Characterization of chemical species in PM2.5 and PM10 aerosols in suburban and rural sites of central Taiwan

Air quality warning system based on a localized PM2.5 soft sensor using a novel approach of Bayesian regularized neural network via forward feature selection

It is highly significant to develop efficient soft sensors to estimate the concentration of hazardous pollutants in a region to maintain environmental safety. In this paper, an air quality warning system based on a robust PM_2.5 soft sensor and support vector machine (SVM) classifier is reported. The soft sensor for the estimation of PM_2.5 concentration is proposed using a novel approach of Bayesian regularized neural network (BRNN) via forward feature selection (FFS). Zuoying district of Taiwan is selected as the region of study for implementation of the estimation system because of the high pollution in the region. Descriptive statistics of various pollutants in Zuoying district is computed as part of the study. Moreover, seasonal variation of particulate matter (PM) concentration is analyzed to evaluate the impact of various seasons on the increased levels of PM in the region. To investigate the linear dependence of concentration of different pollutants to the concentration of PM_2.5, Pearson correlation coefficient, Kendall's tau coefficient, and Spearman coefficient are computed. To achieve high performance for the PM_2.5 estimation, selection of appropriate forward features from the input variables is carried out using FFS technique and Bayesian regularization is incorporated to the neural network system to avoid the overfitting problem. The comparative evaluation of performance of BRNN/FFS estimation system with various other methods shows that our proposed estimation system has the lowest mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Moreover, the coefficient of determination (R-squared) is around 0.95 for the proposed estimation method, which denotes a good fit. Evaluation of the SVM classifier showed good performance indicating that the proposed air quality warning system is efficient.

Chemical fractionation, bioavailability, and health risks of heavy metals in fine particulate matter at a site in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, India

In the present study, the distribution and chemical fractionation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in PM_2.5 collected at Sikandarpur in Agra from September 2015 to February 2016 were carried out to evaluate their mobility potential, environmental, and human health risk through inhalation. Sequential extraction procedure was applied to partition the heavy metals into four fractions (soluble and exchangeable fraction (F1); carbonates, oxides, and reducible fraction (F2); bound to organic matter, oxidizable, and sulphidic fraction (F3); and residual fraction (F4)) in PM_2.5 samples. The metals in each fraction were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Daily PM_2.5 concentration ranged between 13 and 238 μg m^-3 during the study period. For more than 92% of the days, the mass concentrations were greater than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) set at 60 μg m^-3. The total mass concentration of the eight metals was 3.3 μg m^-3 that accounted for 2.5% of the PM_2.5 mass concentration and followed the order Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr in dominance. The carcinogenic metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) comprised 10% of the total metal determined. Almost all the metals had the highest proportion in the residual fraction (F4) except Ni, which had the highest proportion in the reducible fraction (F2). Chemical fractionation and contamination factor (CF) showed that Pb and Ni are readily mobilized and more bioavailable. Risk assessment code (RAC) showed that Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn had medium environmental risk, while Cr and Fe had low risk. When the bioavailable (F1 + F2) concentrations were applied to calculate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk, the results showed that the value of hazard index (HI) for toxic metals was 1.7 for both children and adults through inhalation. The integrated carcinogenic risk was 1.8 × 10^-6 for children and 7.3 × 10^-6 for adults, with both values being higher than the precautionary criterion (1 × 10^-6). Enrichment factor (EF) calculations showed that Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni were enriched being contributed by anthropogenic activities carried out in the industrial sectors of the city.

Review of total suspended particles (TSP) and PM2.5 concentration variations in Asia during the years of 1998-2015

In Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong, ambient air total suspended particulates and PM_2.5 concentration data were collected and discussed during the years of 1998-2015 in this study. The aim of the present study was to (1) investigate and collect ambient air total suspended particulates (TSP) and PM_2.5 concentrations for Asian countries during the past two decades. (2) Discuss, analyze and compare those particulates (TSP and PM_2.5) annual concentration distribution trends among those Asian countries during the past two decades. (3) Test the mean concentration differences in TSP and PM_2.5 among the Asian countries during the past decades. The results indicated that the mean TSP concentration order was shown as China > Malaysia > Pakistan > India > Taiwan > Korea > Japan. In addition, the mean PM_2.5 concentration order was shown as Vietnam > India > China > Hong Kong > Mongolia > Korea > Taiwan > Japan and the average percentages of PM_2.5 concentrations for Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia and Other (India and Vietnam) were 8, 21, 6, 8, 14, 13 and 30%, respectively, during the past two decades. Moreover, t test results revealed that there were significant mean TSP and PM_2.5 concentration differences for either China or India to any of the countries such as Taiwan, Korea and Japan in Asia during the past two decades for this study. Noteworthy, China and India are both occupied more than 60% of the TSP and PM_2.5 particulates concentrations out of all the Asia countries. As for Taiwan, the average PM_2.5 concentration displayed increasing trend in the years of 1998-1999. However, it showed decreasing trend in the years of 2000-2010. As for Korea, the average PM_2.5 concentrations showed decreasing trend during the years of 2001-2013. Finally, the average PM_2.5 concentrations for Mongolia displayed increasing trend in the years of 2004-2013.

Metal concentration and bioaccessibility in different particle sizes of dust and aerosols to refine metal exposure assessment

Refined exposure assessments were realized for children, 7-9yrs, in the mining/smelting city of Oruro, Bolivia. Aerosols (PM>2.5, PM1-2.5, PM0.4-1 and PM0.5) and dust (separated in different particle size fractions: 2000-200μm, 200-50μm, 50-20μm, 20-2μm and <2μm) were sampled on football fields highly frequented by children in both the mining and smelting areas. Trace element concentrations (Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn) in each size fraction of dust and aerosols, lung bioaccessibility of metals in aerosols, and gastric bioaccessibility of metals in dust were measured. Exposure was assessed considering actual external exposure (i.e. exposure pathways: metals inhaled and ingested) and simulated internal exposure (i.e., complex estimation using gastric and lung bioaccessibility, deposition and clearance of particles in lungs). Significant differences between external and simulated internal exposure were attributed to dissemblances in gastric and lung bioaccessibilities, as well as metal distribution within particle size range, revealing the importance of both parameters in exposure assessment.

