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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 12068

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Dr. Xin Long

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Guest Editor

Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
Interests: air pollution; big data; microplastic transport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yichen Wang

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Guest Editor

School of Public Policy and Management, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
Interests: environmental governance and sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Yao He

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Guest Editor

Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Interests: environmental health and disease diagnosis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human activities have profoundly altered Earth's atmospheric composition and dynamics, resulting in urgent environmental concerns. This Special Issue delves deeply into the intricate impact of human-induced activities on the atmospheric environment. Through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as industrial emissions, transportation, deforestation, and energy production, we aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between human actions and the atmosphere. Our objective is to explore the origins and repercussions of air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols, with a specific emphasis on their role in deteriorating air quality, driving climate change, and influencing regional weather patterns. Furthermore, this collection of research endeavors to offer insights into innovative mitigation strategies and essential adaptation measures for preserving the atmospheric environment in an era of rapid global transformation.

Dr. Xin Long
Dr. Yichen Wang
Dr. Yao He
Guest Editors

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Keywords

anthropogenic activities
atmospheric environment
air pollution
climate change
mitigation strategies

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Plasma Intensity on the Unused Rate in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Comparative Analysis Across Intensity Ranges from 30 to 3000

by Dae Kee Min, Jiyun Woo, Jinwook Kim, Bong-Jae Lee, Eui-chan Jeon and Joohee Lee

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031441 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 683

Abstract

This study examines the impact of plasma intensity on the process unused rate, expressed as 1-Ui, within semiconductor manufacturing. Since the influence of plasma level on 1-Ui is inconsistent without considering gas, the experimental data were analyzed after grouping plasma levels by intensity. Plasma intensity is classified into three categories: low (<100), medium (500–700), and high (>1000). The dataset includes seven columns and 8324 entries representing seven gases—NF3, SF6, CH2F2, CHF3, C4F6, C4F8, and CF4. To analyze the relationship between plasma intensity and 1-Ui, we conducted a series of ANOVA tests followed by post hoc analyses to identify statistically significant differences in 1-Ui across the defined plasma intensity levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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28 pages, 7331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of VOC Series Collected in a Refinery and Their Classification Based on Statistical Features

by Alina Bărbulescu, Sebastian-Barbu Barbeş, Lucica Barbeş and Cristian Ștefan Dumitriu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11921; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411921 - 19 Dec 2024

Viewed by 900

Abstract

In the context of the increased pollution from different sources and its significant negative effect on the population’s health and environment, the article presents a comprehensive analysis of the data series formed by the concentrations of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) collected in three zones—storage areas in the reservoir park—of a refinery complex in Romania during the maintenance period. Statistical analyses, including parametric and nonparametric tests, were performed to assess the correlation between the studied series and to group them based on some common features. The series were clustered using the raw data, and the series features were extracted after the statistical analysis. The results indicate that the series are not correlated and do not follow the same distribution even though the study zone is not large. The sites’ classification based on statistical features is shown to be more relevant from the viewpoint of the emissions level than that provided using the raw series. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicates that the features with the highest contribution on the first two components are maximum, standard deviation, autocorrelation, and partial autocorrelation for Zone 1; average, maximum, minimum, and partial autocorrelation for Zone 2; and skewness, average, maximum, and standard deviation for Zone 3. The study’s novelty is two-fold. First, it provides the results of the study performed during the maintenance period of the storage tanks, which was insufficiently investigated in the literature. Secondly, since complete data series are not generally available to the large public, clustering them based on their features provides a clear image of pollution levels and the sites where actions should be taken to reduce it. This investigation offers essential insights that can serve as a background for developing effective air pollutant monitoring strategies and mitigation measures by understanding the emission patterns and identifying the factors that influence VOC levels during the maintenance of storage tanks for highly volatile petroleum products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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12 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Cerebral Physiological Changes in Response to Atmospheric Gas Concentrations

by Chan-Sol Park, Mu-Jin Kim, Dong-Hyun Kim, Yeong-Bae Lee and Chang-Ki Kang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11525; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411525 - 11 Dec 2024

