RESUMO
Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is one of the most common inhalation occupational diseases. It is no effective treatment methods. Early diagnosis of CWP could reduce mortality. Lipid mediators (LMs) as key mediators in the generation and resolution of inflammation, are natural biomarkers for diagnosis inflammatory disease, such as CWP. The UHPLC-MRM technique was used to detect LMs in urine. The metabolic network of LMs in CWP and CT group samples was comprehensively analyzed. Screening for major difference compounds between the two groups. Aimed to contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of CWP. Urinary levels of 13-OxoODE, 9-OxoODE, and 9,10-EpOME were significantly higher in the CWP group compared with the CT group (P < 0.05). In the model group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for 9-OxoODE,13-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME was 84.4%, 73.3%, and 80.9%, respectively. In the validation group, the area under the ROC was 87.0%, 88.8%, and 68.8% for 9-OxoODE,13-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME, respectively. According to the logistic regression model, the area under the ROC was 80.4% in the model group and 86.7% in the validation group. 13-OxoODE,9-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis. Significant abnormalities of LOX and CYP450 enzyme pathways were seen in CWP organisms. Changes in the CYP450 enzyme pathway may be associated with PAHs.
Assuntos
Antracose , Humanos , Antracose/diagnóstico , Inflamação , BiomarcadoresRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with no known cure. Lipid mediators (LMs) are a kind of inflammatory signaling molecules which are believed to be involved in the development of asthma. Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. is a traditional Uyghur medicine, which is widely used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Extraction of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. was reported to neutralize asthma symptoms. The purpose of the study was to investigate both the anti-inflammatory and immunoregulation properties of the Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. extract (SXCF) and its main active constituent, rosmarinic acid (RosA), in vivo. The effect of RosA, a major constituent of SXCF, was evaluated on an asthmatic model, with both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulation properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-inflammatory effect of SXCF and RosA was assessed using OVA-induced asthma model mice by UPLC-MS/MS method. RESULTS: Overall, RosA played a critical role in anti-asthma treatment. In total, 90% of LMs species that were significantly regulated by SXCF were covered. On the most important LMs associated with asthma, RosA equivalent induced similar effects as SXCF did. It is believed that some constituents in SXCF could neutralize RosA excessive impacts on LMs.
Assuntos
Asma , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem , Camundongos , Animais , Cromatografia Líquida , Asma/induzido quimicamente , Asma/tratamento farmacológico , Asma/metabolismo , Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Hyssopus , Lipídeos/uso terapêutico , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Ovalbumina/efeitos adversos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Ácido RosmarínicoRESUMO
Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) are more toxic and persistent than their parent compounds. In this study, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in dust, topsoil and coal gangue from Huaibei Coal mine, China were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, confirming APAHs were the dominant pollutants. The mean concentrations of APAHs were substantially higher than those of 16 PAHs in both dust and topsoil. The mean concentration of APAHs in dust was 9197 µg kg-1, accounting for 80% of the total mean concentration of PACs. The mean concentration of APAHs in topsoil was 2835 µg kg-1, accounting for 77% of the mean concentration of PACs. Alkyl naphthalenes and alkyl phenanthrenes were the primary pollutants in APAHs. Their mean concentrations in dust and topsoil were 7782 µg kg-1 and 2333 µg kg-1, respectively. This accounted for 85% and 82% of the concentration of APAHs, respectively. Additionally, low-molecular-weight APAHs dominated the PACs of the coal mine, exhibiting petrogenic characteristics; distribution of C1-C4 NAP and C1-C4 PHE exhibited "bell shape" pattern indicated as petrogenic source. Source identification indicated that the PACs were mainly derived from petrogenic sources and vehicle emissions, followed by biomass and coal burning. Fingerprinting information of dust and topsoil were consistent with coal gangue, indicating that PACs are most likely derived from coal gangue. Coalfields comparable to our study area are widely distributed in China. Therefore, investigating PAC pollution derived from coal gangue warrants further attention.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Compostos Policíclicos , Poeira/análise , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Compostos Policíclicos/análise , Carvão Mineral/análise , Solo/química , China , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