The concentration, dry deposition, composition study of ambient air particulate and metallic pollutants at a traffic sampling site

Aerosol samples were collected by total suspended particulate (TSP) and dry deposition plate (downward, upward) from August to November in 2003 in central Taiwan. The particulate metallic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) were also measured in this study during the summer and autumn periods of 2003. The results obtained in this study indicated that the ambient air particulate mass concentrations in the daytime period (averaged 975.4 mg/m3) were higher than the night-time period (averaged 542.1 mg/m3). And the downward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 58.12 mg/m2-sec) were about 2.2 times that of upward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 26.37 mg/m2-sec) in the daytime period. Furthermore, the average downward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 26.54 mg/m2-sec) were also about 2.3 times that of upward dry deposition fluxes (averaged 11.52 mg/m2-sec) in the nighttime period. Moreover, the average downward dry deposition fluxes are greater than the upward dry deposition fluxes for all the heavy metals in either daytime or night-time period. In addition, the deposition velocity for mass, metallic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) during daytime and night-time period were also calculated. In addition, the average TSP composition (mg/g) in the daytime period of the metallic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) is 1.73, 0.26, 1.16, 0.28, 0.43 and 0.12 mg/g, respectively. And the average TSP composition in the night-time period of the metallic elements (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn) is 3.02, 0.33, 1.57, 0.41, 0.58 and 0.13 mg/g, respectively at traffic sampling site of central Taiwan.

Source apportionment and risk assessment of PM1 bound trace metals collected during foggy and non-foggy episodes at a representative site in the Indo-Gangetic plain

The concentration, spatial distribution and source of 13-PM1 bound trace metals (Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, K, Mg, Na, Ca, Pb and V) and adverse health effects of 5-PM1 bound trace metals (Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr and Cd) collected during foggy and non-foggy episodes are presented. Twenty-four samples from each period (foggy and non-foggy episodes) were collected from Kanpur, a typical densely populated city and the most polluted representative site in the Indo-Gangetic plain of India, and were analyzed for carcinogenic (Ni, Cr and Cd) and non-carcinogenic metals (Mn and Zn). The average mass concentration of PM1 during foggy and non-foggy episodes was found to be 160.16±37.70 and 132.87±27.97μg/m(3). Source identification via principle component analysis suggested that vehicular emission and anthropogenic, industrial and crustal dust were the dominant sources in this region. During both episodes the decreasing order of hazard quotient (Hq) for adult and children was as Mn>Cr>Cd>Ni>Zn. In a non-foggy episode the hazardous index (Hi) values of these 5 trace metals were found to be ~3.5 times higher than a foggy episode's exposed population, respectively. In a foggy episode, due to the exposure to total carcinogenic trace metals (Ni, Cr and Cd) present in the ambient air, 95% probability total incremental lifetime cancer risks (TIlcR) were ~687 cancer cases and ~402 cancer cases per million in the adult population and children population respectively. These cancer cases were ~1.6 times higher than a non-foggy episode's exposed population.

A measurement of summertime dry deposition of ambient air particulates and associated metallic pollutants in Central Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to characterize metallic elements associated with atmospheric particulate matter in the dry deposition plate, total suspended particulate, fine particles, and coarse particles at Taichung Harbor and Gong Ming Junior High School (airport) in central Taiwan at a sampling site from June 2013 to August 2013. The results indicated that: (1) the average concentrations of the metallic elements Cr and Cd were highest at the Gong Ming Junior High School (airport), and the average concentrations of the metallic elements Ni, Cu, and Pb were highest at the Taichung Harbor sampling site. (2) The high smelting industry density and export/import rate of heavily loaded cargos were the main reasons leading to these findings. (3) The average metallic element dry deposition and metallic element PM(2.5-10) all followed the order of Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd at the two sampling sites. However, the average metallic elements Cu and Pb were found to have the highest dry deposition velocities and concentrations in PM(2.5) for the two sampling sites in this study. (4) The correlation coefficients of ambient air particle dry deposition and concentration with wind speed at the airport were higher than those from the harbor sampling site. The wind and broad open spaces at Taichung Airport were the possible reasons for the increasing correlation coefficients for ambient air particle concentration and dry deposition with wind speed at the Taichung Airport sampling site.

Field performance evaluation during fog-dominated wintertime of a newly developed denuder-equipped PM1 sampler

This study presents the performance evaluation of a novel denuder-equipped PM1 (particles having aerodynamic diameter less than 1 μm) sampler, tested during fog-dominated wintertime, in the city of Kanpur, India. One PM1 sampler and one denuder-equipped PM1 sampler were co-located to collect ambient PM1 for 25 days. The mean PM1 mass concentration measured on foggy days with the PM1 sampler and the denuder-equipped PM1 sampler was found to be 165.95 and 135.48 μg/m(3), respectively. The mean PM1 mass concentration measured on clear days with the PM1 sampler and the denuder-equipped PM1 sampler was observed to be 159.66 and 125.14 μg/m(3), respectively. The mass concentration with denuder-fitted PM1 sampler for both foggy and clear days was always found less than the PM1 sampler. The same drift was observed in the concentrations of water-soluble ions and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC). Moreover, it was observed that the use of denuder leads to a significant reduction in the PM positive artifact. The difference in the concentration of chemical species obtained by two samplers indicates that the PM1 sampler without denuder had overestimated the concentrations of chemical species in a worst-case scenario by almost 40 %. Denuder-fitted PM1 sampler can serve as a useful sampling tool in estimating the true values for nitrate, ammonium, potassium, sodium and WSOC present in the ambient PM.