Viewed by 787

Abstract

Compared with other organs in the body, the human brain is extremely sensitive to changes in O₂ and CO₂ levels. This study applied functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to analyze the changes in cerebral oxygen saturation (COS) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in response to various atmospheric gas concentrations and investigate their effects on brain function. Twenty-nine adults were exposed to four gas conditions, namely atmospheric concentration (C1), high O₂ concentration (C2), high CO₂ concentration (C3), and high O₂ and CO₂ concentrations (C4). Changes in COS and Hb concentrations were measured using fNIRS, whereas heart rate (HR) and percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were measured using a patient monitor. COS, oxy-Hb (HbO), and total-Hb (HbT) increased progressively from C1 to C4, whereas deoxy-Hb (HbR) exhibited a decreasing trend. Moreover, the COS and Hb concentrations were more strongly influenced by high CO₂ levels than by high O₂ levels. High O₂ concentrations increased the blood O₂ saturation, whereas high CO₂ concentrations increased blood flow as a physiological response, enhancing O₂ delivery to the brain. Additionally, HR and SpO₂ increased at high CO₂ concentrations. However, at high O₂ concentrations providing a sufficient O₂ supply, SpO₂ increased while HR decreased. Therefore, adjusting the concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ may improve cerebral blood flow and change brain function, supporting cerebrovascular health and preventing related diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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25 pages, 5900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Seasonal Origin of Atmospheric PM_2.5 in Chenzhou City

by Xiaolong Chen, Hongfeng Zhang, Cora Un In Wong and Fanbo Li

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11221; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311221 - 2 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 755

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elucidate the transmission pathways and spatial distribution of potential source areas for PM_2.5 pollution in Chenzhou City across diverse seasons in southern Hunan. Utilizing Sampling Kriging interpolation analysis, we modeled the temporal and spatial oscillations of PM_2.5 concentrations in Chenzhou City, complemented by HYSPLIT air mass backward trajectories. Furthermore, the model conducted cluster analysis to identify discernible patterns. Our findings unveiled marked seasonal variations in PM_2.5 concentrations within Chenzhou City. The pinnacle is discerned during winter (75.13 μg·m⁻³), whereas the nadir is pronounced in summer (27.64 μg·m⁻³). Notably, the PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio surpasses 0.55 during both autumn and winter. Spatially, Chenzhou exhibits an annual average distribution of PM_2.5 pollution characterized by a gradient “from north to south in the western and central sectors, tapering towards the east”. Pollution source analysis suggests that PM_2.5 pollution in Chenzhou City is predominantly ascribed to local emissions. Transmission pathway analysis reveals that the primary transmission corridors, spanning northwest Guangdong, southwestern Henan, Hubei, southern Anhui, and specific zones of southwestern Jiangxi, consistently align with external PM_2.5 pollution sources affecting Chenzhou City throughout the year. Noteworthy seasonal disparities emerge in the spatial distribution and contribution of potential source regions. During spring, autumn, and winter, the predominant contributing regions are primarily located in adjacent provinces. In contrast, during summer, regions with relatively elevated values predominantly streak across the central and western sectors of Jiangxi and the southeastern Hunan region. A comprehensive examination of the seasonal distribution patterns, potential transmission routes, and likely contributing sources of PM_2.5 in Chenzhou City can offer invaluable insights for regional atmospheric environmental governance. Furthermore, it underscores the paramount importance of collaborative regional strategies directed towards the prevention and control of PM_2.5 pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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18 pages, 7751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GIS-Based Spatial Analysis and Strategic Placement of Fine Dust Alert Systems for Vulnerable Populations in Gangseo District

by Jaewook Lee, Junyoung Jang, Jaeuk Im and Jae Hong Lee

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210610 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 989

Abstract

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM), poses significant health risks to vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Understanding the spatial distribution of these populations and their access to air quality information is crucial for effective interventions. In urban areas like Gangseo District, the distribution of essential facilities and accessibility varies greatly. While studies have highlighted the health impacts of PM, research on optimizing air quality monitoring for at-risk groups remains limited. This study aims to identify optimal locations for air quality monitoring by analyzing the spatial distribution of vulnerable populations and facility accessibility. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and isochrone maps, we identified areas with high concentrations of vulnerable groups and poor access to healthcare facilities. Our findings revealed significant disparities in access to air quality information, with some high-risk areas underserved by current monitoring systems. This study integrated demographic data and spatial analysis to propose strategic monitoring placements. The methodology can be applied to other urban settings and offers a framework for improving air quality management. This study underscores the importance of targeted air quality monitoring to protect vulnerable populations and suggests practical steps for policymakers to enhance public health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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19 pages, 10340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Features of Temporal Variability of the Concentrations of Gaseous Trace Pollutants in the Air of the Urban and Rural Areas in the Southern Baikal Region (East Siberia, Russia)

