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Líbalová H, Závodná T, Vrbová K, Sikorová J, Vojtíšek-Lom M, Beránek V, Pechout M, Kléma J, Ciganek M, Machala M, Neča J, Rössner P, Topinka J. Transcription profiles in BEAS-2B cells exposed to organic extracts from particulate emissions produced by a port-fuel injection vehicle, fueled with conventional fossil gasoline and gasoline-ethanol blend. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2021; 872:503414. [PMID: 34798934 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Emissions from road traffic are among the major contributors to air pollution worldwide and represent a serious environmental health risk. Although traffic-related pollution has been most commonly associated with diesel engines, increasing evidence suggests that gasoline engines also produce a considerable amount of potentially hazardous particulate matter (PM). The primary objective of this study was to compare the intrinsic toxic properties of the organic components of PM, generated by a conventional gasoline engine fueled with neat gasoline (E0), or gasoline-ethanol blend (15 % ethanol, v/v, E15). Our results showed that while E15 has produced, compared to gasoline and per kg of fuel, comparable particle mass (μg PM/kg fuel) and slightly more particles by number, the organic extract from the particulate matter produced by E15 contained a larger amount of harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as determined by the chemical analysis. To examine the toxicity, we monitored genome-wide gene expression changes in human lung BEAS-2B cells, exposed for 4 h and 24 h to a subtoxic dose of each PM extract. After 4 h exposure, numerous dysregulated genes and processes such as oxidative stress, lipid and steroid metabolism, PPARα signaling and immune response, were found to be common for both extract treatments. On the other hand, 24 h exposure resulted in more distinctive gene expression patterns. Although we identified several common modulated processes indicating the metabolism of PAHs and activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), E15 specifically dysregulated a variety of other genes and pathways related to cancer promotion and progression. Overall, our findings suggest that the ethanol addition to gasoline changed the intrinsic properties of PM emissions and increased the PAH content in PM organic extract, thus contributing to a more extensive toxic response particularly after 24 h exposure in BEAS-2B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Líbalová
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Táňa Závodná
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristýna Vrbová
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jitka Sikorová
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Vojtíšek-Lom
- Center of Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technicka 4, 166 07, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vít Beránek
- Center of Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technicka 4, 166 07, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Pechout
- Department of Vehicles and Ground Transport, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamycka 127, 165 21, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Kléma
- Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Karlovo namesti 13, 121 35, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Ciganek
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Neča
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Rössner
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Rossner P, Cervena T, Vojtisek-Lom M, Neca J, Ciganek M, Vrbova K, Ambroz A, Novakova Z, Elzeinova F, Sima M, Simova Z, Holan V, Beranek V, Pechout M, Macoun D, Rossnerova A, Topinka J. Markers of lipid oxidation and inflammation in bronchial cells exposed to complete gasoline emissions and their organic extracts. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130833. [PMID: 34015653 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Road traffic emissions consist of gaseous components, particles of various sizes, and chemical compounds that are bound to them. Exposure to vehicle emissions is implicated in the etiology of inflammatory respiratory disorders. We investigated the inflammation-related markers in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and a 3D model of the human airways (MucilAir™), after exposure to complete emissions and extractable organic matter (EOM) from particles generated by ordinary gasoline (E5), and a gasoline-ethanol blend (E20; ethanol content 20% v/v). The production of 22 lipid oxidation products (derivatives of linoleic and arachidonic acid, AA) and 45 inflammatory molecules (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors) was assessed after days 1 and 5 of exposure, using LC-MS/MS and a multiplex immunoassay, respectively. The response observed in MucilAir™ exposed to E5 gasoline emissions, characterized by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory AA metabolites (prostaglandins) and inflammatory markers, was the most pronounced. E20 EOM exposure was associated with increased levels of AA metabolites with anti-inflammatory effects in this cell model. The exposure of BEAS-2B cells to complete emissions reduced lipid oxidation, while E20 EOM tended to increase concentrations of AA metabolite and chemokine production; the impacts on other inflammatory markers were limited. In summary, complete E5 emission exposure of MucilAir™ induces the processes associated with the pro-inflammatory response. This observation highlights the potential negative health impacts of ordinary gasoline, while the effects of alternative fuel are relatively weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Rossner
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tereza Cervena
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Vojtisek-Lom
- Centre of Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technicka 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Neca
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Miroslav Ciganek
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristyna Vrbova
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Antonin Ambroz
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Novakova
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Fatima Elzeinova
