{"title":"Enhanced PM2.5 prediction in Delhi using a novel optimized STL-CNN-BILSTM-AM hybrid model","authors":"T. Sreenivasulu, G. Mokesh Rayalu","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00048-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00048-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Accurate air pollution predictions in urban areas facilitate the implementation of efficient actions to control air pollution and the formulation of strategies to mitigate contamination. This includes establishing an early warning system to notify the public. Creating precise estimates for PM2.5 air pollutants in large cities is a challenging task because of the numerous relevant factors and quick fluctuations. This study introduces a novel hybrid model named STL-CNN-BILSTM-AM. It combines the seasonal-trend decomposition method with LOESS (STL) to simplify learning tasks and increase prediction accuracy for complex, nonlinear time-series data. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) extract features from decomposed components of PM2.5 and other feature variables, such as pollutants and meteorological variables. Bidirectional long-short-term memory (BILSTM) uses these features to extract temporal relationships, enabling the forecasting of daily PM2.5 levels at four locations in Delhi. This hybrid model uses attention mechanisms to extract the most significant information, as well as Bayesian optimization to tune the hyperparameters. The suggested model greatly improved performance in all four regions used in this study, as evidenced by the findings. We compared it with the CNN-BILSTM, BILSTM, LSTM, and CNN models, and the suggested model outperformed the state-of-the-art models by utilizing STL decomposition components and other features. The overall results show that the STL-CNN-BILSTM-AM is better at predicting air quality, especially the concentration of PM2.5 in cities when the data has a high seasonal trend and is complex.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00048-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142859722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microbiostatic effect of indoor air quality management with low-concentration gaseous chlorine dioxide on fungal growth","authors":"Ryosuke Mitani, Hiroko Yamanaka, Yo Ishigaki, Daisuke Nakayama, Mitsuharu Sakamoto, Chihiro Watanabe, Tatsuhiro Mori, Tomoaki Okuda","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00047-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00047-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biological contamination of fresh produce by fungi in storage is becoming a serious problem. Gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO<sub>2</sub>) has been used to prevent fungal growth on fresh produce; however, the specific effects of gaseous ClO<sub>2</sub> at concentrations low enough to be safe for the human body on fungal growth remain unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of low-concentration gaseous ClO<sub>2</sub> on fungal growth in sweet potatoes over 1 month. Here, a mechanochemical reaction involving the collision of two types of powders was used to produce low concentrations of gaseous ClO<sub>2</sub>. The experiment was conducted in a container and chlorine dioxide gas was diffused by a circulator to verify its microbiostatic effect in a large space. A clear microbiostatic effect was observed in potatoes without skin when exposed to low-concentration ClO<sub>2</sub> for 3 days. Notably, low concentrations (< 1.0 ppm) of ClO<sub>2</sub> reduced <i>Rhizopus stolonifer</i> growth in sweet potatoes with skin over 1 month. Therefore, low concentrations of gaseous ClO<sub>2</sub> are sufficient to inhibit fungal growth via gas diffusion.\u0000</p></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00047-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142859749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trieu-Vuong Dinh, Byeong-Gyu Park, Sang-Woo Lee, Da-Hyun Baek, In-Young Choi, Jo-Chun Kim
{"title":"A case study on the effect of contaminated inlet tubes on the accuracy of mid-cost optical particle counters for the ambient air monitoring of fine particles","authors":"Trieu-Vuong Dinh, Byeong-Gyu Park, Sang-Woo Lee, Da-Hyun Baek, In-Young Choi, Jo-Chun Kim","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00045-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00045-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the impact of the long-term use of inlet-heated tubes on the performance of mid-cost optical particle counters (OPCs) for ambient air monitoring of fine particles (PM<sub>2.5</sub>). Two OPCs, equipped with inlet-heated tubes, were deployed over a 6-month period, with a beta attenuation monitor (BAM) serving as the reference device. The performance of the OPCs using the same inlet tubes for the first 3 months was compared to their performance after the frequent replacement of clean tubes during the final 3 months. The correlation coefficients (<i>r</i><sup>2</sup>) for the 1 h and 24 h average PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations between the OPCs and the BAM were lower with long-term contaminated tubes (0.82 < <i>r</i><sup>2</sup> < 0.93) compared to clean tubes (<i>r</i><sup>2</sup> > 0.93). The relative mean errors and biases significantly increased over time with contaminated tubes. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed were found to have an insignificant effect (<i>r</i><sup>2</sup> < 0.1) on the performance of the two OPCs with inlet-heated tubes over the 6-month period. The relative average PM<sub>2.5</sub> error when using clean tubes was less than 4%. These findings highlight the importance of inlet-heated tubes in improving OPC performance, particularly for mitigating humidity effects.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00045-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142587855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soo Ran Won, Kwangyul Lee, Mijung Song, Changhyuk Kim, Kyoung-Soon Jang, Ji Yi Lee
