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“A high-order model for accurately simulating the size distribution of ultrafine particles in a traffic tunnel”. Vos PEJ, Nikolova I, Janssen S, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 59, 415 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2012.05.011
Abstract: We present a computational model for simulating the dispersion of traffic emitted particulate matter inside a road tunnel, with an emphasis on the number concentration of ultrafine particles (UFP). The model primarily calculates the size distribution of the particle number concentration at each location inside the tunnel. The proposed model differs from existing models in the sense that it uses a continuous representation of the size distribution based upon the high-order finite element method and that it solves the governing equations using the state-of-the-art discontinuous Galerkin method. Next to the traditional transport processes, the model also implements the most important aerosol transformation processes such as coagulation, condensation and dry deposition. It is shown that based upon parametrisations found in literature, the process of condensation in a traffic tunnel cannot properly be modelled. Therefore, we present a correction factor that allows for a better parametrisation. The adequate performance of the model is demonstrated by both a verification study and a validation study. For the verification we show that the discretisation error converges consistently while for the validation we compare the modelled results with a suitable set of data from a UFP measurement campaign in a Taiwanese traffic tunnel. The model is shown to correctly simulate the observed behaviour and by applying a statistical model evaluation we demonstrate that the proposed model meets widely accepted air quality model acceptance criteria. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2012.05.011
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“Elemental and ionic components of atmospheric aerosols and associated gaseous pollutants in and near Dar es Salaam, Tanzania”. Mmari AG, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Bencs L, McCrindle RI, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 77, 51 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.04.061
Abstract: Elemental and water-soluble ionic compounds (WSICs) of atmospheric aerosols (total suspended particulate TSP) and some gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2 and O3) from a coastal, semi-urban and rural site in and near Dar es Salaam, Tanzania were investigated during dry and wet seasons of January 2005November 2007. Na+, Ca2+, SO42−, NO3− and Cl− made up the dominant fraction of WSICs during the dry season with average concentrations ranging from non-detectable (n.d.)5.4, 0.262.6, 0.7414.7, 0.41.5 and 1.13.4 μg m−3, respectively, while in the wet season, from n.d. up to 1.7, 1.2, 4.4, 2.1 and 3.0 μg m−3, respectively. The total air concentrations of the detected elements (Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Zn) showed seasonal and site-specific variation in the range of 7.526.6 with an average of 14.5 μg m−3. Most of the air concentrations of pollutants were observed to decrease with increasing distance from the coastal site, which is under urban and industrial pollutant emissions. Sulphur and nitrogen oxidation ratios during the dry season ranged from 0.08 to 0.91 and 0.013 to 0.049, respectively, while they were between 0.090.65 and 0.0020.095, respectively, in the wet season. These values indicate the photochemical oxidation of SO2 and a high extent of NO3−formation in the atmosphere. Neutralization ratios revealed the presence of acidic SO42− and NO3− aerosols. Principal component analysis identified sea spray, local combustion, vehicular traffic, biomass burning and re-suspended road dust as dominant sources of aerosols at the studied coastal and semi-urban sites. However, at the rural site, besides sea spray, crustal sources, soil dust re-suspension and long-range transport are the possible origins of suspended particulates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2013.04.061
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“Characterization of North-Sea aerosols by individual particle analyses”. Bruynseels F, Storms H, Van Grieken R, Van der Auwera L, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 22, 2593 (1988). http://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(88)90493-3
Abstract: On aerosol and rain water samples, collected in the Southern Bight of the North Sea, single particle analyses were performed using both laser microprobe mass analysis and electron-probe X-ray microanalysis in combination with an automated image analysis system. In the aerosols collected from an air mass that had travelled from the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of North France, pure seasalt constituted the most abundant particle type, while aluminosilicates (mostly spherical fly-ash particles) amounted to about 20% and mixed seasalt/aluminosilicate, carbonaceous particles, CaSO4 and spherical iron oxides contributed each 510 %. In air masses that had a longer residence time over the continent, spherical iron oxides, carbonaceous particles and ammonium sulfates together made up 70 % of the total particle load. Seasalt particles were nearly all enriched in sulfate or nitrate, but they were seen to be washed out efficiently after a rain shower. In rain water, some 40 % of the particles appeared to be spherical or irregularly shaped aluminosilicates, from fly-ash and dust dispersal, but more than 50 % consisted of SiO2. The high relative abundance of these particles in rain water may be the result of Al leaching from fly-ash, or of more efficient scavenging by rain droplets.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0004-6981(88)90493-3
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“Background aerosol composition in the Namib Desert, South West-Africa (Namibia)”. Annegarn HJ, Van Grieken RE, Dibby DM, Von Blottnitz F, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 17, 2045 (1983). http://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(83)90361-X
