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Environments
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Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II
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Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II

A special issue of Environments (ISSN 2076-3298).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 May 2024) | Viewed by 19419

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Valerio Paolini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IIA), 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: biofuels; circular economy; air pollution
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Petracchini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research (CNR-IIA), National Research Council, Via Salaria 29,300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: air pollution; renewable energy; atmosphere
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As guest editor of Environments, I would like to invite you to submit a paper to the Special Issue, "Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II". Environments publishes articles and communications in the interdisciplinary area of environmental technologies and methodologies, environmental protection, and pollution prevention. Detailed information on the journal can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/environments

Airborne particle concentration levels in cities are mostly related to anthropic urban activities/sources, such as industrial and residential sectors (heating) and vehicular traffic, i.e., sources characterized by combustion processes mainly producing high levels of particulate matter (PM), sub-micrometric, and ultrafine particles. Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to these concentrations can lead to respiratory and circulatory health problems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified particulate matter, a major component of air pollution, as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).

Different measures should be taken regarding vehicle technologies, distribution optimization, and regulations. Furthermore, some policies and interventions, such as the promotion of sustainable urban mobility actions (for example, different urban transport strategies ranging from car-pooling and expanded electric vehicle (EV) use to bike-sharing) are needed to improve urban air quality and reduce the impact of such sources on the urban environment in terms of human exposure.

Air pollution in industrial areas is still a topic of great health and social relevance. In the last few decades, conventional industrial processes (e.g., concrete, steel, and plastic production, waste incineration, and thermoelectric energy generation) have undergone several changes to mitigate their environmental burden. Nevertheless, such processes are still a major source of air pollutants. On the other hand, novel industrial processes related to a circular economy (waste recycling, biomaterials production, renewable energy generation, etc.) are experiencing rapid growth; while their global impact on climate change mitigation is well known, little information is available on their local impact on air quality.

In this framework, new research is needed to provide updated information on air pollutant emissions in urban and industrial areas. Interest can be focused on regulated pollutants or emerging pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, polyaromatic, halogenated, flame retardants, siloxanes, greenhouse gases, biologically active molecules, and nanoparticles.

This Special Issue is open to the subject area of urban and industrial air pollution. The keywords listed below provide an outline of some of the possible areas of interest.

The publications in the first volume, which we believe may be of interest to you, can be found at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/environments/special_issues/Air_Urban

Dr. Valerio Paolini
Dr. Francesco Petracchini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Environments is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • air pollution
  • NOx
  • particulate matter
  • residential heating
  • road traffic emissions
  • sustainable mobility
  • industrial emissions
  • pollutant dispersion
  • outdoor air quality
  • global health
  • population exposure

