Search Results (92)

This study investigates the health impacts of air pollution in the Greater Athens Area (GAA), Greece, by estimating the Relative Risk (RR) of hospital admissions (HA) for cardiovascular (CVD) and respiratory diseases (RD) from 2018 to 2020. The analysis focuses on daily exceedances of key air pollutants—PM₁₀, O₃, and NO₂—based on the “Fair” threshold and above, as defined by the European Union Air Quality Index (EU AQI). Data from ten monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy were spatially matched with six hospitals across the GAA. A Distributed Lag Non-linear Model (DLNM) was employed to capture both the delayed and non-linear exposure–response (ER) relationships between pollutant exceedances and daily HA. Additionally, the synergistic effects of pollutant interactions were assessed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of cumulative health risks. The combined exposure term showed a peak RR of 1.49 (95% CI: 0.79–2.78), indicating a notable amplification of risk when multiple pollutants exceed thresholds simultaneously. The study utilizes R for data processing and statistical modeling. Findings aim to inform public health strategies by identifying critical exposure thresholds and time-lagged effects, ultimately supporting targeted interventions in urban environments experiencing air quality challenges. Full article

Air quality monitoring systems based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology are critical for addressing environmental and public health challenges, but their energy efficiency poses a significant challenge to their autonomous and scalable deployment. This study investigates strategies to enhance the energy efficiency of IoT-based air quality monitoring systems. A comprehensive analysis of sensor types, data transmission protocols, and system architectures was conducted, focusing on their energy consumption. An energy-efficient system was designed using the Smart Air sensor, Zigbee gateway, and Mini UPS, with its performance evaluated through daily energy consumption, backup operation time, and annual energy use. An integrated efficiency index (IEI) was introduced to compare sensor models based on functionality, energy efficiency, and cost. The proposed system achieves a daily energy consumption of 72 W·h, supports up to 10 h of autonomous operation during outages, and consumes 26.28 kW·h annually. The IEI analysis identified the Ajax LifeQuality as the most energy-efficient sensor, while Smart Air offers a cost-effective alternative with broader functionality. The proposed architecture and IEI provide a scalable and sustainable framework for IoT air quality monitoring, with potential applications in smart cities and residential settings. Future research should explore renewable energy integration and predictive energy management. Full article

Traditional single-scale indoor air quality (IAQ) evaluation methods often fail to meet the demands of modern, personalized kitchens. To address this limitation, we propose a comprehensive IAQ index, integrating experimental data and simulation results. The index incorporates four key IAQ auxiliary evaluation indicators: air distribution performance index (ADPI), predicted mean vote (PMV), cooking oil fume particulates (COFP), and CO₂ concentration. We developed a kitchen model and used the comprehensive IAQ index to benchmark simulation results against experimental tests. Optimal kitchen air quality occurred at a supply air angle of 90° and airflow velocity of 2.268 m³/min, reducing air pollution impact by 29.50%. This configuration enhanced thermal comfort while reducing secondary COFP accumulation in the breathing zone by 22%. The 29.50% Q-index reduction corresponded to a 24% decrease in peak CO₂ exposure (638 ppm, clean-air level) and 22% lower COFP in breathing zones, mitigating health risks. Optimized airflow (2.268 m³/min) avoided excessive ventilation, reducing energy waste and achieving balanced IAQ-energy efficiency. Full article