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Sima
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Simova
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir Holan
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vit Beranek
- Centre of Vehicles for Sustainable Mobility, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technicka 4, 160 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Pechout
- Department of Vehicles and Ground Transport, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - David Macoun
- Department of Vehicles and Ground Transport, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 21, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Andrea Rossnerova
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the CAS, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Jeswani HK, Chilvers A, Azapagic A. Environmental sustainability of biofuels: a review. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2020; 476:20200351. [PMID: 33363439 PMCID: PMC7735313 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2020.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofuels are being promoted as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels as they could help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the related climate change impact from transport. However, there are also concerns that their wider deployment could lead to unintended environmental consequences. Numerous life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have considered the climate change and other environmental impacts of biofuels. However, their findings are often conflicting, with a wide variation in the estimates. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review and analyse the latest available evidence to provide a greater clarity and understanding of the environmental impacts of different liquid biofuels. It is evident from the review that the outcomes of LCA studies are highly situational and dependent on many factors, including the type of feedstock, production routes, data variations and methodological choices. Despite this, the existing evidence suggests that, if no land-use change (LUC) is involved, first-generation biofuels can-on average-have lower GHG emissions than fossil fuels, but the reductions for most feedstocks are insufficient to meet the GHG savings required by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED). However, second-generation biofuels have, in general, a greater potential to reduce the emissions, provided there is no LUC. Third-generation biofuels do not represent a feasible option at present state of development as their GHG emissions are higher than those from fossil fuels. As also discussed in the paper, several studies show that reductions in GHG emissions from biofuels are achieved at the expense of other impacts, such as acidification, eutrophication, water footprint and biodiversity loss. The paper also investigates the key methodological aspects and sources of uncertainty in the LCA of biofuels and provides recommendations to address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish K Jeswani
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Andrew Chilvers
- Royal Academy of Engineering, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG, UK
| | - Adisa Azapagic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Numerical Investigation of the Characteristics of the In-Cylinder Air Flow in a Compression-Ignition Engine for the Application of Emulsified Biofuels. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8111517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a numerical analysis of the application of emulsified biofuel (EB) to diesel engines. The study performs a numerical study of three different guide vane designs (GVD) that are incorporated with a shallow depth re-entrance combustion chamber (SCC) piston. The GVD variables were used in three GVD models with different vane heights, that is, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 times the radius of the intake runner (R) and these were named 0.20R, 0.40R and 0.60R. The SCC piston and GVD model were designed using SolidWorks 2017, while ANSYS Fluent version 15 was used to perform cold flow engine 3D analysis. The results of the numerical study showed that 0.60R is the optimum guide vane height, as the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), swirl ratio (Rs), tumble ratio (RT) and cross tumble ratio (RCT) in the fuel injection region improved from the crank angle before the start of injection (SOI) and start of combustion (SOC). This is essential to break up the heavier-fuel molecules of EB so that they mix with the surrounding air, which eventually improves the engine performance.
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Acute Exposure to Diesel-Biodiesel Particulate Matter Promotes Murine Lung Oxidative Stress by Nrf2/HO-1 and Inflammation Through the NF-kB/TNF-α Pathways. Inflammation 2019; 42:526-537. [PMID: 30411213 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-018-0910-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution caused by fuel burning contributes to respiratory impairments that may lead to death. We aimed to investigate the effects of biodiesel (DB) burning in mouse lungs. DB particulate matter was collected from the exhaust pipes of a bus engine. Mice were treated with 250 μg or 1000 μg of DB particulate matter by intranasal instillation over 5 consecutive days. We demonstrated that DB particulate matter penetrated the lung in the 250-μg and 1000-μg groups. In addition, the DB particulate matter number in pulmonary parenchyma was 175-fold higher in the 250-μg group and 300-fold higher in the 1000-μg group compared to control mice. The instillation of DB particulate matter increased the macrophage number and protein levels of TNF-alpha in murine lungs. DB particulate matter enhanced ROS production in both exposed groups and the malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group. The protein expression levels of Nrf2, p-NF-kB, and HO-1 were higher in the 250-μg group and lower in the 1000-μg group than in control mice and the 250-μg group. In conclusion, DB particulate matter instillation promotes oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 and inflammation by p-NF-kB/TNF-alpha pathways.
