Exposure to biological and chemical agents at biomass power plants

Laitinen, Sirpa; Laitinen, Juha; Fagernäs, Leena; Korpijärvi, Kirsi; Korpinen, Leena; Ojanen, Kari; Aatamila, Marjaleena; Jumpponen, Mika; Koponen, Hanna; Jokiniemi, Jorma

doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.06.025

Cited by 26 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…A limited number of recent studies provide information on dust concentrations measured within facilities associated with biomass processing power stations. The dust concentration values reported in our study were similar to those measured by Rohr et al [ 37 ] during normal operation of two CHP stations, and approximately one order of magnitude lower than those described by Laitinen et al [ 38 ] for stationary site and truck driver’s breathing zones during unloading of wood chips, stumps, peat and solid recovered fuel. Jumpponen et al reported much higher concentrations of dust (reaching 175 ± 106 mg/m 3 ) inside and outside biomass-fired power plant boilers during post-combustion ash removal and other maintenance tasks [ 39 ].…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 89%

Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass

Szulc

Otlewska

Okrasa

et al. 2017

IJERPH

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The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial contamination at a plant biomass processing thermal power station (CHP). We found 2.42 × 103 CFU/m3 of bacteria and 1.37 × 104 CFU/m3 of fungi in the air; 2.30 × 107 CFU/g of bacteria and 4.46 × 105 CFU/g of fungi in the biomass; and 1.61 × 102 CFU/cm2 bacteria and 2.39 × 101 CFU/cm2 fungi in filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Using culture methods, we found 8 genera of mesophilic bacteria and 7 of fungi in the air; 10 genera each of bacteria and fungi in the biomass; and 2 and 5, respectively, on the FFRs. Metagenomic analysis (Illumina MiSeq) revealed the presence of 46 bacterial and 5 fungal genera on the FFRs, including potential pathogens Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Prevotella sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp.). The ability of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the FFRs was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also identified secondary metabolites in the biomass and FFRs, including fumigaclavines, quinocitrinines, sterigmatocistin, and 3-nitropropionic acid, which may be toxic to humans. Due to the presence of potential pathogens and mycotoxins, the level of microbiological contamination at workplaces in CHPs should be monitored.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 89%

Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass

Szulc

Otlewska

Okrasa

et al. 2017

IJERPH

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“…Mixtures of fuels also seemed to be very susceptible to microbial growth. Actinobacteria, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp., and yeasts were the most common identified species in the study from Finland [35]. Microbial concentrations during unloading were higher than 10 4 CFU.m -3 , which may pose a threat to worker health.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Biological Risks from Long-Term Storage of Wood Chips

Lieskovský¹,

Gejdoš²,

Messingerová³

et al. 2017

Pol. J. Environ. Stud.

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Renewable energy sources based on wood are becoming increasingly important and popular. However, their increased consumption is inevitably connected with questioning their quality [1][2]. Quality is in specific cases determined by the method of production and the storage process [3][4]. The quality of wood chips is at present evaluated according to the calorific value and moisture content, which are often influenced, besides the wood species itself, by weather conditions and storage method [5][6][7][8][9]. The increased number of plants using wood chips as a source of energy is connected with raising the question of health and safety hazards associated with the production and storage of wood chips. The factors most hazardous for human health are represented by the hazards associated with the activity of fungi and moulds in Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 26, No. 6 (2017), 2633-2641 AbstractThe aim of our study was to monitor and analyze the main biological hazards connected to the long-term storage of wood chips for energy production. The analysis was carried out in four high-capacity storage yards of the town heating plants in the Banská Bystrica self-governing region in Slovakia. Five samples were taken from each pile of a rectangular shape and volume over 4,000 m 3 ; the sampling was carried out at the beginning of the monitoring period and at the end of the monitoring period (after one year). Thirtyfour species of microscopic fungi were identified (18 at the beginning of the monitoring period and 16 at the end of the monitoring period). Thirty-three of them can potentially cause severe diseases. Fungi of the genus Aspergillus, causing severe diseases, were identified as the most abundant. The research confirmed that if the length of storage time is more than a year, the potential hazards for human health increase due to the increasing number of spore-forming pathogens. Following the monitoring of atmospheric conditions the highest increase of harmful spores was recorded at the average annual temperature of 10ºC and precipitation of over 1,000 mm a year.

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“…Increased levels of Interleukin 1β was found among plant workers in their exhaled breath condensate, pointing to a sub-chronic and chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract [ 33 ]. Another exposure study was conducted in three biomass heat and power plants in Finland [ 37 ]. During the processing of biomass, workers were exposed to high levels of actinobacteria, bacterial endotoxins, and fungi, as well as to organic dust and volatile organic compounds.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Preventive measures to avoid health impacts in biomass power facilities comprise technology controls and measures (e.g., isolation of the fuel reception hall, crushers, and screens; enclosure of conveyors; control rooms for supervision of unloading fuel trucks; automated fuel sampling; automatic cleaning systems for fuel trucks), worker training on the correct handling of biomass and resulting ashes, improvement of the quality of fuels, and protective clothing (e.g., hoods) and respirators [ 12 , 37 ]. Technical solutions should be preferred to protective clothing and respirators [ 37 ]. Some of these measures (especially of the post-combustion phase) are well known from the fossil fuel industry [ 32 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings

Freiberg

Scharfe

Murta

et al. 2018

IJERPH

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The utilization of biomass for power generation has become more prevalent globally. To survey the status of evidence concerning resulting health impacts and to depict potential research needs, a scoping-review was conducted. Biomass life cycle phases of interest were the conversion and combustion phases. Studies from occupational and residential settings were considered. The scoping review was conducted systematically, comprising an extensive literature search, a guided screening process, in-duplicate data extraction, and critical appraisal. Two reviewers executed most review steps. Nine articles of relevance were identified. In occupational settings of biomass plants, exposure to endotoxins and fungi might be associated with respiratory disorders. An accidental leakage of hydrogen sulfide in biogas plants may lead to fatalities or severe health impacts. Living near biomass power plants (and the accompanied odorous air pollution) may result in an increased risk for several symptoms and odor annoyance, mediated by perception about air pollution or an evaluation of a resulting health risk. The methodological quality of included studies varied a lot. Overall, the body of evidence on the topic is sparse and future high-quality research is strongly recommended.

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Exposure to biological and chemical agents at biomass power plants

Cited by 26 publications

References 14 publications

Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass

Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass

Biological Risks from Long-Term Storage of Wood Chips

The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings

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