Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuan-duo Zhu, Xu Li, Lin Fan, Li Li, Jiao Wang, Wen-jing Yang, Lin Wang, Xiao-yuan Yao, Xian-liang Wang
Summary: The study reveals a severe indoor air pollution problem in Chinese primary school classrooms, with high levels of PM2.5, PM10, and other pollutants exceeding recommended guidelines, particularly in regions like Shijiazhuang and Nanning. There is a need to improve ventilation in classrooms to create a healthy learning environment for students.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Blanka Cabovska, Gabriel Beko, Despoina Teli, Lars Ekberg, Jan-Olof Dalenback, Pawel Wargocki, Theofanis Psomas, Sarka Langer
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different ventilation strategies on indoor air quality in schools. The results showed that classrooms with balanced mechanical ventilation systems had better air quality compared to those with natural or exhaust ventilation. Most classrooms had lower ventilation rates than the recommended standards.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Mainka, Peter Fantke
Summary: This study measured the concentrations of PM2.5 and 11 metals in urban and rural kindergartens in the Upper Silesia Region, Poland. The results showed that the health impacts on children from exposure to PM2.5 were lower compared to the impacts from exposure to metals. The health impacts varied by season and site.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Chiara Visentin, Simone Torresin, Matteo Pellegatti, Nicola Prodi
Summary: Soundscape research on indoor environments is becoming increasingly important for creating supportive and comfortable spaces. This pilot study focuses on the indoor soundscape of classrooms for primary school children and investigates both the actual soundscape and the children's ideal soundscape. The findings suggest that children are mostly exposed to unpleasant sounds in classrooms, with their preferred sounds being music and nature-related sounds. These findings have implications for designing positive and inclusive learning environments.
JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dawei Hu, Yeny Tobon, Aymeric Agostini, Benoit Grosselin, Ying Chen, Corinne Robin, Abderrazak Yahyaoui, Patrice Colin, Abdelwahid Mellouki, Veronique Daele
Summary: This study conducted high time resolved measurement of indoor formaldehyde concentration in different educational institutions in France. The results showed that ventilation played an important role in controlling indoor formaldehyde levels. In addition to primary sources, the study identified tobacco smokers' residue and VOCs released from cleaning products as secondary sources of indoor formaldehyde. Therefore, in schools, besides implementing ventilation systems, the control of secondary sources of formaldehyde should also be considered.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaojie Li, Xinlei Liu, Yatai Men, Zhihan Luo, Rui Xiong, Jianpeng Li, Hefa Cheng, Shu Tao, Guofeng Shen
Summary: Nearly three billion people still rely on traditional solid fuels, leading to potentially harmful levels of indoor CO2 exposure. A study in rural coal-use households found significantly elevated indoor CO2 concentrations, posing a variety of health risks. Efforts to reduce exposure to indoor CO2 are crucial for public health.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kahori Genjo
Summary: The study found that in 15 nursery schools in mild climatic areas in Japan, lower temperatures were observed during winter at lower heights where infants spend time. Poor indoor air quality was also found in both summer and winter due to lower ventilation rates in some classrooms with smaller areas per infant compared to minimum standards for child welfare institutions.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Najwa Kanama, Michel Ondarts, Gaelle Guyot, Jonathan Outin, Benjamin Golly, Evelyne Gonze
Summary: This study aims to assess the impact of energy renovation on indoor air quality (IAQ) in a school building located in a polluted outdoor environment. The results showed that the installation of a balanced ventilation system significantly increased the air change rate and improved IAQ. However, it also resulted in a significant increase in indoor/outdoor particle concentration.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hooseung Na, Haneul Choi, Haseong Kim, Dongjun Park, Joosang Lee, Taeyeon Kim
Summary: This study proposes an operating method to minimize noise while improving indoor air quality in school classrooms by using CONTAM simulations. The method involves operating the heat recovery ventilation (HRV) in low wind mode during class time and strong wind mode during break time. The study findings provide an effective and feasible approach to satisfying both noise and indoor air quality requirements and can be valuable for developing appropriate air purifier facility capacities in different schools.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Natalia Giraldo Vasquez, Gabriel Beko, Pawel Wargocki, Blanka Cabovska, Despoina Teli, Jan-Olof Dalenback, Lars Ekberg, Theofanis Psomas, Sarka Langer
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between children's perception of indoor environmental quality in classrooms, measured thermal and air quality factors, and the type of ventilation. The study found no significant differences in subjective perception between the three ventilation categories, but classrooms with ventilation category A had noticeably lower perception index compared to those with ventilation category B or C.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Guillaume Karr, Melanie Nicolas, Francois Maupetit, Martine Ramel
Summary: The study conducted a health risk assessment of household uses of cleaning products, finding low chronic inhalation risks under common use conditions but potential health risks under extreme worst-case scenarios.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sara Mohamed, Lucelia Rodrigues, Siddig Omer, John Calautit
Summary: Recent studies have shown that many new school buildings fail to meet minimum comfort standards, leading to low productivity and the need for energy-consuming air conditioning devices.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Grace Kuiper, Ada Wilmer, Hannah Carter, Caroline Shannon, Hannah Curcio, Elicia Ratajczyk, Brian Dunbar, Ellison Carter, Anisa Heming, Sheryl Magzamen
