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Toxics
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Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health...
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Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Pollution and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (14 July 2024) | Viewed by 11857

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jian Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: fuel briquetting; PM2.5; VOCs; cytotoxicity; human exposure; household air pollution; clean stove; health risk
Dr. Jie Tian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: anthropogenic aerosol; optical properties; urban pollution; source apportionment; secondary formation; emission factor and emission inventory
Dr. Meng Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: PM2.5; secondary organic carbon; machine learning; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; organic tracers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Solid fuels, including coal and biomass, and their substitutes, are still the main energy sources for over 3 billion people globally. Household air pollution (HAP) becomes severe when people do not have access to clean energy and primarily use solid fuels for cooking and space heating. Household solid fuel combustion has been recognized as a high-ranking risk factor by the WHO. An increasing number of epidemiological and cohort studies have reported that solid fuel-derived HAP exposure may be associated with lung, cardiovascular, and neurological injury, and may even have resulted in huge mortality in populations in low-income areas in particular. This Special Issue welcomes studies from different countries focusing on the health effects of solid fuel emissions. Interregional, international and historical studies are highly encouraged in this Special Issue.

Dr. Jian Sun
Dr. Jie Tian
Dr. Meng Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biomass burning
  • coal combustion
  • health risk assessment
  • human exposure
  • household air pollution
  • toxic pollutants
  • optical properties
  • SOA

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 6864 KiB  
Article
Sources and Specified Health Risks of 12 PM2.5-Bound Metals in a Typical Air-Polluted City in Northern China during the 13th Five-Year Plan
by Deai Yang, Mingjun Li, Xingyi Geng and Zhihui Feng
Toxics 2024, 12(8), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12080581 - 10 Aug 2024
Viewed by 576
Abstract
The continuous monitoring of PM2.5 (including 12 metal elements) was conducted in Jinan, a city with poor air quality in China, during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to identify emission sources of PM2.5-bound metals, [...] Read more.
The continuous monitoring of PM2.5 (including 12 metal elements) was conducted in Jinan, a city with poor air quality in China, during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to identify emission sources of PM2.5-bound metals, and the health risks of the metals and their emission sources were assessed. During the study period, the concentration of most metals showed a decreasing trend (except Al and Be), and a significant seasonal difference was found: winter > fall > spring > summer. The PMF analysis showed that there were four main sources of PM2.5-bound metals, and their contributions to the total metals (TMs) were dust emissions (54.3%), coal combustion and industrial emissions (22.3%), vehicle emissions (19.3%), and domestic emissions (4.1%). The results of the health risk assessment indicated that the carcinogenic risk of metals (Cr and As) exceeded the acceptable level (1 × 10−6), which was of concern. Under the influence of emission reduction measures, the contribution of emission sources to health risks changes dynamically, and the emission sources that contribute more to health risks were coal combustion and industrial emissions, as well as vehicle emissions. In addition, our findings suggest that a series of emission reduction measures effectively reduced the health risk from emission sources of PM2.5-bound metals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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21 pages, 2678 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Aftermath: Exploring Residue Profiles of Insecticides, Herbicides, and Fungicides in Rice Straw, Soils, and Air Post-Mixed Pesticide-Contaminated Biomass Burning
by Suteekan Lamnoi, Thirasant Boonupara, Sulak Sumitsawan, Patipat Vongruang, Tippawan Prapamontol, Patchimaporn Udomkun and Puangrat Kajitvichyanukul
Toxics 2024, 12(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12010086 - 18 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2130
Abstract
This study delved into the impact of open biomass burning on the distribution of pesticide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues across soil, rice straw, total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), and aerosols. A [...] Read more.
This study delved into the impact of open biomass burning on the distribution of pesticide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues across soil, rice straw, total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), and aerosols. A combination of herbicides atrazine (ATZ) and diuron (DIU), fungicide carbendazim (CBD), and insecticide chlorpyriphos (CPF) was applied to biomass before burning. Post-burning, the primary soil pesticide shifted from propyzamide (67.6%) to chlorpyriphos (94.8%). Raw straw biomass retained residues from all pesticide groups, with chlorpyriphos notably dominating (79.7%). Ash residue analysis unveiled significant alterations, with elevated concentrations of chlorpyriphos and terbuthylazine, alongside the emergence of atrazine-desethyl and triadimenol. Pre-burning TSP analysis identified 15 pesticides, with linuron as the primary compound (51.8%). Post-burning, all 21 pesticides were detected, showing significant increases in metobromuron, atrazine-desethyl, and cyanazine concentrations. PM10 composition mirrored TSP but exhibited additional compounds and heightened concentrations, particularly for atrazine, linuron, and cyanazine. Aerosol analysis post-burning indicated a substantial 39.2-fold increase in atrazine concentration, accompanied by the presence of sebuthylazine, formothion, and propyzamide. Carcinogenic PAHs exhibited noteworthy post-burning increases, contributing around 90.1 and 86.9% of all detected PAHs in TSP and PM10, respectively. These insights advance understanding of pesticide dynamics in burning processes, crucial for implementing sustainable agricultural practices and safeguarding environmental and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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18 pages, 1149 KiB  
Article
Chemical Source Profiles and Toxicity Assessment of Urban Fugitive Dust PM2.5 in Guanzhong Plain, China
by Ziyi Zhao, Jie Tian, Wenyan Zhang, Qian Zhang, Zhichun Wu, Yan Xing, Fei Li, Xinyu Song and Zhihua Li
Toxics 2023, 11(8), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11080676 - 7 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Urban fugitive dust is a significant contributor to atmospheric PM2.5 and a potential risk to humans. In 2019, both road dust and construction dust were collected from four cities, including Xi’an, Xianyang, Baoji, and Tongchuan, in Guanzhong Plain, China. Elements, water-soluble ions, [...] Read more.
