A Three-Year Analysis of Toxic Benzene Levels and Associated Impact in Ploieşti City, Romania

This study examines the levels of benzene and the potential health impact during three years of continuous monitoring (2019-2021), including the COVID-lockdown period from 2020 in a city that is an important Romanian center for petroleum refining and associated product manufacturing. The dataset contains benzene, toluene, NOx, PM10 concentrations, and meteorological factors monitored by six automatic stations from the national network of which four are in the city and two outside. Special attention was given to the benzene dynamics to establish patterns related to the health impact and leukemia. An assessment of the exposure was performed using EPA's ExpoFIRST v. 2.0 for computing the inhalation Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD). The health impact was estimated based on several indicators such as lifetime cancer risk (LCR), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY), and Environmental burden of disease (EBD). Overall, the annual average of all stations was almost similar between years i.e., 3.46 in 2019, 3.41 in 2020, and 3.63 µg/m3 in 2021, respectively. The average of all stations during the lockdown period was 2.67 µg/m3, which was lower than the multiannual average of the 2019-2021 period, i.e., 3.5 µg/m3. Significant correlations were present between benzene and other pollutants such as NOx (r = 0.57), PM10 fraction (r = 0.70), and toluene (r = 0.69), and benzene and temperature (r = -0.46), humidity (r = 0.28), and wind speed (r = -0.34). Regarding the ADD, in all scenarios, the most affected age categories are small children, despite a lower outdoor exposure time. From birth to <70 years, the ADD varied depending on the exposure scenario resulting in 3.27 × 10-4, 5.6 × 10-4, and 4.04 × 104 mg/kg-day, and 3.95 × 10-4, 10.6 × 10-4, and 6.76 × 10-4 mg/kg-day for the LADD, respectively. The Integrated Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILTCR) values were 14.1 × 10-5 in winter, 9.04 × 10-5 in spring, 8.74 × 10-5 in summer, and 10.6 × 10-4 in autumn. The ILTCR annual averages were 1.08 × 10-4 (2019), 1.07 × 10-4 (2020), 1.04 × 10-4 (2021), and 1.06 × 10-4 for the entire period. The resulting ILTCR values point out very risky conditions, with the annual averages reaching the definite cancer risk category. The corresponding burden based on the DALY's loss due to leukemia in Ploieşti was estimated at 0.291 (2 μg/m3 benzene), 0.509 (3.5 μg/m3 benzene), 0.582 (4 μg/m3 benzene), and 0.873 DALYs per 100,000 inhabitants (6 μg/m3 benzene), respectively. The current study provides useful insights for a better understanding of the exposure levels to benzene and associated health impact in Ploieşti despite the limitations determined by the data hiatus and incomplete or missing information regarding the health impact.

The link between left atrial longitudinal reservoir strain and mitral apparatus geometry in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

4-Dimensional Automated Left Atrial Quantification (4D Auto LAQ) is a technique that uses 3D volume data to determine LA strain. 4-Dimensional Automated Mitral Valve Quantification (4D Auto MVQ) evaluates anatomical and functional mitral valve parameters. Our study evaluated patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and tried to find a correlation between LA strain and mitral apparatus geometry.

Methods

We enrolled 61 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 25 healthy volunteers. The evaluation consisted of clinical examination, laboratory tests, 12 leads electrocardiography. All participants underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiogram to determine cardiac structure and function according to the current guidelines. Measurement of LA strain and MV was performed using 4D Auto-quantification software. The study evaluated longitudinal strain during reservoir phase (LASr) and the parameters of the MV geometry that could interfere with left atrial function: annulus area, annulus perimeter, anteroposterior (A-P) diameter, posteromedial-anterolateral diameter (PM-AL), (the longest diameter of MV perpendicular to AP diameter); commissural diameter (CD), inter-trigonal distance, tenting height, tenting area, and tenting volume.

