ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to characterize the PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and their diagnostic ratios in an area impacted by light-duty vehicles fueled by neat ethanol and ethanol-blended gasoline. Samples were collected using a high-volume sampler, extracted, and analyzed for all 16 EPA-priority PAHs using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following the EPA 3550B Method. The most abundant PAHs were benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene. The total mean concentration was 3.80 ± 2.88 ng m(-3), and the contribution of carcinogenic species was 58 ± 16 % of the total PAHs. The cumulative health hazard from the PAH mixture was determined, and the carcinogenic equivalents and mutagenic equivalents were 0.80 ± 0.82 and 1.17 ± 1.04 ng m(-3), respectively. Diagnostic ratios and normalized ratios were calculated for the individual samples.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Ethanol/analysis , Gasoline/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Vehicle Emissions/analysis , Brazil , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Particle SizeABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine the potential impact of a highly industrialized area on its urbanized surroundings. The area studied is home to a refinery, a thermoelectric plant and several petrochemical facilities industries. The concentrations of twelve elements were determined in PM10 and PM2.5 samples collected along a busy highway and near the petrochemical complex. Significantly higher concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Al were observed in the petrochemical zone, but principal component analysis revealed similar patterns for both the highway site and a site approximately 1.5 km from the petrochemical complex, suggesting that the main pollution source in the area is vehicular flux. Higher concentrations in the industrial area may be attributed to intense diesel-powered truck and bus traffic movement, mainly due to the transport of supplies, fuel and gas. The observed concentrations of the elements Cr, Co, Ni, Cd and Pb were always lower than the detection limits of the technique used.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Metals/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Chemical Industry , Industry , Particle Size , Principal Component Analysis , Urbanization , Vehicle Emissions/analysisABSTRACT
Atividades Físicas realizadas em ambientes fechados estão se tornando mais frequente. Estudos têm mostrado que as concentrações de poluentes em ambientes interiores são sempre maiores do que em ambiente abertos. Em locais fechados, onde são realizados exercícios de forma regular, não existe a preocupação com a qualidade do ar, principalmente quando estão sendo realizadas atividades aeróbicas. Neste estudo, foram medidas concentrações de BTEX em uma sala de spinning e as concentrações obtidas foram maiores do que as encontradas em ambientes ao ar livre. No entanto, uma atividade de pintura realizada na sala de spinning gerou concentrações elevadas de todos os BTEX , e, em particular, o tolueno teve concentrações muito maiores. No dia seguinte a realização da pintura, as concentrações de todos os BTEX tinham aumentado significativamente e a concentração de tolueno foi de 274.9 µg/m³. Após a pintura na sala de spinning, o aumento foi de 91% para o benzeno, 907% para o tolueno, 182% para o etilbenzeno, 121% para o m+p-xileno e de 128% para o o-xileno.
Indoors Physical Activities are becoming more frequent. Studies have shown that pollutants concentrations in indoor environments are always greater than in open environments. In indoor locations where regular exercise are performed, there is no concern about air quality, principally when aerobic physical activity are performed. BTEX concentrations in a spinning classroom were measured in this study and were higher than those obtained in an outdoor environment. However, a painting activity of the room revealed that all BTEX concentrations, and in particular Toluene, become much greater. In the day after, the paint concentration of all BTEX increased significantly and the concentration of toluene was 274.9 µg/m³. The BTEX concentration increased after all room was painted, and this increase was from 91% to benzene, 907% for toluene, 182% to ethylbenzene, 121% for m+p-xylene and 128% for o-xylene.