Characteristics of atmospheric particles and heavy metals in winter in Chang-Zhu-Tan city clusters, China

To understand the pollution characteristics of atmospheric particles and heavy metals in winter in Chang-Zhu-Tan city clusters, China, total suspended particulate (TSP) and PM10 samples were collected in cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou and Xiangtan from December 2011 to January 2012, and heavy metals of Cd, Pb, Cr, and As were analyzed. It shows that the average TSP concentration in Changsha, Zhuzhou and Xiangtan were (183 +/- 73), (201 +/- 84) and (190 +/- 66) microg/m3 respectively, and the average PM10 were (171 +/- 82), (178 +/- 65) and (179 +/- 55) microg/m3 respectively. The lowest TSP and PM10 concentrations occurred at the background Shaping site of Changsha. The average ratio of p(PM10)/p(TSP) was 91.9%, ranging from 81.3% to 98.9%. Concerning heavy metals, in TSP samples, the concentration of Cr, As, Cd and Pb were 28.8-56.5, 18.1-76.3, 3.9-26.1 and 148.0-460.9 ng/m3, respectively, while in PM10 samples, were 16.4-42.1, 15.5-67.9, 3.3-22.2 and 127.9-389.3 ng/m3, respectively. The enrichment factor of Cd was the highest, followed by Pb and As, while that of Cr was the lowest.

Trends in arsenic levels in PM10 and PM 2.5 aerosol fractions in an industrialized area

Arsenic is a toxic element that affects human health and is widely distributed in the environment. In the area of study, the main Spanish and second largest European industrial ceramic cluster, the main source of arsenic aerosol is related to the impurities in some boracic minerals used in the ceramic process. Epidemiological studies on cancer occurrence in Spain points out the study region as one with the greater risk of cancer. Concentrations of particulate matter and arsenic content in PM10 and PM2.5 were measured and characterized by ICP-MS in the area of study during the years 2005-2010. Concentrations of PM10 and its arsenic content range from 27 to 46 μg/m(3) and from 0.7 to 6 ng/m(3) in the industrial area, respectively, and from 25 to 40 μg/m(3) and from 0.7 to 2.8 ng/m(3) in the urban area, respectively. Concentrations of PM2.5 and its arsenic content range from 12 to 14 μg/m(3) and from 0.5 to 1.4 ng/m(3) in the urban background area, respectively. Most of the arsenic content is present in the fine fraction, with ratios of PM2.5/PM10 in the range of 0.65-0.87. PM10, PM2.5, and its arsenic content show a sharp decrease in recent years associated with the economic downturn, which severely hit the production of ceramic materials in the area under study. The sharp production decrease due to the economic crisis combined with several technological improvements in recent years such as substitution of boron, which contains As impurities as raw material, have reduced the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and As in air to an extent that currently meets the existing European regulations.

Analysis of Contamination Soil with Cu from Road Side by Using Laser Ablation Technique

In this project, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been utilized to determine the heavy element (Copper) in soil sample. LIBS was used in this work to measure the detection limit of Cu in soil sample, on the basis of spectral features, many parameters to improve the sensitivity of LIBS detection of copper are proposed. Q-switch Nd:YAG laser pulse was carried out at 90 mJ and wavelength of 1064 nm to excite the soil samples in purpose of produce a fluorescence emission (plasma), which were analyzed via spectrum analyzer. The important experimental conditions such as the energy of laser source, integration time, the distance and angle of optical fiber from the sparks were optimized for obtain a best LIBS signal. Calibration curve of the Cu peak found to be 236.81 nm as the best peak to calculate the limit of detection (LOD) and found in this study about 2 ppm. From the results the concentrations of Cu is realized to be lower than the allowance limits of 1500 ppm according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency USEPA.

Speciation distribution and mass balance of copper and zinc in urban rain, sediments, and road runoff

Heavy metal pollution in road runoff had caused widespread concern since the last century. However, there are little references on metal speciation in multiple environmental media (e.g., rain, road sediments, and road runoff). Our research targeted the investigation of metal speciation in rain, road sediments, and runoff; the analysis of speciation variation and mass balance of metals among rain, road sediments, and runoff; the selection of main factors by principal component analysis (PCA); and the establishment of equation to evaluate the impact of rain and road sediments to metals in road runoff. Sequential extraction procedure contains five steps for the chemical fractionation of metals. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Shimadzu, AA-6800) was used to determine metal speciation concentration, as well as the total and dissolved fractions. The dissolved fractions for both Cu and Zn were dominant in rain. The speciation distribution of Zn was different from that of Cu in road sediments, while speciation distribution of Zn is similar to that of Cu in runoff. The bound to carbonates for both Cu and Zn in road sediments were prone to be dissolved by rain. The levels of Cu and Zn in runoff were not obviously influenced by rain, but significantly influenced by road sediments. The masses for both Cu and Zn among rain, road sediments, and road runoff approximately meet the mass balance equation for all rainfall patterns. Five principal factors were selected for metal regression equation based on PCA, including rainfall, average rainfall intensity, antecedent dry periods, total suspended particles, and temperature. The established regression equations could be used to predict the effect of road runoff on receiving environments.