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Tiukova IA, Brandenburg J, Blomqvist J, Sampels S, Mikkelsen N, Skaugen M, Arntzen MØ, Nielsen J, Sandgren M, Kerkhoven EJ. Proteome analysis of xylose metabolism in Rhodotorula toruloides during lipid production. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:137. [PMID: 31171938 PMCID: PMC6547517 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhodotorula toruloides is a promising platform organism for production of lipids from lignocellulosic substrates. Little is known about the metabolic aspects of lipid production from the lignocellolosic sugar xylose by oleaginous yeasts in general and R. toruloides in particular. This study presents the first proteome analysis of the metabolism of R. toruloides during conversion of xylose to lipids. RESULTS Rhodotorula toruloides cultivated on either glucose or xylose was subjected to comparative analysis of its growth dynamics, lipid composition, fatty acid profiles and proteome. The maximum growth and sugar uptake rate of glucose-grown R. toruloides cells were almost twice that of xylose-grown cells. Cultivation on xylose medium resulted in a lower final biomass yield although final cellular lipid content was similar between glucose- and xylose-grown cells. Analysis of lipid classes revealed the presence of monoacylglycerol in the early exponential growth phase as well as a high proportion of free fatty acids. Carbon source-specific changes in lipid profiles were only observed at early exponential growth phase, where C18 fatty acids were more saturated in xylose-grown cells. Proteins involved in sugar transport, initial steps of xylose assimilation and NADPH regeneration were among the proteins whose levels increased the most in xylose-grown cells across all time points. The levels of enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway, phospholipid biosynthesis and amino acids biosynthesis differed in response to carbon source. In addition, xylose-grown cells contained higher levels of enzymes involved in peroxisomal beta-oxidation and oxidative stress response compared to cells cultivated on glucose. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study suggest that sugar import is the limiting step during xylose conversion by R. toruloides into lipids. NADPH appeared to be regenerated primarily through pentose phosphate pathway although it may also involve malic enzyme as well as alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases. Increases in enzyme levels of both fatty acid biosynthesis and beta-oxidation in xylose-grown cells was predicted to result in a futile cycle. The results presented here are valuable for the development of lipid production processes employing R. toruloides on xylose-containing substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ievgeniia A. Tiukova
- Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jule Brandenburg
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Blomqvist
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Sabine Sampels
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nils Mikkelsen
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Morten Skaugen
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Magnus Ø. Arntzen
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mats Sandgren
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eduard J. Kerkhoven
- Systems and Synthetic Biology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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Venkatesh A, Posen ID, MacLean HL, Chu PL, Griffin WM, Saville BA. Environmental Aspects of Biotechnology. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 173:77-119. [PMID: 31396652 DOI: 10.1007/10_2019_98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
A key motivation behind the development and adoption of industrial biotechnology is the reduction of negative environmental impacts. However, accurately assessing these impacts remains a formidable task. Environmental impacts of industrial biotechnology may be significant across a number of categories that include, but may not be limited to, nonrenewable resource depletion, water withdrawals and consumption, climate change, and natural land transformation/occupation. In this chapter, we highlight some key environmental issues across two broad areas: (a) processes that use biobased feedstocks and (b) industrial activity that is supported by biological processes. We also address further issues in accounting for related environmental impacts such as geographic and temporal scope, co-product management, and uncertainty and variability in impacts. Case studies relating to (a) lignocellulosic ethanol, (b) biobased plastics, and (c) enzyme use in the detergent industry are then presented, which illustrate more specific applications. Finally, emerging trends in the area of environmental impacts of biotechnology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Daniel Posen
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather L MacLean
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Pei Lin Chu
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - W Michael Griffin
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bradley A Saville
