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PloS One 2022Coal dust is the main pollutant in coal mining areas. Such pollutants easily diffuse and are difficult to monitor, which increases the cost of environmental pollution...
Coal dust is the main pollutant in coal mining areas. Such pollutants easily diffuse and are difficult to monitor, which increases the cost of environmental pollution control. Remote sensing technology can be used to dynamically monitor mining areas at a low cost, and thus, this is a common means of mining area management. According to the spectral characteristics of various ground objects in remote sensing images, a variety of remote sensing indexes can be constructed to extract the required information. In this study, the Wucaiwan open-pit coal mine was selected as the study area, and the Enhanced Coal Dust Index (ECDI) was established to extract the coal dust pollution information for the mining area. A new mining area pollution monitoring method was developed, which can provide technical support for environmental treatment and mining planning in Zhundong. The results of this study revealed the following: (1) Compared with the normalized difference coal index, the ECDI can expand the difference between the spectral information about the coal dust and the surrounding features, so it has a significant recognition ability for coal dust information. (2) From 2010 to 2021, the coal dust pollution in the study area initially increased and then decreased. With the continued exploitation of the coal mines in the study area, the coal dust pollution area increased from 14.77 km2 in 2010 to 69.49 km2 in 2014. After 2014, the local government issued various environmental pollution control policies, which had remarkable results. The coal dust pollution area decreased to 36.85 km2 and 17.85 km2 in 2018 and 2021, respectively. (3) There was a great deal of pollution around mines and roads, around which the pollution was more serious. Various factors, such as wind, coal type, and the mining, processing, and transportation modes, affect the distribution of the coal dust pollution.
Topics: China; Coal; Coal Mining; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Minerals
PubMed: 35395022
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266517 -
Microbiome Jan 2023Childhood cognitive development depends on neuroimmune interactions. Immunomodulation by early-life microbial exposure may influence neuropsychological function. In this...
BACKGROUND
Childhood cognitive development depends on neuroimmune interactions. Immunomodulation by early-life microbial exposure may influence neuropsychological function. In this study, we investigate the association between residential indoor microbiota and cognition and behavior among preschoolers.
RESULTS
Indoor-settled dust bacterial and fungal characteristics were assessed using 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing (microbial diversity) and qPCR measurements (microbial loads). Child behavior was assessed using four scales: peer relationship, emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity was assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Cognitive function was assessed using four tasks of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) software. The first two tasks were designed to assess attention and psychomotor speed (Motor Screening (MOT) and Big/Little Circle (BLC)) and the last two to evaluate the child's visual recognition/working memory (Spatial Span (SSP) and Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS)). Among the 172 included children (age 4-6 years), we observed a 51% (95%CI;75%;9%) lower odds of children scoring not normal for hyperactivity and a decrease of 3.20% (95%CI, -6.01%; -0.30%) in BLC response time, for every IQR increase in fungal Shannon diversity. Contrarily, microbial loads were directly associated with SDQ scales and response time. For example, a 2-fold increase in Gram-positive bacterial load was associated with 70% (95%CI 18%; 156%) higher odds of scoring not normal for hyperactivity and an increase of 5.17% (95%CI 0.87%; 9.65%) in DMS response time.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that early-life exposure to diverse indoor fungal communities is associated with better behavioral and cognitive outcomes, whereas higher indoor microbial load was associated with worse outcomes. Video Abstract.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Dust; Cognition; Microbiota; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child Development
PubMed: 36593490
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01406-9 -
Environmental Science & Technology Dec 2023Although airborne bacteria and fungi can impact human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, very few studies have investigated the possible impact of their long-range...
