjie Wang, Wendong Wei, Chang Liu, Jiayuan Wu, Feiyun Tou, Xuejun Wang, Yi Yang
Summary: This study investigates the trend and output of mercury (Hg) content in fly ash from coal-fired power plants in China through a national sampling campaign, literature survey, and model predictions. The results show that the Hg content in fly ash is increasing, mainly due to the installation of advanced air pollution control devices. This highlights the need for stricter requirements for the disposal of solid Hg waste in China's coal-fired power plants.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bin Liang, Haolong Bai, Liangliang Fu, Dingrong Bai
Summary: In this study, emissions of FPM, CPM, and PAHs from different stationary coal-fired sources were measured. The results showed that CFB systems installed with dry and semidry FGD systems and SCR/SNCR emit lesser filterable PM but substantially higher CPM. Wet FGD technology in CFB boilers exhibits lower CPM emissions. Various small coal-fired stoves burning different types of coal do not significantly affect CPM but the PAHs emissions. Based on the data of this investigation, an emission inventory of CPM from various stationary coal-fired sources was estimated.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yonglong Yang, Qiufeng Su, Chenghang Zheng, Yang Zhang, Yifan Wang, Dong Guo, Yongbing He, Yue Zhu
Summary: This study analyzed and evaluated the particulate matter emission from ultra-low emission coal-fired units. The results showed that the emission characteristics of condensable particulate matter were significantly affected by different air pollution control devices. There was a correlation between condensable particulate matter and ash content.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Huan Liu, Zhuo Xiong, Rong Peng, Bengen Gong, Lin Chang, Jianping Yang, Yongchun Zhao, Junying Zhang
Summary: The study investigated the efficacy of CuBr2-TCS as an adsorbent for removing Hg-0 in simulated coal-fired flue gas, demonstrating high removal efficiency. The in-depth exploration of Hg-0 removal performance under different flue gas components proved that CuBr2-TCS has a good removal effect on Hg-0.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zunaira Asif, Zhi Chen, Hui Wang, Yinyin Zhu
Summary: Coal remains a significant power supply source worldwide, but shifting to carbon-neutral fuels is challenging due to growing electricity demand and industrialization. Coal consumption causes severe air pollution and health concerns. This paper reviews current and advanced physical technologies to control multiple air pollutants synergistically in coal power plants and examines the environmental impacts of potential air pollutants. The research shows that coal quality is the most significant factor in increasing air emissions.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Camacho, Cesar Mora, Antonio Picazo, Carlos Rochera, Alba Camacho-Santamans, Daniel Morant, Luis Roca-Perez, Jose Joaquin Ramos-Miras, Jose A. Rodriguez-Martin, Rafael Boluda
Summary: This study examines the relationship between microbial diversity patterns and soil quality in a Mediterranean context, and finds that human activities such as agriculture and deforestation lead to changes in soil properties, which in turn affect microbial diversity and biomass.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Asma Jebari, Jorge Alvaro-Fuentes, Guillermo Pardo, Inmaculada Batalla, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin, Agustin Del Prado
Summary: This study assessed the SOC change and GHG balance in Spanish grasslands associated with dairy cow production, revealing livestock density as the main factor influencing net GHG emissions, with identified threshold values. The results highlighted the crucial role of dairy cow grazing systems in maintaining and enhancing SOC stocks in the grasslands of northern Spain.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Azucena Bermejo-Nogales, Jose A. Rodriguez Martin, Julio Coll, Jose M. Navas
Summary: Rodents are major pests in agriculture and public health. Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are commonly used for rodent control, but increasing resistance is a concern. This study monitored rodent populations in Spain and identified genetic variations that may contribute to resistance. Computational analysis revealed the impact of these variations on the binding affinity of different ARs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oscar Andreu-Sanchez, Jesus Moratalla-Lopez, Jose Antonio Rodriguez-Martin, Luis Roca-Perez
Summary: This study assessed the ecotoxicological risk of four paddy soils in Albufera Natural Park in Spain by performing a battery of bioassays. The results showed that despite the high concentration of potentially toxic elements in the soils, they were considered non-toxic.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Raquel Campos-Herrera, Juan Emilio Palomares-Ruis, Ruben Blanco-Perez, Jose Antonio Rodriguez-Martin, Blanca B. Landa, Pablo Castillo
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and associated soil organisms in olive groves managed with different practices. The results showed that drip irrigation enhanced the EPN community and the growth of nematophagous fungi (NF). This provides important insights for determining suitable management strategies to enhance a balanced soil biota in olive groves in Mediterranean regions and other areas where this crop is cultivated.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theodoros Grigoratos, Athanasios Mamakos, Michael Arndt, Dmytro Lugovyy, Robert Anderson, Christian Hafenmayer, Mikko Moisio, Joonas Vanhanen, Richard Frazee, Carlos Agudelo, Barouch Giechaskiel
Summary: The stringency of vehicle exhaust emissions regulations has led to a significant reduction in exhaust particulate matter (PM) emissions over the years. However, non-exhaust particles from brakes and tyres contribute to almost half or more of ambient PM caused by road transport. Even with the ban on internal combustion engines in 2035, electrified vehicles will still emit PM from brake and tyre wear. Therefore, regulatory measures are necessary to effectively reduce non-exhaust PM emissions. The development of a Global Technical Regulation (GTR) is currently underway to establish testing procedures and boundaries for measuring brake wear particle emissions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Athanasios Besis, Maria Pia Romano, Eleni Serafeim, Anna Avgenikou, Athanasios Kouras, Maria Giulia Lionetto, Maria Rachele Guascito, Anna Rita De Bartolomeo, Maria Elena Giordano, Annarosa Mangone, Daniele Contini, Constantini Samara
Summary: This study characterized the chemical and toxicological properties of water-soluble particulate matter in the urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece, during different seasons. The analysis included water-soluble organic carbon, humic-like substances, and trace elements. Results showed that humic-like substances were a significant component of water-soluble organic carbon, and their concentrations varied among seasons and particle sizes. The most abundant water-soluble metals were Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn. The oxidative potential and cytotoxicity of particulate matter were positively correlated with water-soluble organic carbon and humic-like substances.