Results

1. The patients were divided in two groups: 26 with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and 35 with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. 2. Mean values of MV parameters in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compare with healthy volunteers were: annulus area: 19.46 cm2 vs 11.85 cm2; annulus perimeter: 16.86 cm vs 12.71cm, A-P diameter 4.53 cm vs 3.45 cm, PM-AL diameter 4.84 cm vs 3.92 cm, CD 4.83 cm, vs 3.94 cm, inter-trigonal distance 3.9 cm vs 2.9 cm, tenting height 1.64 cm vs 1.05 cm, tenting area 4.82 cm2 vs 1.78 cm2, tenting volume 13.49 ml vs 4.27 ml. For LASr, mean values were 10.26 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy vs 32.14 in healthy volunteers. Mean values of mitral valve parameters and LASr were comparable in ischemic vs non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. 3. LASr correlated with anatomical mitral valve parameters: annulus area: r=−0.6, annulus perimeter: r=−0.57, AP diameter: r=−0.58, PM-AL diameter: r=−0.58, commissural diameter: r=−0.66, inter-trigonal distance: r=−0.57, tenting height r=−0.53, tenting area r=−0.55 and tenting volume r=−0.54.

Conclusions

1. In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype, anatomical parameters of the mitral valve and LASr were altered. Results did not reveal significant differences between ischemic and non-ischemic etiology. 2. A correlation was found between the decrease in LASr and anatomical parameters of the mitral valve, suggesting a link between atrial function deterioration and deformity of mitral apparatus geometry in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Liaison between exposure to sub-micrometric particulate matter and allergic response in children from a petrochemical industry city

The study examines the association between exposure to sub-micrometric Particulate Matter (PM₁) and allergic response in a group of sensitive young children (age: 2-10 years) from Ploiesti city, Romania. The city is the only urban agglomeration in Europe surrounded by four oil refineries. A panel study was conducted by collecting medical information from children with respiratory illnesses and atopy (n = 135). Hot Spot Analysis revealed the areas of the city that are susceptible to high levels of PM₁. We found a close interaction between exposure to PM₁ outdoor concentrations and various physiological changes and clinical symptoms in children including triggering of allergic reactions, rhinitis, alteration of lung function, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, and bronchial asthma. During the 2-year study period, the incidence of hospitalizations was 40.7%. Strong correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between the PM₁ exposure and hospitalizations, and exposure and Immunoglobulin E (IgE). PM₁ exposure was also correlated with eosinophils (p < 0.05). Another positive correlation was observed between hospitalizations and IgE levels (p < 0.05). The mean results of tested indicators were as follows: wheezing (5.3, 95% CI (1.4-1.8); Coeff. of var. (CV) = 30%), IgE (382, 95% CI (349-445); CV = 102%), and EO% (5.3, 95% CI (3.3-4.2); CV = 69.5%). We can conclude that exposure to PM₁ influenced the frequency of wheezing episodes, increased hospitalizations, and the levels of allergic blood indicators in children, especially in infants and pre-schoolers. CAPSULE: Exposure to sub-micrometric particles (PM₁) influences the frequency of wheezing episodes, hospitalizations, and the levels of allergic blood indicators in children, especially in infants and pre-schoolers.

Evaluating the Air Pollution Impact Using Environmental Monitoring, Dispersion Modeling and Volunteered Geographic Information Systems

The paper describes the application of real-time environmental monitoring, local and long-range transport dispersion modeling and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) systems that can improve the fast knowledge regarding the air pollution status to determine the actual outdoor conditions for living in a specific urban area. A case study using such techniques is presented for a pollution event with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Targoviste, Romania. PM2.5 time series were recorded during the pollution event by two optical monitoring systems providing an average of 184.1, maximum of 323, and minimum of 107 �g m-3 (DustTrackTM 8533 EP system), and 177.4, 321 and 93 �g m-3 (Rokidair microstation), respectively. PM2.5 concentrations and forward trajectories were computed using two programs: BREEZE� AERMOD 7.9 and HYSPLIT dispersion model. The obtained results emphasize the usefulness of embedding dispersion modeling advanced tools to supplement monitoring results and to characterize the source apportionment.

Improving the Protection of Children Against Air Pollution Threats in Romania � The RokidAIR Project Approach and Future Perspectives

This paper presents the approach used to develop the information chain required to reach the objectives of the EEA Grants� RokidAIR project in two Romanian cities i.e., Targoviste and Ploiesti. It describes the PM2.5 monitoring infrastructure and architecture to the web-based GIS platform, the early warning system and the decision support system, and finally, the linking of air pollution to health effects in children. In addition, it shows the analysis performance of the designed system to process the collected time series from various data sources using the benzene concentrations monitored in Ploiesti. Moreover, this paper suggests that biomarkers, mobile technologies, and Citizens� Observatories are potential perspectives to improve data coverage by the provision of near-real-time air quality maps, and provide personal exposure and health assessment results, enabling the citizens� engagement and behavioural change. This paper also addresses new fields in nature-based solutions to improve air quality, and studies on air pollution and its mental health effects in the urban areas of Romania.

