Impact of Air Pollutants on Lung Function and Inflammatory Response in Asthma in Shanghai

Objective Air pollution is a leading public health issue.This study investigated the effect of air quality and pollutants on pulmonary function and inflammation in patients with asthma in Shanghai.Methods The study monitored 27 asthma outpatients for a year,collecting data on weather,patient self-management[daily asthma diary,peak expiratory flow(PEF)monitoring,medication usage],spirometry and serum markers.To explore the potential mechanisms of any effects,asthmatic mice induced by ovalbumin(OVA)were exposed to PM_(2.5).Results Statistical and correlational analyses revealed that air pollutants have both acute and chronic effects on asthma.Acute exposure showed a correlation between PEF and levels of ozone(O_(3))and nitrogen dioxide(NO_(2)).Chronic exposure indicated that interleukin-5(IL-5)and interleukin-13(IL-13)levels correlated with PM_(2.5)and PM_(10)concentrations.In asthmatic mouse models,exposure to PM_(2.5)increased cytokine levels and worsened lung function.Additionally,PM_(2.5)exposure inhibited cell proliferation by blocking the NF-κB and ERK phosphorylation pathways.Conclusion Ambient air pollutants exacerbate asthma by worsening lung function and enhancing Th2-mediated inflammation.Specifically,PM_(2.5)significantly contributes to these adverse effects.Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which PM_(2.5)impacts asthma.

Development and experience in the monitoring,assessment and control of environmentalpollutants in Hong Kong

The late start of environmental protection in Hong Kong was discussed in the light of problems encountered during the development of environmental protection legislation in Hong Kong for the past 20 years. The collaboration in monitoring and assessment of environmental pollutants between the University of Hong Kong and various governments were descrbed in parallel with the progress in environmental protection in Hong Kong. The developments of new analytical techniques for environmental monitoring and analysis is given and their application in environmental control described. The joint projects in assessment and control of environmental pollutants carried out in collaboration with local industries and other organizations within and without the university are given and discussed. The problems and possible solution facing Hong Kong in development control equipment for small scale industries are discussed and areas of development identified. The development and experience in the monitoring assessment and control of environmental pollutants in Hong Kong are summarized and areas of difficulties are illustrated.

Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies canopy effects on deposition of air pollutants

Tree canopies influence atmospheric pollutant depositions depending on type,ecosystem characteristics,and local climatic conditions.This study investigated the impact of Pinus sylvestris L.and Picea abies(L.)H.Karst.,and a mixture of both,on the chemical composition of pre-cipitation.Three permanent plots within the ICP forest level Ⅱ monitoring network in Lithuania were selected to illustrate typical hemiboreal coniferous forests.The study analysed(1)the concentrations of NO_(2),NH_(3) and SO_(2) in the ambi-ent air;(2)the concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),NH_(4)^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+) and Cl^(-) in throughfall beneath canopies and in precipitation collected in an adjacent field,and(3)S and total N,Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+)and Cl−depositions in throughfall and precipitation over 2006-2022.Results show a signifi-cant decrease in SO_(2) emissions in the ambient air;NO_(2) and NH_(3) emissions also decreased.The canopies reduced the acidity of throughfall,although they led to notably higher concentrations of SO_(4)^(2−),NO_(3)^(−),Na^(+),and particularly K^(+).During the study,low variability in NO_(3)^(-)deposition and a decrease in NH_(4)^(+)deposition occurred.Deposition loads increased by 20-30%when precipitation passed through the canopy.The cumulative deposition of S,Cl,Na,K,Ca,and N was greater under P.abies than under P.sylvestris.How-ever,K deposition in throughfall was considerably lower under P.sylvestris compared to the P.abies or mixed stand.Throughfall S depositions declined across all three coniferous plots.Overall,there was no specific effect of tree species on throughfall chemistry.

Hydrodynamic Cavitation Enhanced SR-Aops Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water:A Review

SR-AOP(sulfate radical advanced oxidation process)is a novel water treatment method able to eliminate refractory organic pollutants.Hydrodynamic cavitation(HC)is a novel green technology,that can effectively produce strong oxidizing sulfate radicals.This paper presents a comprehensive review of the research advancements in these fields and a critical discussion of the principal factors influencing HC-enhanced SR-AOP and the mechanisms of synergistic degradation.Furthermore,some insights into the industrial application of HC/PS are also provided.Current research shows that this technology is feasible at the laboratory stage,but its application on larger scales requires further understanding and exploration.In this review,some attention is also paid to the design of the hydrodynamic cavitation reactor and the related operating parameters.