ABSTRACT
A importância do chumbo atmosférico na contaminação global do ambiente tem recebido crescente atenção científica. A principal forma de monitorização da exposição é biológica, mas a ambiental tem um papel importante, já que o ambiente é a principal fonte de exposição ao chumbo. O estudo transversal busca identificar fontes de contaminação e potenciais fatores de risco da exposição em 64 crianças de zero a dezesseis anos de uma comunidade economicamente desfavorecida do Rio de Janeiro. Foram determinadas as concentrações de chumbo em solo, água, poeira e ar e calculados os fatores de risco neurológico e carcinogênico de inalação e ingestão. O sangue coletado foi utilizado para análise de Pb-S, ALA-D por cento e genotipagem da ALA-D. O fator de risco neurológico observado foi 549 vezes superior à dose de referência para poeira e 554 vezes superior no caso de ingestão. O fator de risco carcinogênico para ingestão foi de quatro vezes. A média de Pb-S foi 5,6μg/dL e 40 por cento das crianças apresentaram valores de Pb-S acima do ponto de corte de 6μg/dL. A média de ALA-D por cento foi 40,3 por cento e foi observada correlação entre Pb-S e ALA-D por cento. O genótipo ALAD1-2 foi identificado em 10 por cento das crianças. Os resultados deste estudo permitirão o conhecimento da nossa realidade, subsidiando os órgãos de saúde pública e meio ambiente nas ações de controle e vigilância ambiental integrada
The importance of atmospheric lead in environmental global contamination is receiving increasing scientific attention. The main exposure monitoring approach is biological, but the environmental one has a key role, since the environment is the major source of exposure. The study aimed to identify the contamination sources and potential risk factors of the exposure in a 64 subject group formed by 0-16 years-old children from an economically deprived community in Rio de Janeiro. Lead concentrations in soil, water, dust and air were determined and neurological and carcinogenic risk factors for ingestion and inhalation were calculated. Blood samples were collected and used in the analysis of Pb-B, ALA-D percent and ALA-D genotyping. The observed neurological risk factor was 549 times higher than reference dose for dust and 554 times higher in the case of ingestion. The carcinogenic risk factor for ingestion was about 4 times. Mean Pb-B was 5.6μg/dL and 40 percent of the children presented Pb-B levels above the 6μg/dL cutoff value. Mean ALA-D percent was 40.3 percent and a correlation between Pb-B and ALA-D percent was observed. ALAD1-2 genotype was identified in 10 percent of the children. The results will allow the understanding of our reality, supporting public health and environment organizations to carry out control actions and all-encompassing environmental surveillance.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Lead Poisoning/epidemiology , Lead/blood , Brazil , Lead Poisoning/blood , Risk Assessment , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The importance of atmospheric lead in environmental global contamination is receiving increasing scientific attention. The main exposure monitoring approach is biological, but the environmental one has a key role, since the environment is the major source of exposure. The study aimed to identify the contamination sources and potential risk factors of the exposure in a 64 subject group formed by 0-16 years-old children from an economically deprived community in Rio de Janeiro. Lead concentrations in soil, water, dust and air were determined and neurological and carcinogenic risk factors for ingestion and inhalation were calculated. Blood samples were collected and used in the analysis of Pb-B, ALA-D% and ALA-D genotyping. The observed neurological risk factor was 549 times higher than reference dose for dust and 554 times higher in the case of ingestion. The carcinogenic risk factor for ingestion was about 4 times. Mean Pb-B was 5.6 microg/dL and 40% of the children presented Pb-B levels above the 6 microg/dL cutoff value. Mean ALA-D% was 40.3% and a correlation between Pb-B and ALA-D% was observed. ALAD1-2 genotype was identified in 10% of the children. The results will allow the understanding of our reality, supporting public health and environment organizations to carry out control actions and all-encompassing environmental surveillance.
Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Lead Poisoning/epidemiology , Lead/blood , Adolescent , Brazil , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Lead Poisoning/blood , Male , Risk Assessment , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Campus (FIOCRUZ), in a suburban region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, was selected as a case study to assess the pollution released from vehicle and industrial facilities in Basin III, the most polluted area of the city. Concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) and trace metals in airborne particles were determined in an intensive field campaign. The samplings were performed every six days for 24 h periods, using a PM10 high volume sampler, from September 2004 to August 2005. PM10 mass concentrations were determined gravimetrically and the metals by ICP-OES. For PM10, the arithmetic mean for the period is 169 +/- 42 microg m(-3) which is 3.4 times the national recommended standard of 50 microg m(-3). Additionally, 51% of the samplings exceeded the recommended 24 h limit of 150 microg m(-3). Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Al were the metals that presented the higher concentrations. The correlation matrix gave two main clusters and three significant principal components (PC). Both PC1 and PC2 are associated to crustal, vehicular and industrial emissions while PC3 is mainly associated to geological material. Enrichment factors for Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb indicate that for these elements, anthropic sources prevail over natural inputs. PM10 levels showed a good correlation with hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children and elderly people.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Brazil , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Multivariate Analysis , Particle SizeABSTRACT
Total suspended particles and 12 airborne metals were determined in 4 sampling sites in the industrial region of Médio Paraíba, Brazil. The geometrical means for the four sampling locals were (in units of microg/m3): 65.9 in Barra Mansa, 57.3 in Jardim Paraíba (Volta Redonda), 41.7 in Resende, and 48.9 in Volta Grande (Volta Redonda). These values are lower than levels previously determined in urban and industrial locals of the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro. For metals, the higher concentrations were obtained for Ca, Zn, Al, Fe, and Mg. Ca, Zn, and Al levels are higher than those determined in other industrial areas. These three metals are used in steel manufacturing, the main economical activity of the region. Enrichment factors for Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb are higher than 10, suggesting an industrial input. Statistical analysis show a high correlation among Ca, Mg, Zn, Cr, Al, Mn, and Fe, all of them used as raw materials in steel manufacturing and/or accumulated as industrial blast furnace slag and steelworks slag.
