Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sjoerd van Ratingen, Jan Vonk, Christa Blokhuis, Joost Wesseling, Erik Tielemans, Ernie Weijers
Summary: This study examines the use of low-cost sensor technology in calibration models, demonstrating that calibrating NO2 sensors using multiple linear regression models can improve prediction accuracy. The quality of calibrated sensors depends on the choice of calibration and validation time periods.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vanderli Garcia Leal, Habdias A. Silva-Neto, Sidnei Goncalves da Silva, Wendell Karlos Tomazelli Coltro, Joao Flavio da Silveira Petruci
Summary: This study presents a quadcopter drone equipped with a fully integrated 3D-printed analytical laboratory for monitoring H2S concentration in the atmosphere. The analytical method used was based on the fluorescence quenching reaction between fluorescein mercuric acetate and H2S. The proposed device allows detection of H2S in the range of 15-200 ppbv.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jason A. Miech, Levi Stanton, Meiling Gao, Paolo Micalizzi, Joshua Uebelherr, Pierre Herckes, Matthew P. Fraser
Summary: Testing the performance of low-cost air quality sensors using various environmental factors showed discrepancies in two sensors, but these were mitigated through sensor-specific calibration, improving overall accuracy. Stable environmental conditions during sensor deployment benefited calibration performance over time.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Dung H. P. Nguyen, Vinh V. Le, Tu N. Nguyen, Bing-Hong Liu, Shao- Chu, Shi-Ming Hu
Summary: In this article, a practical approach is proposed to utilize public buses for building a vehicular network with attached sensors for air pollution monitoring, aiming to minimize the deployment cost. The problem is formulated as an integer linear programming model based on flow network representation and specific requirements. Additionally, an approximation algorithm and a greedy-based algorithm are suggested to handle large-scale problems and demonstrate their performances through experiments.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaohong Zheng, Xinfeng Qiao, Fengyu Luo, Bo Wan, Cheng Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates the preparation of a low-cost nanoporous ITO film-based sensor with high NO2 response through the electrochemical corrosion of commercial indium tin oxide (ITO) glasses. The sensor exhibited significant responses to 0.1-1 ppm and 180-500 ppm of NO2 under optimal test conditions, along with excellent repeatability and high selectivity towards NO2.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiexiao Xue, Ting Zhao, Yifu Luo, Congke Miao, Pinjie Su, Feng Liu, Guohui Zhang, Sida Qin, Youtao Song, Naishun Bu, Chengzhi Xing
Summary: The study measured tropospheric formaldehyde (HCHO) concentrations in Shenyang, China using MAX-DOAS, and discussed the sources of HCHO and its sensitivity to O-3 production.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mani Teja Vijjapu, Sandeep Surya, Maruti Zalte, Saravanan Yuvaraja, Maryam Shojaei Baghini, Khaled N. Salama
Summary: This study presents a novel room temperature operable gas sensor for detecting NO2 without continuous light activation, showing promising sensing and selectivity towards NO2. Kelvin probe force microscopy characterization was used to understand the sensing mechanism, and a gas-sensitive digital indicator was demonstrated for quantifying NO2 concentration. The research paves the way for portable, compact, and inexpensive gas sensing systems for various applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziqi Tang, Jianhui Guo, Jinyi Zhou, Hao Yu, Yaqi Wang, Xinyao Lian, Jin Ye, Xueqiong He, Renqiang Han, Jing Li, Shaodan Huang
Summary: This study examines the short-term effects of exposure to nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and oxidative potential on mortality rates in Jiangsu, China from 2014 to 2020. The findings show a significant increase in all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality associated with these pollutants. Women and individuals over 75 years old are particularly susceptible, especially during warm seasons.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianbo Fu, Die Tang, Michael L. Grieneisen, Fumo Yang, Jianzhao Yang, Guanghui Wu, Chunying Wang, Yu Zhan
Summary: This study proposes a machine learning-based approach, the Fusion-Imputation-Gradient-Boosting-Machine (FI-GBM) model, to merge NO2 measurements from air quality monitoring stations (AQM), low-cost sensors (LCS), and the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) for mapping ground-level NO2 at 1 km resolution. The model shows high predictive performance in cross-validation and improves upon benchmark models. It effectively utilizes the strengths of TROPOMI and LCS in regional and local-scale monitoring, respectively. Furthermore, it automatically filters noisy samples from LCS data, which is crucial for identifying true pollution hotspots and trace pollutant sources.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Sixu Wu, Haipeng Dai, Lijie Xu, Linfeng Liu, Fu Xiao, Jia Xu
Summary: Multi-hop wireless charging technology has a promising prospect in sustainable energy replenishment for wireless rechargeable sensor network by extending the charging service range. This paper proposes a new cost criterion to measure the actual expenditure of wireless charging. It also presents a multi-hop wireless charging model and formulates an optimization problem to minimize the comprehensive cost. Furthermore, conflict avoidance schemes are proposed and a distributed scheme for minimizing the comprehensive cost without support of central server is discussed.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MOBILE COMPUTING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leifeng Yang, Zibing Yuan, Huihong Luo, Yiran Wang, Yuanqian Xu, Yusen Duan, Qingyan Fu
