Hand too ls, such as a sledgehammer, are widely used in refurbishment activities; nonetheless, th... more Hand too ls, such as a sledgehammer, are widely used in refurbishment activities; nonetheless, there is very little knowledge on nanoparticle generation. We measured particle number size distributions (PSDs) and concentrations (PNCs) in the 10–420 nm using a NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) during the use of hand tools (i.e., sanding and removal of wall) in a real indoor refurbishment environment. Results indicated that refurbishment activities from removal of wall increased average PNCs by ~ 6 times over the background while it was ~ 1.5 times higher than sanding. The highest total PNC was 1.9 × 105 particles cm−3 that corresponded to removal of wall activities. For sanding activities, PNC was lower as the coat of the plaster was probably slightly wet. Moreover, comparison between the two principal activities showed a similar peak in the accumulation mode (~ 65 nm), with a monomodal pattern. Results suggest that removal of wall activities emitted nanoparticles with a 59% of contribution in the Aitken mode. According to these data, it can be inferred that the application of hand tools in refurbishment activities generates lower total PNC than using electromechanical equipment. This study may contribute to our understanding of nanoparticle generation in refurbishment activities.
Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) represent a group of organic compounds of signific... more Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) represent a group of organic compounds of significant interest due to their presence in airborne particulates of urban centers, wide distribution in the environment, and mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. These compounds, associated with atmospheric particles of size <1 μm, have been reported as a major risk to human health. This study aims at identifying the spectral features of NPAHs (1-nitropyrene, 2-nitrofluorene, and 6-nitrochrysene) in emissivity and transmittance spectra of samples of particulate matter <1 μm (PM1.0) using infrared spectrometry. Carcinogenic and mutagenic risks of the studied NPAHs associatedwith PM1.0 sampleswere also determined for two sampling sites: Canoas and Sapucaia do Sul. The results showed that NPAH standard spectra can effectively identify NPAHs in PM1.0 samples. The transmittance and emissivity sample spectra showed broader bands and lower relative intensity than the standard NPAH spectra. The carcinogenic risk and the total mutagenic risk were calculated using the toxic equivalent factors and mutagenic potency factors, respectively. Canoas showed the highest total carcinogenic risk, while Sapucaia do Sul had the highest mutagenic risk. The seasonal analysis suggested that in the study area the ambient air is more toxic during the cold periods. These findings might of significant importance for the decision and policy making authorities.
Works of particle number and mass concentration variability have a great importance since they ma... more Works of particle number and mass concentration variability have a great importance since they may indicate better the influence of vehicle emissions in an urban region. Moreover, the importance of this work lies in the fact that there are few studies in Brazil, where the fuel used has unique characteristics. Consequently, this paper presents measurements of particle number (size range 0.3–10 μm), particle mass (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), O3 and NOx (NO, NO2), in a site near a major highway at the Metropolitan Area of Porto Alegre, south Brazil. Measurements were carried out during two years: 2012 and 2013. Particle number and mass concentrations were measured using an optical counter with a PM10 analyzer. Results showed that concentrations of N0.3–1 (0.3–1 μm)were the highest, although similar to N1–2.5 (1–2.5 μm). Daily variability of the analyzed pollutants followed the traffic pattern.Moreover, NO2, O3, and particle numberwere higher during the day,whereas NO, NOx, and particle matter showed higher concentrations during nighttime. Traffic influence was evidenced by the mean concentrations ofweekends andweekdays, being higher for the latter. Correlation of particles and gases withmeteorological variables, togetherwith the application of PCA confirmed the influence of vehicle exhaust discharges.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of various complex organic compounds composed... more Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of various complex organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen, and two or more condensed benzene rings. They are released into the atmosphere by the incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic matter. Some of the major sources of PAHs are burning of coal, wood, oil or gas, vehicle engines exhaust, and open burning. PAHs are of great concern to human health mainly because of their known carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Consequently, it is very important to study atmospheric PAHs, especially those associated with ultrafine particles. This study aims to identify the spectral features of PAHs in samples of particulate matter < 1 µm (PM 1) using infrared spectrometry. Emissivity and transmittance spectra of PAHs were obtained by infrared spectroscopy. PAHs standards spectra contributed to effectively identify PAHs in PM 1 samples. Emissivity and transmittance spectra in the range of 680–900 cm –1 exhibited the largest number of bands due to C–C out-of-plane angular deformations and C–H out-of-plane angular deformations. Bands of medium intensity in 2900–3050 cm –1 region were also observed due to C–H stretching typical of aromatic compounds, although with lower intensity. This study compared the emissivity and transmittance spectra acquired using two different infrared spectrometers in order to identify PAHs in samples of atmospheric particulate matter and analyzed the capability and advantages of each of the infrared spectrometers. In addition, it was confirmed that the PAHs under study can be distinguished by their infrared spectral fingerprints.