The Wuda coalfield in Inner Mongolia is a vital coal base in China, and it is the hardest-hit area for coal fires (spontaneous combustion of coal seams and coal gangue). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, this work tested the concentration and analyzed the characteristics, distribution, sources, and health risks of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the surface soil of the Wuda District, including the coal mine, coal fire, agricultural, and background areas. The soil of coal mine and coal fire area were heavily polluted with PACs, with mean concentrations of 9107 and 3163 µg kg-1, respectively, considerably higher than those in the agricultural (1232 µg kg-1) and background areas (710 µg kg-1). Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) were the dominant pollutants among these PACs, accounting for 60-81%. Alkyl naphthalenes and alkyl phenanthrenes are the primary pollutants in APAHs, accounting for 80-90% of the total amounts. Additionally, using the positive matrix factorization method, it can be concluded that the primary PAC sources are petrogenic sources, coal and biomass combustion, coal fires, and vehicle emissions. Finally, according to the cancer risk values of 16 PAHs, only the coal mine area showed a potential cancer risk. However, this result lacks a risk assessment of APAHs and underestimates the actual risk. The results of this study improved the understanding of PAC pollution in coal fire and surrounding areas and provided a reference for environmental and health risk investigations.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais , Neoplasias , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Poluentes do Solo , Humanos , Carvão Mineral/análise , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/toxicidade , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , China , Medição de Risco , Solo/química , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
Coal spontaneous combustion is known to emit a variety of organic carcinogenic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most prominent. The Wuda coalfield is a coal fire-prone region in northern China. Coal fire sponges (CFS), a sponge-like contaminated soil protrusion, occur widely in the Suhaitu mining area. PAHs concentrations in CFS were measured via GC × GC-TOFMS. The average total PAHs concentration in the central annulus (A) was 17,416 µg kg-1 and ranged from 292 to 218,251 µg kg-1. Moreover, the study exhibited a heavily contaminated level (1000 µg kg-1). Low molecular weight PAHs were dominant, accounting for more than 50% of the total PAHs. Among them, naphthalene (Nap) and phenanthrene (Phe) were the most prominent, and the correlation between Phe and Nap + Phe was highly significant (R2 > 0.9). Our findings indicated that Nap and Phe contents may constitute a novel indicator to identify coal fire emission sources. Cancer risk calculations indicated that all annulus is already at a potential risk stage (10-6-10-4) for child or adults. CFS is not only a coal fire-associated PAH sink but also an atmospheric PAH emission source and, therefore, warrants the attention of local authorities.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Poluentes do Solo , Adulto , Criança , China , Carvão Mineral/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , Medição de Risco , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
Mercury is a toxic, persistent, and mobile contaminant. Coal spontaneous combustion are widely distributed in the world and releases a great deal of Hg. Identifying the burning coal seam is crucial for quickly extinguishing a coalfield fire. Mercury isotopes can be effective for identifying burning coal seams and beneficial for combating coal spontaneous combustion. In this study, Hg isotopic ratios of coal, topsoil, dustfall, sand, coal fire sponges (CFS), and n-topsoil (topsoil near the CFS) from coal fire area No. 9 in the Wuda coalfield were determined using multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS). Analysis of the correlation coefficients between the δ202Hg and Hg concentrations and the low-temperature ashes indicate that the higher mineral concentration in coal seam No. 9 not only increases the Hg concentration but also leads to more positive δ202Hg values compared to those for coal seam No. 10. By analyzing the Hg isotope characterizations in coal seam No. 9 and No. 10, we determined that Hg isotope characterizations can be useful for discriminating different coal seam Hg values in a coalfield. Significant mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) occur in the coal burning. The fractionation effect of burning and absorption process can play a key role in the δ202Hg more negative of ground surface samples. If Hg isotopes is added, the effect of coal-fire monitoring may be better. In addition, these finding could be used to better understand the transport and cycling of Hg.