Summary: The study revealed that ozone formation in cities like Shanghai is generally limited by VOCR or NOx, with a shift towards NOx limitation when temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius. Strengthening NOx emission control is necessary for more efficiently reducing peak ozone levels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ameer Khudadad, Ali A. Yousif, Husam R. Abed
Summary: This study investigated the heat treatment influence on the morphological, structural, and gas sensing performance of Tungsten trioxide, and observed optimal crystalline size and surface area at 750 degrees C. The surface morphology of Tungsten trioxide showed a grape-like structure with high surface roughness, making it active for gas molecules. Furthermore, WO3 nano-structures demonstrated high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility to NO2 toxic gas.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Guang Yang, Hai Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a practical method to optimize the deployment of pressure sensors in water distribution networks in order to minimize the leakage ratio. The methodology generates leakage events through model simulation and calculates the essential sensors for leak identification. If there is a surplus budget, supplementary sensors can be determined to enhance the leak identification ability. Experimental results show that the method is highly suitable for real projects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Shakhaoat Hossain, H. Christopher Frey, Peter K. K. Louie, Alexis K. H. Lau
Summary: The study evaluated the health effects of pollutant changes in Hong Kong using the AQHI model. It was found that in urban areas with dense traffic, there was a significant reduction in AR associated with NO2 and O-3 changes, leading to an overall reduction in total AR across Hong Kong. It suggests that efforts to reduce NOx, SO2, and PM emissions should be continued for public health protection.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pramod Sharma, Sanjay Kumar, B. Vishwanadh, K. G. Girija
Summary: Metal oxide nanomaterials with grain sizes approaching or less than the Debye length show promise as highly sensitive gas sensors due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. This study focuses on the cost-effective synthesis of NiO nanoparticles for gas sensing applications. The results show that co-precipitated NiO nanoparticles exhibit higher sensitivity attributed to the abundance of adsorption sites brought about by the smaller grain size.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Brandy M. Byrwa-Hill, Albert A. Presto, Sally Wenzel, James P. Fabisiak
Summary: A significant fire event leading to pollution control equipment damage at the largest coke works in the United States resulted in a marked increase in ambient SO2 levels, exacerbating asthma symptoms in patients living nearby. Following control equipment repair, symptoms improved, indicating the impact of control equipment damage on asthma control.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Nathalia Velasquez, Lauren Gardiner, Tracy Z. Cheng, John A. Moore, Robert M. Boudreau, Albert A. Presto, Stella E. Lee
Summary: This study revealed a clear association between low socioeconomic status neighborhoods and higher levels of exposure to air pollutants, leading to increased need for steroid treatment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianjun Lu, Matthew J. Bechle, Yanyu Wan, Albert A. Presto, Steve Hankey
Summary: Integrating crowd-sourced low-cost sensor networks into land use regression (LUR) models has the potential to improve the assessment of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), especially in regions with limited regulatory networks internationally.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mackenzie B. Humes, Mingyi Wang, Sunhye Kim, Jo E. Machesky, Drew R. Gentner, Allen L. Robinson, Neil M. Donahue, Albert A. Presto
Summary: The study finds that aromatic compounds are the main contributors to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from volatile chemical products (VCPs), while ether and ester functional groups hinder the autoxidation process. Therefore, reducing the use of oxygenated aromatic compounds in VCPs may help decrease the generation of SOA in urban areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Tofigh Sayahi, Alan D. Workman, Kerry E. Kelly, Karin Ardon-Dryer, Albert A. Presto, Benjamin S. Bleier
Summary: This study showed that rigid nasal endoscopy produces aerosol particles to a similar degree as intubation, independent of patient behaviors such as cough or sneeze. These findings emphasize the need for a better understanding of what constitutes an aerosol-generating procedure and the implications of procedural aerosol generation in clinical settings.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rebecca Tanzer-Gruener, Pavithra Ethi Rajan, Liam D. Dugan, Mark E. Bier, Allen L. Robinson, Albert A. Presto
Summary: This study measured the emissions of volatile organic compounds from water-based and oil-based paints. The results showed that oil-based paints had higher emissions compared to water-based paints, while the emissions were similar among low-gloss interior paints. Interior paints primarily emitted VOCs, while exterior paints emitted more IVOCs. Extended emission tests revealed that most emissions occurred within 12-24 hours after paint application.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nana A. Amoah, Guang Xu, Yang Wang, Jiayu Li, Yongming Zou, Baisheng Nie