Investigation of Heavy Metals Content in Airborne Particles from Ploiesti, Romania

This study aims to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in airborne particulate matter (PM) collected in Ploiesti city (Romania) during the monitoring campaigns performed in 2015. Various health effects of airborne PM, from less serious to very serious ones, are often associated with its chemical speciation. The heavy metals bounded on PM may accumulate in human body by inhalation and can produce both short-term and long-term negative health effects especially in children and sensitive people. We investigated several heavy metals associated with PM2.5 collected in 12 relevant sampling points to estimate their potential impact on urban population health. PM samples were collected on 37 mm quartz fiberglass filters using a precision optical instrument i.e., DustTrak DRX8533EP. The deposition of elements on the surface of samples was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The analysis and quantification of trace elements were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The experiments indicated that samples of PM contained heavy metals in the following order Zn ] Ni ] Cr ] Pb ] As ] Cd. Monitoring of elemental composition in atmospheric particles can contribute to a better air quality management.

Characterization of Urban Atmospheric PM2.5 by ATR-FTIR, ICP-MS and SEM-EDS Techniques

The study aims to investigate the chemical composition of airborne particulate matter with size below 2.5 �m (PM2.5) collected from Targoviste City area, in the summer of 2015. For this consideration eleven representative points have been chosen for sampling. This research provides interesting data which can clarify the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and the negative effects on human health at urban area level. Three analytical techniques have been developed for the qualitative, quantitative and morphological characterization of PM2.5. The inorganic and organic functional groups of the PM2.5 samples were investigated by Attenuated Total Reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (ATR-FTIR). The content of several elements (i.e. Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Al, Zn and Fe) in samples was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The measured concentration of these metals was compared with values reported by the International Agency on urban area in order to establish the minimal element level which cannot be considered as a potential health risk for the urban population. The morphological characterization of PM2.5 was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS). The elemental analysis of samples were performed by EDS and showed that airborne particle was mainly composed of elements, such as C, O, Si, Ca, N and S.

Assessment of Outdoor Pollution with Submicrometric and Fine Particulate Matter in Ploiesti City, Romania

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental problem in urban areas mainly because of its demonstrated impact on human health. The present work aimed to assess the outdoor pollution to fine (PM2.5), and submicrometric (PM1) particulate matter that includes the ultrafine fraction - UFP), in Ploiesti city, which is a major urban-industrial area in the Southeast of Romania. This is the first study in an urban area of Romania that analyzes the spatiotemporal variation of PM2.5 and PM1. Particulate matter samples collected in sequential monitoring campaigns performed in 2015 were investigated using 12 relevant sampling points. A precision optical portable monitoring system with a laser beam (DusttrakTM DRX 8533EP) was used for PM assessments.. It was observed that Ploiesti inner city presented �moderate� and �unhealthy for sensitive groups� conditions for particulate pollution with PM2.5 depending on the area of the city. The difference between the PM10 and PM1 medians of all sampling points was only 2.2 �g�m-3, PM4 and PM1 of 1.5 �g�m-3, and PM2.5 and PM1 of 0.8 �g�m-3 respectively (p ] 0.05 � DL5% = �5.8 �g m-3). The correlation between the PM fractions was very significant (p [ 0.01; r = 0.996). The results pointed out that PM1, which has an increased impact on human health, because it includes the UFP, was the most frequent fraction in Ploiesti inner city.

Fine Particulate Matter in Urban Environments: A Trigger of Respiratory Symptoms in Sensitive Children

The overall objective of this research was to study children’s respiratory illness levels in Targoviste (Romania) in relationship to the outdoor concentrations of airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 µm (PM_2.5). We monitored and analysed the PM_2.5 concentrations according to a complex experimental protocol. The health trial was conducted over three months (October–December 2015) and required the active cooperation of the children’s parents to monitor carefully the respiratory symptoms of the child, i.e., coughing, rhinorrhoea, wheezing, and fever, as well as their outdoor program. We selected the most sensitive children (n = 25; age: 2–10 years) with perturbed respiratory health, i.e., wheezing, asthma, and associated symptoms. The estimated average PM_2.5 doses were 0.8–14.5 µg·day⁻¹ for weekdays, and 0.4–6.6 µg·day⁻¹ for the weekend. The frequency and duration of the symptoms decreased with increasing age. The 4- to 5-year old children recorded the longest duration of symptoms, except for rhinorrhoea, which suggested that this age interval is the most vulnerable to exogenous trigger agents (p < 0.01) compared to the other age groups. PM_2.5 air pollution was found to have a direct positive correlation with the number of wheezing episodes (r = 0.87; p < 0.01) in November 2015. Monitoring of wheezing occurrences in the absence of fever can provide a reliable assessment of the air pollution effect on the exacerbation of asthma and respiratory disorders in sensitive children.