We investigated the carcinogenic and mutagenic respiratory health risks related to the exposure t... more We investigated the carcinogenic and mutagenic respiratory health risks related to the exposure to atmospheric PAHs in an urban area. Our study focused in the association of these pollutants and their possible effect in human health, principally respiratory and circulatory diseases. Also, we determined a relationship between the inhalation risk of PAHs and meteorological conditions. We validated the hypothesis that in winter PAHs with high molecular weight associated to submicron particles (PM 1) may increase exposure risk, especially for respiratory diseases, bronchitis and pneumonia diseases. Moreover, in our study we verified the relationship between diseases and several carcinogenic PAHs (Ind, BbkF, DahA, BaP, and BghiP). These individual PAHs contributed the most to the potential risk of exposure for inhalation of PM 1.0. Even at lower ambient concentrations of BaP and DahA in comparison with individual concentrations of other PAHs associated to PM 1.0. Mainly, research suggests to include carcinogenic and mutagenic PAHs in future studies of environmental health risk due to their capacity to associate to PM 10. Such carcinogenic and mutagenic PAHs are likely to provide the majority of the human exposure, since they originate from dense traffic urban areas were humans congregate.
The sulfide oxidation and precipitation of Al-Fe-secondary minerals associated with abandoned aci... more The sulfide oxidation and precipitation of Al-Fe-secondary minerals associated with abandoned acid mine drainage (AMD) from the abandoned copper mine waste pile at Touro, Spain, has been studied by sequential extraction (SE) combined with several techniques with the intent of understanding the role of these processes play in the natural atten-uation of hazardous element contaminants in the AMD. In addition, the fragile nature of nanominerals and ultrafine particle (UFP) assemblages from contaminated sediment systems from the abandoned copper mine required novel techniques and experimental approaches. The investigation of the geo-chemistry of complex nanominerals and UFP assemblages was a prerequisite to accurately assess the environmental and human health risks of contaminants and cost-effective chemical and biogeological remediation strategies. Particular emphasis was placed on the study and characterization of the complex mixed nanominerals and UFP containing potentially toxic elements. Nanometer-sized phases in sediments were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images. The identification of the geochemical and mineralogical composition of AMD in Touro, as well as the different formation mechanisms proposed, complement the existing literature on secondary mineral assemblages and provide new emphasis to increase the understanding of extreme environments. The results also demonstrated that variations in the geochemical fractionation of hazardous elements in AMD were more influenced by the secondary mineral proportion and by AMD pH.