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1930 KiB  
Article
Air Pollution and Climate Change: A Pilot Study to Investigate Citizens’ Perception
by Ilaria Stanisci, Giuseppe Sarno, Olivia Curzio, Sara Maio, Anna Antonietta Angino, Patrizia Silvi, Liliana Cori, Giovanni Viegi and Sandra Baldacci
Environments 2024, 11(9), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11090190 - 5 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
Air pollution and climate change are risk factors for noncommunicable diseases of paramount importance and of major concern in a population. Their complex interaction suggests the need for an integrated and participatory approach by health professionals and citizens. During the Italian BRIGHT-NIGHT (European [...] Read more.
Air pollution and climate change are risk factors for noncommunicable diseases of paramount importance and of major concern in a population. Their complex interaction suggests the need for an integrated and participatory approach by health professionals and citizens. During the Italian BRIGHT-NIGHT (European Researchers’ Night) at the Pisa Research Campus of National Research Council (CNR), a laboratory focusing on environmental epidemiology issues and open to the public was set up. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, with the aim of investigating the individual perception, knowledge, opinions and attitudes in relation to 12 different environmental, natural and anthropogenic hazards. The questionnaire was completed by 44 subjects aged over 18 years (47.6% female, 56.8% university graduates, 61.4% employed). Air pollution and climate change were considered two priorities for environmental protection and public health by 72.1%, prompting about one third of the subjects to commit to increasing active commuting. The results of this pilot survey indicate a diffuse awareness of air pollution and climate change as main environmental determinants to be tackled in order to protect public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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26 pages, 7770 KiB  
Article
Rhythm of Exposure in Town Centres: A Case Study of Lancaster City Centre
by Ekpo Otu, Kirsti Ashworth and Emmanuel Tsekleves
Environments 2024, 11(7), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070132 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
This study proposes a novel air pollution exposure index (APEI) metric, drawing from traditional elements in rhythmanalysis and public-life studies to help understand how people are exposed to air pollution in their urban environment and when the risks are greatest. It expands on [...] Read more.
This study proposes a novel air pollution exposure index (APEI) metric, drawing from traditional elements in rhythmanalysis and public-life studies to help understand how people are exposed to air pollution in their urban environment and when the risks are greatest. It expands on the notion of rhythm as a socially constructed natural phenomenon connected to urban life and spaces. Air quality monitoring data, as well as bus times and in situ traffic and pedestrian counts, from Cable Street and Dalton Square in Lancaster were applied to define the APEI, which combines an air pollution index (NO2 and PM10), a surrogate for ambient air pollution level, with a population index, a surrogate for population flow. The index values were subsequently ranked in numeric order, i.e., a higher ranking shows increased exposure risk and vice versa, to determine total exposure on an individual level. This metric proves valuable in defining air pollution exposure status and recognizing factors associated with high pollution and population levels. Similarly, by comparing APEI values, one could evaluate exposure levels in different locations and seasons to verify when the APEI has increased at a given location and the different rhythms and flows responsible for an individual’s exposure. Hence, it has potential use for urban planners and the city council’s policymakers who are involved in Lancaster Air Quality Management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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20 pages, 9602 KiB  
Article
Impacts on Urban VOCs and PM2.5 during a Wildfire Episode
by Zhong-Min Wang, Ping Wang, Jeff Wagner and Kazukiyo Kumagai
Environments 2024, 11(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040063 - 24 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2130
Abstract
This study focuses on the impact of wildfire smoke emissions on regional, urban air quality during a wildfire event. We measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the San Francisco Bay Area to assess air quality during [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the impact of wildfire smoke emissions on regional, urban air quality during a wildfire event. We measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the San Francisco Bay Area to assess air quality during a wildfire event and compared them to those in a later non-wildfire period. VOCs were collected using thermal desorption tubes and quantified using thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS). Elevated concentrations of VOCs such as 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (0.33 ± 0.01 µg/m3), benzene (1.03 ± 0.02 µg/m3), toluene (2.15 ± 0.04 µg/m3), ethylbenzene (0.60 ± 0.02 µg/m3), and m, p-xylene (0.77 ± 0.07 µg/m3) were observed in the wildfire event. Compared with that in the non-wildfire season, the toluene concentration during the wildfire period was more than three times the non-wildfire concentration. Similarly, the benzene concentration during the wildfire was almost four times higher, and that of p, m-xylene was three times higher. The higher wildfire levels were statistically significant for sec-butylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, o-xylene, styrene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p,m-xylene (p < 0.00001). These higher VOC levels compared with those for the non-fire period may potentially pose a public health concern. Open face passive sampler (OFPS)-collected PM was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and revealed organic carbon tar balls. The highest daily average beta-attenuation-monitored PM2.5 during the fire period was 200 µg/m3 and the highest hourly average was 270 µg/m3. Monitoring gas phase species in addition to PM concentrations is useful during wildfire season to inform public health guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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14 pages, 6617 KiB  
Article
Determination of Ozone Concentration Levels in Urban Environments Using a Laser Spectroscopy System
by Mioara Petrus, Cristina Popa and Ana-Maria Bratu
Environments 2024, 11(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11010009 - 2 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2781
Abstract
In urban areas, there has been a recent rise in ground-level ozone. Given its toxicity to both humans and the environment, the investigation of ozone pollution demands attention and should not be overlooked. Therefore, we conducted a study on ozone concentration in three [...] Read more.
In urban areas, there has been a recent rise in ground-level ozone. Given its toxicity to both humans and the environment, the investigation of ozone pollution demands attention and should not be overlooked. Therefore, we conducted a study on ozone concentration in three distinct locations within the city of Magurele, Romania. This investigation considered variations in both structure and location during the spring and summer seasons, specifically at a breathing level of 1.5 m above the ground. Our analysis aimed to explore the impact of different locations and meteorological variables on ozone levels. The three measurement points were strategically positioned in diverse settings: within the city, in a forest, and within an industrial area. For these measurements, we used a laser spectroscopy system to determine the system’s sensitivity and selectivity and the influence of humidity in the detection of ozone in ambient air, which is a mixture of trace gases and water vapor. During the March–August campaign, the mean values in the three measuring points were 24.45 ± 16.44 ppb, 11.96 ± 3.80 ppb, and 95.01 ± 37.11 ppb. The peak concentrations of ozone were observed during the summer season. A diurnal analysis revealed that the atmospheric ozone levels were higher in the latter part of the day compared to the earlier part. These measurements suggest that the atmospheric temperature plays a significant role in tropospheric ozone production. Additionally, meteorological variables such as wind speed and direction were found to influence the ozone concentration. Remarkably, despite substantial traffic, the ozone levels remained consistently low throughout the entire period within the forested area. This observation may suggest the remarkable ability of trees to mitigate pollution levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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22 pages, 9380 KiB  
Article
Fugitive Dust Associated with Scrap Metal Processing
by Jeff Gearhart, Simone Sagovac, Tian Xia, Md Kamrul Islam, Albert Shim, Sung-Hee Seo, Melissa Cooper Sargent, Natalie R. Sampson, Jacob Napieralski, Ika Danielson and Stuart Batterman
Environments 2023, 10(12), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10120223 - 14 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3035
Abstract
Fugitive dust (FD) is a nuisance and potential health issue, particularly in environmental justice communities that can experience high levels of contaminated FD. This community-initiated study examined FD from a scrap metal processor in Detroit, Michigan, to determine whether the FD was contaminated, [...] Read more.
Fugitive dust (FD) is a nuisance and potential health issue, particularly in environmental justice communities that can experience high levels of contaminated FD. This community-initiated study examined FD from a scrap metal processor in Detroit, Michigan, to determine whether the FD was contaminated, how it migrated through the community, whether wipe or composite road dust samples were preferable, and whether literature profiles adequately characterized this source. The study was motivated by community concerns, as well as a massive subsidence/upheaval event resulting from excessive accumulation of mill scale, which is a type of scrap metal, at the facility. We collected 57 wipe samples from windows and other surfaces, and 20 composite road dust and surface soil samples, which were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. Concentrations were expressed using the fraction of the reconstructed mass. We also compared results to air quality monitoring data and calculated pollution indices and enrichment factors. Samples collected near the processor had high levels of Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sr, and Zn compared with background soils, and levels remained elevated in residential areas several blocks distant. Composite road dust/sediment samples appeared preferable to wipe samples for chemical characterization. The available chemical profiles did not match the FD composition, suggesting the need for local profiles. The high level of Fe, which is consistent with mill scale, was a novel finding and caused the road dust to exceed health protection screening levels. Numerous metal scrap facilities operate locally and nationally, and our results show the need to improve controls to limit or eliminate FD emissions from industrial sources using enforced policies that reduce dust generation and truck track-out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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17 pages, 2760 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Heavy Metal Pollution in Ambient Air and the Health Risks Assessment in Industrial, Urban and Semi-Urban Areas of West Bengal, India: An Evaluation of Carcinogenic, Non-Carcinogenic, and Additional Lifetime Cancer Cases
by Buddhadev Ghosh, Pratap Kumar Padhy, Soumya Niyogi, Pulak Kumar Patra and Markus Hecker
Environments 2023, 10(11), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10110190 - 1 Nov 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4200
Abstract
Air pollution is an immense problem due to its detrimental health effects on human populations. This study investigates the distribution of particle-bound heavy metals and associated health risks in three diverse areas (Durgapur as an industrial complex, Kolkata as an urban area, and [...] Read more.
Air pollution is an immense problem due to its detrimental health effects on human populations. This study investigates the distribution of particle-bound heavy metals and associated health risks in three diverse areas (Durgapur as an industrial complex, Kolkata as an urban area, and Bolpur as a semi-urban region) in West Bengal, India. Twenty-one (84 samples) sampling sites were chosen, covering industrial, traffic, residential, and sensitive zones. The respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) samples were collected using a portable Mini-Vol Tactical Air Sampler, and heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and As) were analyzed using ICP-OES. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed using exposure concentration (EC), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and additional lifetime cancer cases. The results highlight variations in heavy metal concentrations across the regions, with industrial areas exhibiting higher levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) unveiled distinct metal co-variation patterns, reflecting sources such as industrial emissions, traffic, and natural contributors. The sum of non-carcinogenic risks (HI) of all heavy metals exceeded the US EPA’s risk limit (HI<1) in both Kolkata and Durgapur, except for Bolpur. Similarly, the sum of cancer risk in three distinct areas exceeded the USEPA limits (1.00E-06). The Monte Carlo simulation revealed the 5th and 95th percentile range of cancer risk was 9.12E-06 to 1.12E-05 in Bolpur, 3.72E-05 to 4.49E-05 in Durgapur and 2.13E-05 to 2.57E-05 in Kolkata. Kolkata had the highest additional lifetime cancer cases compared to Bolpur and Durgapur. This study provides information on the complex connections between heavy metal pollution and possible health risks in industrial, urban, and semi-urban regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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Review