Levels and speciation of arsenic in the atmosphere in Beijing, China

Arsenic levels and speciation in the total suspended particles (TSPs) were quantitatively determined by high performance liquid chromatography on-line coupled with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry in Beijing, China from February 2009 to March 2011. The high TSP levels fluctuated between 0.07 and 0.79 mg m(-3), with a mean level of 0.32 ± 0.17 mg m(-3). The total arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.31 μg m(-3) (mean: 0.13 ± 0.06 μg m(-3)) in Beijing's air. The concentrations of As(III) and As(V) ranged from 0.73 to 20 ng m(-3) (mean: 4.7 ± 3.6 ng m(-3)) and from 14 to 2.5 × 10(2) ng m(-3) (mean: 67 ± 35 ng m(-3)), respectively. As levels and speciation demonstrated relative higher levels in spring and autumn and lower values in summer and winter. As(V) accounted for 81-99% of the extractable species in the TSP samples which showed that As(V) was the major fraction of the extractable As. Organoarsenic species, monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) were not found in all samples. Higher values of enrichment factors demonstrated that arsenic in TSP mainly come from anthropogenic sources. High As and its species levels in air and respiratory exposure (0.30-0.84 μg d(-1)) attributed to higher excess cancer risk ((4.2 ± 2.0) × 10(-4)) for people in Beijing.

Influence of source distribution and geochemical composition of aerosols on children exposure in the large polymetallic mining region of the Bolivian Altiplano

The Bolivian Altiplano (Highlands) region is subject to intense mining, tailing and smelting activities since centuries because of the presence of large and unique polymetallic ore deposits (Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Sn, Sb, Zn). A large scale PM(10), PM(2.5) aerosol monitoring survey was conducted during the dry season in one of the largest mining cities of this region (Oruro, 200,000 inhabitants). Aerosol fractions, source distribution and transport were investigated for 23 elements at approximately 1 km(2) scale resolution, and compared to children exposure data obtained within the same geographical space. As, Cd, Pb, Sb, W and Zn in aerosols are present at relatively high concentrations when compared to studies from other mining regions. Arsenic exceeds the European council PM(10) guide value (6 ng/m(3)) for 90% of the samples, topping 200 ng/m(3). Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Sb are present at significantly higher levels in the district located in the vicinity of the smelter zone. At the city level, principal component analysis combined with the mapping of factor scores allowed the identification and deconvolution of four individual sources: i) a natural magmatic source (Co, Cs, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Rb and U) originating from soil dust, resuspended by the traffic activity; ii) a natural sedimentary source (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Th) resulting from the suspension of evaporative salt deposits located South; iii) an anthropogenic source specifically enriched in mined elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn) mainly in the smelting district of the city; and iv) a Ni-Cr source homogenously distributed between the different city districts. Enrichment factors for As, Cd and Sb clearly show the impact of smelting activities, particularly in the finest PM(2.5) fraction. Comparison to children's hair metal contents collected in five schools from different districts shows a direct exposure to smelting activity fingerprinted by a unique trace elements pattern (Ag, As, Cu, Pb, Sb).

Ambient suspended particulate matter and ionic speciation in Asian countries during 1998—2007

Atmospheric acid precursor emissions in Asia are increasing at a significant rate. This is expected to continue for the next several years. This main purpose for this study is to observe the concentration variations of PM2.5, PM2.5-10 , PM10, total suspended particulates (TSP), atmospheric particulates, and dry deposition fluxes of ionic species in Asian countries during the years 1998—2007. The results show that the average ionic species concentration order for chloride ions (Cl—) in PM 10 was China > Taiwan > Korea. The average ionic species concentration order for nitrate ions (NO3—) species in PM 10 was China > Taiwan > Korea for Asian countries. In addition, the average ionic species sulfate ion (SO42— ) concentrations in PM10 were 13.248 and 18.497 (μg/m 3) in Taiwan and China, respectively, during the years 1998—2006. However, the average ionic species concentrations order for ammonium ions (NH4+) in PM10 was Taiwan > China > Korea the years 2000—2006. Moreover, the average ionic species concentration order for chloride ions (Cl—) in PM2.5 was Japan> Taiwan> Korea> China in the years 1998—2006. And the average ionic species concentration order for nitrate ions (NO3—) in PM2.5 was Korea > China > Japan > Taiwan for Asian countries during 1998—2006. Moreover, the average ionic species concentration order for sulfate ions (SO42—) in PM 2.5 was China > Korea > Taiwan > Japan in the years 1998—2006. As for the average ionic species concentration order for ammonium ion (NH 4+) in PM2.5, China > Taiwan > Japan > Korea in the years 1999—2006. Finally, the mean ionic species of nitrate ions (NO3—), sulfate ions (SO42 —) and ammonium ions (NH4+) were found highest in China compared with the rest of the other Asian countries during the years 1998—2006.

Toxic emissions from open burning

This review compiled the data from recent actual and simulation studies on toxic emissions from open burning and categorized into sources, broadly as biomass and anthropogenic fuels. Emission factors, in mass of pollutant per mass of material being burned, and actual concentrations, in mass of pollutant per unit volume have been compared based on source classifications. In addition to gaseous emissions, this review presents the updated data on emissions to air in the form of particulate matter, and emissions to soil and water environment. Data from forest fires, accidental fires such as vehicle fires, house fires, and unintentional landfill fires are included in this review as well as combustion involving traditional and recreational activities.

Dry deposition study by using dry deposition plate and water surface sampler in Shalu, central Taiwan

This study presents the chemical composition of dry deposition by using dry deposition plate and water surfaces sampler during daytime and nighttime sampling periods at a near highway traffic sampling site. In addition, the characterization for mass and water soluble species of total suspended particulate (TSP), PM2.5 and PM10 were also studied at this sampling site during August 22 to October 31 of 2006 around central Taiwan. The samples collected were analyzed by using Ion Chromatography (DIONEX 100) for the ionic species analysis. Results of the particulate dry deposition fluxes are higher in the water surfaces sampler than that of the dry deposition plate. In other words, the results also indicated that water surface can absorb more ambient dry deposition inorganic pollutants than that of dry deposition plate in this study. The results obtained in this study indicated that the ionic species of Cl(-), NO3(-) and SO4(2-) occupied about average 60-70% downward flux out of total ionic species for either dry deposition plate or water surfaces sampler during August to October of 2006 at this near highway traffic sampling site.