Absorption capacity of major urban afforestation species in north-eastern China to heavy metal pollutants in the atmosphere

Totally 24 arbor tree species and 6 shrub species were measured on their absorption capacities to heavy metal Pb, Cd, Cr, and Hg by collecting and analyzing the leaves of trees along different streets in Harbin city in Sept. to Oct. of 2003. The results showed that all the measured species had certain absorbency to the pollutants (Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg), but there existed significant difference in absorption capacity for different species to different pollutants. The measured tree species were classified into three categories by their absorption quantum of heavy metal pollutants. Among the species measured,Betula platyphylla, Ulmus pumila var.pendula, andPrunus persicaf.rubro-plena had high capacity in absorbing Pb;Populus xiahei, P. nigra var.Italica, P. alba x P. berolinensis andSalix matsudana had had high capacity in absorbing Cd;Phellodendron amurense, Syringa oblata, Salix matsudana, Pinus tabulaeformis var.mukdensis, Picea koraiensis, Prunus persica f.rubro-plena, P. triloba andAcer negundo, etc. had high capacity in absorption of Cr;Prunus triloba, Quercus mongolica, Salix matsudana, Sambucus williamsii, Pyrus ussuuriensis andSpiraea fritschiana were good at absorption of Hg. This study might offer scientific foundation for selection of urban afforestation species in different polluted conditions caused by heavy metals. Keywords Greening tree species - Heavy metal - Pollutants - Plumbum - Cadmium - Chromium - Mercury - Absorptivity CLC number S731.2 - X501 Document code A Foundation item: This study is financially supported by the Special Programme for Agriculture under Ministry of Chinese Science and Technology (No. 2002BA516A15-01).Biography: MU Li-qiang (1966-), female, Associate professor in Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China.Responsible editor: Zhu Hong

The potential risks of emerging pollutants:Forms,features and management actions

Emerging pollutants are synthetic or chemical or micro-organic contaminants unregulated,which constitutes potent risks and dangers for human environment and,finally,its health.However,due to their potential risks in production,use and contamination,both states and the public are hardly aware of their potential damages done to health and the environment before it is a little too late.New forms of pollutants are emerging for modern world with unprecedented risks worthy of wariness.The present article explores the categories of newly emerging pollutants,analyses their features and attempts to come up with technological and managerial solutions in managing emerging pollutants of such nature as organic pollutants,Environmental Endocrine Disruptors,etc.The paper also provides suggestions in taking actions leading to effective management and treatment of the emerging pollutants.

Bivariate Analysis of Pollutants Monthly Maxima in Mexico City Using Extreme Value Distributions and Copula

In the present work, we are interested in studying the joint distributions of pairs of the monthly maxima of the pollutants used by the environmental authorities in Mexico City to classify the air quality in the metropolitan area. In order to obtain the joint distributions a copula will be considered. Since we are analyzing the monthly maxima, the extreme value distributions of Weibull and Fréchet are taken into account. Using these two distributions as marginal distributions in the copula a Bayesian inference was made in order to estimate the parameters of both distributions and also the association parameters appearing in the copula model. The pollutants taken into account are ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter with diameters smaller than 10 and 2.5 microns obtained from the Mexico City monitoring network. The estimation was performed by taking samples of the parameters generated through a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm implemented using the software OpenBugs. Once the algorithm is implemented it is applied to the pairs of pollutants where one of the coordinates of the pair is ozone and the other varies on the set of the remaining pollutants. Depending on the pollutant and the region where they were collected, different results were obtained. Hence, in some cases we have that the best model is that where we have a Fréchet distribution as the marginal distribution for the measurements of both pollutants and in others the most suitable model is the one assuming a Fréchet for ozone and a Weibull for the other pollutant. Results show that, in the present case, the estimated association parameter is a good representation to the correlation parameters between the pair of pollutants analyzed. Additionally, it is a straightforward task to obtain these correlation parameters from the corresponding association parameters.

Effects of Heavy Metal and Pollutants on the Non-special Immunity of the Shrimp and Crab

This paper attempted to review and evaluate existing information about the effects of heavy metal, ammonia-N, nitrite and the organic pollutants on the non-special immune response of the shrimp and crab, which providing theory for improving the self-immunity of shrimp and crab by meliorating cultural environment. In addition, it could provide information for further study on this field.