Abstract: A remote site in the Namib Desert was selected for sampling background aerosols in southern Africa, as one of a wide network of stations spanning the Southern Hemisphere in a programme designed to measure the background concentrations of trace elements in the atmosphere. A series of samples was collected over a 6-month period using a single-orifice cascade impactor, which fractionated the particles into six size groups. Analysis was performed using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), yielding results for S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Br and Sr, and occasionally also for V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb. No direct correlations with wind direction were observed excluding strong local or regional sources of particles. K, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe can be identified with a dust dispersion source. Cl, large particle S and Br, and part of the K and Sr are derived from sea spray. Relative to the soil components small particle K is not enriched as it normally is in regions with less scarce vegetation. Cr, V, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations and enrichments in the aerosol are lower than practically all values measured at any other location hitherto. The concentration of the small particle sulphur, 200 ng m−3, is believed to be related to anaerobic conditions and plankton blooms in the ocean upwelling zones off Namibia.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0004-6981(83)90361-X
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“Geophysical applicability of aerosol size distribution measurements using cascade impactors and proton-induced X-ray-emission”. Van Grieken RE, Johansson TB, Akselsson KR, Winchester JW, Nelson JW, Chapman KR, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 10, 571 (1976). http://doi.org/10.1016/0004-6981(76)90040-8
Abstract: Proton Induced X-ray Emission, (PIXE), is capable of high precision analysis for trace element components of aerosol particle size fractions sampled by cascade impactor. A statistical evaluation of data quality has been carried out in order to distinguish between analytical uncertainties in the PIXE procedure, errors caused by cascade impactor performance and by other factors in the sampling procedure, and geophysical causes of differences in composition and particle size distributions of the elements in aerosols. Replicate analyses and simultaneous samplings taken in north Florida and St. Louis have been used for the data evaluation. In addition to the analytical error the sampling procedure contributes an error of ~ 10% to be added quadratically. The resulting precision is sufficient to evaluate the data in geophysical terms. This is illustrated by means of sample sets taken simultaneously in an urban, forest and coastal environment of the same region.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0004-6981(76)90040-8
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“Airborne bacteria in the atmosphere : presence, purpose, and potential”. Smets W, Moretti S, Denys S, Lebeer S, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 139, 214 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.05.038
Abstract: Numerous recent studies have highlighted that the types of bacteria present in the atmosphere often show predictable patterns across space and time. These patterns can be driven by differences in bacterial sources of the atmosphere and a wide range of environmental factors, including UV intensity, precipitation events, and humidity. The abundance of certain bacterial taxa is of interest, not only for their ability to mediate a range of chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere, such as cloud formation and ice nucleation, but also for their implications -both beneficial and detrimental-for human health. Consequently, the widespread importance of airborne bacteria has stimulated the search for their applicability. Improving air quality, modelling the dispersal of airborne bacteria (e.g. pathogens) and biotechnological purposes are already being explored. Nevertheless, many technological challenges still need to be overcome to fully understand the roles of airborne bacteria in our health and global ecosystems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.05.038
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“Impact of urban land use on the bacterial phyllosphere of ivy (Hedera sp.)”. Smets W, Wuyts K, Oerlemans E, Wuyts S, Denys S, Samson R, Lebeer S, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 147, 376 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.10.017
Abstract: The surface of the aerial parts of the plant, also termed the phyllosphere, is a selective habitat for microbes. The bacterial composition of the phyllosphere depends on host plant species, leaf characteristics, season, climate, and geographic location of the host plant. In this study, we investigated the effect of an urban environment on the bacterial composition of phyllosphere communities. We performed a passive biomonitoring experiment in which leaves were sampled from ivy (Hedera sp.), a common evergreen climber species, in urban and non-urban locations. Exposure to traffic-generated particulate matter was estimated using leaf biomagnetic analyses. The bacterial community composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq. The phyllosphere microbial communities of ivy differed greatly between urban and non-urban locations, as we observed a shift in several of the dominant taxa: Beijerinckia and Methylocystaceae were most abundant in the non-urban phyllosphere, whereas Hymenobacter and Sphingomonadaceae were dominating the urban ivy phyllosphere. The richness, diversity and composition of the communities showed greater variability in the urban than in the non-urban locations, where traffic-generated PM was lower. Interestingly, the relative abundances of eight of the ten most dominant taxa correlated well with leaf magnetism, be it positive or negative. The results of this study indicate that an urban environment can greatly affect the local phyllosphere community composition. Although other urban-related factors cannot be ruled out, the relative abundance of most of the dominant taxa was significantly correlated with exposure to traffic-generated PM.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2016.10.017
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“Composition of individual aerosol particles above Lake Baikal, Siberia”. van Malderen H, Van Grieken R, Khodzher T, Obolkin V, Potemkin V, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 30, 1453 (1996). http://doi.org/10.1016/1352-2310(95)00430-0
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/1352-2310(95)00430-0
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“A new opportunity for biomagnetic monitoring of particulate pollution in an urban environment using tree branches”. Wuyts K, Hofman J, van Wittenberghe S, Nuyts G, De Wael K, Samson R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 190, 177 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2018.07.014