Assuntos
Carvão Mineral/análise , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Mercúrio/análise , Minas de Carvão , Isótopos de Mercúrio , Combustão EspontâneaRESUMO
The study aimed to investigate the impacts of coal mining-contaminated soil on the locally grown food crops and humans health. For the active investigation and assessment, the study collected 175 samples including contaminated and control soil and various types of food crops (corn, wheat, mixed food (egg, pork meat, potato, pepper)) from Shaanxi Province. All these samples were analyzed through ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Results show that in Weibei soil, the average concentration (mg kg-1) of Cr (194 ± 94), Cu (27 ± 13), Cd (0.6 ± 0.3), Ni (83 ± 35), Be (1.98 ± 0.8), Rb (115 ± 68), Li (74 ± 78), Sr (148.5 ± 67), and Zn (3056 ± 2380) was higher than that of the Chinese soil standard (CSS) and upper continental crust (UCC) (P < 0.01-0.05). In Langao soil, the average concentration (mg kg-1) of Cr (99.5 ± 48), Cu (77 ± 32), Ni (113 ± 37), Pb (45 ± 19.8), Cd (2.9 ± 1.7), Co (13.9 ± 2.4), Mo (28.7 ± 16), Be (2.98 ± 0.5), Li (81.8 ± 9.7), V (430 ± 166), Zn (255 ± 105), and Ba (1347 ± 445) was higher than that of the CSS and UCC. However, in Binxian Jurassic all the toxic trace elements (TTE) were higher than the CSS and UCC. In Langao contaminated vegetable, Na, Cd, Tl, In, Mo, Li, U, Bi, and Th may cause very high risk, whereas Al, Mn, P, Fe, Ca, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cs, Rb, and Ba may cause considerable risk. However, the average daily intake (ADI) of Al, Mn, P, Fe, Cd, Mo, and Ba was higher than the No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). However, the non-carcinogenic risk of Al, Mn, P, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Tl, Mo, Li, V, Ba, and Th was higher than acceptable level (HQ = 1). In Binxian wheat, Al, Tl, Cs, Bi, and Th may cause very high risk, and Ti, Na, K, Fe, Ca, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Sr, Bi, and U may cause considerable risk. However, ADI of Al, Mn, P, Ti, Fe, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mo, Ba, and U for both adults and children was higher than the NOAEL. In Weibei, the wheat crops are prone to considerable-to-moderate elemental risk. The non-carcinogenic risk of Al, Mn, P, Fe, Cr, Cu, Pb, Co, Tl, Mo, Li, Zn, and Th was higher than the acceptable level. In countryside adults and children, ADI was lower than the NOAEL except Al, P, and Zn. The study concluded that human activities of coal mining release a high amount of TTE to the soil. Majority of arable land, grain food and vegetable were contaminated through TTE, which may cause high risks to human's health and the environment.
Assuntos
Minas de Carvão , Contaminação de Alimentos/análise , Inocuidade dos Alimentos , Metais/análise , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Adulto , Criança , China , Produtos Agrícolas/química , Exposição Dietética/análise , Poluição Ambiental/análise , Humanos , Espectrometria de Massas , Medição de Risco/métodos , Solo/químicaRESUMO
The Wuda coal fire area in Inner Mongolia, China, has existed for 50 years and been controlled by digging and backfilling for many years. However, few studies have focused on its impact on the local environmental and ecological systems due to emission of organic contaminants from the backfilled region. In the study, topsoil samples were collected at a 0-5â¯cm depth from the backfilled region of the Wuda coal fire area, which has existed for five years. The samples were analyzed for 16 priority control contaminants, namely polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with a standard operation procedure and high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). The results showed that the total mass contentration of 16 PAHs (∑16PAHs) ranged from 279 to 8258⯵gâ¯kg-1, with an average value of 2853⯱â¯2948⯵gâ¯kg-1, which exceeded the stipulated limit for heavily contaminated soil (1000⯵gâ¯kg-1). Among the 16 PAHs, 2- and 3-ring compounds accounted for more than half of ∑16PAHs. Furthermore, the results show that the main contaminants were the naphthalene (Nap), phenanthrene (Phe), pyrene (Pyr), chrysene (Chr), and benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF) in this area (24.8%, 51.1%, 3.9%, 4.5%, and 5.7% of ∑16PAHs, respectively). The diagnostic ratio of FLA/(FLA + PYR) exceeded 0.4 and IcdP/(IcdP + BghiP) was less than 0.5, indicating gentle smoldering or spontaneous combustion of coal fire, which differs from traditional coal burning. The environmental health risk or specifically the cancer risk (CR), calculated using the surface soil of the backfilled region, was 2.84â¯×â¯10-6 for adults and 1.01â¯×â¯10-6 for children, thus indicating potential cancer risks. Therefore, PAHs pollution in the surface soil of the backfilled region in the studied coal fire area is an issue that deserves urgent attention.
