Integrated evaluation of aerogenic pollution by air-transported heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Mn and Cu) in the analysis of the main deposit media

Abstract

The composition of the ambient air is constantly changing; therefore, the monitoring of ambient air quality to detect the changes caused by aerogenic pollutants makes the essential part of general environmental monitoring. To achieve more effective improvement of the ambient air quality, the Directive 2008/50/EC on 'Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe' was adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council. It informed the public and enterprises about a negative effect of pollution on humans, animals and plants, as well as about the need for monitoring aerogenic pollutants not only at the continuous monitoring stations but also by using indicator methods, i.e. by analysing natural deposit media. The problem of determining the relationship between the accumulation level of pollutants by a deposit medium and the level of air pollution and its risks is constantly growing in importance. The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the response of the main four deposit media, i.e. snow cover, soil, pine bark and epigeic mosses, to the long-term pollution by aerogenic pollutants which can be observed in the area of oil refinery influence. Based on the quantitative expressions of the amounts of the accumulated pollutants in the deposit media, the territory of the oil refinery investigated in this paper has been referred to the areas of mild or moderate pollution.

Health Problems Among Workers Who Recycle Electronic Waste in Southern Thailand

“…In this study, blurred vision occurred in 26.8% of e-waste recycling workers. This result supports previous findings [20,21], which reported the effects of heavy metal (lead, cadmium and manganese) intoxication on eyesight. In addition, mercury has been reported to be significantly associated with dry eye disease [22].…”

Metal Concentration Study in a Population Living in the Vicinity of an Oil Refinery

“…The most relevant contaminants for all of the tested sites were Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in a petrochemical area of Sardinia (Italy) [6]. Moreover, the accumulation of Cr and Zn in the refinery industrial areas was more than five times greater than that detected at the control site [7].…”

“…To achieve more effective improvement of the ambient air quality, the Directive 2008/50/EC on 'Ambient Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe' was adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council countries [7].…”

Quantifying the impact of PM2.5 and associated heavy metals on respiratory health of children near metallurgical facilities

“…The combined use of the inventory of pollutant emissions, the number of children with respiratory diseases, and the scenarios that result from the utilization of dispersion models that complement and/or supplement in situ measurements facilitates the identification of critical areas and their prioritization (Iordache and Dunea 2013 ; Mohan et al 2011 ; Puliafito et al 2003 ). Spatiotemporal and qualitative characteristics of PM 2.5 data are essential for supporting the epidemiological studies to consolidate the knowledge regarding the effect of particle size and chemical composition on children’s health (Baltrenaite et al 2014 ; EEA 2014 ; Neuberger et al 2004 ; Olsen et al 2014 ). Children present an increased risk from the effects of air pollution due to their lung immaturity and sensitive immune system (Bateson and Schwart 2008 ; Sheffield et al 2015 ).…”