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Rui Zhao, Jose Luis Gabriel, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin, Zhe Feng, Kening Wu
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Zhao, Jose Luis Gabriel, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin, Zhe Feng, Kening Wu
Summary: Soil provides diverse ecosystem services, but the pursuit of productive functions has led to soil degradation. This study evaluated soil functional supply and interactions in different regions of China using integrated assessment models and Bayesian belief networks. The findings identified key factors influencing soil function supply and highlighted the importance of considering trade-offs and synergies among different soil functions.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
L. Roca-Perez, R. Boluda, J. A. Rodriguez-Martin, J. Ramos-Miras, P. Tume, N. Roca, J. Bech
Summary: Mining activity is a major source of soil, water and plant pollution. An analysis was conducted on soil and plant samples around the Atrevida mining area in Catalonia, Spain to determine potentially harmful elements (PHEs). The concentrations of PHEs exceeded toxicity thresholds according to the agricultural soil values in southern Europe. Thymus vulgaris L. and Festuca ovina L. had the highest root content of PHEs, while Biscutella laevigata L. accumulated more PHEs in shoots.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Zhao, Xiaodan Zhang, Jose Luis Gabriel, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Martin, Kening Wu
Summary: Agricultural land consolidation is an effective tool for ensuring national food security. However, the current classification of agricultural land consolidation types does not consider soil safety, resulting in randomness in project site selection. Ensuring soil security is a prerequisite for efficient agricultural land consolidation, and incorporating soil's functional advantages is an effective means of securing soil safety.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Theodoros Grigoratos, Marcel Mathissen, RaviTeja Vedula, Athanasios Mamakos, Carlos Agudelo, Sebastian Gramstat, Barouch Giechaskiel
Summary: "The Particle Measurement Programme Informal Working Group (PMP-IWG) coordinated a global interlaboratory study (ILS) on brake wear particle emissions with the participation of 16 testing facilities. Two articles present the main outcomes of the ILS: (I) Particulate matter mass (PM), and (II) Particle Number (PN) emissions."
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marcel Mathissen, Theodoros Grigoratos, Sebastian Gramstat, Athanasios Mamakos, RaviTeja Vedula, Carlos Agudelo, Jaroslaw Grochowicz, Barouch Giechaskiel
Summary: The Particle Measurement Programme (PMP) coordinated a global interlaboratory study on brake wear particle emissions in 2021, involving 16 laboratories. The study included two articles discussing particulate matter mass (PM) and particle number (PN) emissions. The test covered various brake systems and materials, and showed comparable SPN and TPN emission levels except for one lab with high volatile particle emissions. This article summarizes the lessons learned and introduces upcoming global technical regulation for reducing measurement variability in sampling and measuring brake particle emissions for light-duty vehicles up to 3.5 t.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Theodoros Grigoratos, Athanasios Mamakos, RaviTeja Vedula, Michael Arndt, Dmytro Lugovyy, Christian Hafenmayer, Mikko Moisio, Carlos Agudelo, Barouch Giechaskiel
Summary: Vehicles' exhaust particulate matter (PM) emissions have decreased, but non-exhaust emissions from brakes and tires have increased. The Euro 7 proposal introduces specific emission limits for brakes and tires worldwide. This study presents technical specifications for PM measurements and evaluates particle losses in two different setups. It also discusses the mass ratios of PM2.5 and PM10 as a function of the mass median diameters.
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Michopoulos, M. Kostakis, A. Solomou, I Pasias, Th Grigoratos, N. S. Thomaidis, C. Samara
Summary: The concentrations and availability of metals and metalloid were studied in two adjacent acid forest soils in Greece. The beech soil had higher total metal concentrations, while the availability of most metals was higher in the beech soil. Factors like pH, organic C, C/N ratio, and total metal concentration influenced the availability of metals. A principal component analysis explained 63-75% of the variation in available metal concentrations. The concentrations of metals did not differ significantly between oak and beech leaves, except for Cd which was higher in beech leaves.
GLOBAL NEST JOURNAL
(2022)