by Maxim Y. Shikhovtsev, Yelena V. Molozhnikova, Vladimir A. Obolkin, Vladimir L. Potemkin, Evgeni S. Lutskin and Tamara V. Khodzher

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8327; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188327 - 15 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1318

Abstract

This article presents the results of the automatic monitoring of the concentrations of gaseous impurities of sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the ground-level atmosphere of the urban and rural areas in the Southern Baikal region (East Siberia, Russia). The study was conducted from 2020 to 2023 at the urban Irkutsk station and the rural Listvyanka station located at a distance of 70 km from each other. We calculated the main statistical characteristics of the variations in the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide in the ground-level atmosphere and determined a nature of variability in their concentrations on various time scales: annual, weekly, and daily. Annual variabilities of gaseous pollutants in the ground-level atmosphere above the Irkutsk city and the Listvyanka settlement were similar and showed the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. The daily and weekly dynamics of the nitrogen oxide concentrations in the urban area clearly depended on the increase in the road traffic during rush hours (morning and evening). In the rural area, there was no such dependence. In this area, the daily and weekly variability in the concentrations of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide mainly depended on natural meteorological processes. The work systematizes the meteorological parameters at which the largest amount of anthropogenic impurities enters the air basin of Lake Baikal. The maximum values of acid-forming gas concentrations were observed when the air masses were transferred from the northwest direction, which corresponds to the location of sources in the territory of the Irkutsk–Cheremkhovo industrial hub—the largest concentration of anthropogenic objects in the Irkutsk region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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18 pages, 6145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Black Carbon in the Air of the Baikal Region, (Russia): Sources and Spatiotemporal Variations

by Tamara V. Khodzher, Elena P. Yausheva, Maxim Yu. Shikhovtsev, Galina S. Zhamsueva, Alexander S. Zayakhanov and Liudmila P. Golobokova

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6996; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166996 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1113

Abstract

In recent years, the role of the atmosphere in the formation of the chemical composition of water in Lake Baikal and its tributaries has been increasing. In this regard, the study of equivalent black carbon (eBC) in the air above the lake and its coast has an important practical application. This paper presents the results of the mass concentration of eBC and submicron aerosol in the air above the water area of Lake Baikal, which were obtained during expeditions onboard research vessels in the summer of 2019 and 2023. We analyzed the data from the coastal monitoring station Listvyanka. To measure eBC, an MDA-02 aethalometer was used in the water area of the lake, and a BAC-10 aethalometer at the Listvyanka station. The background level of the eBC concentration in the air at different areas of the lake ranged between 0.15 and 0.3 µg m⁻³. The results of the two expeditions revealed the influence of the coastal settlements and the air mass transport along the valleys of the lake’s large tributaries on the five- to twentyfold growth of the eBC concentration in the near-water atmosphere. In the diurnal dynamics of eBC near settlements, we recorded high values in the evening and at night. In background areas, the diurnal dynamics were poorly manifested. In the summer of 2019, there were smoke plumes in the water area of Lake Baikal from distant wildfires and a local fire site on the east coast of the lake. The eBC concentration increased to 5–6 µg m⁻³, which was 10 to 40 times higher than the background. The long-range transport of plumes from coal-fired thermal power plants in large cities of the region made the major contribution to the eBC concentration at «Listvyanka» in winter, which data on aerosol, gas impurities, and meteorological parameters confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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19 pages, 13347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of Spatiotemporal Patterns and Factor Contributions of Surface Ozone in the North China Plain