Quantifying the impact of PM2.5 and associated heavy metals on respiratory health of children near metallurgical facilities

The aim of this study was to link the concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and associated heavy metals with occurrence of wheezing and hospitalizations due to wheezing in 111 children who live near metallurgical plants in Targoviste City, Romania. A group of 72 children with high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophils, as well as frequent wheezing episodes, was geolocated on digital thematic maps. Monitoring campaigns and medical assessments were performed over two consecutive years (2013-2014). The multiannual average concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 4.6 to 22.5 μg m(-3), up to a maximum value of 102 μg m(-3). Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between the locations of the children with respiratory issues and the PM2.5 multiannual average (r = 0.985) and PM2.5 maximum (r = 0.813). Fe, Ni, Cd, and Cr were the main marker elements of the emissions from steel production and metal-working facilities in the Targoviste area. The results support the hypothesis that increased PM2.5 levels directly influence wheezing symptom and asthma attacks in the analyzed group. IgE, eosinophils, and wheezing episodes may be considered key indicators with which to evaluate the adverse effects of PM2.5 air pollution on children's health.

Using wavelet-feedforward neural networks to improve air pollution forecasting in urban environments

The paper presents the screening of various feedforward neural networks (FANN) and wavelet-feedforward neural networks (WFANN) applied to time series of ground-level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5 fractions) recorded at four monitoring stations located in various urban areas of Romania, to identify common configurations with optimal generalization performance. Two distinct model runs were performed as follows: data processing using hourly-recorded time series of airborne pollutants during cold months (O3, NO2, and PM10), when residential heating increases the local emissions, and data processing using 24-h daily averaged concentrations (PM2.5) recorded between 2009 and 2012. Dataset variability was assessed using statistical analysis. Time series were passed through various FANNs. Each time series was decomposed in four time-scale components using three-level wavelets, which have been passed also through FANN, and recomposed into a single time series. The agreement between observed and modelled output was evaluated based on the statistical significance (r coefficient and correlation between errors and data). Daubechies db3 wavelet-Rprop FANN (6-4-1) utilization gave positive results for O3 time series optimizing the exclusive use of the FANN for hourly-recorded time series. NO2 was difficult to model due to time series specificity, but wavelet integration improved FANN performances. Daubechies db3 wavelet did not improve the FANN outputs for PM10 time series. Both models (FANN/WFANN) overestimated PM2.5 forecasted values in the last quarter of time series. A potential improvement of the forecasted values could be the integration of a smoothing algorithm to adjust the PM2.5 model outputs.

The bioaccumulation and translocation of Fe, Zn, and Cu in species of mushrooms from Russula genus

INTRODUCTION

Many previous studies revealed a high ability of mushrooms to accumulate heavy metals from environment. This paper concerns the capacity of some wild macromycetes belonging to Russula genus to accumulate heavy metals in natural condition of pH (between 6.5 and 6.8) and the pattern of metal translocation in the fruiting body.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The studied Russula species are Russula virescens, Russula cyanoxantha, Russula foetens, and Russula nigrescens, which were harvested from forestry ecosystem from South Romania. The metal concentration in mushrooms and their substrate was established by EDXRF method.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in the fruiting body depends on species and vary between 58.83-340.34, 19.70-99.62, and 5.03-9.37 mg/kg for Fe, Zn, and Cu, respectively. The bioaccumulation factor has subunit values for the three studied trace metals, which show the low capacity of these species of mushrooms to accumulate metals if the concentrations in soil increase over the normal threshold for these elements. The high values of translocation factor demonstrate the mobility of Fe, Zn, and Cu in the studied mushrooms.

[Vacuum phenomenon in the hip joint: diagnostic value]

Vacuum phenomenon is well known in degenerative spinal disease in the elderly, but is seldom seen in other joints, especially in children. The phenomenon does not represent a pathological finding, and can be used for imaging of the articular facets, mainly in the hip and knee joints. We report a patient with this phenomenon in the hip joint.