Summary: School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the importance of in-person learning for child health. Improving indoor air quality is crucial for keeping schools open during outbreaks. This study evaluated the impact of Enhanced IAQ credit achievement in LEED-certified schools on their ability to remain open during the pandemic, and found that although the treatment effect was not significant, there was a secondary finding of decreased COVID-related closure days associated with increased mask usage in the community.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mary Myla Andamon, Priyadarsini Rajagopalan, Jin Woo
Summary: This paper presents field measurements of CO2 concentration levels in classrooms in Victoria, Australia, showing insufficient ventilation and elevated CO2 levels. The study highlights the importance of improving classroom design, promoting proper ventilation practices, raising awareness of building ventilation in schools, and developing guidelines for ventilation and indoor air quality in schools.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shamila Haddad, Afroditi Synnefa, Miguel Angel Padilla Marcos, Riccardo Paolini, Steven Delrue, Deo Prasad, Mattheos Santamouris
Summary: A field study was conducted in secondary school classrooms in Sydney, Australia, where the use of a cloud-connected demand-controlled mechanical extract ventilation system (DCV) significantly improved air quality and comfort. Students demonstrated adaptability to indoor temperature and CO2 concentration changes. Understanding indoor air quality and thermal environment is crucial for developing child-friendly design guidelines for schools.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Catarina T. Silva, Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Sofia I. V. Sousa
Summary: This systematic review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on air quality. The findings suggest a temporary improvement in air quality during the lockdown period in certain urban areas, highlighting the need for further research to develop targeted policies for reducing air pollution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joana V. Barbosa, Rafael A. O. Nunes, Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, Fernando G. Martins, Sofia I. V. Sousa
Summary: Wildfires have substantial negative impacts on air quality and children's health, particularly in terms of increased bronchitis cases and postneonatal mortality. Long-term exposure to PM10 and NO2 concentrations from wildfires are associated with these adverse health effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Priscilla Gomes da Silva, Jose Goncalves, Ariana Isabel Brito Lopes, Nury Alves Esteves, Gustavo Emanuel Enes Bamba, Maria Sao Jose Nascimento, Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Ruben R. G. Soares, Sofia I. V. Sousa, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: This study assessed the environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 in different areas of a major hospital in Portugal during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate the presence of the virus in both air and surfaces in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. The need for extended collection sessions to detect point contaminations is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continuous caution and adherence to preventive measures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juliana P. Sa, Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Maria C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, Fernando G. Martins, Sofia I. V. Sousa
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of low-cost sensor devices for short-term continuous radon monitoring in nursery and primary school buildings. The results show that the RadonEye low-cost sensor devices have similar profiles with the reference instrument and good performance indices.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Priscilla Gomes da Silva, Jose Goncalves, Maria Sao Jose Nascimento, Sofia I. V. Sousa, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: Airborne transmission is more likely to occur in poorly ventilated and crowded indoor environments, with public transport being perceived as having a high risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In Portugal, only two air samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in public transport systems, while no positive surface samples were detected. The viral concentration in public transport systems is associated with the number of people present and their mask-wearing behavior.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. Chojer, P. T. B. S. Branco, F. G. Martins, M. C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, S. I. V. Sousa
Summary: This study monitored indoor air quality using low-cost IoT devices and developed machine learning algorithms for on-field calibration. The results showed some limitations in particle detection by these devices, but after calibration, the accuracy significantly improved.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Development Studies
Ana Catarina T. Silva, Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Patricia Ferrini Rodrigues, Sofia I. Sousa
Summary: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mobility restrictions were imposed by governments. This study aimed to evaluate their impact on air quality in Portugal and define sustainable mitigation measures. The results showed improved air quality in all periods and areas, except for industrial sites, and satellite data validated these findings.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Daniel R. Lewin, Emilia M. Kondili, Ian T. Cameron, Gregoire Leonard, Seyed Soheil Mansouri, Fernando G. Martins, Luis Ricardez-Sandoval, Hirokazu Sugiyama, Edwin Zondervan
Summary: This paper investigates the current and future trends in teaching PSE topics and addresses what should be taught and how. Surveys were conducted on existing courses and PSE stakeholders to determine their opinions on the taught content and the match between graduates' skills and expectations. Gaps and prospects have been identified, leading to suggestions for the future. The paper also explores the best methods for teaching PSE content given available teaching technologies and time constraints.