STUDY ON HUMAN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT TO INDOOR/OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

The environmental air quality is one of the important problems of people′s concern. The study on human exposure to air pollutants provides an important basis for the nuprorement of human health effects. The questionnaire about time activity patterns includes questions about time spent in the houses, personal activities, indoor combustion sources, information about hobbies, (e.g. smoking), home repairing and decorating materials, and personal product use and so on. The questionnaire was conducted with 662 respondents over 16 years of age in Tianjin, China from fall 1995 to summer 1996. The results of the investigation show that 84% of people′s activities happen indoors, and 58% in family. The field researches of air pollutants monitoring of the most important air pollutants either indoors or outdoors, including carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), inhaled particulate (IR), and Benzpyrene(Bap), were carried out in winter and summer from 1995 to 1996. The results of the study on human exposure to four selected air pollutants show that indoor sources and their air pollution cause relatively high exposure in the total air pollution exposures. For example, only the exposure indoors at home is 71.0%,60.3%, 69.4% and 74.0% respectively for CO, HCHO, IR and Bap in the total air pollution exposure.

Uptake and translocation of organic pollutants in plants:A review

Organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated dJbenzo-p-dioxins and polychlofinated dibenzofurans （PCDD/Fs）, polychlodnated biphenyls （PCBs）, antibiotics, herbicides, and bisphenol A （BPA）, are commonly found in agricultural environments. They are released into the environment as a result of their use for human health purposes and farm management activities, and are often discharged as waste-water effluents. Most of these organic pollutants are taken up by plants through roots and leaves, and when they enter the tissue, they cause serious damage to the plants. Although the toxicity of organic pollutants to plants, especially to plant cells, has been intensively studied, a systematic review of these studies is lacking. Here we review researches on the toxicity of organic pollutants, their uptake, and translocation in plants. Our objective is to assemble existing knowledge concerning the interaction of organic pollutants with plants, which should be useful for the development of plant-based systems for removing pollutants from aquatic and agricultural environments.

Removal of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Organic Pollutants From Water Using Seeding Type Immobilized Microorganisms

Objective To study the possibility of removing nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic pollutants using seeding type immobilized microorganisms. Methods Lakes P and M in Wuhan were chosen as the objects to study the removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic pollutants with the seeding type immobilized microorganisms. Correlations between the quantity of heterotrophic bacteria and the total nitrogen （TN）, total phosphorus （TP）, and total organic carbon （TOC） in the two lakes were studied. The dominant bacteria were detected, inoculated to the sludge and acclimated by increasing nitrogen, phosphorus and decreasing carbon source in an intermittent, time-controlled and fixed-quantity way. The bacteria were then used to prepare the seeding type immobilized microorganisms, selecting diatomite as the adsorbent cartier. The ability and influence factors of removing nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic pollutant from water samples by the seeding type immobilized microorganisms were studied. Results The coefficients of the heterotrophic bacterial quantity correlated with TOC, TP, and TN were 0.9143, 0.8229, 0.7954 in Lake P and 0.9168, 0.7187, 0.6022 in Lake M. Ten strains of dominant heterotrophic bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas, Coccus, Aeromonas, Bacillus, and Enterobateriaceae, separately, were isolated. The appropriate conditions for the seeding type immobilized microorgansims in purifying the water sample were exposure time=24 h, pH=7.0-8.0, and quantity of the immobilized microorganisms=0.75-1g/50 mL. The removal rates of TOC, TP, and TN under the above conditions were 80.2%, 81.6%, and 86.8%, respectively. Conclusion The amount of heterotrophic bacteria in the two lakes was correlated with TOC, TP, and TN. These bacteria could be acclimatized and prepared for the immobilized microorganisms which could effectively remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and mixed organic pollutants in the water sample.

