Emissions of volatile organic compounds from COVID-19 response hospitals using mobile proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry observations in Wuhan in 2020

Abstract

To curb the rapid spread of the COVID-19, Wuhan was the first in the world to implement strict lockdown measures on January 23, 2020, and rapidly established several large hospitals. The extensive disinfection operations and daily activities within these hospitals led to the release of significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, the composition and concentration characteristics of VOCs around these hospitals remain unclear. This study employed a self-developed mobile proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (M-PTR-MS) system to conduct high spatiotemporal resolution mobile monitoring of VOCs in these hospitals in Wuhan from February 29 to March 15, 2020. The study compared the temporal and spatial variations in VOC across Wuhan, focusing on the frequency and concentration of VOC increases downwind of temporary hospital (Leishenshan Hospital), designated hospitals (Wuhan Xiehe Hospital, Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital), and shelter hospitals (Wuhan Keting Shelter Hospital, Hongshan Stadium Shelter Hospital). The results indicated that during the 14 days of effective mobile monitoring, the average concentration of total VOC (TVOC) in the first seven days was 13.39 % higher than in the latter seven days. Spatially, the average concentration of TVOC in the industrial areas north of the Yangtze River was 8.89 % higher than those in the non-industrial areas south of the river. Leishenshan Hospital exhibited the most diverse VOC composition and sources, with VOCs primarily originating from the fermentation and direct incineration of medical, waste within the hospital grounds and disinfectants. Downwind of the designated hospitals, VOCs related to industrial-source, disinfectants and waste were detected. Ethanol was detected downwind of all these hospitals. Waste generated by hospitals was a significant source of VOCs downwind of both temporary and designated hospitals. This study provides valuable technology for the research on VOC characteristics, disinfection efficacy evaluation, and environmental impact analysis during public health emergencies.