Assuntos
Indústria do Carvão Mineral , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Solo/química , Adulto , Criança , China , Carvão Mineral/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Neoplasias/etiologia , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
The junction area of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces is the heaviest coal-burning endemic fluorosis zones in China. To better understand the pathogenicity of endemic fluorosis in this area, 87 coal samples from the late Permian outcrop or semi-outcrop coal seams were collected in eight counties of the junction area of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. The total fluorine and sulfate content, etc. in the coal was determined using combustion-hydrolysis/fluoride-ion-selective electrode method and ion chromatography, respectively. The results show that the total fluorine concentrations in the samples ranged from 44 to 382 µg g-1, with an average of 127 µg g-1. The average pH of the coals is 5.03 (1.86-8.62), and the sulfate content varied from 249 to 64,706 µg g-1 (average 7127 µg g-1). In addition, the coals were medium- and high-sulfur coals, with sulfur mass fraction ranging from 0.08 to 13.41%. By heating the outcrop coals, HF release from the coal was verified quantitatively without exception, while simulated combustion directly confirmed the release of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The acid in coal may be in the form of acidic sulfate ([Formula: see text]/H2SO4) because of a positive relationship between pH and [Formula: see text] in the acidic coal. The possible reaction mechanism would be that a chemical reaction between the acid (H2SO4 or [Formula: see text]) and fluorine in the coal occurred, thereby producing hydrogen fluoride (HF), which would be the chemical form of fluorine released from coal under relatively mild conditions. The unique chemical and physical property of HF may bring new insight into the pathogenic mechanism of coal-burning endemic fluorosis. The phenomenon of coal-burning fluorosis is not limited to the study area, but is common in southwest China and elsewhere. Further investigation is needed to determine whether other endemic fluorosis areas are affected by this phenomenon.
Assuntos
Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados/análise , Carvão Mineral , Intoxicação por Flúor/epidemiologia , Ácidos Sulfúricos/química , China/epidemiologia , Carvão Mineral/análise , Eletrodos , Doenças Endêmicas , Humanos , Ácido Fluorídrico/análise , Ácido Fluorídrico/química , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Solubilidade , Sulfatos/químicaRESUMO
The Wuda coal fire in Inner Mongolia, China, is a global catastrophic event. It emits a huge volume of organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which are widely concerning due to their physiological toxicity and environmental persistence. However, there is no systematic study on the enrichment and migration patterns of PACs emitted from coal fires. Here, we compared samples from coal fire sponges and surrounding soil, and analyzed 47 PACs using GC × GC-TOFMS. Data analysis showed that the average content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs) in the coal fire sponge was 15400.65 ng/g, which is about 4.2 times higher than that in the surrounding soil. Meanwhile, 31 PACs were detected at levels far exceeding those of 16PAHs. The distribution pattern of PACs showed that coal fire sources are more likely to produce and store 16PAHs while surrounding soils are more likely to be enriched with PAH derivatives. The cancer risk assessment revealed a significant cancer risk in both the coal fires and the surrounding soil. The formation mechanism of oxygenated PAHs was also explored, and it was found that coal fires emit 16PAHs and alkylated PAHs, which oxidize to form oxygenated PAHs during migration to surrounding soils. The value of naphthaldehyde/alkylated naphthalene (< 2) can be referenced as characteristic markers of coal fire pollution. This provides a new perspective on the sources of PACs in the current environment.
Assuntos
Carvão Mineral , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , Medição de Risco , China , Monitoramento Ambiental , Incêndios , Humanos , Solo/química , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
The coal found in the Longtan Formation of the Late Permian is widely distributed in Southwest China, including the northwestern Guizhou, southeastern Sichuan, and northern Yunnan regions. This coal typically has a high sulfur content. Eighty-two coal samples were collected from the coal strata in 11 counties spanning this area, including underground mine coal, native outcrop coal and man-made outcrop coal. The mercury, total fluorine, total sulfur, and sulfate contents and pH values were determined. The results showed that the average mercury content in native outcrop coal was 2233 ng/g, whereas that in underground mine coal was 306 ng/g, and the relative enrichment factor could reach 6.6. There was no significant difference in the total fluorine content among the three types of coals; furthermore, the total sulfur content in native outcrop coal and man-made outcrop coal was higher than that in underground mine coal because of the local policy, which strictly prohibits the mining of high-sulfur coal. Native outcrop coal is acidic, with a total average pH of 3.54 and an average sulfate content as high as 13,390 µg/g. In contrast, underground coal is almost neutral (average pH 7.33), with a low sulfate content (average 3221 µg/g). These characterizations indicate that native outcrop coal has been subjected to long-term weathering and the mercury enrichment is likely due to migration, oxidation, and precipitation of Hg from the underground coal seam and enriched in loose and pulverized coal particles. Further investigation is needed to determine whether other outcrop areas are affected by this phenomenon.