Particulate matter (PM) is considered as one of the major pollutants that affect the health of hu... more Particulate matter (PM) is considered as one of the major pollutants that affect the health of humans, especially for the fine and ultrafine fraction, which can adsorb greater concentrations of toxic compounds, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a group of several complex organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen, and two or more condensed benzene rings and represent one of the most stable families of organic compounds known. The known carcinogens isomers are primarily associated with particulate material and, usually, the highest concentrations are in the respirable fraction <5 µm. High PAHs levels in ambient air of large metropolitan areas are usually associated with vehicular emissions, including diesel and gasoline vehicles. Particle-bound PAHs in the fine and ultrafine fraction present a higher risk because they can deposit in the respiratory tract, hence aggravating the potentially negative health effects. In addition, some PAHs are possibly or probably carcinogenic to humans (benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k] fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h] anthracene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene). Thus, there is considerable concern about the relationship between PAHs exposure in the ambient air and the potential to contribute to human cancer incidence. The objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of carcinogenic and mutagenic risks of the studied PAHs in the PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 samples. The toxic equivalent factors were calculated to characterize more accurately the risk of cancer from PAH exposure in the PM samples. This was based on the contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene. The ambient concentrations of 12 PAHs, beginning from fluorene, and their toxic equivalence factor (TEF) were used in the calculation. The carcinogenic risk for five carcinogenic PAHs (Chr, BaA, BaP, Ind, and DahA) in the PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 fractions ranged from 44.9% to 56.8%, of DahA ranged from 35.12% to 44.63%, and of Ind ranged from 5.24% to 6.65% of the total carcinogenic activity in the study area. For PM1.0 fraction, BaP and DahA dominated the BaPeq levels. The carcinogenicity activity contribution of BaP was in the range of 27.1% (Canoas summer) up to 44.0% (Sapucaia winter); and the contribution of DahA was of 22.7% (Sapucaia winter) up to 45.3% (Canoas summer). The contribution of Ind for the BaPeq levels was of 15.0% (Sapucaia summer) up to 17.8% (Sapucaia winter). Since 2006 to 2013, the highest BaPeq levels were observed in winter in the study, and there has not been an increase in the contribution in the BaPeq levels of potentially carcinogenic PAHs, except for Ind. The recent established air quality limit of the European Parliament, the scientific publication of the IARC and the carcinogenic risk demonstrate the importance that these pollutants require maximum reduction and their study. These results may help the environmental agency and government to have tools to control PAHs in ambient air.
Hand too ls, such as a sledgehammer, are widely used in refurbishment activities; nonetheless, th... more Hand too ls, such as a sledgehammer, are widely used in refurbishment activities; nonetheless, there is very little knowledge on nanoparticle generation. We measured particle number size distributions (PSDs) and concentrations (PNCs) in the 10–420 nm using a NanoScan scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) during the use of hand tools (i.e., sanding and removal of wall) in a real indoor refurbishment environment. Results indicated that refurbishment activities from removal of wall increased average PNCs by ~ 6 times over the background while it was ~ 1.5 times higher than sanding. The highest total PNC was 1.9 × 105 particles cm−3 that corresponded to removal of wall activities. For sanding activities, PNC was lower as the coat of the plaster was probably slightly wet. Moreover, comparison between the two principal activities showed a similar peak in the accumulation mode (~ 65 nm), with a monomodal pattern. Results suggest that removal of wall activities emitted nanoparticles with a 59% of contribution in the Aitken mode. According to these data, it can be inferred that the application of hand tools in refurbishment activities generates lower total PNC than using electromechanical equipment. This study may contribute to our understanding of nanoparticle generation in refurbishment activities.
Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) represent a group of organic compounds of signific... more Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) represent a group of organic compounds of significant interest due to their presence in airborne particulates of urban centers, wide distribution in the environment, and mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. These compounds, associated with atmospheric particles of size <1 μm, have been reported as a major risk to human health. This study aims at identifying the spectral features of NPAHs (1-nitropyrene, 2-nitrofluorene, and 6-nitrochrysene) in emissivity and transmittance spectra of samples of particulate matter <1 μm (PM1.0) using infrared spectrometry. Carcinogenic and mutagenic risks of the studied NPAHs associatedwith PM1.0 sampleswere also determined for two sampling sites: Canoas and Sapucaia do Sul. The results showed that NPAH standard spectra can effectively identify NPAHs in PM1.0 samples. The transmittance and emissivity sample spectra showed broader bands and lower relative intensity than the standard NPAH spectra. The carcinogenic risk and the total mutagenic risk were calculated using the toxic equivalent factors and mutagenic potency factors, respectively. Canoas showed the highest total carcinogenic risk, while Sapucaia do Sul had the highest mutagenic risk. The seasonal analysis suggested that in the study area the ambient air is more toxic during the cold periods. These findings might of significant importance for the decision and policy making authorities.