Although airborne bacteria and fungi can impact human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health, very few studies have investigated the possible impact of their long-range transport in the context of more commonly measured aerosol species, especially those present in an urban environment. We report first-of-kind simultaneous measurements of the elemental and microbial composition of North American respirable airborne particulate matter concurrent with a Saharan-Sahelian dust episode. Comprehensive taxonomic and phylogenetic profiles of microbial communities obtained by 16S/18S/ITS rDNA sequencing identified hundreds of bacteria and fungi, including several cataloged in the World Health Organization's lists of global priority human pathogens along with numerous other animal and plant pathogens and (poly)extremophiles. While elemental analysis sensitively tracked long-range transported Saharan dust and its mixing with locally emitted aerosols, microbial diversity, phylogeny, composition, and abundance did not well correlate with the apportioned African dust mass. Bacterial/fungal diversity, phylogenetic signal, and community turnover were strongly correlated to apportioned sources (especially vehicular emissions and construction activities) and elemental composition (especially calcium). Bacterial communities were substantially more dissimilar from each other across sampling days than were fungal communities. Generalized dissimilarity modeling revealed that daily compositional turnover in both communities was linked to calcium concentrations and aerosols from local vehicles and Saharan dust. Because African dust is known to impact large areas in northern South America, the Caribbean Basin, and the southern United States, the microbiological impacts of such long-range transport should be assessed in these regions.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dust; Ecosystem; Texas; Calcium; Phylogeny; Bacteria; Aerosols; Fungi; Environmental Monitoring; Air Microbiology
PubMed: 37943153
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04158 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jul 2020The observed deficit of lung cancer in farmers has been partly attributed to exposure to organic dusts and endotoxins based largely on surrogate metrics. To move beyond...
BACKGROUND
The observed deficit of lung cancer in farmers has been partly attributed to exposure to organic dusts and endotoxins based largely on surrogate metrics. To move beyond these surrogates for etiological studies, we characterized task-based and time-weighted average (TWA) exposure to inhalable endotoxin, (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan, and dust in Iowa farmers.
METHODS
We collected 320 personal inhalable dust samples from 32 farmers during 69 sample days in 2015 and 2016. Samples were collected using Button aerosol samplers and analyzed for endotoxin using a kinetic chromogenic amebocyte lysate assay, and for (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan using a Limulus endpoint assay. We assessed relationships between bioaerosol concentrations and selected tasks and farm characteristics using linear mixed-effects models.
RESULTS
Bedding work, hog handling, and working in barn/confinement buildings, grain bins, and grain elevators were associated with higher endotoxin exposure. We found a monotonic trend between higher endotoxin concentrations and increasing number of animals. Bedding work, cleaning, and feed/grain storage work were associated with higher (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan concentrations. The median concentrations by task spanned one order of magnitude for inhalable dust and two orders of magnitude for endotoxin and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan. Pearson correlations between endotoxin and glucan concentrations were 0.22 for TWA exposure and 0.56 for task samples.
CONCLUSIONS
This characterization of exposure factors that influence bioaerosol concentrations can support the development of refined bioaerosol exposure metrics for future etiologic analyses of cancer and other health outcomes in farmers.
Topics: Aged; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Dust; Endotoxins; Environmental Monitoring; Farmers; Glucans; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Iowa; Male; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 32311660
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113525 -
Environmental Research Feb 2023Occupational exposure during waste sorting is associated with several health outcomes. This study obtained knowledge about the impact of work in fully automated waste...
Occupational exposure during waste sorting is associated with several health outcomes. This study obtained knowledge about the impact of work in fully automated waste sorting plants (AWSP; n = 3) vs manual waste sorting plants (MWSP; n = 3) on personal exposure (n = 71) to bioaerosols and exposure-related health effects. Personal full-shift air samples were collected using various filter-based active sampling devices that were placed in the workers' breathing zone. Personal exposure to inhalable and thoracic dust, endotoxin and microorganisms varied considerably between and within types of waste sorting plants (WSP). Workers at AWSP were on average exposed to 0.34 mg/m inhalable dust, 0.15 mg/m thoracic dust, and 51 EU/m endotoxins (geometric mean (GM) levels), whereas GM exposure levels at MWSP were 0.66 mg/m for inhalable dust, 0.44 mg/m for thoracic dust, and 32 EU/m for endotoxins. Exposure to submicronic fungal fragments did not differ between types of plants and ranged from levels below the detection limit (limit of detection, LOD) to levels in the order of 10 fragments/m. Higher levels of fungal fragments and fungal spores were found at AWSP compared to MWSP with a GM of 2.1 × 10 spores/mand with a GM of 1.2 × 10 spores/m, respectively. Actinobacterial spores were found in samples from AWSP only, with exposure levels ranging from 1.9 × 10 to 1.1 × 10 spores/m. Exposure to microbial DNA varied within and between WSP and was on average in the order of 10 copies/m for fungi and 10 copies/m for bacteria. Health symptoms, such as sneezing, congested nose and runny nose were significantly more common among exposed workers compared to the unexposed control group.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Environmental Monitoring; Inhalation Exposure; Occupational Exposure; Endotoxins; Plants; Dust; Air Microbiology
PubMed: 36521541
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115040 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jan 2023Dust in the home environment is thought to be a potential trigger for increasing allergic diseases, such as allergic rash, rhinitis, asthma, and other conditions,...