by Yi Li, Mengjiao Liu, Lingyue Lv, Jinhui Liang, Mingliang Ma, Mengnan Liu and Pingjie Fu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5026; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125026 - 9 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Over the past decade, surface ozone has emerged as a significant air pollutant in China, especially in the North China Plain (NCP). For effective ozone management in the NCP, it is crucial to accurately estimate the surface ozone levels and identify the primary influencing factors for ozone pollution in this region. This study utilized ozone precursors such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NO_X), meteorological data, land cover, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), terrain, and population data to build an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)-based ozone estimation model in the NCP during 2019 to 2021. Four ozone estimation models were developed using different NO₂ and formaldehyde (HCHO) datasets from the Sentinel-5 TROPOMI observations and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis data. Site-based validation results of these four models showed high accuracy with R² values above 0.86. Among these four models, two models with higher accuracy and higher spatial coverage ratio were selected, and their results were averaged to produce the final ozone estimation products. The results indicated that VOCs and NO_X were the two main pollutants causing ozone pollution in the NCP, and their relative contributions accounted for more than 23.34% and 10.23%, respectively, while HCHO also played a significant role, contributing over 5.64%. Additionally, meteorological factors also had a notable impact, contributing 28.63% to ozone pollution, with each individual factor contributing more than 2.38%. The spatial distribution of ozone pollution identified the Hebei–Shandong–Henan junction as a pollution hotspot, with the peak occurring in summer, particularly in June. Therefore, for this hotspot region in the NCP, promoting the reduction in VOCs and NOx can play an important role in the mitigation of O₃ pollution and the improvement in air quality in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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20 pages, 6368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Urban Expansion and Air Pollution Depends on Urban Spatial Morphology in the “2 + 26” Cities of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, China

by Shen Ye, Peng Wang, Qingyan Chen, Yi Huang and Yuanyang She

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13013; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413013 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

Urban spatial morphology reflects the processes of external urban expansion and the internal spatial structure of the human economy, and exploring urban spatial morphology is important for regional management of PM_2.5 pollutants in the air environment. Whether urban spatial morphology can influence air pollution is a question that has been explored and evaluated. Therefore, we constructed a spatial-temporal driving mechanism framework and explored the interactions among urban expansion and PM_2.5 pollutants in the “2 + 26” cities of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH). Based on 2010, 2015, and 2020 urban expansion factors and PM_2.5 pollutants data from the “2 + 26” cities of BTH, the results of the Geo-Detector medal imply that: (1) The spatial distribution characteristics of areas with high PM_2.5 pollutants in the “2 + 26” cities of BTH were affected by the PM_2.5 concentration value, and the high-value phenomenon appeared to decrease with the improvement of PM_2.5 pollutants. (2) The level of urbanization in the “2 + 26” cities of BTH had been increasing annually, with the most significant growth in construction land area located in the northeastern coastal cities. (3) The compactness index, was the most critical influencing urban expansion factor, explaining 0.63, 0.64, and 0.66 of PM_2.5 pollutants in 2010, 2015, and 2020. (4) In factorial interactions, the compactness index and the centrality ratio explained spatial and temporal analysis characteristics of PM_2.5 pollutants, and the interaction factor enhanced the explanation for the spatial-temporal characteristics. This study reveals the coupled spatial-temporal driving mechanism of air pollution in the “2 + 26” cities of BTH and also shows that reasonable urban planning has a positive impact on the regional ecological environment in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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Review

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18 pages, 2576 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Aerosol in Ambient Air—A Review Study

by Ewa Brągoszewska and Anna Mainka

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8250; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188250 - 13 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1451

Abstract

Bioaerosols, including airborne bacteria, are significant pollutants affecting both indoor and outdoor air quality, with implications for human health. Despite extensive research on indoor air quality, there is a notable lack of comprehensive data on ambient bacterial concentrations and their interactions with pollutants and meteorological factors. This review focuses on bacterial aerosols in the atmosphere, measured using the culture-based method, considered the “gold standard” for microorganism detection and identification. Studies reveal significant variability in bacterial concentrations across different environments and seasons, influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and precipitation, underscoring the need for further research and monitoring to enhance health risk assessments and mitigation strategies. The presence of air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone (O₃) further complicates these dynamics. The authors emphasize the need for more extensive research on outdoor bacterial aerosols and recommend that future studies prioritize detailed bioaerosol characterization to establish comprehensive exposure standards in ambient air, thereby improving public health protection and environmental management practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution and Its Impact on the Atmospheric Environment)

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