Genotoxicity evaluation and a primary risk assessment of organic pollutants in the drinking water sources of Nanjing, China

An increasing number of industrial, agricultural, and commercial chemicals in the aquatic environment leads to various deleterious effects on organisms, which is becoming an increasingly serious problem in China. In this study, the comet assay was conducted to investigate the genotoxicity to human body caused by organic concentrates in the drinking water sources of Nanjing City from Yangtze River of China, and health and ecology risk due to expose to these organic pollutants were evaluated with the multimedia environmental assessment system （MEAS）. For all the water samples, they were collected from four different locations in the drinking water sourcr samples, es of Nanjing City. The results of the comet assay showed that all the organic concentrates from the water samples could induce different levels DNA damages on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and a statistically significant difference （p〈0.01） was observed compared with the solvent control, which demonstrated the genotoxicity was in existence. According to the ambient severity （AS） of individual compound, we had sorted out the main organic pollutants in the drinking water source of the four waterworks, and the results showed that there was some potential hazard to human body for all the source water, namely the total ambient severity （TAS） of health for each water source was more than 1. However, the TAS of ecology for each water source was less than 1, which indicated that it was safe to ecology. The results of this investigation demonstrate the application of the comet assay and the MEAS in aquatic environmental monitoring studies, and the comet assay found to be fast, sensitive, and suitable for genotoxicity monitoring programs of drinking water source.

Organobentonites as adsorbents for some organic pollutants and its application in wastewater treatment

Two organobentonites were synthesized by placing quaternary ammonium cationscetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on bentonite bycation exchange. Their ability to adsorb phenol, aniline. nitrobenzene and p-nitrophenol were examined.The optimal conditions for organobentonites to remove the organic pollutants from waterwere studied. The removal rates for organobentonites to treat the organic compounds in water werefound to be over 8 times for the original mineral (untreated bentonite).The removal rates of organic pollutants and COD of wastewater were further improved by organobentonites in the presence of aluminum sulfate. The structure of organobentonites and the mechanism for their adsorption were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared spectra and BET surface area.

Design of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)-based photocatalyst for solar fuel production and photo-degradation of pollutants

Metal organic frameworks(MOFs)is a research hotspot in the solar fuel production and photo-degradation of pollutants field due to high surface area,rich metal/organic species,large pore volume,and adjustability of structures and compositions.Therefore,in this review,we first summarized the design factors of photocatalytic materials based on MOF from the perspective of"star"MOF.The modification strategies of MOFs-based photocatalysts were discussed to improve its photocatalytic activity and specific applications were summarized as well,including photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction,photocatalytic water splitting and photo-degradation of pollutants.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of MOFs-based photocatalysts were discussed,the current challenges were highlighted,and suggestions for future research directions were proposed.

Carbonaceous Nanofibers-titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Use as a Platform for Removal of Dye Pollutants

A mild chemistry route was developed to prepare carbonaceous nanofibers-titanium dioxide(CNF-TiO_2) nanocomposites for removal of dye pollutants. In the process of the template-directed hydrothermal carbonization(HTC), ultrathin Te nanowires were adopted as templates and glucose as the carbon source, and TiO_2 was decorated on CNF via the hydrolysis of tetrabutyltitanate in the presence of CNF in ethanol. The as-prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). SEM and TEM observations displayed that TiO_2 nanoparticles were anchored on the CNF. EDX and XRD data confirmed that the assynthesized samples were CNF-TiO_2, and TiO_2 belonged to anatase titania. Taking advantage of combined benefits of carbonaceous nanofibers and titanium dioxide, these CNF-TiO_2 nanocomposites exhibited higher removal efficiency in a short time and showed good reusability. It was showed that over 97% of Rhodamine B could be removed in 15 min without generating the solid and liquid wastes. The removal efficiency of dyes was still over 80% after reuse in five cycles. All the results demonstrate that the as-prepared CNF-TiO_2 composites are effective materials for fast and effective removal of dye pollutants and thus can provide a new platform for dye decontamination.

Transport patterns and numerical simulation of heavy metal pollutants in soils of lead–zinc ore mines