Assuntos
Minas de Carvão , Mercúrio , Humanos , Sulfatos/análise , Mercúrio/análise , Flúor , Carvão Mineral/análise , China , Enxofre/análiseRESUMO
The Huaibei area is rich in coal resources and serves as the main energy production base in East China. However, serious environmental consequences are associated with coal mining and utilization. With increasing reports on distribution and risks by polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), the potential pollution of coal sources must be addressed. Here, the PAC concentrations in the topsoil, coal, and coal gangue of a typical coal mining area in Huaibei were evaluated. The mean ΣPACs in topsoil, coal, and coal gangue were 1528.3, 274,815.8, and 10,908.3 µg·kg-1, respectively. Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (aPAHs) were identified as primary contributors to PACs, and the concentrations of oxygenated PAHs (oPAHs) were significantly higher in coal and coal gangue than in topsoil. PAC pollution was mainly concentrated in the coal mine area and near the coal gangue landfill road. Not only sixteen high priority pollutant PAHs (16PAHs), but PAH derivatives also contributed to the organic pollution from coal sources. Principal components analysis, multiple linear regression, characteristic ratios, and positive matrix factor analysis were used to trace PAC sources. The characteristic ratios for organic pollution from coal and gangue particles involving 16PAHs, aPAHs, and oPAHs were proposed. Further, the high-ring 16PAH ratio was also found suitable for coal mining areas. The Monte-Carlo risk assessment showed that coal particles were highly carcinogenic, and despite the low carcinogenicity of coal gangue and topsoil, they might also serve as potential carcinogens. This study aimed to disseminate knowledge on PACs from coal and coal gangue, provide a useful background for efficient resource utilization of coal gangue, and a reference for tracing PAC sources in coal mine environment media.
RESUMO
Coal gangue is a by-product of coal, the output of which is as high as 30% of raw coal, whereas only 30% of it is recycled. The leftover remains in the environment from gangue backfilling areas and overlap with residential, agricultural, and industrial areas. Coal gangue accumulated in the environment is easily weathered and oxidized and becomes a source of various pollutants. In this paper, 30 coal gangue samples (fresh and weathered coal gangues) were collected from three mine areas in Huaibei, Anhui province, China. Gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze thirty polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs), preferentially controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the corresponding alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (a-PAHs). The results showed that PACs existed objectively in coal gangue, and the content of a-PAHs was higher than that of 16PAHs (average values for 16PAHs ranged from 77.8 to 581 ng/g; average values for a-PAHs ranged from 97.4 to 3179 ng/g). Moreover, coal types not only affected the content and type of PACs but also affected the distribution pattern of a-PAHs at different substitution sites. With the increase of gangue weathering degree, the composition of a-PAHs kept changing; the low ring a-PAHs were more easily diffused to the environment, and the high ring a-PAHs remained enriched in the weathered coal gangue. The correlation analysis showed that the correlation between fluoranthene (FLU) and alkylated fluoranthene (a-FLU) was as high as 94%, and the calculated ratios were not more than 1.5. The basic conclusion is that not only 16PAHs and a-PAHs objectively existed in the coal gangue, but also the characteristic compound belonging to the pollution source of coal gangue oxidation have been discovered. The results of the study provide a new perspective for the analysis of existing pollution sources.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Compostos Policíclicos , Carvão Mineral/análise , Compostos Policíclicos/análise , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem , Compostos Orgânicos , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , China , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
The Suntuan mining area of Huaibei is a typical coal resource mining base in the Huainan-Huaibei areas in North China. Previous environmental studies related to surface dust in coal mining areas mainly focused on heavy metals and water-soluble ions, with little research on polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). In this study, gas chromatography-triple tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to determine the contents of 16 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs), alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (aPAHs), and some oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) in surface dust from the Suntuan mining area and surrounding environment. The results showed that the ΣPACs concentration range of surface dust in the Suntuan mining area was 283.8-36852.5 µg·kg-1 (mean:4114.2 µg·kg-1). ΣaPAHs (mean:2593.8 µg·kg-1) was 2.4 times higher than Σ16PAHs (mean:1074.9 µg·kg-1), which was the main contributor to PAC pollution. The composition of 16PAHs and aPAHs in surface dust was dominated by low molecular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The average OPAH content was 445.6 µg·kg-1. At the same time, PAC pollution was mainly concentrated around the mining area and near the road of a coal gangue landfill. Based on the positive matrix factor (PMF) analysis, it was inferred that the study area was mainly affected by petroleum sources, followed by coal and biomass combustion, and traffic sources and petroleum product leakage accounted for a relatively small proportion. Based on the ratio and distribution pattern of 16PAHs and aPAHs, it was inferred that when Σ16PAHs/ΣPACs<0.25, it was mainly polluted by the coal mining area. The results of PMF combined with lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) showed that there were potential carcinogenic risks for children near the study area, mainly from coal and biomass burning and coal mining. There are many coal mining areas in Huaihe River Basin in China. The results of this study can provide reference for pollution prevention and control of PACs in these coal mining areas.