Works of particle number and mass concentration variability have a great importance since they ma... more Works of particle number and mass concentration variability have a great importance since they may indicate better the influence of vehicle emissions in an urban region. Moreover, the importance of this work lies in the fact that there are few studies in Brazil, where the fuel used has unique characteristics. Consequently, this paper presents measurements of particle number (size range 0.3–10 μm), particle mass (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), O3 and NOx (NO, NO2), in a site near a major highway at the Metropolitan Area of Porto Alegre, south Brazil. Measurements were carried out during two years: 2012 and 2013. Particle number and mass concentrations were measured using an optical counter with a PM10 analyzer. Results showed that concentrations of N0.3–1 (0.3–1 μm)were the highest, although similar to N1–2.5 (1–2.5 μm). Daily variability of the analyzed pollutants followed the traffic pattern.Moreover, NO2, O3, and particle numberwere higher during the day,whereas NO, NOx, and particle matter showed higher concentrations during nighttime. Traffic influence was evidenced by the mean concentrations ofweekends andweekdays, being higher for the latter. Correlation of particles and gases withmeteorological variables, togetherwith the application of PCA confirmed the influence of vehicle exhaust discharges.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of various complex organic compounds composed... more Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of various complex organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen, and two or more condensed benzene rings. They are released into the atmosphere by the incomplete combustion or pyrolysis of organic matter. Some of the major sources of PAHs are burning of coal, wood, oil or gas, vehicle engines exhaust, and open burning. PAHs are of great concern to human health mainly because of their known carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Consequently, it is very important to study atmospheric PAHs, especially those associated with ultrafine particles. This study aims to identify the spectral features of PAHs in samples of particulate matter < 1 µm (PM 1) using infrared spectrometry. Emissivity and transmittance spectra of PAHs were obtained by infrared spectroscopy. PAHs standards spectra contributed to effectively identify PAHs in PM 1 samples. Emissivity and transmittance spectra in the range of 680–900 cm –1 exhibited the largest number of bands due to C–C out-of-plane angular deformations and C–H out-of-plane angular deformations. Bands of medium intensity in 2900–3050 cm –1 region were also observed due to C–H stretching typical of aromatic compounds, although with lower intensity. This study compared the emissivity and transmittance spectra acquired using two different infrared spectrometers in order to identify PAHs in samples of atmospheric particulate matter and analyzed the capability and advantages of each of the infrared spectrometers. In addition, it was confirmed that the PAHs under study can be distinguished by their infrared spectral fingerprints.
We investigated the carcinogenic and mutagenic respiratory health risks related to the exposure t... more We investigated the carcinogenic and mutagenic respiratory health risks related to the exposure to atmospheric PAHs in an urban area. Our study focused in the association of these pollutants and their possible effect in human health, principally respiratory and circulatory diseases. Also, we determined a relationship between the inhalation risk of PAHs and meteorological conditions. We validated the hypothesis that in winter PAHs with high molecular weight associated to submicron particles (PM 1) may increase exposure risk, especially for respiratory diseases, bronchitis and pneumonia diseases. Moreover, in our study we verified the relationship between diseases and several carcinogenic PAHs (Ind, BbkF, DahA, BaP, and BghiP). These individual PAHs contributed the most to the potential risk of exposure for inhalation of PM 1.0. Even at lower ambient concentrations of BaP and DahA in comparison with individual concentrations of other PAHs associated to PM 1.0. Mainly, research suggests to include carcinogenic and mutagenic PAHs in future studies of environmental health risk due to their capacity to associate to PM 10. Such carcinogenic and mutagenic PAHs are likely to provide the majority of the human exposure, since they originate from dense traffic urban areas were humans congregate.