Urban air pollution from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) presents a critical threat to public health and environmental sustainability. The current study employed Syntrichia moss in a passive biomonitoring capacity to ascertain the levels of atmospheric PTE pollution in Thessaloniki, Greece. A comprehensive collection of 192 moss samples was undertaken at 16 urban sampling points over the March–July 2024 period. Concentrations of 21 PTEs were quantified using ICP-MS, and contamination levels were assessed through contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and pollution load index (PLI). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) modeling and multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify pollution sources and spatiotemporal variations. Results revealed persistent hotspots with significant anthropogenic enrichments of elements, such as Fe, Mn, Sn in industrial zones and Tl, Ce, Pt in traffic corridors. PMF modeling attributed 48% of the measured PTE variance to traffic-related sources, 35% to industrial sources, and 17% to crustal material. Seasonal transitions showed a significant 3.5-fold increase in Tl during summer, indicating elevated traffic-related emissions. This integrated multi-index and source apportionment framework demonstrates the efficacy of Syntrichia moss for high-resolution urban air quality assessment. The approach offers a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly tool to support EU-aligned air quality management strategies. Full article

Background: In response to the growing demand for the real-time, in-field characterization of odorous anthropogenic emissions, this study develops and uses a MEMS-based micropacked thermal desorption Gas Chromatography system coupled with a PhotoIonization Detector (GC/PID) for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) plant emissions. Methods: The innovative portable device, Pyxis GC, enables the high-sensitivity profiling of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particularly aldehydes and ketones, with sub-ppb detection limits using ambient air as the carrier gas. A comprehensive experimental design optimized the preconcentration parameters, resulting in an efficient, green analytical method evaluated via the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI). Sorbent comparison showed quinoxaline-bridged cavitands outperform the conventional materials. Results and conclusions: The method was successfully deployed on site for source-specific sampling at an HMA plant, generating robust emission fingerprints. To assess environmental impact, a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was developed, incorporating the process temperature and Sum of Odour Activity Values (SOAV) to predict odour concentrations. The model revealed a significant non-linear influence of temperature on emissions and validated its predictive capability despite the limited sample size. This integrated analytical–statistical approach demonstrates the utility of MEMS technology for real-time air quality assessment and odour dispersion modelling, offering a powerful tool for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. Full article

This study addresses the need for effective, real-time monitoring of indoor air quality, a critical factor for health and environmental well-being. The aim is to develop an affordable, Arduino-based IoT sensor system capable of continuous measurement of key air pollutants, including CO₂, PM_2.5, NO₂, and VOCs. The system integrates multiple sensors and transmits data to an online server, where it is stored in a MySQL database for analysis and visualization. Validation studies conducted at Concordia University and Qatar University confirm the system’s accuracy and reliability, with discrepancies reduced to under 15% through calibration and adjustment techniques. Comparative analysis with commercial monitoring instruments reveals strong correlations and negligible deviations, supporting the system’s validity for real-time air quality monitoring. The system also includes a user-friendly interface that displays real-time data through intuitive charts and tables, along with an indoor air quality index to help users assess and address air pollution levels. The system demonstrates a 90% cost reduction versus commercial tools while maintaining a mean deviation of <15% across climatic extremes. Its combination of comprehensive sensors, data visualization tools, and an air quality index makes it an effective tool for environmental monitoring and decision-making. Full article

Urban trees reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations through dry deposition, interception, and modifying wind patterns, improving air quality and saving public health expenses in urban planning. The main objective of this article is to present an analysis of the influence of urban trees on PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations in a high-altitude Latin American megacity (Bogotá, Colombia) using UFORE-D modeling. Six PM monitoring stations distributed throughout the megacity were used. Hourly climatic and PM data were collected for seven years, along with dendrometric and cartographic analyses within 200 m of the monitoring stations. Land cover was quantified using satellite imagery (Landsat 8) in order to perform a spatial analysis. The results showed that the UFORE-D model effectively quantified urban forest canopy area (CA) impact on PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 removal, showing strong correlations (R² = 0.987 and 0.918). PM removal increased with both CA and ambient pollutant concentrations, with CA exhibiting greater influence. Sensitivity analysis highlighted enhanced air quality with increased leaf area index (LAI: 2–4 m²/m²), particularly at higher wind speeds. PM₁₀ removal (1.05 ± 0.01%) per unit CA exceeded PM_2.5 (0.71 ± 0.09%), potentially due to resuspension modeling. Model validation confirmed reliability across urban settings, emphasizing its utility in urban planning. Scenario analysis (E1–E4, CA: 8.30–95.4%) demonstrated a consistent positive correlation between CA and PM removal, with diminishing returns at extreme CA levels. Urban spatial constraints suggested integrated green infrastructure solutions. Although increased CA improved PM removal rates, the absolute reduction of pollutants remained limited, suggesting comprehensive emission monitoring. Full article