RESUMO
Following the implementation of "coal-to-gas conversion" policy in the Haidian District of Beijing during summer, the present comparative study was performed employing 41 PM2.5 samples as precursors to analyze the characteristics of water-soluble inorganic ions. The concentrations of water-soluble inorganic ions in PM2.5 were analyzed by ion chromatography, and the occurrence form of ions was characterized via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Results revealed that the daily average mass concentration of PM2.5 in Beijing during the sampling period was 94.28 ± 52.49 µg/m3. As compared to the winter of 2016, the average daily PM2.5 concentration in Beijing decreased by 29 µg/m3 in 2017 (28.2% decrease), with a remarkable decline in the number of days with pollution. During the pollution period, the concentrations of NO3 -, SO4 2-, and NH4 + were significantly higher in PM2.5 as compared to the cleaning period. The ratio of the concentrations of [NO3 -]/[SO4 2-] was greater than 1, and the contribution from mobile sources was relatively large, indicating that the implementation of the "coal-to-gas conversion" policy in Beijing has led to the reduction of SO4 2- emissions from fixed sources, such as coal. Furthermore, TOF-SIMS analysis results showed that NH4 + tended to exist in the form of molecular ammonium sulfate or ammonium hydrogen sulfate during the period of pollution.
RESUMO
Alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (APAHs) are more toxic and persistent than their parent compounds. Here, the concentrations, composition profiles, and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in 127 topsoil samples from Huaibei coalfield were analyzed. The PAC concentrations in different functional areas were significantly different: mining area > industrial area > residential area > agricultural area. APAHs were the major contributors to PACs, accounting for 71-83% of total PACs. Alkylnaphthalenes and alkylphenanthrenes were the primary APAH components, accounting for 83-87% of APAHs. Principal component analysis showed that petrogenic source, coal and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions were the primary sources of PACs. By comparing the fingerprint information of soil, coal, and coal gangue, it was hypothesized that the petrogenic source of PAC pollution in typical mining areas and surrounding areas are coal particle scattering and coal gangue weathering. Some coal mining and industrial areas potentially pose risks to children, whereas others do not. There are limited evaluation criteria for alkyl PAHs; hence, the estimated risk is likely lower than the actual risk. In addition to the conventional 16 PAHs, it is critical to consider a broader range of PACs, especially APAHs.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Poluentes do Solo , Criança , China , Carvão Mineral/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/análise , Medição de Risco , Solo , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Emissões de Veículos/análiseRESUMO
Coal-seam fire is a source of atmospheric mercury that is difficult to control. The Wuda Coalfield in Inner Mongolia, China, is one of the most severe coal fire disaster areas worldwide and has been burning for more than 50 years. To investigate atmospheric mercury pollution from the Wuda coal fire, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations and atmospheric particulate mercury (PHg) speciation were measured using a RA-915+ mercury analyzer and the temperature-programmed desorption method. Near-surface GEM concentrations in the Wuda Coalfield and adjacent urban area were 80 ng m-3 (65-90 ng m-3) and 52 ng m-3 (25-95 ng m-3), respectively, which are far higher than the local background value (22 ng m-3). PHg concentrations in the coalfield and urban area also reached significantly high levels, 33 ng m-3 (25-45 ng m-3) and 22 ng m-3 (14-29 ng m-3), respectively (p < 0.05). There is no clear evidence that PHg combines with organic carbon or elemental carbon, but PHg concentration appears to be controlled by air acidity. PHg mainly exists in inorganic forms, such as HgCl2, HgS, HgO, and Hg(NO3)2·H2O. This work can provide references for the speciation analysis of atmospheric PHg and the safety assessment of environmental mercury.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos , Incêndios , Mercúrio , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , China , Carvão Mineral/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental , Mercúrio/análiseRESUMO