Exploring transport patterns of soil contaminants is essential for solving the problem of heavy metal contamination in mine soils.In this study,contamination of Pb,Zn,and Cd in the mountain soils of the lead–zinc ore mines in Ganxi Township,Hengdong County,Hunan Province,China was investigated,and their transport patterns were further explored using a soil-column model and numerical simulation techniques.In total,111 mine soil samples were collected and placed into six experimental soil columns.By controlling the water flow,a control soil column group(CK),two mixed soil columns X1 with daily water flows of 1 and 5 L,and three mixed soil columns X3 with daily water flows of 2,3,and 4 L were evaluated.The results showed that the residual fraction of Pb accounted for 71.93%of the content on average,whereas the exchangeable fractions of Zn,Cd,and Fe-Mn oxide-bound fractions of Zn and Cd accounted for 28.60%,31.07%,and 43.2%and 53.54%of the content,respectively.Pb,Zn,and Cd in the soils of the CK,X1,and X3 groups mainly were accumulated at a depth from approximately 0 to 20 cm,and the content at this depth accounted for 60.09%of that at a 0~40 cm depth.The soil at a depth range of 0~10 cm was most seriously contaminated,and the proportion of content was 32.39%of that at a 0~40 cm depth.Numerical simulation showed that on the 5 th day,the pollutant transport range was 0~24 cm,and on the 9 th day,the pollutant transport range exceeded 40 cm.On the 15 th day,the transport capacity of pollutants at depths of 0~40 cm was close to the stable state,but the soil at a depth of 0~10 cm was still heavily polluted.These results reflect the transport pattern of heavy metal pollutants in the soil of lead–zinc ore mines and may provide a reliable scientific support for the prevention of heavy metal contamination in mine environments.

Modified g-C_(3)N_(4) derived from ionic liquid and urea for promoting visible-light photodegradation of organic pollutants

In this work,modified g-C_(3)N_(4) was fabricated successfully by calcination of ionic liquid(IL) and urea.The addition of IL changed the polymerization mode of urea,induced the self-assembly of urea molecules,modified the morphological structure of the tightly packed g-C_(3)N_(4),and extended the electron conjugation system.When using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride([Bmim]Cl) as a modifier,the heteroatom Cl could be inserted into the g-C_(3)N_(4) to optimize the electronic structure.The results of characterizations indicate that the unique structure of modified g-C_(3)N_(4) has an expanded electron delocalization range,introduces an interlayer charge transmission channel,promotes the charge transmission,reduces the band gap,enhances the absorption of visible light,and inhibits electron-hole recombination.Modified g-C_(3)N_(4) showed excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline.Furthermore,the effect of different anions in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium salts([Bmim]Cl,[Bmim]Br,[Bmim][BF_(4)],and [Bmim][PF_6]) on the structure and function of g-C_(3) N_(4) are discussed.

Environmental Capacity of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Pollutants in Jiaozhou Bay, China: Modeling and Calculation

An environmental capacity model for the petroleum hydrocarbon pollutions （PHs） in Jiaozhou Bay is constructed based on field surveys, mesocosm, and parallel laboratory experiments. Simulated results of PHs seasonal successions in 2003 match the field surveys of Jiaozhou Bay resaonably well with a highest value in July. The Monte Carlo analysis confirms that the variation of PHs concentration significantly correlates with the river input. The water body in the bay is reasonably subjected to self-purification processes, such as volatilization to the atmosphere, biodegradation by microorganism, and transport to the Yellow Sea by water exchange. The environmental capacity of PHs in Jiaozhou Bay is 1500 tons per year IF the seawater quality criterion （Grade Ⅰ/Ⅱ, 0.05 mgLl） in the region is to be satisfied. The contribution to self-purification by volatilization, biodegradation, and transport to the Yellow Sea accounts for 48%, 28%, and 23%, respectively, which make these three processes the main ways of PHs purification in Jiaozhou Bay.

Persistent organic pollutants control strategy in China

The development of Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs) control policy in China in the context of international concerns on POPs was reviewed. The aspects of the Chinese POPs control strategies were analyzed, and compared with those of developed counterparts (e.g. US, EU, Japan). Currently, while the legal framework on POPs management, which complies with international guidelines has been established, it should be improved in the areas of special POPs management, risk assessment, the precautionary principle, life-cycle management and technical support capacity. The analysis of Chinese POPs policy and suggestions for strengthening the science-based decision making capacity are not only useful for Chinese decision-makers, but also a case study for developing world and make a great contribution for the global elimination of POPs to make a toxic-free future.

Degradation of Organic Pollutants by the Advanced Oxidation Processes

A kinetic model has been developed for the degradation of organic pollutants concerning with hydroperoxide ion as the initial step for generation of hydroxyl radical and its subsequent reaction mechanisms. Rate equations were derived for depletion of ozone and pollutants in the peroxone oxidation process using ozone and hydrogen peroxide as combined oxidants. Kinetic data obtained experimentally from the hydrogen peroxide-ozone reaction and peroxone oxidation of nitrobenzene were analyzed by using the proposed rate equations.