COMPUTERS & CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. P. Sa, H. Chojer, P. T. B. S. Branco, M. C. M. Alvim-Ferraz, F. G. Martins, S. I. Sousa
Summary: Urban air pollution is a pressing global concern that impairs citizens' health, necessitating the need for monitoring by city managers. City-wide networks based on low-cost sensors show promise in providing unprecedented real-time data on air pollution. However, there are limitations to their widespread use. Therefore, this study aimed to validate and calibrate a low-cost ozone sensor used in a city-wide network for air pollution and meteorology monitoring, addressing the main challenges.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro T. B. S. Branco, Lucia Martin-Gisbert, Juliana P. Sa, Alberto Ruano-Ravina, Juan Barros-Dios, Leonor Varela-Lema, Sofia I. V. Sousa
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of specific factors/characteristics on indoor radon levels in scholar environments in different provinces/districts. The results showed that indoor radon concentrations exceeded the reference limit value in almost 1/3 of the places monitored. It is recommended to conduct radon testing in all school buildings and develop a special protocol for sampling.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana Rosa Silva, Diogo A. C. Narciso, Luciana C. Gomes, F. G. Martins, Luis F. Melo, Ana Pereira
Summary: This study investigates the impact of thermal disinfection procedures on pre-established Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms. The results show that the impact of thermal disinfection on biofilm structure depends on the hydrodynamic conditions, and is crucial for the structural rearrangement during biofilm regrowth.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Muqiu Hu, Xin Zhao, Jinghan Gu, Lulu Qian, Zhiqing Wang, Yuanyuan Nie, Xiaoyu Han, Long An, Haiqiang Jiang
Summary: Due to its simple process, environmental friendliness, and low operating costs, biometallurgy has become a popular technology for metals recovering from low-grade ores and tailings. An optimized agar was used to isolate and grow functional bacteria, resulting in the successful isolation of six functional stains. These strains were further tested for their ability to leach metals from polymetallic sulfide tailings, with significant improvements observed when the strains were mixed together. The selection of leaching process should be based on tailings composition and target metals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saqib Hassan, Aswin Thacharodi, Anshu Priya, R. Meenatchi, Thanushree A. Hegde, R. Thangamani, Ht Nguyen, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: An Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) is a compound that disrupts the function of the endocrine system and is found in the environment. EDCs, such as Bisphenol A and pesticides, have been shown to have negative effects on the female reproductive system. Understanding the relationship between EDCs and women's health is crucial for developing strategies to protect reproductive health and informing public policy decisions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lichang Zhou, Zhaoling Li, Boyi Cheng, Jinqi Jiang, Xinqi Bi, Zongping Wang, Guanghao Chen, Gang Guo
Summary: Thiosulfate can promote sulfur-mediated bacterial activity, inhibit glycogen accumulating organisms, and enhance denitrification efficiency. After the carbon source is reduced, the competitive ability of glycogen accumulating organisms increases, resulting in reduced sulfate reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claire E. Campbell, Devyn L. Cotter, Katherine L. Bottenhorn, Elisabeth Burnor, Hedyeh Ahmadi, W. James Gauderman, Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez, Daniel Hackman, Rob McConnell, Kiros Berhane, Joel Schwartz, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Megan M. Herting
Summary: Recent studies have found a connection between air pollution and increased risk for behavioral problems during development. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to investigate how exposure during the transition to adolescence may affect emotional behaviors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing-hong Liang, Ru-yu Yang, Mei-ling Liu, Ying-qi Pu, Wen-wen Bao, Yu Zhao, Li-xin Hu, Yu-shan Zhang, Shan Huang, Nan Jiang, Xue-ya Pu, Shao-yi Huang, Guang-hui Dong, Ya-jun Chen
Summary: This study examines the association between urban Green and blue spaces (GBS) exposure and Emotion and behavior problems (EBP) in youth populations. The findings suggest that higher exposure to GBS, particularly green spaces (GS) and blue spaces (BS), is associated with a decrease in the risk of developing total difficulties in young individuals. The joint effect of GS and BS may also contribute to the decrease in EBPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diego Ruiz-Sobremazas, Mario Ruiz Coca, Miguel Morales-Navas, Rocio Rodulfo-Cardenas, Caridad Lopez-Granero, Maria Teresa Colomina, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed
Summary: Air pollution is associated with a range of health issues and gestational exposure to environmental pollutants may be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigated the effects of oral gestational exposure to particulate matter (PM) on ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). The findings suggest that this exposure may lead to social deficits and abnormal gene expression related to neurotransmitter systems. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of air pollution on neurodevelopmental disorders and the neurotransmission systems involved.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yagmur Kabakci, Sadiye Kosar, Ozgur Dogan, Fehmi Gorkem Uctug, Osman Atilla Arikan
