Search results for " Pollution"
showing 10 items of 1010 documents
Use of semipermeable membrane devices for monitoring pesticides in indoor air.
2009
Abstract In this work, 40 pesticides from different categories were analyzed in the air of 20 indoor places that have an intensive use of pesticides. Passive sampling was carried out by using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) deployed for 7 days. SPMDs were analyzed using microwave-assisted extraction and GC/MS. PCB-195 was used as an internal standard. Recoveries ranged between 81 and 108 for many compounds, with RSD values <11. Typical LOD values for 7 days of sampling were from 0.1 to 3.1 ng/m. Propamocarb, propoxur, carbosulfan, pirimicarb, metribuzin, metalaxyl, pendimethalin, oxadiazon, phenothrin, and permethrin were detected in 11 sampling sites, with air concentrations …
Analysing the Spanish smoke-free legislation of 2006: a new method to quantify its impact using a dynamic model.
2011
Background: There are many models that study aspects of smoking habits: the influence of price, tax, relapse time, and the effects of prohibition. There are also studies examining the effects of the Spanish smoke-free law. We wanted to build a model able to separate the effect of the law from the pre-law evolution of smoking habits. Methods: Using data from the Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy, we developed a dynamic model of tobacco use. The model projects the evolution over time of the number of non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers before 2006. Then, we compared the predictions of the model with data for the years after the law came into force, 2006 and 2009. Results: We show t…
La qualità dell’aria indoor: una priorità ambientale e sanitaria
2009
Research focusing on plant performance in constructed wetlands and agronomic application of treated wastewater – A set of experimental studies in Sic…
2019
Constructed wetlands are sustainable technologies for the treatment of wastewater. These biological systems have been widely studied throughout the world for more than 30 years; however, most studies have focused on the effects of design and engineering on pollutant removal from wastewater. Undoubtedly, agro-technical aspects have been given too little consideration by research. This paper reports the main results of a set of experiments carried out on two pilot horizontal subsurface flow systems in Sicily (Italy). Festuca, Lolium and Pennisetum spp. in combination and three emergent macrophytes-Arundo donax L., Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L.-alone, were assessed. The aim o…
Detection of disturbing loads in distorted and/or unbalanced power systems: a technique based on a comparison among nonactive powers
2007
This paper presents an innovative technique for the detection of disturbing loads in distorted power systems. It is a single-point strategy, based on a comparison among different "nonactive" power quantities already proposed in literature, that are measured at the same metering section. In the paper, the results obtained with the application of the proposed technique are compared with those of other techniques for the monitoring of the harmonic pollution, both single-point and multi-point. Moreover, the effectiveness of the strategy is discussed, considering also the errors of the measurement transducers.
Comparison of two different approaches for harmonic distortion sources assessment
2021
The paper focuses the attention on the comparison of two approaches for power quality assessment in the electric grid. Both approaches are suitable for investigating the harmonic pollution source and discovering if the harmonic source comes from the customer or the utility grid. The two approaches have the same purpose but they are deeply different. The first approach is based on the knowledge of the customer and utility equivalent impedance while the second is based on single point measurement at point of common coupling PCC. In this paper, the advantages and drawbacks of the two approaches are investigated also supported by a case study.
Chemical fingerprint of outdoor PM2.5 in Malta
2015
Intro: RESPIRA (EU Funded - Italia-Malta 07-13) indicated that living in Malta is a risk factor for asthma. Aim: To determine the chemical profile of PM2.5 in Malta, and compare with reference values. Methods: Using FAI pumps at 10l/min/48hr, samples were collected on Teflon and Quartz filters from 6 schools and 46 homes in Malta. Total ICP-MS measurement (Residual+extracted), X ray Fluorescence, and thermo-optical methods(TO) were used for analysis by CNR in Rome. Aeroqual IQM60 counters were used for total PM2.5 mass. All data in ng/m3, Mean, (1st to 3rd quartile) of all 48 hour measurements.
Widespread Increases in Iron Concentration in European and North American Freshwaters
2017
Recent reports of increasing iron (Fe) concentrations in freshwaters are of concern, given the fundamental role of Fe in biogeochemical processes. Still, little is known about the frequency and geographical distribution of Fe trends or about the underlying drivers. We analyzed temporal trends of Fe concentrations across 340 water bodies distributed over 10 countries in northern Europe and North America in order to gain a clearer understanding of where, to what extent, and why Fe concentrations are on the rise. We found that Fe concentrations have significantly increased in 28% of sites, and decreased in 4%, with most positive trends located in northern Europe. Regions with rising Fe concent…
Sources, determination, monitoring, and transport of carbonaceous aerosols in Mainz, Germany
1998
Abstract Total atmospheric particulate matter, total carbon (TC), and black carbon (BC) were measured over two periods, spring and summer 1994, at a sampling location in Mainz, Germany. An optical (aethalometer) and a thermal method were used to determine BC since previous studies have shown that the optical method is dependent on the source of aerosols. The thermal method chosen for calibration enables the determination of molar hydrogen to carbon ratios for total particulate carbon and BC if quartz fiber filters were pre-treated at 850°C for 4 h. A specific attenuation cross-section of ≈7 m 2 g -1 for BC on the aethalometer filter was calculated which lies between values determined for c…