Dust in the home environment is thought to be a potential trigger for increasing allergic diseases, such as allergic rash, rhinitis, asthma, and other conditions, associated with dust mites. To verify the status of dust mite prevalence in indoor surroundings, we collected 189 dust samples from the air conditioner filters (n = 75) and floors (n = 114) of households, schools, and hotels in the Anhui area, China. All samples were measured for dust mite breeding rate and breeding density under light microscopy and analyzed for dust mite species Dermatophagoides farinae 1 (Der f 1) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 1 (Der p 1) allergen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The dust mite breeding rates were 34.67% (26/75) and 20.18% (23/114), respectively, in the dust samples from the floor and air conditioning filters. The breeding density was the highest in households (10/g), followed by schools (9/g) and hotels (4/g). ELISA indicated that the allergen threshold (2.0 µg/g dust) of Der f 1 was exceeded in only two samples and Der p 1 in one sample. Additionally, a questionnaire was used to investigate the health knowledge on allergic diseases involved in indoor facilities, finding that most allergy sufferers were aware that indoor dust might be responsible for their conditions. The findings suggest that regular maintenance of indoor hygiene and cleaning of air-conditioning filters should reduce the risks of exposure to indoor allergens.
Topics: Animals; Dust; Allergens; Hypersensitivity; Pyroglyphidae; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; China; Air Pollution, Indoor
PubMed: 35941504
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22395-0 -
The ISME Journal Jan 2020Dust is an important iron (Fe) source to the ocean, but its utilization by phytoplankton is constrained by rapid sinking and slow dissolution dust-bound iron (dust-Fe)....
Dust is an important iron (Fe) source to the ocean, but its utilization by phytoplankton is constrained by rapid sinking and slow dissolution dust-bound iron (dust-Fe). Colonies of the globally important cyanobacterium, Trichodesmium, overcome these constraints by efficient dust capturing and active dust-Fe dissolution. In this study we examined the ability of Trichodesmium colonies to maximize their Fe supply from dust by selectively collecting Fe-rich particles. Testing for selectivity in particle collection, we supplied ~600 individual colonies, collected on multiple days from the Gulf of Aqaba, with natural dust and silica minerals that were either cleaned of or coated with Fe. Using a stereoscope, we counted the number of particles retained by each colony shortly after addition and following 24 h incubation with particles, and documented translocation of particles to the colony core. We observed a strong preference for Fe-rich particles over Fe-free particles in all tested parameters. Moreover, some colonies discarded the Fe-free particles they initially collected. The preferred collection of Fe-rich particles and disposal of Fe-free particles suggest that Trichodesmium can sense Fe and selectively choose Fe-rich dust particles. This ability assists Trichodesmium obtain Fe from dust and facilitate its growth and subsequent contribution to nutrient cycling and productivity in the ocean.
Topics: Dust; Iron; Minerals; Trichodesmium
PubMed: 31551530
DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0505-x -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House...
This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (2007−2010). Vacuum samples (<80 µm fraction) were analysed for over 200 synthetic organic compounds and metal(loid)s. Spearman rank correlations between contaminant concentrations in dust and presence of children and pets, types of flooring, heating styles and other characteristics suggested a number of indoor sources, pointing to future research directions. Numerous synthetic organics were significantly associated with reported use of room deodorizers and with the presence of cats in the home. Hardwood flooring, which is a manufactured wood product, emerged as a source of metal(loid)s, phthalates, organophosphate flame retardants/plasticizers, and obsolete organochlorine pesticides such as ∑DDT (but not halogenated flame retardants). Many metal(loid)s were significantly correlated with flame-retardant compounds used in building materials and heating systems. Components of heating appliances and heat distribution systems appeared to contribute heat-resistant chemicals and alloys to settled dust. Carpets displayed a dual role as both a source and repository of dust-borne contaminants. Contaminant loadings (<80 µm fraction) were significantly elevated in heavily carpeted homes, particularly those located near industry. Depending on the chemical (and its source), the results show that increased dust mass loading may enrich or dilute chemical concentrations in dust. Research is needed to improve the characterisation of hidden indoor sources such as flame retardants used in building materials and heating systems, or undisclosed ingredients used in common household products, such as air fresheners and products used for companion animals.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Canada; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Metals; Organophosphates
PubMed: 36011971
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610329 -
Nature Communications Apr 2022The Southern Ocean paleoceanography provides key insights into how iron fertilization and oceanic productivity developed through Pleistocene ice-ages and their role in...