{"title":"Characteristic of PM2.5 concentration and source apportionment during winter in Seosan, Korea","authors":"Soo Ran Won, Kwangyul Lee, Mijung Song, Changhyuk Kim, Kyoung-Soon Jang, Ji Yi Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00044-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00044-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Seosan is a concentrated industrial complex in the midwestern region of Korea. A study was conducted from December 2020 to January 2021, measuring PM2.5 and chemical components in Seosan using online instruments every hour. The concentration of PM2.5 during the winter season was 31.4±17.8 μg/m<sup>3</sup>, exceeding the national ambient air quality standard of Korea. The mass fraction of organic matter, elemental carbon, three major ions, five minor ions, crustal elements, and trace elements in PM2.5 accounted for 24.5%, 4.36%, 32.0%, 2.82%, 4.11%, and 5.17% of the total PM2.5 mass concentration, respectively. Source identification was conducted using positive matrix factorization modeling, revealing eight sources of PM2.5: Secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA), vehicle exhaust, industry, coal combustion, biomass burning/incinerator, oil combustion, soil, and aged sea salt. Source contributions varied during high pollution episodes (HPE), with SIA dominating in HPE1 and soil and aged sea salt in HPE2. The potential source contribution function and conditional probability function were utilized to estimate the potential local and regional emission areas for the identified sources. In Seosan, vehicle exhaust and biomass burning/incinerator were primarily influenced by local sources. SIA, industry, and oil combustion sources were significantly affected by short-range transport from eastern China. Soil and aged sea salt, which exhibited high contributions during HPE2, were associated with long-range transport from Inner Mongolia. Coal combustion was attributed to both local sources, particularly large industrial complexes near Seosan, and long-range transport from Northeast China and Inner Mongolia.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00044-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142587854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mao Xu, Ryota Matsumoto, Phuvasa Chanonmuang, Kazuhide Matsuda
{"title":"Vertical profile measurements for ammonia in a Japanese deciduous forest using denuder sampling technique: ammonia emissions near the forest floor","authors":"Mao Xu, Ryota Matsumoto, Phuvasa Chanonmuang, Kazuhide Matsuda","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00042-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00042-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) has received considerable attention as a major reduced nitrogen. However, accurate estimates of the deposition amount are difficult due to its complex behavior characterized by bidirectional exchange between the atmosphere and the surface. We observed the vertical profile of NH<sub>3</sub> concentration in a deciduous forest in Japan for 1 year to further advance the studies on NH<sub>3</sub> bidirectional exchange in Asia, especially focusing on the process near the forest floor. The observation period lasted from September 29, 2020, to September 28, 2021, including leafy and leafless periods. Using the denuder sampling technique, we measured NH<sub>3</sub> concentration in the forest at three heights (above the forest canopy, 30 m, and near the forest floor, 2 m and 0.2 m). NH<sub>3</sub> concentrations tended to be highest at the top of the canopy (30 m). Focusing on the concentration near the forest floor, the concentrations at 0.2 m were frequently higher than those at 2 m regardless of the leafy and leafless period, thus suggesting NH<sub>3</sub> emissions from the forest floor. NH<sub>3</sub> concentration near the forest floor showed strong positive correlations with air temperature during the leafy period. The NH<sub>3</sub> emissions from the forest floor during the leafy period were possibly due to the decomposition of leaf litter with increased air temperature. The decrease in leaf area index might induced the increase in NH<sub>3</sub> concentration and emission. NH<sub>3</sub> emission during the leafless period was also possibly dependent on the state of the deposition surface, apart from air temperature, relative humidity, and leaf area index.\u0000</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00042-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142518832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jihwan Son, Yeosook Kim, Heesun Lee, Minjeong Seo, Yuri Choi, JinA Park, Yongsuk Choi, Ju-Sung Park, Gangwoong Lee