The sulfide oxidation and precipitation of Al-Fe-secondary minerals associated with abandoned aci... more The sulfide oxidation and precipitation of Al-Fe-secondary minerals associated with abandoned acid mine drainage (AMD) from the abandoned copper mine waste pile at Touro, Spain, has been studied by sequential extraction (SE) combined with several techniques with the intent of understanding the role of these processes play in the natural atten-uation of hazardous element contaminants in the AMD. In addition, the fragile nature of nanominerals and ultrafine particle (UFP) assemblages from contaminated sediment systems from the abandoned copper mine required novel techniques and experimental approaches. The investigation of the geo-chemistry of complex nanominerals and UFP assemblages was a prerequisite to accurately assess the environmental and human health risks of contaminants and cost-effective chemical and biogeological remediation strategies. Particular emphasis was placed on the study and characterization of the complex mixed nanominerals and UFP containing potentially toxic elements. Nanometer-sized phases in sediments were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images. The identification of the geochemical and mineralogical composition of AMD in Touro, as well as the different formation mechanisms proposed, complement the existing literature on secondary mineral assemblages and provide new emphasis to increase the understanding of extreme environments. The results also demonstrated that variations in the geochemical fractionation of hazardous elements in AMD were more influenced by the secondary mineral proportion and by AMD pH.
Particulate matter (PM) is considered as one of the major pollutants that affect the health of hu... more Particulate matter (PM) is considered as one of the major pollutants that affect the health of humans, especially for the fine and ultrafine fraction, which can adsorb greater concentrations of toxic compounds, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a group of several complex organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen, and two or more condensed benzene rings and represent one of the most stable families of organic compounds known. The known carcinogens isomers are primarily associated with particulate material and, usually, the highest concentrations are in the respirable fraction <5 µm. High PAHs levels in ambient air of large metropolitan areas are usually associated with vehicular emissions, including diesel and gasoline vehicles. Particle-bound PAHs in the fine and ultrafine fraction present a higher risk because they can deposit in the respiratory tract, hence aggravating the potentially negative health effects. In addition, some PAHs are possibly or probably carcinogenic to humans (benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k] fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h] anthracene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene). Thus, there is considerable concern about the relationship between PAHs exposure in the ambient air and the potential to contribute to human cancer incidence. The objective of this study was to conduct an assessment of carcinogenic and mutagenic risks of the studied PAHs in the PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 samples. The toxic equivalent factors were calculated to characterize more accurately the risk of cancer from PAH exposure in the PM samples. This was based on the contribution of the carcinogenic potency of benzo[a]pyrene. The ambient concentrations of 12 PAHs, beginning from fluorene, and their toxic equivalence factor (TEF) were used in the calculation. The carcinogenic risk for five carcinogenic PAHs (Chr, BaA, BaP, Ind, and DahA) in the PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 fractions ranged from 44.9% to 56.8%, of DahA ranged from 35.12% to 44.63%, and of Ind ranged from 5.24% to 6.65% of the total carcinogenic activity in the study area. For PM1.0 fraction, BaP and DahA dominated the BaPeq levels. The carcinogenicity activity contribution of BaP was in the range of 27.1% (Canoas summer) up to 44.0% (Sapucaia winter); and the contribution of DahA was of 22.7% (Sapucaia winter) up to 45.3% (Canoas summer). The contribution of Ind for the BaPeq levels was of 15.0% (Sapucaia summer) up to 17.8% (Sapucaia winter). Since 2006 to 2013, the highest BaPeq levels were observed in winter in the study, and there has not been an increase in the contribution in the BaPeq levels of potentially carcinogenic PAHs, except for Ind. The recent established air quality limit of the European Parliament, the scientific publication of the IARC and the carcinogenic risk demonstrate the importance that these pollutants require maximum reduction and their study. These results may help the environmental agency and government to have tools to control PAHs in ambient air.
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Papers by Dayana Agudelo Castañeda