Abstract: Environmental magnetism, and the magnetic leaf signal in particular, is amply investigated and applied as proxy for atmospheric particulate matter pollution. In this study, we investigated the magnetic signal of annual segments of tree branches, and the composition of particles deposited hereon. Branches are, contrary to leaves of deciduous trees, available during leaf-off seasons and exposed to air pollution year-round. We examined the intra- and inter-tree variation in saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) of branch internodes of London plane (Platanus x aeerifolia Willd.) trees in an urban environment. The branch SIRM, normalized by surface area, ranged from 18 to 650 x 10(-6) angstrom; the median amounted to 106 x 10(-6) angstrom. Most of the branch magnetic signal was attributed to the epidermis or bark, and the presence of metal-containing particles on the branch surfaces was confirmed by SEM-EDX. The location of the trees and the height, the depth in the crown and the age of the branches significantly influenced the branch SIRM. The median branch SIRM was up to 135% higher near a busy ring road than in quiet environments (city park and quiet street canyon), and was linked to the presence of Fe-rich particles with co-occurrence of trace metals such as Cr, Cu, Zn and Mn on the branch surface. Within the tree crowns, the branch SIRM generally decreased with increasing height, and was 22% higher in the interior than at the periphery of the crowns. Within the branches, the SIRM increased with each year of exposure, but did not relate to year-to-year variation in particle concentrations due to branch surface changes (epidermis shedding). Our results provide indications that branches can be a valuable alternative for biomagnetic monitoring of particulate pollution, but intra-tree variability in branch SIRM can be substantial due to the branch's location in the tree and branch age.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 3.629
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2018.07.014
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“Chemical relations between atmospheric aerosols, deposition and stone decay layers on historic buildings at the Mediterranean coast”. Torfs K, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 31, 2179 (1997)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Weathering of dolomitic sandstone under ambient conditions”. Sweevers H, Delalieux F, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 32, 733 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00341-5
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00341-5
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“Origin and growth of weathering crusts on ancient marbles in industrial atmosphere”. Moropoulou A, Bisbikou K, Torfs K, Van Grieken R, Zezza F, Macri F, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 32, 967 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00129-5
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00129-5
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“Composition of individual aerosol particles above the Israelian Mediterranean coast during the summer time”. Ganor E, Levin Z, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 32, 1631 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00397-X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00397-X
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“Deposition of atmospheric trace elements into the North Sea: coastal, ship, platform measurements and model predictions”. Injuk J, Van Grieken R, de Leeuw G, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 32, 3011 (1998). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00497-4
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00497-4
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“Electron microprobe characterization of individual aerosol particles collected by aircraft above the Southern Bight of the North Sea”. Rojas CM, Van Grieken RE, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 26a, 1231 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(92)90384-W
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0960-1686(92)90384-W
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“Analytical study of the deterioration of sandstone, marble and granite”. Sweevers H, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 26b, 159 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0957-1272(92)90019-O
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0957-1272(92)90019-O
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“Atmospheric concentrations and size distributions of aircraft-sampled Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn over the Southern Bight of the North Sea”. Injuk J, Otten P, Laane R, Maenhaut W, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 26a, 2499 (1992). http://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1686(92)90102-Q
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/0960-1686(92)90102-Q
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“Environmental monitoring in four European museums”. Camuffo D, Van Grieken R, Busse H-J, Sturaro G, Valentino A, Bernardi A, Blades N, Shooter D, Gysels K, Deutsch F, Wieser M, Kim O, Ulrych U, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 35, S127 (2001)
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Chemical speciation of individual atmospheric particles using low-Z electron probe X-ray microanalysis characterizing “Asian Dust&rdquo, deposited with rainwater in Seoul, Korea”. Ro C-U, Oh K-Y, Kim HK, Chun Y, Osán J, de Hoog J, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 35, 4995 (2001). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00287-4
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00287-4
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“Characterisation of aerosol particles in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area”. de Miranda RM, de Fátima Andrade M, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 36, 345 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00363-6
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(01)00363-6
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“Characterisation of wood combustion particles using electron probe microanalysis”. Osán J, Alföldy B, Török S, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 36, 2207 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00153-X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00153-X
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“Characterisation of particulate matter in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Belgium”. Gysels K, Deutsch F, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 36, 4103 (2002). http://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00229-7
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/S1352-2310(02)00229-7
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“Thin-window electron probe X-ray microanalysis of individual atmospheric particles above the North Sea”. de Hoog J, Osán J, Szalóki I, Eyckmans K, Worobiec A, Ro C-U, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 39, 3231 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.02.025
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.02.025