Urban fugitive dust is a significant contributor to atmospheric PM2.5 and a potential risk to humans. In 2019, both road dust and construction dust were collected from four cities, including Xi’an, Xianyang, Baoji, and Tongchuan, in Guanzhong Plain, China. Elements, water-soluble ions, and carbonaceous fractions were determined to establish the chemical source profile. High enrichment degrees of Se, Sc, Cl, and Zn in both road dust and construction dust indicated that the industrial system and energy consumption influenced Guanzhong Plain strongly. According to the coefficient of divergence, the two datasets within Xianyang and Tongchuan were similar. Combined with the chemical profile, road dust was affected by more stationary emission sources than construction dust in Xi’an, while biomass burning and vehicle exhaust contributed more to road dust than construction dust in Baoji. Moreover, the health risk of heavy metal was assessed, and corresponding influencing factors were identified. Road dust in all cities showed a non-negligible non-carcinogenic risk for children. Ingestion and inhalation were the main exposure pathways to which As and Co contributed the most, respectively. The land-use regression model revealed that the first-class road in a 100 m radius impacted all high-risk level metals, and the commercial building material and enterprises weakly influenced Co and Pb, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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12 pages, 2164 KiB  
Article
Adverse Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Oxidized Black Carbon Particles on the Reproductive System of Male Mice
by Shuanglin Jiang, Li Chen, Jianyun Shen, Di Zhang, Hai Wu, Rong Wang, Shangrong Zhang, Nan Jiang and Wenyong Li
Toxics 2023, 11(7), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070556 - 25 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1417
Abstract
Ambient black carbon (BC), a main constituent of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), is a primary particle that is mainly generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass burning. BC has been identified as a potential health risk via exposure. However, the [...] Read more.
Ambient black carbon (BC), a main constituent of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), is a primary particle that is mainly generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel and biomass burning. BC has been identified as a potential health risk via exposure. However, the adverse effects of exposure to BC on the male reproductive system remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the effects of maternal exposure to oxidized black carbon (OBC) during pregnancy on testicular development and steroid synthesis in male offspring. Pregnant mice were exposed to OBC (467 μg/kg BW) or nanopure water (as control) by intratracheal instillation from gestation day (GD) 4 to GD 16.5 (every other day). We examined the testicular histology, daily sperm production, serum testosterone, and mRNA expression of hormone synthesis process-related factors of male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 35 and PND 84. Histological examinations exhibited abnormal seminiferous tubules with degenerative changes and low cellular adhesion in testes of OBC-exposed mice at PND 35 and PND 84. Consistent with the decrease in daily sperm production, the serum testosterone level of male offspring of OBC-exposed mice also decreased significantly. Correspondingly, mRNA expression levels of hormone-synthesis-related genes (i.e., StAR, P450scc, P450c17, and 17β-HSD) were markedly down-regulated in male offspring of PND 35 and PND 84, respectively. In brief, these results suggest that prenatal exposure has detrimental effects on mouse spermatogenesis in adult offspring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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12 pages, 2408 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Pollution Sources and Health Impacts in Suburban Area of Shanghai
by Wan Wei, Meng Wang, Qi Yuan, Zhuozhi Zhang, Xinwei Li, Shuwen Han, Yusen Duan, Qingyan Fu and Shun-Cheng Lee
Toxics 2023, 11(7), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11070552 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1606
Abstract
Shanghai, one of China’s largest metropolises, faces significant environmental pollution challenges due to rapid economic development. Suburban areas of Shanghai are affected by both long-distance transport and local sources of pollutants. This study conducted an integrated analysis that links health-risk assessment of heavy [...] Read more.