{"title":"Assessment of vehicle exhaust PM emissions using high-resolution on-road measurements in Seoul, Korea","authors":"Jihwan Son, Yeosook Kim, Heesun Lee, Minjeong Seo, Yuri Choi, JinA Park, Yongsuk Choi, Ju-Sung Park, Gangwoong Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00043-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00043-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In megacities, road traffic is a major source of particulate matter (PM), requiring a critical understanding of effective air pollution control. Despite existing methods to determine PM emission factors (EFs) of vehicles, accurate estimation of PM emissions under real driving conditions remains challenging. We aimed to assess the EFs of organic aerosol (OA) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) from vehicles through on-road measurements in Seoul, Korea, to understand real-world PM emissions. We used a mobile laboratory equipped with an aerosol mass spectrometer and an aethalometer to measure the composition of PM. On-road measurements were conducted in vehicle tunnels, urban roadways, and residential areas, and the characteristics of measurement points were compared and analyzed. Our results showed that concentrations of OA increased proportionally with the influence of vehicle exhaust, while oxidation states of the OA decreased. Mobile measurements revealed spatial heterogeneities in aerosols, highlighting distinct characteristics of fresh OA on vehicle roads and elevated oxidation state values in residential areas. Active nitrate formation near vehicles led to elevated NO<sub>3</sub> concentrations on roads compared to residential areas. Our study shows that mobile PM measurements, including OA and eBC, are valuable for the direct evaluation of emission inventories. However, given that the calculated EFs may not be applicable to other cities due to differences in vehicle composition and traffic conditions, the development of city-specific EFs will be necessary in the future. Furthermore, it is recommended to integrate this methodology with conventional emission inventories to identify vehicle-type-specific emissions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00043-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142519075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ninu Krishnan Modon Valappil, Fatimah Shafinaz Ahmad, Vijith Hamza
{"title":"Satellite measurement data-based assessment of spatiotemporal characteristics of ultraviolet index (UVI) over the state of Johor, Malaysia","authors":"Ninu Krishnan Modon Valappil, Fatimah Shafinaz Ahmad, Vijith Hamza","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00041-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00041-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The study examines the spatiotemporal and statistical characteristics of the daily ultraviolet index (UVI) over the Johor state of Malaysia. The datasets utilized in this study are the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)/Aura satellite’s daily UVI observations between October 2004 and March 2023. The innovative trend analysis (ITA) method is employed to identify the statistical trend of daily UVI. Basic statistics of daily, monthly, and seasonal UVI are also carried out to better characterize UVI in the study area. The daily UVI data collected for the analysis exhibit wide variability, with more than 80% of the daily UVI data falling above UVI 8, indicating the severity of UV radiation (UVR) reaching the study area. The monthly and seasonal UVI also display highly varying characteristics, as observed in the daily data. The pixel-based analysis of ITA results indicates a significant increasing and decreasing trend of daily UVI in the region, with values varying between − 9.42 × 10<sup>−6</sup> and 3.79 × 10<sup>−5</sup>. However, for the study area as a whole, UVI shows a significant increasing trend of 4.50 × 10<sup>−5</sup>. The influence of parameters such as cloud optical thickness (COT), solar zenith angle (SZA), and O3 column on the strength of UVR reaching the study area is also investigated. Based on the results, the study area is characterized by low thickness, broken clouds, and sometimes cloudless conditions. Overall, the results show that UVI in the study area is increasing, and therefore, proper health guidelines and direct UVR exposure regulations need to be implemented to reduce serious health risks associated with UVR exposure.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00041-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142410841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Variations of dissolved trace elements in precipitation and stream water in Japanese forest area: additional evidence of changing air pollution in the region","authors":"Masayuki Morohashi, Tatsuyoshi Saito, Masaaki Takahashi, Yayoi Inomata, Makoto Nakata, Masaki Ohno, Tomohiro Kose, Tsuyoshi Ohizumi, Ki-Cheol Shin, Ichiro Tayasu, Hiroyuki Sase","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00040-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00040-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Trace elements released into the atmosphere by human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, flow into forest ecosystems via wet and dry deposition and can flow out via mountainous stream water. The Kajikawa catchment site in Niigata Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, suffers from large amounts of acidic substance deposition due to its geographical conditions and meteorological seasonality and is affected by transboundary air pollution originating from the Asian continent due to northwesterly seasonal winds in winter. This study determined the concentrations of trace elements dissolved in precipitation and stream water to comprehensively