Short-term effects of particulate matter: an inflammatory mechanism?

"Would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here," asked Alice. "That depends a good deal on where you want to go to," said the cat. (Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) A large number of epidemiological studies show positive correlations between increasing levels of particulate matter (PM) in urban air and short-term morbidity and mortality for diverse acute cardiopulmonary diseases. Brought about by PM increments, inflammation is thought to exacerbate preexisting inflammatory diseases. Experimental evidence suggests a hierarchical oxidative stress model, in which a weakened antioxidant defense, as observed in disease or induced by inhaled particles, increases the PM ability to cause lung inflammation, accounting for exacerbations that occur in asthmatics and in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. The role of PM-induced inflammation leading to acute cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia, heart failure, and myocardial infarction is more speculative. There is neither clear-cut evidence in humans that inhaled PM could get as far as blood circulation nor that proinflammatory mediators are significantly released from inflamed lung tissues, nor that blood coagulability is critically altered. As a whole, data in humans indicate that short-term inflammatory responses to PM are not always detected; they are usually mild and loosely correlated with functional changes. Among these studies, the diversity of PM characteristics, dose metrics, and endpoints hampers a clear discerning of inflammatory mechanism(s). Thus, the question arises as to whether inflammation represents the mechanism of acute cardiopulmonary PM toxicities in susceptible individuals, or rather an event that may coexist with other relevant mechanism(s). This review article discusses the evidence in humans linking short-term PM increments to inflammation and to exacerbations of cardiopulmonary diseases. Although there is a large amount of data available, there still remains a gulf between the number of epidemiological and panel studies and that of controlled exposures. Research on controlled exposure needs expanding, so that the results of time-series and panel studies will be better understood and short-term standards for human exposure may be more confidently allocated.

Statistical analysis of atmospheric trace metals and particulate fractions in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne suspended particulate matter was collected on glass fibre filters in urban atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan, using high volume sampler. The particulate samples were analysed for 10 selected metals (Fe, Na, Zn, K, Pb, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co and Cd) by FAAS method. Maximum mean contribution was noted for Fe (1.761microg/m(3)), followed by Na (1.661microg/m(3)), Zn (1.021microg/m(3)), K (0.488microg/m(3)) and Pb (0.128microg/m(3)). The particle size determination on vol.% basis for nine fractions (PM(<1.0), PM(1.0-2.5), PM(2.5-5), PM(5-10), PM(10-15), PM(15-25), PM(25-50), PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) was carried out using Mastersizer. PM(5.0-10) were found to be most abundant in the local atmosphere followed by PM(2.5-5.0) and PM(15-25) while coarse/giant particles (PM(50-100) and PM(>100)) showed lower contribution. The trace metals were found to be mainly associated with smaller particulate fractions up to PM(10-15). Among the climatic parameters temperature has significant relationship with fine particles and airborne metal levels while relative humidity showed negative correlation. The source identification was carried out by principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Five metal sources were identified: industrial, vehicular emissions, metallurgical operations, garbage incineration and soil derived dust. The metal levels were also compared with those reported for other rural and urban parts around the world.

Concentrations of Ni and V, other heavy metals, arsenic, elemental and organic carbon in atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) from Puerto Rico

Fine atmospheric particulate PM2.5 (particles with diameters of < 2.5 microm) were sampled in an urban industrialized area--Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (Figure 1)--and in a reference less polluted site Fajardo, Puerto Rico--and analyzed for trace metals, and inorganic and organic elemental carbon. PM2.5 samples were collected from November 2000 to September 2001 using an Andersen Instruments RAAS2.5-400 for periods of 72 h. Metals analyzed were arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) by atomic absorption. Levels of elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) were also determined. All metals analyzed, except for Fe, were significantly higher in PM2.5 from Guaynabo when compared to Fajardo. Average levels of PM2.5 in Guaynabo were 11.6 versus 8.5 microg/m3 in Fajardo. Average levels of EC were 1.5 and <0.14 microg/m3; and OC levels were 2.2 and < 1 microg/m3 for Guaynabo and Fajardo, respectively. Levels of Ni (17 ng/m3) and V (40 ng/m3) determined in PM2.5 from the Guaynabo area were high when compared to other cities, and these metals could be responsible for respiratory problems reported in the area. Multivariate analyses showed strong relationships in Guaynabo between Ni and V, PM2.5 and Fe and As and Cu and Pb. In Fajardo, the strongest associations were obtained between PM2.5 and Fe, Cd and V and Ni and Pb and Cu, these last three elements exhibiting an inverse relationship.

Atmosphic pollutants study of particles ionic species during high wind speed (>7 m s(-1)) near Taiwan strait in central Taiwan from 2004 to 2005

This study monitored atmospheric pollutants during high wind speed (> 7 m s(-1)) at two sampling sites: Taichung Harbor (TH) and Wuci traffic (WT) during March 2004 to January 2005 in central Taiwan. The correlation coefficient (R (2)) between TSP, PM(2.5), PM(2.5-10) particle concentration vs. wind speed at the TH and WT sampling site during high wind speed (< 7 m s(-1)) were also displayed in this study. In addition, the correlation coefficients between TSP, PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) of ionic species vs. high wind speed were also observed. The results indicated that the correlation coefficient order was TSP > PM(2.5-10) > PM(2.5) for particle at both sampling sites near Taiwan strait. In addition, the concentration of Cl(-), NO(3) (-), SO(4) (2-), NH(4) (+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and Na(+) were also analyzed in this study.