This pilot study aims to evaluate the state of the natural environment in the Silver Maples Alley (SMA) in Łódź, Poland, by using interdisciplinary research methods combining landscape architecture and environmental microbiology. The research focuses on the ecological condition of the trees in SMA, a historical monument consisting of about 100 century-old silver maples (Acer saccharinum L.). As part of the analysis, the study examines the area’s soil properties, microbiological composition, and air quality, providing a comprehensive approach to assessing environmental quality. Microbial analyses were conducted to determine soil pH, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the activity of Bacillus bacteria that produce biosurfactants for pollutant degradation. The results were compared with control sites with different Air Quality Index (AQI) values, including a park, a rural area, and a revitalized urban space. The findings support the hypothesis that environmental cleanliness correlates with the presence of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, particularly in areas with better air quality. This research contributes to understanding the role of green infrastructure, particularly old tree alleys, in urban ecosystems and public health. It also provides valuable insights into future management practices for historical green spaces. It highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between landscape architecture, microbiology, and environmental sciences to address pressing sustainable development challenges. Full article

Based on the relative lack of research on the acoustic characteristics of traditional Gan opera theaters, this paper takes the Zhaomutang theater in Leping, Jiangxi Province, as a case study. By employing impulse response measurements and sound quality index evaluation, this work investigates and analyzes the sound field characteristics of the stage, front patio, Xiangtang, rear patio, and Qintang through field measurements. The results show that the small volume and low ceiling in the stage area lead to higher early reflections and enhanced self-auditory support for performers. The semi-enclosed Xiangtang space exhibits the best speech definition and music clarity. Although the front and rear patios are open-air, they still maintain moderate reverberation and sound energy intensity due to reflections from surrounding surfaces. In contrast, the Qintang has a relatively weak early sound energy because of its volume and functional constraints. Still, its overall reverberation time is not significantly different from that in the other areas. Comprehensive indices indicate that the Zhaomutang theater balances speech intelligibility and musical richness for multifunctional scenarios—ancestor worship, opera performances, and gatherings—thus providing an enhanced viewing experience. These findings offer critical reference points for the protection, restoration, and acoustic optimization of Gan Opera ancestral temple theaters and provide an empirical foundation for further investigation into the multi-space coupling characteristics of traditional theaters. Full article

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have significantly impacted the air quality in India’s National Capital Region (NCR), posing severe environmental and public health challenges. This study aims to identify micro-level pollution hotspots and assess air quality degradation in the NCR. This study integrates Sentinel-5P satellite data with ground station air quality measurements. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and regression analysis are employed to refine and validate satellite-derived air quality data across the NCR. Analysis reveals variable pollution levels across the NCR, with significant concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in the East and North-East, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the Central region. Aerosol Index identifies the East and North-East as critical hotspots due to industrial activities and construction dust. Particulate matter concentrations often exceed national standards during the colder months, with particulate matter (PM2.5) and (PM10) levels reaching up to 300 µg/m³ and 350 µg/m³, respectively. Ground-based data confirmed high levels of ozone (O₃) in the North-West, reaching up to 0.125 ppm, emphasizing the impact of vehicular and industrial emissions. The integration of satellite imagery and ground data provided a comprehensive view of the spatial distribution of pollutants, highlighting critical areas for targeted air quality interventions. The findings underscore the need for sustainable urban planning and stricter emission controls to mitigate air pollution in the NCR. Enhanced pollution monitoring and control strategies are essential to address the identified hotspots, particularly in the East, North-East, and Central regions. Full article