evaluate the effects of transboundary air pollution on forest ecosystems. The results showed that the concentrations of trace elements and major inorganic ions in precipitation tended to be high in winter and low in summer. The fluxes of many trace elements also increased in winter, reflecting high precipitation amount. Except for Sr, the enrichment factors of the highly enriched trace elements did not show clear seasonality. Therefore, they were continuously influenced by anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the stable Pb isotope ratio changed significantly during the observation period; however, this was not explained by seasonal changes. This study revealed that trace elements are transported to the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, especially in winter; however, their quantity and content change in response to changes in local and transboundary air pollution.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00040-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142409576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ji-Yun Jung, Si-Hyun Park, Ji-Eun Moon, Jun-Heon Yoon, Sung-Won Yoon, Cheol-Min Lee
{"title":"Aggregate risk assessment for multi-route exposure to hazardous chemicals caused by chemical accidents, with a focus on toluene","authors":"Ji-Yun Jung, Si-Hyun Park, Ji-Eun Moon, Jun-Heon Yoon, Sung-Won Yoon, Cheol-Min Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00039-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00039-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Chemical accidents significantly impact environmental and human health. However, studies investigating the impacts of such accidents have primarily focused on single-route exposures, potentially underestimating the extent of damage. This study aimed to conduct an aggregate risk assessment for multi-route exposure to hazardous chemicals to ensure systematic and rational management of the health impacts on residents exposed to chemical accidents, considering the behavior of a hazardous chemical from a chemical accident within environmental media. Drawing upon a real chemical accident that occurred in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do, in 2019, leakage of 500 L of toluene over an hour was assumed. Employing a multimedia environmental dynamics model, the time-dependent concentrations across various environmental media were calculated, and the average daily dose (ADD), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) for each exposure route included in the multi-route exposure assessment were derived. Health risks were deemed present if the calculated HQ and HI values exceeded the threshold of 1. The results indicated the highest ADD values among the 0–9 age group, with inhalation exposure registering the highest ADD across all exposure routes. However, no significant health risks were observed, with both HQ and HI values not exceeding 1. This aggregate risk assessment approach is proposed as an effective preliminary evaluation method for health impact assessments in areas affected by chemical accidents.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00039-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142412575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shin-young Park, Jeong-In Jeon, Ji-Yun Jung, Sung-Won Yoon, Jaymin Kwon, Cheol-Min Lee
{"title":"PM2.5 and heavy metals in urban and agro-industrial areas: health risk assessment considerations","authors":"Shin-young Park, Jeong-In Jeon, Ji-Yun Jung, Sung-Won Yoon, Jaymin Kwon, Cheol-Min Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44273-024-00037-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44273-024-00037-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The study investigated PM<sub>2.5</sub> and heavy metal pollutant concentrations in Seoul and Wonju, South Korea, emphasizing the importance of considering PM<sub>2.5</sub> chemical constituents for health impact assessments. While PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations were similar between the two cities with slight variations, heavy metal concentrations differed significantly. Regional sources, PM<sub>2.5</sub> composition, and meteorological conditions influenced these variations. Exposure to Fe was highest in all areas, with some heavy metals exceeding permissible levels, stressing the need to consider regional characteristics in assessments. Different heavy metals influence health risks differently in each city. When examining the HI (the summation of the hazard quotient for heavy metals), Seoul remained below an HI value of 1, while Wonju exceeded this threshold when exposed to CTE concentrations. In Seoul, As had a significant health impact of PM<sub>2.5</sub>, while in Wonju, Mn was more influential. Source apportionment confirmed different pollution sources in Seoul and Wonju, affecting the distribution of PM<sub>2.5</sub> constituents in the atmosphere. Effective PM<sub>2.5</sub> management requires a comprehensive approach considering chemical constituents and health impacts not just mass-based PM<sub>2.5</sub> management, emphasizing regional-specific assessments and policy considerations to mitigate health risks. Therefore, tailored management strategies based on regional characteristics are necessary.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":45358,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44273-024-00037-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141799160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}