The metallic composition of aerosols at three monitoring sites in Korea during winter 2002

In the present study, the distribution patterns of various metals were analyzed and compared using PM samples collected concurrently from three monitoring sites located in Korea (Seoul, Busan, and Jeju island) in December 2002. As these sites can represent metal pollution with different degrees of anthropogenic activities, their concentration levels were distinguished in a systematic manner in the order of Jeju, Busan, and Seoul. By comparing the present data sets with those measured previously from other locations in Korea and around the world, we attempted to diagnose the general status of elemental pollution on the Korean peninsula. Through an application of different statistical approaches, the major processes controlling elemental levels were assessed for each of the three study sites. The results indicated the importance of both crustal and anthropogenic sources in all sites with their relative roles varying significantly from each other. The results of the metal analysis data, when examined in relation to back trajectory analysis, confirmed that their concentration changes are affected quite sensitively with air mass movement patterns. The overall results of this study consistently indicated the contribution of a strong anthropogenic source area (e.g., China) to the observed metal concentration levels in the study area, but the strengths of such signals vary considerably across the Korean peninsula.

Spatial variations in selected metal contents and particle size distribution in an urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan

Spatial variations in total suspended particulate matter (TSP) were investigated for distribution of metals and particle size fractions in the urban and rural atmosphere of Islamabad, Pakistan. The metals Na, K, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni and Co, and the particle fractions <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm were included in the study. TSP samples were trapped on glass fibre filters using high volume samplers and quantification of metals was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry employing HNO(3) based wet digestion. At the urban site, Na was dominant at 2.384 microg/m(3) followed by K, Fe and Zn with 0.778, 0.667 and 0.567 microg/m(3) as mean concentrations, respectively. The metal levels for the rural site ranged from 0.002 microg/m(3) for Cd to 1.077 microg/m(3) for Na. However, compared with the urban site, mean Pb concentration showed an almost two-fold enhancement, i.e., 0.163 Vs. 0.327 microg/m(3). Metals and particle size source identification was done using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis. Five sources were traced out for the urban site: industrial, soil, automobile emissions, metallurgical industries and excavation activities. For the rural site, four sources were recorded: agricultural, automotive emissions, excavation activities and metallurgical units. Collectively, for both the sites, PM(10-100) emerged as a major contributor to TSP, followed by PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5) and PM(>100) in that order. The metals showed in general positive relationship with fine particulate fractions (PM(2.5-10), PM(<2.5)), and negative correlation with coarse fractions (PM(10-100), PM(>100)). Comparison with the corresponding data from various Asian sites revealed that the levels of Na, K, Fe, Mn, Co and Ni for the present study were lower than those reported for grossly polluted cities of the world.

Screening of Urban Aerosol Particulate Composites for Selected Metal Distribution and Their Dependence on Meteorological Parameters

Local atmospheric aerosol particulate samples, collected as composites on daily 6-12 hour basis, at Quaid-i-Azam University campus, Islamabad, Pakistan, using high volume sampling technique, were analysed for Pb, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Co by FAAS method. The monitoring period ran from October, 2001 through March, 2002, with a total of 105 samples collected on cellulose filters, treated in part with the HNO3-based wet digestion method for metal quantification, and for particle size distribution separately. The metal content of the aerosols was examined in relation to dependence on meteorological parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, sun shine and pan evaporation. Statistical correlation analysis was conducted for multiple metal pairs in aerosols, and the data were examined in relation to meteorological parameters and relevant aerosol particle size fractions. The study revealed no viable strong correlation between the meteorological parameters and metal levels; in general, however, a significant positive correlation was found for temperature. A strong positive correlation was observed for PM<25 and PM2.5-10. For coarse particles (PM10-100 and PM>100), however, a negative correlation was observed. The levels of Na, K, Fe and Zn were found in the range of 1-5 microg/m3 while those for the rest of the metals in the sub microg/m3 range. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed on dataset for source identification and appointment. Largest contribution (33%) was shown by the industrial emissions followed by traffic/road dust (16.7%).

Are maternal psychosocial factors associated with cord immunoglobulin E in addition to family atopic history and mother immunoglobulin E?

BACKGROUND

Atopy in maternal and family histories is known to be a risk factor for elevated umbilical cord immunoglobulin E (cIgE). However, the association between cIgE and psychosocial factors remains under investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether psychosocial factors in addition to atopy contribute to elevated cIgE.

METHODS

Four private maternity hospitals fitting the quantile levels of SO(2) in 2000 cooperated with us by recruiting participants for this study: pairs of mothers and neonates living within 3-km catchment areas of air-monitoring stations. We used a questionnaire to collect exposure data, and the Pharmacia UniCap IgE assay test system to determine the levels of IgE in gravidas and cord blood.

RESULTS

Between July 2001 and March 2003, 334 mother and neonate pairs participated in this study. The frequencies of sensitization, serum IgE (sIgE)>100 IU/mL, or cIgE> or =0.35 IU/mL were not different between the four different hospitals. By multi-variate logistic regression analysis adjusted for environmental factors, genetic factors, and psychosocial factors, the risk factors for elevated cIgE were being a male neonate (odds ratio (OR)=3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)=[1.5, 8.5]), carpets at home (OR=3.0, 95% CI=[1.02, 8.4]), maternal allergy to dog dander (OR=9.7, 95% CI=[1.2, 98.8], maternal total serum IgE>100 IU/mL (OR=5.1, 95% CI=[2.2, 12.8]), maternal regularly/mostly/often self-reported nervousness (OR=4.0, 95% CI=[1.3, 12.8]), family income 11,574-17 361 US dollars/year (OR=3.7, 95% CI=[1.3, 11.5]), incense burning (OR=4.0, 95% CI=[1.4, 13.3]), and atopy in maternal grandparents (OR=4.8, 95% CI=[1.7, 14.0]). By principle component analysis and logistic regression, psychosocial stress (beta +/- standard error=0.26+/-0.13, P=0.04) was associated with increased cIgE.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial factors are potentially important risk factors for elevated cIgE.