Subject(s)
Metals/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Aluminum/analysis , Brazil , Calcium/analysis , Industry , Vehicle Emissions , Zinc/analysisABSTRACT
Neste estudo, determinou-se o teor de chumbo (Pb) presente no ar ao redor de uma reformadora de baterias, antes e após da instalação do sistema de exaustão. Na área externa à reformadora de baterias, as amostras foram coletadas em seis e quatro pontos localizados a aproximadamente 25m e 500m, respectivamente, da reformadora de baterias. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o limite para Pb no ar atmosférico de 1,5mg Pb.m-3 foi excedido em 50 por cento nas amostras coletadas, variando de 0,07 a 183,3mg Pb.m-3. Assim, após algumas modificações na distribuição das atividades no interior da reformadora de baterias e a colocação do sistema de exaustão foram selecionados três pontos de coleta, que correspondiam àqueles mais críticos encontrados nas avaliações anteriores do ar externo. As novas concentrações de chumbo variaram de 0,8 a 17,6mg Pb.m-3, demonstrando que houve uma significativa redução dos níveis de chumbo emitidos para o ambiente após a instalação do sistema de exaustão.
Subject(s)
Lead/adverse effects , Environmental Monitoring , Environmental Pollution , Industrial Pollution , Lead Poisoning , Equipment Reuse , Air Pollution/adverse effectsABSTRACT
In this study, the lead (Pb) levels in the air surrounding a battery repair shop were measured before and after installation of an exhaust system. Samples were collected in six and four points located at approximately 25 m and 500 m, respectively, from the battery repair shop. The limit of 1.5mg Pb.m-3 air was exceeded in 50% of the samples, ranging from 0.07 to 183.3mg Pb.m-3. After changes in the battery repair shop's interior layout and use of the exhaust system, three points were selected, corresponding to the highest concentrations found previously. The new levels ranged from 0.8 to 17.6 mg Pb.m-3, demonstrating a significant decrease in the lead content discharged into the environment after meeting the exhaust requirements.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis , Electric Power Supplies , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Lead/analysis , Air Pollution/prevention & control , Brazil , Humans , Manufactured MaterialsABSTRACT
Lead levels in the air surrounding a battery repair shop (BRS) located in the Olaria neighborhood (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were monitored from April to July 1999. Most of the samples collected within 25 meters of the BRS exceeded the limit of 1.5 micro g.Pb.m-3 established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These results were published in a previous article (Quiterio et al., 2001). In the current study, installation of a Venture ventilation system and some changes in the operational procedure were proposed. After the modifications in the BRS, a new monitoring campaign was performed (August and September, 2000). Three points were selected for air collection, corresponding to the most critical points found in the previous assessments. The new concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 17.6 micro g.Pb.m-3, showing that lead emissions into the environment had decreased adequately. However, concentration at the chimney exhaust was still higher than EPA limits, and further improvements in the installations and procedures are definitely needed.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Monitoring , Environmental Pollution/analysis , Lead/analysis , Brazil , Environmental Exposure , Humans , IndustryABSTRACT
No período entre abril a julho de 1999, foram realizadas determinações dos níveis de chumbo no ar ambiente nas proximidades de uma reformadora de baterias (RB) situada em Olaria (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A maioria das amostras coletadas a uma distância de até 25m da RB excederam o limite de 1,5µg.Pb.m-3 estabelecido pela Environmental Protect Agency (EPA), Estados Unidos. Esses resultados já foram publicados previamente (Quiterio et al., 2001). Neste trabalho, foram propostas a instalaçäo de um sistema de exaustäo Venture e algumas mudanças nos procedimentos operacionais. Após as modificações na RB, foi realizada uma nova campanha de monitoramento (agosto e setembro de 2000). As coletas foram realizadas nos três pontos considerados mais críticos, segundo as determinações anteriores. As concentrações medidas estiveram no intervalo 0,8-17,6µg.Pb.m-3, mostrando que as emissöes de chumbo na atmosfera tiveram uma diminuiçäo adequada. Contudo, a concentraçäo na saída da chaminé é ainda maior que os limites estabelecidos pela EPA e, certamente, seräo necessárias outras melhorias nas instalações e procedimentos
Subject(s)
Dust , Environmental Monitoring , Lead , Environmental ExposureABSTRACT
Determinou-se o nível de chumbo (Pb) presente no ar em ambientes externos e na poeira doméstica de residências localizadas próximo a uma reformadora de baterias (RB). Uma das principais fontes de exposiçäo ao Pb säo empresas do setor de RB, que ainda utilizam processos e tecnologia obsoletos em instalaçöes precárias. Na área externa à RB foram realizadas coletas em seis pontos localizados a aproximadamente 25m e a 500m da RB. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o limite para Pb no ar atmosférico (Pb-Ar) de 1,5µg Pb.m-3 foi excedido em 50 por cento das amostras coletadas, variando de 0,03 a 183,3µg Pb.m-3. As coletas nas dependências internas e externas das residências foram realizadas em seis pontos de quatorze residências localizadas a aproximadamente 25m, 50m e a 500m da RB. O limite de Pb na poeira doméstica (Pb-Pd) de 1.500µg Pb.m-2 foi excedido em 44 por cento das amostras coletadas, apresentando valores variáveis de 2,2 a 54.338,9µg Pb.m-2.