Environmental particulate pollution is a major global environmental health risk factor, which is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, negatively impacting public health in many countries, including China. Despite the implementation of strict air quality management policies in China and a significant reduction in PM_2.5 concentrations in recent years, the health burden caused by PM_2.5 pollution has not decreased as expected. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the health burden caused by PM_2.5 is necessary for more effective air quality management. This study makes an innovative contribution by integrating the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), providing a comprehensive framework to assess the health impacts of green space coverage, promoting healthy urban environments and sustainable development. Using Nanjing, China, as a case study, we constructed a health impact assessment system based on PM_2.5 concentrations and quantitatively analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution of premature deaths caused by PM_2.5 from 2000 to 2020. Using Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), we explored the impact of greening improvement on premature deaths attributed to PM_2.5 and proposed relevant sustainable governance strategies. The results showed that (1) premature deaths caused by PM_2.5 in Nanjing could be divided into two stages: 2000–2015 and 2015–2020. During the second stage, deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases decreased by 3105 and 1714, respectively. (2) The spatial variation process was slow, with the overall evolution direction predominantly from the southeast to northwest, and the spatial distribution center gradually shifted southward. On a global scale, the Moran’s I index increased from 0.247251 and 0.240792 in 2000 to 0.472201 and 0.468193 in 2020. The hotspot analysis revealed that high–high correlations slowly gathered toward central Nanjing, while the proportion of cold spots increased. (3) The MGWR results indicated a significant negative correlation between changes in green spaces and PM_2.5-related premature deaths, especially in densely vegetated areas. This study comprehensively considered the spatiotemporal changes in PM_2.5-related premature deaths and examined the health benefits of green space improvement, providing valuable references for promoting healthy and sustainable urban environmental governance and air quality management. Full article

HVAC systems are major energy consumers in buildings, accounting for 30% to 50% of total energy usage. Supply outlets, as the terminal devices of HVAC systems, significantly influence the system’s operational performance, energy consumption, and indoor environmental quality. However, current designs and performance optimizations of supply outlets still encounter challenges such as high resistance and low energy efficiency, posing substantial obstacles to building energy conservation, indoor air quality, and fan energy consumption. To address the optimization of resistance reduction and efficiency enhancement for local components (specifically the supply outlets) in HVAC systems, this study focuses on the commonly used disk diffusers. Utilizing a combined research methodology that integrates theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, full-scale experiments, surrogate model prediction, and multi-island genetic algorithm optimization, this study investigates both fluid flow and resistance distribution characteristics. The ADEI comprehensive evaluation index is employed to assess the operational energy efficiency of the disk diffusers. Based on an optimized Latin hypercube sampling method and incorporating RBF surrogate models, surrogate models relating the structural parameters of disk diffusers to their resistance and range are developed. A multi-island genetic algorithm is then applied to optimize the RBF surrogate models. The optimization results demonstrate that the new type of disk diffuser achieves a 33.07% reduction in ADEI compared to traditional disk diffusers, while resistance decreases by 23.10% and jet length increases by 7.19%. Full article

While previous studies have established inverse relationships between (particulate matter) PM exposure and the body mass index (BMI), this study is the first to demonstrate that the strength of this relationship varies significantly according to the PM source type and age group, particularly across developmental stages. Through a comprehensive 31-year analysis in Thailand that uniquely captured the transition from traditional to modern energy sources, this research investigated the relationship between PM exposure and a high BMI among children and adolescents across different demographic groups, using a correlational analysis of time point data from the Global Burden Disease (GBD) study (1990–2021). The analysis examined the association between a high BMI and two categories of PM exposure—ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor)—through cross-correlation, Spearman correlation, and mixed-effects models. The results reveal a significant inverse relationship between household PM exposure and a high BMI, particularly pronounced in younger age groups (2–9 years), with household PM showing consistently stronger associations compared to ambient PM. Among children aged 2–4 years, household PM exposure exhibited a strong negative correlation with a high BMI without a time lag, suggesting persistent effects of the household air quality on physical development. Conversely, ambient PM exposure showed relatively weaker associations, with only slight positive correlations observed in certain subgroups. Further analysis indicated that decreases in household PM exposure correlated with longitudinal increases in a high BMI, with this relationship diminishing during adolescence. These findings provide crucial insights for targeted public health interventions and offer a model for understanding PM-BMI relationships in other developing nations experiencing similar transitions. Full article