To develop effective mitigation policies, a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the chemical composition, formation mechanisms, and the contribution of sources at different pollution levels is required. PM2.5 samples were collected for 1 year from August 2016 to August 2017 at an urban site in Zibo, then chemical compositions were analyzed. Secondary inorganic aerosols (SNA), anthropogenic minerals (MIN), and organic matter (OM) were the most abundant components of PM2.5, but only the mass fraction of SNA increased as the pollution evolved, implying that PM2.5 pollution was caused by the formation of secondary aerosols, especially nitrate. A more intense secondary transformation was found in the heating season (from November 15, 2016, to March 14, 2017), and a faster secondary conversion of nitrate than sulfate was discovered as the pollution level increased. The formation of sulfate was dominated by heterogeneous reactions. High relative humidity (RH) in polluted periods accelerated the formation of sulfate, and high temperature in the non-heating season also promoted the formation of sulfate. Zibo city was under ammonium-rich conditions during polluted periods in both seasons; therefore, nitrate was mainly formed through homogeneous reactions. The liquid water content increased significantly as the pollution levels increased when the RH was above 80%, indicating that the hygroscopic growth of aerosol aggravated the PM2.5 pollution. Source apportionment showed that PM2.5 was mainly from secondary aerosol formation, road dust, coal combustion, and vehicle emissions, contributing 36.6%, 16.5%, 14.7%, and 13.1% of PM2.5 mass, respectively. The contribution of secondary aerosol formation increased remarkably with the deterioration of air quality, especially in the heating season.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Aerossóis/análise , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Poluição do Ar/análise , China , Monitoramento Ambiental , Material Particulado/análise , Estações do Ano , Emissões de Veículos/análiseRESUMO
The coal fire in Wuda, Inner Mongolia of China, is one of the most serious coal fires in the world with a history over 50 years and endangers the neighboring downwind urban area. A lack of effective measures to control coal fires in this region can aggravate environmental pollution. In this study, the levels and spatial distributions of acid (pH) and SO42- in dust in the Wuda coalfield and its surrounding areas in Inner Mongolia, North China, were reported to identify the potential acid and SO42- pollution in the local environment with an area of 270 km2. The mean pH and SO42- content was to found to be 7.44 and 5981 µg·g-1, respectively. Through the analysis of the spatial distribution of pH and SO42- concentrations, it was found that most of contaminated areas are mainly distributed in coalfield and its affiliated industrial parks, and the Wuda urban area also suffered from pollution. Based on chemical equilibrium, the surface acid pollution might have resulted in the change of the dust type from the original weakly alkaline CaCO3 type to the CaSO4 type in coalfield and industrial parks. Finally, the pollution assessment revealed that the coalfield and industrial parks are both at heavy pollution levels, and the urban area is mostly moderately polluted, followed by farm and peripheral region with a certain pollution risk. The results indicated that the long-term release of acidic gas from the coal fires and industrial parks can led to significantly elevated acidity and SO42- levels in the dust of the local environment, while coal fires can aggravate surface pollution in industrial parks, but the extent of contamination was also closely related to the terrain and wind direction in the study area.
RESUMO
Underground coal fires are considered an ecological disaster. While underground coal fires are prevalent in coal-producing areas throughout the world, they are most problematic in northern China. Previous studies have shown that underground coal fires stimulate the formation of cracks or gas outlets on the surface, as well as coal fire sponges (CFS) on the soil layer surface, which collect coal-fired pollutants. Herein, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was used in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze CFS samples collected from the No. 8 fire zone, located in Wuda coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China. The results show that CFS contain 233 oxy-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (O-PAHs), e.g., naphthaldehyde; 40 oxapolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs), e.g., dibenzofuran; 40 alkyl-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (R-PAHs); and 11 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs). Thus, CFS are primarily composed of O-PAHs, which are 25 times and 5 times more prevalent than PPAHs and R-PAHs, respectively. As such, a high relative abundance of varied O-PAHs are discharged from underground coal fires, which is significantly different from what is released during industrial coal burning. Owing to their water solubility and condensability, the new facts disclosed in this paper may provide a new perspective for understanding complex organic pollutants from underground coal fires and their environmental impacts.