Shanghai, one of China’s largest metropolises, faces significant environmental pollution challenges due to rapid economic development. Suburban areas of Shanghai are affected by both long-distance transport and local sources of pollutants. This study conducted an integrated analysis that links health-risk assessment of heavy metals and source apportionment of atmospheric constituents to distinguish the contributions of emission sources and the major sources of health risks. Source-apportionment analysis revealed that secondary sources had the greatest contribution to the local pollutants, indicating the significant influence of peripheral and long-distance transport. Health-risk assessment of Cr, Ni, As, and Cd revealed that local residents were exposed to respiratory health risks, in which Cr is the major contributor. This health risk was primarily associated with emissions from nearby industry-related sources. Our study highlights the significant effects of both long-distance transport and local source emissions on atmospheric composition and human health in large urban agglomerations. The findings can inform future efforts to develop more precise emission-reduction strategies and policy improvements to mitigate environmental pollution and protect public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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15 pages, 3772 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Observation of Mixing States and Sources of Vanadium-Containing Single Particles from 2020 to 2021 in Guangzhou, China
by Xin Xiong, Zaihua Wang, Chunlei Cheng, Mei Li, Lijun Yun, Sulin Liu, Liyuan Mao and Zhen Zhou
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040339 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1578
Abstract
The distribution of vanadium (V) in aerosols is commonly used to track ship exhaust emissions, yet the atmospheric abundance of V has been greatly reduced due to the implementation of a clean fuel policy. Recent research mainly discussed the chemical compositions of ship-related [...] Read more.
The distribution of vanadium (V) in aerosols is commonly used to track ship exhaust emissions, yet the atmospheric abundance of V has been greatly reduced due to the implementation of a clean fuel policy. Recent research mainly discussed the chemical compositions of ship-related particles during specific events, yet few studies focus on the long-term changes of V in the atmosphere. In this study, a single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer was used to measure V-containing particles from 2020 to 2021 in Huangpu Port in Guangzhou, China. The long-term trend of the particle counts of V-containing particles declined annually, but the relative abundance of V-containing particles in the total single particles increased in summer due to the influence of ship emissions. Positive matrix factorization revealed that in June and July 2020, 35.7% of the V-containing particles were from ship emissions, followed by dust and industrial emissions. Furthermore, more than 80% of the V-containing particles were found mixing with sulfate and 60% of the V-containing particles were found mixing with nitrate, suggesting that the majority of the V-containing particles were secondary particles processed during the transport of ship emissions to urban areas. Compared with the small changes in the relative abundance of sulfate in the V-containing particles, the relative abundance of nitrate exhibited clear seasonal variations, with a high abundance in winter. This may have been due to the increased production of nitrate from high concentrations of precursors and a suitable chemical environment. For the first time, the long-term trends of V-containing particles in two years are investigated to demonstrate changes in their mixing states and sources after the clean fuel policy, and to suggest the cautious application of V as an indicator of ship emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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11 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
Gas Particle Partitioning of PAHs Emissions from Typical Solid Fuel Combustions as Well as Their Health Risk Assessment in Rural Guanzhong Plain, China
by Bin Zhang, Zezhi Peng, Jing Lv, Qin Peng, Kun He, Hongmei Xu, Jian Sun and Zhenxing Shen
Toxics 2023, 11(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010080 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1945
Abstract
Air pollutants from the incomplete combustion of rural solid fuels are seriously harmful to both air quality and human health. To quantify the health effects of different fuel–stove combinations, gas and particle partitioning of twenty-nine species of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from [...] Read more.
Air pollutants from the incomplete combustion of rural solid fuels are seriously harmful to both air quality and human health. To quantify the health effects of different fuel–stove combinations, gas and particle partitioning of twenty-nine species of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from seven fuel–stove combinations were examined in this study, and the benzo (a) pyrene toxicity equivalent (BaPeq) and cancer risks were estimated accordingly. The results showed that the gas phase PAHs (accounting for 68–78% of the total PAHs) had higher emission factors (EFs) than particulate ones. For all combustion combinations, pPAHs accounted for the highest proportion (84.5% to 99.3%) in both the gas and particulate phases, followed by aPAHs (0.63–14.7%), while the proportions of nPAHs and oPAHs were much lower (2–4 orders of magnitude) than pPAHs. For BaPeq, particulate phase PAHs dominated the BaPeq rather than gas ones, which may be due to the greater abundance of 5-ring particle PAHs. Gas and particle pPAHs were both predominant in the BaPeq, with proportions of 95.2–98.6% for all combustion combinations. Cancer risk results showed a descending order of bituminous coal combustion (0.003–0.05), biomass burning (0.002–0.01), and clean briquette coal combustion (10−5–0.001), indicating that local residents caused a severe health threat by solid fuel combustion (the threshold: 10−4). The results also highlighted that clean briquette coal could reduce cancer risks by 1–2 orders of magnitude compared to bulk coal and biomass. For oPAH, BcdPQ (6H-benzo(c,d)pyrene-6-one) had the highest cancer risk, ranging from 4.83 × 10−5 to 2.45 × 10−4, which were even higher than the total of aPAHs and nPAHs. The dramatically high toxicity and cancer risk of PAHs from solid fuel combustion strengthened the necessity and urgency of clean heating innovation in Guanzhong Plain and in similar places. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions and Their Health Impact: Spotlight on Solid Fuel Combustion)
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