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Parsa M, Jalilzadeh H, Pazoki M, Ghasemzadeh R, Abduli M. Hydrothermal liquefaction of Gracilaria gracilis and Cladophora glomerata macro-algae for biocrude production. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2018; 250:26-34. [PMID: 29153647 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential of Gracilaria gracilis (G. gracilis) and Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) macro-algae species harvested from Caspian Sea for biocrude oil production under Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) reaction at 350 °C and 15 min has been investigated. Furthermore, the effect of using recycled aqueous phase as the HTL reaction solvent was studied. The biocrude yield for G. gracilis and C. glomerata was 15.7 and 16.9 wt%, respectively with higher heating value (HHV) of 36.01 and 33.06 MJ/kg. The sources of each existing component in bio-oil were identified by GC-MS based on their suggested reaction pathways. Moreover, after two series of aqueous solution recycling, experiments showed that the bio-oil yield significantly increased compared with the initial condition. This increasing directly relates with recovery of carbon content from the aqueous solution residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Parsa
- Solid Waste Engineering Group, Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduated Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamoon Jalilzadeh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Pazoki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - MohammadAli Abduli
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Salvo A, Brito J, Artaxo P, Geiger FM. Reduced ultrafine particle levels in São Paulo's atmosphere during shifts from gasoline to ethanol use. Nat Commun 2017; 8:77. [PMID: 28720799 PMCID: PMC5516031 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite ethanol’s penetration into urban transportation, observational evidence quantifying the consequence for the atmospheric particulate burden during actual, not hypothetical, fuel-fleet shifts, has been lacking. Here we analyze aerosol, meteorological, traffic, and consumer behavior data and find, empirically, that ambient number concentrations of 7–100-nm diameter particles rise by one-third during the morning commute when higher ethanol prices induce 2 million drivers in the real-world megacity of São Paulo to substitute to gasoline use (95% confidence intervals: +4,154 to +13,272 cm−3). Similarly, concentrations fall when consumers return to ethanol. Changes in larger particle concentrations, including US-regulated PM2.5, are statistically indistinguishable from zero. The prospect of increased biofuel use and mounting evidence on ultrafines’ health effects make our result acutely policy relevant, to be weighed against possible ozone increases. The finding motivates further studies in real-world environments. We innovate in using econometrics to quantify a key source of urban ultrafine particles. The biofuel ethanol has been introduced into urban transportation in many countries. Here, by measuring aerosols in São Paulo, the authors find that high ethanol prices coincided with an increase in harmful nanoparticles by a third, as drivers switched from ethanol to cheaper gasoline, showing a benefit of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Salvo
- Department of Economics, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
| | - Joel Brito
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matao, Travessa R, 187, 05508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory for Meteorological Physics (LaMP), Université Clermont Auvergne, Aalto University, Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000, France
| | - Paulo Artaxo
- Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Rua do Matao, Travessa R, 187, 05508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franz M Geiger
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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10
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Air Quality and Health Impacts of Future Ethanol Production and Use in São Paulo State, Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13070695. [PMID: 27409628 PMCID: PMC4962236 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13070695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is often argued that liquid biofuels are cleaner than fossil fuels, and therefore better for human health, however, the evidence on this issue is still unclear. Brazil’s high uptake of ethanol and role as a major producer makes it the most appropriate case study to assess the merits of different biofuel policies. Accordingly, we modeled the impact on air quality and health of two future fuel scenarios in São Paulo State: a business-as-usual scenario where ethanol production and use proceeds according to government predictions and a counterfactual scenario where ethanol is frozen at 2010 levels and future transport fuel demand is met with gasoline. The population-weighted exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone was 3.0 μg/m3 and 0.3 ppb lower, respectively, in 2020 in the scenario emphasizing gasoline compared with the business-as-usual (ethanol) scenario. The lower exposure to both pollutants in the gasoline scenario would result in the population living 1100 additional life-years in the first year, and if sustained, would increase to 40,000 life-years in year 20 and continue to rise. Without additional measures to limit emissions, increasing the use of ethanol in Brazil could lead to higher air pollution-related population health burdens when compared to policy that prioritizes gasoline.
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