Summary: This study investigated the effect of electrohydrolysis pretreatment on municipal solid waste. The results showed that applying electrohydrolysis pretreatment increased methane production and reduced the time required for hydrolysis, suggesting it is a promising method to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuanwu Zhao, Yaozhong Pan, Hanyi Wu, Yu Zhu
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of industrial zones on urban heat islands using remote sensing images and a novel spectral index. The research found that the contraction or expansion of industrial zones has a significant effect on land surface temperature. The results are valuable for environmental assessment and fine management of industrial cities.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bang Du, Zhongzhong Wang, Piet N. L. Lens, Xinmin Zhan, Guangxue Wu
Summary: This study investigated the performance, syntrophic relationships, microbial communities, and metabolic pathways of ethanol-fed reactors with different operational modes and solids retention times. The results showed that different microorganisms were enriched under different SRT conditions, and syntrophic bacteria related to methane production could be enriched under low SRT conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Muralikrishnan Ramalingam, Gasim Hayder, Balamurugan Karupaiya Sathaiah, Madhava Krishna Reddy Gaddam, Senthil Kumar Muniasamy, Priya Arunkumar
Summary: The present study investigated the sustainable approach for wastewater treatment using waste algal blooms. The biochar produced by the marine algae Ulva reticulata was used to remove chromium, nickel, and zinc from aqueous solutions. The study examined the adsorbents' properties and stability using SEM/EDX, FTIR, and XRD. The results showed that the biochar had high removal efficiency for the toxic metals, and the packed bed column effectively removed the heavy metal ions. The Thomas and Adams-Bohart models were found to best fit the regression values, and desorption studies were conducted to understand the sorption and elution processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vignesh Vinayagam, Kavitha Nagarasampatti Palani, Sudha Ganesh, Siddharth Rajesh, Vedha Varshini Akula, Ramapriyan Avoodaiappan, Omkar Singh Kushwaha, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: The presence of pollutants in water contributes to global pollution and poses significant threats to humans and wildlife. Finding effective wastewater treatment techniques is crucial for reducing pollutant accumulation in the environment. This paper highlights recent advances in the electrochemical advanced oxidation method and other processes for treating pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticide-polluted effluents.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. M. M. Ahmed, Kai-Yue Chen, Fang-Yu Tsao, Yi-Cheng Hsieh, Yu-Ting Liu, Min Tzou
Summary: This study investigated the sorption of citric acid onto humic acid-iron hydr(o)xide coprecipitate (HAFHCP) and the reciprocal effects of citric acid and P sorption on HAFHCP. The results showed that citric acid could increase P availability and have an impact on P sorption.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xibo Xu, Zeqiang Wang, Xiaoning Song, Wenjie Zhan, Shuting Yang
Summary: The selection of predictor variables is crucial in building a digital mapping model for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Traditionally, spatial and spectral parameters have been used as predictor variables, but the temporal dimension is often overlooked. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating temporal indices in the model, leading to significant performance improvements. The temporal-spatial-spectral covariate combinations used in a random forest (RF) algorithm achieve satisfactory mapping accuracy and outperform other methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Pei, Xun Liu, Mengbo Cao, Zijun Wang, Hongbing Yang
Summary: Heteroatom doping can reconfigure the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, leading to the development of advanced oxidation water purification materials with superior performance and stability. In this study, a series of catalysts with different elemental doping were prepared using a simple and environmentally friendly method. The S-doped NiCo2O4 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for the removal of Tetracycline, with significantly increased kinetic constant and high oxidation and mineralization efficiency in a wide pH range. The degradation process was dominated by non-radical oxidation pathway after S doping, and the overall process moved towards low toxicity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Srivalli Thimmarayan, Harshavardhan Mohan, Gaddapara Manasa, Karthi Natesan, Shanmugam Mahendran, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Byung-Taek Oh, R. Ravi Kumar, Rangasamy Sigamani Gandhimathi, Arul Jayaprakash, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan
Summary: This study investigated the bacterial degradation of naphthalene (NPT) isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Bacillus sp. GN 3.4, a potential bacteria for NPT biodegradation, was isolated and the optimal conditions for NPT degradation were determined. The study suggests that Bacillus sp. GN 3.4 could potentially aid in bioremediation by eliminating NPT from the soil.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)