The Southern Ocean paleoceanography provides key insights into how iron fertilization and oceanic productivity developed through Pleistocene ice-ages and their role in influencing the carbon cycle. We report a high-resolution record of dust deposition and ocean productivity for the Antarctic Zone, close to the main dust source, Patagonia. Our deep-ocean records cover the last 1.5 Ma, thus doubling that from Antarctic ice-cores. We find a 5 to 15-fold increase in dust deposition during glacials and a 2 to 5-fold increase in biogenic silica deposition, reflecting higher ocean productivity during interglacials. This antiphasing persisted throughout the last 25 glacial cycles. Dust deposition became more pronounced across the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT) in the Southern Hemisphere, with an abrupt shift suggesting more severe glaciations since ~0.9 Ma. Productivity was intermediate pre-MPT, lowest during the MPT and highest since 0.4 Ma. Generally, glacials experienced extended sea-ice cover, reduced bottom-water export and Weddell Gyre dynamics, which helped lower atmospheric CO levels.
Topics: Antarctic Regions; Atmosphere; Dust; Oceans and Seas; Seawater
PubMed: 35440628
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29642-5 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2022Chemical dust suppression is an effective dust control technology. A dust suppressant component evaluation method that facilitates a complete selection of safe,...
Chemical dust suppression is an effective dust control technology. A dust suppressant component evaluation method that facilitates a complete selection of safe, efficient, and economical chemical materials has not been explored. Considering dust suppression performance, environmental safety, and cost-effectiveness of chemical dust suppressant technology, this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system of chemical dust suppressant performance, including the wetting performance, hygroscopic performance, bonding performance, annual cost per unit area, pH value of dust suppression solution, chemical toxicity, and chemical corrosion. Among them, the index characterizing the wetting performance of the solution is the sedimentation wetting time, which is determined by the dust sedimentation experiment; the index characterizing the hygroscopic performance of the solution is the evaporation stability time, which is determined by the evaporation experiment of the solution on the dust surface; the index to characterize the bonding performance of the solution is the surface wind erosion rate, which is determined by the wind erosion experiment of the solution on the dust surface; the toxicity of the solution is evaluated by the LD50 of the solution; the index to characterize the corrosion performance of the solution is the Q235 monthly steel corrosion rate, which is determined by the Q235 steel corrosion test. Corresponding evaluation parameters are determined including sedimentation wetting time, evaporation stabilization time, surface wind erosion rate; annual average use cost per unit area; solution pH value, chemical acute toxicity classification, monthly corrosion rate of Q235 steel, and corresponding standard test methods are also provided. In order to evaluate the comparability of the results, according to the specific requirements of the evaluation index system and the distribution characteristics of the measurement data, the data of each evaluation and detection index are standardized by linear transformation, range transformation and other methods, so that the obtained results are comparable. Considering the differences in the actual performance requirements of dust suppressants in different usage scenarios, the weights of evaluation indicators at all levels can be set independently and flexible. The experimental test data obtained through the example shows that: among the four chemicals selected to participate in the experiment, the comprehensive dust suppression performance score of Triton X-100 solution is in the poor-grade category. The comprehensive dust suppression performances of calcium chloride solution, water, and polyacrylamide solution scored high in the average-grade category. The comprehensive evaluation process is logically correct, and the results are consistent with the phenomena observed in the experiment, consistent with conventional understanding, and have strong credibility. This method can provide a standardized evaluation technique and test process for the comprehensive performance evaluation and comparison of chemical materials and dust suppressants.
Topics: Coal; Coal Mining; Dust; Steel; Wind
PubMed: 35565025
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095617