Distribution of lead in relation to size of airborne particulate matter in Islamabad, Pakistan

Airborne particulate matter (PM) collected from two sampling stations in Islamabad, Pakistan, was analyzed for lead content and size gradation. A high volume air sampler was used to trap particulates on glass fiber filters for 8-12 h on a daily basis. Lead was estimated using a nitric acid digestion based AAS method on 44 samples from station 1 and 61 samples from station 2. Particle size fractions were categorized as <2.5, 2.5-10, 10-100 and >100 microm. The correlation between lead concentration and particle size was investigated. The results from two stations indicated average airborne lead concentrations of 0.505 and 0.185 microg/m3. Enhanced levels of lead were measured at a maximum of 4.075 microg/m3 at station 1 and 4.000 microg/m3 at station 2. PM < 2.5 and PM > 100 were found to constitute the local atmosphere in comparable proportions. A comparison of the lead levels is made with the existing permissible levels of this element laid down by different international agencies.

Monitoring trace metals in urban aerosols from Buenos Aires city. Determination by plasma-based techniques

A study was undertaken, within the framework of a 3 years national project, to assess the content of 13 elements in airborne particulate matter collected in representative zones of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. The sampling strategy followed consisted in collecting simultaneously 67 samples of PM10 particulate matter in 9 sampling sites covering an area of about 30 km2 during one week. The collection was performed on ash-free fibre-glass filters using high volume samplers. A combination of aqua regia and perchloric acid was used for leaching metals from filters. Key elements, namely Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Sn, Zn and Zr, were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at micro g g(-1) and ng g(-1) levels. Analyte concentration varied from 130 ng g(-1)(Mo) to over 30%(Ca). Multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the data set including the measured elemental compositions for the monitored period. The atmospheric concentration found for Pb confirms the decreasing levels of this element since the introduction of unleaded gasoline in 1995: 88 ng m(-3)(2001) < 220 ng m(-3)(1997) < 3900 ng m(-3)(1994). The average S concentration above 3 microg m(-3) is somehow unexpectedly high for Buenos Aires since the relatively low S content of liquid fuels and the massive usage of natural gas imply low emissions of this element from combustion activities. To the best of our knowledge, S concentrations are reported for the first time for this city.

Fine (PM2.5), coarse (PM2.5-10), and metallic elements of suspended particulates for incense burning at Tzu Yun Yen temple in central Taiwan

Ambient suspended particulate concentrations were measured at Tzu Yun Yen temple (120 degrees, 34('), 10(") E; 24 degrees, 16('), 12(") N) in this study. This is representative of incense burning and semi-open sampling sites. The Universal-sampler collected fine and coarse particle material was used to measure suspended particulate concentrations, and sampling periods were from 16/08/2001 to 2/1/2002 at Tzu Yun Yen temple. In addition, metallic element concentrations, compositions of PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) for incense burning at Tzu Yun Yen temple were also analyzed in this study. The PM(2.5)/PM(10) ratios ranged between 31% and 87% and averaged 70+/-11% during incense the burning period, respectively. The median metallic element concentration order for these elements is Fe>Zn>Cr>Cd>Pb>Mn>Ni>Cu in fine particles (PM(2.5)) at the Tzu Yun Yen temple sampling site. The median metallic element concentration order for these elements is Fe>Zn>Cr>Pb>Cd>Ni>Mn>Cu in coarse particle (PM(2.5-10)) at the Tzu Yun Yen temple sampling site. Fine particulates (PM(2.5)) are the main portion of PM(10) at Tzu Yun Yen temple in this study. From the point of view of PM(10), these data reflect that the elements Fe, Zn, and Cr were the major elements distributed at Tzu Yun Yen temple in this study.

Characterization of particulate, metallic elements of TSP, PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) aerosols at a farm sampling site in Taiwan, Taichung

Atmospheric aerosol particles and metallic concentrations were monitored at the Experimental Farm of Tunghai University (EFTU) sampling site in this study. Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was collected by using a PS-1 sampler at the farm-sampling site, in central Taiwan, from July 2001 to April 2002. At the same time, PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) were also measured with a Universal sampler from January 2002 to April 2002. Only subjects with the most complete data records on TSP sampling (N=43) and PM(10) sampling (N=23) were used in this analysis. Taichung Industrial Park, Taichung Kang Road (traffic) and a Hospital Incinerator surround the Experimental Farm of Tunghai University. Atmospheric concentrations of metallic elements were analyzed by a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-680/G). The results indicated that the metallic elements Mg, Cu and Mn were the largest components in the TSP fraction; the metallic elements Fe and Cd were the largest composition in the PM(2.5-10) fraction; however, the metallic elements Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni were the largest abundance in the PM(2.5) fraction. The atmospheric metallic elements in the TSP, PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) fractions came different emission sources, such as soil, traffic, industry and resuspended particles.