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22 pages, 944 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Air Pollution from Industrial Fires in Urban Settings: Monitoring, Modelling, Health, and Environmental Justice Perspectives
by Michael E. Deary and Simon D. Griffiths
Environments 2024, 11(7), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11070157 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2639
Abstract
Industrial fires at facilities including waste management sites, warehouses, factories, chemical works, and fuel storage depots are relatively frequent occurrences. Often, these fires occur adjacent to urban communities and result in ground-level airborne pollutant concentrations that are well above guideline values. Land, water, [...] Read more.
Industrial fires at facilities including waste management sites, warehouses, factories, chemical works, and fuel storage depots are relatively frequent occurrences. Often, these fires occur adjacent to urban communities and result in ground-level airborne pollutant concentrations that are well above guideline values. Land, water, livestock, and crops may also be contaminated by the emissions and by firefighting activities. Moreover, impacted communities tend to have a higher proportion of minority ethnic populations as well as individuals with underlying health vulnerabilities and those of lower socio-economic status. Nevertheless, this is an aspect of air quality that is under-researched, and so this review aims to highlight the public health hazards associated with industrial fires and the need for an effective, coordinated, public health response. We also review the range of monitoring techniques that have been utilised in such fires and highlight the role of dispersion modelling in predicting plume trajectories and in estimating population exposure. We recommend establishing 1 h guideline values for particulate matter to facilitate timely public health interventions, and we highlight the need to review regulatory and technical controls for sites prone to fires, particularly in the waste sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas II)
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