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“Seasonal and site-specific variation in vapour and aerosol phase PAHs over Flanders (Belgium) and their relation with anthropogenic activities”. Ravindra K, Bencs L, Wauters E, de Hoog J, Deutsch F, Roekens E, Bleux N, Berghmans P, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 40, 771 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.10.011
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.10.011
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“The shielding effect of the protective glazing of historical stained glass windows from an atmospheric chemistry perspective: case study Sainte Chapelle, Paris”. Godoi RHM, Kontozova V, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 40, 1255 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.10.033
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2005.10.033
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“Chemical composition and mass closure of particulate matter at six urban sites in Europe”. Sillanpää, M, Hillamo R, Saarikoski S, Frey A, Pennanen A, Makkonen U, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Brani&scaron, M, Brunekreef B, Chalbot M-C, Kuhlbusch T, Sunyer J, Kerminen V-M, Kulmala M, Salonen RO, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 40, S212 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2006.01.063
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2006.01.063
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“Characterisation of Amazon Basin aerosols at the individual particle level by X-ray microanalytical techniques”. Worobiec A, Szalóki I, Osán J, Maenhaut W, Stefaniak EA, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 41, 9217 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.07.056
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.07.056
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“Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: source attribution, emission factors and regulation”. Ravindra K, Sokhi R, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 42, 2895 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.12.010
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2007.12.010
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“Inhable particulate matter from lime industries: chemical composition and deposition in human respiratory tract”. Godoi RHM, Braga DM, Makarovska Y, Alfoldy B, Carvalho Filho MAS, Van Grieken R, Godoi AFL, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 42, 7027 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.07.002
Abstract: Air pollution caused by the lime production industry has become a serious problem with potential effects to human health, especially in developing countries. Colombo is a city included in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (capital of Parana State) in South Brazil. In Colombo city, a correlation has been shown between the lime production and the number of persons who need respiratory treatment in a local hospital, indicating that the lime industry can cause deleterious health effects in the exposed workers and population. This research was conducted to deal firstly with the characterization of the size distribution and chemical compositions of particles emitted from lime manufacturing and subsequently to assess the deposition rate of inhaled dolomitic lime aerosol particles in the human respiratory tract. The elemental chemical composition and particle size of individual atmospheric particles was quantitatively elucidated, including low-Z components like C, N and 0, as well as higher-Z elements, using automated electron probe microanalysis. Information concerning the bulk composition is provided by energy-dispersive X-ray detection. The majority of the respirable particulate matter identified was composed of aluminosilicates, Ca-Mg oxides, carbon-rich particles, mixtures of organic particles and Ca-Mg carbonates, soot and biogenic particles. In view of the chemical composition and size distribution of the aerosol particles, local deposition efficiencies in the human respiratory system were calculated, revealing the deposition of CaO center dot MgO at extrathoracic, tracheobronchial and pulmonary levels. The results of this study offer evidence to the threat of the fine and coarse particles emitted from dolomite lime manufacturing, allowing policy-makers to better focus their mitigation strategies in an effective way, as well as to the dolomite producers for the purpose of designing and/or implementing improved emission controls.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.07.002
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“Atmospheric BTEX-concentrations in an area with intensive street traffic”. Buczyńska AJ, Krata A, Stranger M, Godoi AFL, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Bencs L, Naveau I, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 43, 311 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.071
Abstract: The major threat to clean air in developed and industrializing countries is now posed by traffic emissions. The effects of traffic road modifications on the air quality are, however, rarely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the modernization and renovation of a traffic artery in the region of Mortsel (Antwerp, Belgium) on the concentration of volatile organic compounds such as: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-, p-, o-xylenes (BTEX). The original goal of the reconstruction works was to reduce the traffic lanes of one of the busiest streets in Antwerp, in order to discourage the road traffic and in consequence also to improve the air quality in this region. The average concentrations of BTEX before these works in 2003 were: 1.6, 7.0, 0.9, 2.3, and 0.9 ìg/m3, for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m + p xylenes, and o-xylene, respectively. However, after the completion of the works, in 2005, they were slightly higher: 2.5, 9.5, 1.6, 3.4, and 1.3 ìg/m3, respectively. The scatter plots of benzene against toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in 2003 and 2005 showed very good correlations. This fact indicated that all of the measured compounds originated from the same source, namely the road traffic. Moreover, the data obtained from an air-monitoring station at less than 6 km distance from the sampling site (operated by the Flemish Environment Agency, and located in Borgerhout, Antwerp), confirmed the lack of influence of background concentrations of BTEX. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the reduction of the number of traffic lanes had apparently increased the traffic jams and also increased the emission from cars. Therefore, these modernization works had even a negative impact on the local concentration of traffic-related pollutants as BTEX.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.071
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