Suspended particulate variations and mass size distributions of incense burning at Tzu Yun Yen temple in Taiwan, Taichung

Ambient suspended particulate concentrations were measured at Tzu Yun Yen temple in this study. This is characteristic place of incense burning and indoor air pollution sampling site. A universal sampler, micro-orifice uniform deposited impactor (MOUDI) sampler and dry deposition plate were used to measure particulate concentrations. Tzu Yun Yen temple is a typical famous Buddhist-Taoist combined temple, where many pilgrims come from different areas and various belief systems indicating the eclecticism of the temple. The average number of people visiting this temple is above 5000 per day. The PM2.5/PM10 ratios ranged between 31.2 and 87.4% and averaged 69.6+/-12.3% during the incense-burning period, respectively. The results also demonstrated that the fine particulates concentrations (PM2.5) constituted the majority of indoor-suspended particulates at Tzu Yun Yen temple. PM10 concentration was 110.1 microg m(-3) for Zhong Yuan Jie (A festival on the seventh full moon in a lunar year, otherwise known as a summer lantern festival and (or) the commemoration of the dead. Almost all temples have maximum pilgrims for the commemoration of the dead on this day.) and the 1st or 15th of nong li (Nong li is a Chinese lunar calendar system in which 1 year is divided into fixed periods, and the beginning and end of a year is determined. The new moon and full moon are the 1st and 15th, respectively of each month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Many pilgrims appeared at each temple for blessing and good luck for themselves on the 1st and 15th of each Chinese lunar month.) with numbers higher than non-Zhong Yuan Jie and non-1st or -15th day of nong li (average = 85.5 microg m(-3)). In general, the average dry deposition flux (49.4 mg m(-2) day(-1)) in the indoor environment is lower than those measured in the outdoor environment (184.0 mg m(-2) day(-1)) in this study. The mean dry deposition flux of indoor/outdoor ratio was 46.2%. The average mass size distributions were bimodal with the major peaks within 0.56-1 microm and 5.6-10 microm, respectively during non-Zhong Yuan Jie and non-1st or -15th days of each month (Chinese lunar calendar). The average mass size distributions were bimodal with the major peaks within 0.18-0.32 microm and 5.6-10 microm, respectively during Zhong Yuan Jie and the 1st or 15th of nong li of each month (Chinese lunar calendar) at Tzu Yun Yen temple.

Emission characters of particulate concentrations and dry deposition studies for incense burning at a Taiwanese temple

Suspended particulate concentrations were measured at the Tzu Yun Yen temple in the Taichung region of Taiwan. The temple performs traditional incense burning. A universal sampler and a micro-orifice uniform deposited impactor (MOUDI) sampler with a dry deposition plate were used to measure the particulate concentrations. The results show that the average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 74% during the incense burning period at this temple. In addition, the average suspended particulate (PM10) element concentration of anthropogenic element Zn (495 ng/m3) was higher than the other anthropogenic elements (Pb, Mn, Ni, and Cd). Furthermore, the average mass size distribution was bimodal with major peaks occurring at 0.32-0.56 microm and 5.6-10 microm during the incense burning period. The dry deposition velocities of Cd used fine particulates (PM2.5) and suspended particulate (PM10) mode were 1.86 and 0.99 cm/s in this study, respectively.

The measurements of ambient particulates (TSP, PM2.5, PM2.5-10), chemical component concentration variation, and mutagenicity study during 1998-2001 in central Taiwan

During June 1998 and February 2001, the experiments of this study were conducted at four sampling sites (THUPB, THUC, HKIT and CCRT) with different characters (suburban, rural and traffic). The chemical components (Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni) in suspended particle were also analyzed simultaneously. The particulate mass concentrations are higher in the traffic site (CCRT) than the other sampling sites in this study. This is because that high traffic density flow characterized CCRT sampling site. Besides, the fine particle (PM2.5) concentration was the dominant species out of the total suspended particles in central Taiwan, Taichung. The same phenomenon is found in most of cities around the world. Moreover, chloride, nitrate sulfate and ammonium are higher in Taiwan than other sampling sites in the world. The results also indicated that the control of acidic and secondary aerosol pollutants have become an important issue in Taiwan. In addition, mutagenic assays on the organic extracts of airborne particulates at different sampling sites were also conducted in central Taiwan. The data obtained here also reflected that the mutagenicity of the suspended particulates are significantly higher in winter period than it occurred in summer period.

Urban airborne particulate: genotoxicity evaluation of different size fractions by mutagenesis tests on microorganisms and comet assay

The genotoxic effects of different size fractions of airborne particulate (Total, PM10 and PM25), extracted with acetone or toluene, were evaluated by: the Ames plate test (TA98 and TA100 strains, w/o S9), gene conversion and reversion (w/o endogenous metabolic activation) in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7 strain, and the comet assay on human leukocytes. The data on human leukocytes confirm the sensitivity of the comet assay and its applicability to assess genotoxicity in environmental samples. The PM2.5 fraction of airborne particulate generally shows the highest concentration of DNA-damaging compounds. Genotoxic response, in all the test systems applied, is highly dependent on extraction solvent used. Acetone seems to extract compounds with more similar genotoxic responses in the three test systems used than toluene extracts. Toluene appears to extract air pollutants genotoxic on yeast and leukocytes but is mainly cytotoxic on Salmonella.

Comparison of particulate mass, chemical species for urban, suburban and rural areas in central Taiwan, Taichung

Aerosol samples for PM2.5, PM(2.5-10) and TSP were collected from June to September 1998 and from February to March 1999 in central Taiwan. Ion chromatography was used to analyze the acidic anions: sulfate, nitrate and chloride in the Universal samples. The ratios of fine particle concentrations to coarse particle concentrations displayed that the fine particle concentrations are almost greater than that of coarse particle concentrations in Taichung area. The average concentrations of PM2.5, PM(2.5-10) and TSP in urban sites are higher than in suburban and rural sites at both daytime and night-time. Chloride dominated in the coarse mode in daytime and in fine mode in night-time. Nitrate can be found in both the coarse and fine modes. Sulfate dominated in fine mode in both daytime and night-time.