Summary: Researchers conducted a critical review of the current status of particle matter sensors and discussed the potential application of low-cost sensors in underground mines. They identified sources of sensor errors and proposed comprehensive calibration processes and evaluation protocols to improve sensor performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINERALS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zachari A. Pond, Provat K. Saha, Carver J. Coleman, Albert A. Presto, Allen L. Robinson, C. Arden Pope
Summary: The objective of this study was to estimate the associations between long-term exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP) and primary PM2.5 components and all-cause, cardiopulmonary, and cancer mortality. The results showed significant associations between UFP and all-cause and cancer mortality, while the associations of organic PM2.5 components with mortality were independent of total PM2.5 mass exposure. PM2.5 mass was found to be a robust predictor of air pollution related mortality, supporting current regulatory policies.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Provat K. Saha, Albert A. Presto, Steve Hankey, Julian D. Marshall, Allen L. Robinson
Summary: Studies have shown that racial-ethnic minorities in the United States are exposed to higher levels of ultrafine particles (UFP) than the national average, especially in densely populated metropolitan areas. These disparities are mainly driven by structural factors and cannot be solely explained by differences in income.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Provat K. Saha, Albert A. Presto, Steve Hankey, Benjamin N. Murphy, Chris Allen, Wenwen Zhang, Julian D. Marshall, Allen L. Robinson
Summary: This study investigates the development of national empirical models to predict air pollution concentrations at high spatial resolution using limited data. The study uses measurements of cooking organic aerosol (COA) and traffic primary organic aerosol (HOA) across the United States, and develops models that explain about 60% of the spatial variability. The models predict variability in urban and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of controlling commercial cooking emissions for air quality management in the US.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wendy M. Troxel, Jaime Madrigano, Ann C. Haas, Tamara Dubowitz, Andrea L. Rosso, Aric A. Prather, Madhumita Ghosh-Dastidar, Andrea M. Weinstein, Meryl A. Butters, Albert Presto, Tiffany L. Gary-Webb
Summary: Disadvantageous neighborhood conditions and discrimination contribute to health disparities among African Americans. This study examined their associations with leukocyte telomere length in a predominantly African American cohort. Results showed that less walkable neighborhoods were associated with shorter telomeres, and higher air pollution (PM2.5) was associated with shorter telomeres among those experiencing more discrimination. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the intersecting influences of historical and contemporary systemic racism on accelerated aging.
JOURNAL OF RACIAL AND ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Oladayo Oladeji, Mariana Saitas, Toriq Mustapha, Natalie M. M. Johnson, Weihsueh A. A. Chiu, Ivan Rusyn, Allen L. L. Robinson, Albert A. A. Presto
Summary: On February 3, 2023, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, OH, leading to temporary evacuation and controlled burn of some of the hazardous cargo. Residents reported health symptoms, and initial data from air monitoring indicated potential concern for air toxics. Mobile air monitoring conducted later showed that the levels of some chemicals were below risk levels, but acrolein levels were high and additional unique compounds were found, suggesting the need for further monitoring to characterize long-term exposure and risk levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abhishek Anand, Suryaprakash Kompalli, Eniola Ajiboye, Albert A. Presto
Summary: Researchers have developed a low-cost method to quantify black carbon (BC) using cell phone camera images. This method correlates BC concentration with red light absorbance measured from photographs of particle filter samples after image processing steps. By training multiple Red channel to BC models, they found that an exponential model best explains the correlation. This optical BC method shows promising performance compared to reference filter-based methods, making it a valuable tool for monitoring PM composition, especially in countries with insufficient air quality data.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Daniel Furuta, Tofigh Sayahi, Jinsheng Li, Bruce Wilson, Albert A. Presto, Jiayu Li
Summary: Methane, a major contributor to climate change, can be detected using low-cost sensors originally designed for leak detection and safety monitoring. However, variations in ambient humidity and temperature pose a challenge for these sensors.
ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Deborah A. Gentile, Tricia Morphew, Jennifer Elliott, Albert A. Presto, David P. Skoner
Summary: This study found that the prevalence and poor disease control of asthma in schoolchildren near outdoor air pollution sites in Pittsburgh are significantly elevated. Future efforts should focus on primary prevention of asthma by reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution in at-risk populations.