The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of hail-proof nets with different coverage years on the environment, leaf traits and fruit quality of ‘Fuji’ apple orchards, with the expectation of providing a basis for the scientific application of the coverage years of hail-proof nets. The test results indicated that hail nets with different coverage years could reduce light intensity in the orchard and increase air humidity to a certain extent, exerting a certain positive regulatory effect on the orchard’s temperature. The laying of hail nets had no significant influence on the thickness of tree foliage but significantly enlarged the leaf area. The hail nets covered for 2 years notably enhanced the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance of leaves. Different coverage years of hail netting had no significant effect on the fruit weight per fruit and the fruit shape index. The fruit luster gradually diminished and was significantly lower than that of the control as the coverage years increased. Further determination of the intrinsic quality of the fruits revealed that hail nets with different coverage years had no significant impact on the fruit hardness, soluble solids and total phenolic content. However, the soluble sugar, solid/acid ratio, flavonoids and vitamin C content of the fruits covered with 2-year hail nets were significantly higher than those of the other treatments. In addition, covering the hail net for 3 years significantly reduced the percentage of the sugar core fruit rate and sugar core index, while covering the hail net for 1 year, 2 years, and not covering the hail net were more effective in maintaining the sugar core index of the fruits. A comprehensive evaluation of the principal components of the hail net treatments with different coverage years demonstrated that the 2-year hail net treatment was superior to the others. In summary, covering hail nets could improve the microenvironment of the orchard, leaf traits and fruit quality to a certain degree. When the hail-proof net had been covered for more than 2 years, its protective performance and the enhancement effect on fruit quality weakened, and it was recommended that the hail-proof net should be replaced in a timely manner. Full article

The demand for earth construction, primarily driven by environmental considerations, is currently growing. Earth, as a building material, has a very low carbon footprint and is easily recyclable, promoting a circular economy. It is also valued for its intrinsic qualities such as hygrothermal properties, air quality, acoustic performance, and esthetics. To meet this demand and promote earth construction, a better understanding of the local resources is essential. However, not all soils are suitable for earth construction, and their properties can significantly influence the final material performance. The assessment of soil suitability for earth construction requires both scientific rigor and practical field applicability. This study evaluates the correlation between traditional field-testing methods and standardized laboratory analyses through a comprehensive characterization of 39 soils from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. The research methodology integrated different field tests commonly used by practitioners, including sensory evaluations, plasticity tests, and cohesion assessments, with five standardized geotechnical tests covering particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, methylene blue value, organic matter content, and density measurements. The particle size distribution analysis revealed diverse soil compositions, with clay-sized particle content (<0.002 mm) ranging from 5% to 75%. Strong correlations were established between field and laboratory results, particularly between the cigar test and plasticity index (R² = 0.8863), and between ring test scores and clay-sized particle content percentages, validating the reliability of traditional testing methods. Plasticity indices varied from 0% to 50%, indicating different soil behaviors and potential applications. These correlations demonstrate that while traditional field tests provide reliable preliminary assessment tools, laboratory testing remains essential for final material validation. The results demonstrate that while several soils are directly suitable for various earth construction techniques, other soils falling outside conventional recommendation envelopes may still be suitable for specific construction techniques when appropriately evaluated and may require modification through sieving, mixing, or stabilization. Full article