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The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024China is currently one of the countries impacted by severe atmospheric ozone (O) and particulate matter (PM) pollution. Due to their moderately long lifetimes, O and PM... (Review)
Review
China is currently one of the countries impacted by severe atmospheric ozone (O) and particulate matter (PM) pollution. Due to their moderately long lifetimes, O and PM can be transported over long distances, cross the boundaries of source regions and contribute to air pollution in other regions. The reported contributions of cross-regional transport (CRT) to O and fine PM (PM) concentrations often exceed those of local emissions in the major regions of China, highlighting the important role of CRT in regional air pollution. Therefore, further improvement of air quality in China requires more joint efforts among regions to ensure a proper reduction in emissions while accounting for the influence of CRT. This review summarizes the methodologies employed to assess the influence of CRT on O and PM pollution as well as current knowledge of CRT influence in China. Quantifying CRT contributions in proportion to O and PM levels and studying detailed CRT processes of O, PM and precursors can be both based on targeted observations and/or model simulations. Reported publications indicate that CRT contributes by 40-80 % to O and by 10-70 % to PM in various regions of China. These contributions exhibit notable spatiotemporal variations, with differences in meteorological conditions and/or emissions often serving as main drivers of such variations. Based on trajectory-based methods, transport pathways contributing to O and PM pollution in major regions of China have been revealed. Recent studies also highlighted the important role of horizontal transport in the middle/high atmospheric boundary layer or low free troposphere, of vertical exchange and mixing as well as of interactions between CRT, local meteorology and chemistry in the detailed CRT processes. Drawing on the current knowledge on the influence of CRT, this paper provides recommendations for future studies that aim at supporting ongoing air pollution mitigation strategies in China.
PubMed: 38942314
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174196 -
Chemosphere Jun 2024This study proposes a novel and eco-friendly approach for wastewater treatment using plasma jet technology under bubble condition. This method allows for the controlled...
This study proposes a novel and eco-friendly approach for wastewater treatment using plasma jet technology under bubble condition. This method allows for the controlled production of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals () while minimizing unwanted interactions with nitrogen in the air. The presence of bubbles in liquid significantly boosts the diffusion of within the wastewater, leading to a two-fold increase in degradation rate compared to normal condition. The effectiveness of the treatment was confirmed through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, which showed a significant decrease in rhodamine B and methyl orange absorbance peaks . Raman spectroscopy further revealed structural changes in both pollutants, indicating successful degradation. Additionally, plasma characteristics like power, electron temperature, and density were monitored to gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanism. Importantly, the process minimizes the formation of harmful secondary pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants were found under concentration of 0.14 mg m which is below established safety thresholds, adhering to World Health Organization guidelines. This research demonstrates that plasma jet treatment in bubble condition not only enhances the degradation efficiency of pollutants in wastewater but also minimizes the formation of harmful byproducts. This represents a significant breakthrough in developing sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.
PubMed: 38942242
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142689 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024Air pollution is a recognized risk factor associated with chronic diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, which can lead to physical and cognitive...
IMPORTANCE
Air pollution is a recognized risk factor associated with chronic diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, which can lead to physical and cognitive impairments in later life. Although these losses of function, individually or in combination, reduce individuals' likelihood of living independently, little is known about the association of air pollution with this critical outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations between air pollution and loss of independence in later life.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cohort study was conducted as part of the Environmental Predictors Of Cognitive Health and Aging study and used 1998 to 2016 data from the Health and Retirement Study. Participants included respondents from this nationally representative, population-based cohort who were older than 50 years and had not previously reported a loss of independence. Analyses were performed from August 31 to October 15, 2023.
EXPOSURES
Mean 10-year pollutant concentrations (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] or ranging from 2.5 μm to 10 μm in diameter [PM10-2.5], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and ozone [O3]) were estimated at respondent addresses using spatiotemporal models along with PM2.5 levels from 9 emission sources.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Loss of independence was defined as newly receiving care for at least 1 activity of daily living or instrumental activity of daily living due to health and memory problems or moving to a nursing home. Associations were estimated with generalized estimating equation regression adjusting for potential confounders.
RESULTS
Among 25 314 respondents older than 50 years (mean [SD] baseline age, 61.1 [9.4] years; 11 208 male [44.3%]), 9985 individuals (39.4%) experienced lost independence during a mean (SD) follow-up of 10.2 (5.5) years. Higher exposure levels of mean concentration were associated with increased risks of lost independence for total PM2.5 levels (risk ratio [RR] per 1-IQR of 10-year mean, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.10), PM2.5 levels from road traffic (RR per 1-IQR of 10-year mean, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16) and nonroad traffic (RR per 1-IQR of 10-year mean, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24), and NO2 levels (RR per 1-IQR of 10-year mean, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08). Compared with other sources, traffic-generated pollutants were most consistently and robustly associated with loss of independence; only road traffic-related PM2.5 levels remained associated with increased risk after adjustment for PM2.5 from other sources (RR per 1-IQR increase in 10-year mean concentration, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21). Other pollutant-outcome associations were null, except for O3 levels, which were associated with lower risks of lost independence (RR per 1-IQR increase in 10-year mean concentration, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92-0.97).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This study found that long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with the need for help for lost independence in later life, with especially large and consistent increases in risk for pollution generated by traffic-related sources. These findings suggest that controlling air pollution could be associated with diversion or delay of the need for care and prolonged ability to live independently.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Female; Air Pollution; Middle Aged; United States; Particulate Matter; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollutants; Cohort Studies; Ozone; Independent Living; Nitrogen Dioxide; Aged, 80 and over; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38941096
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18460 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Jun 2024Few studies have examined the effects of long-term childhood air pollution exposure on adult respiratory health, including whether childhood respiratory effects underlie...
RATIONALE
Few studies have examined the effects of long-term childhood air pollution exposure on adult respiratory health, including whether childhood respiratory effects underlie this relation.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate associations between childhood air pollution exposure and self-reported adult bronchitic symptoms, while considering child respiratory health, in the Southern California Children's Health Study.
METHODS
Nitrogen dioxide (NO), ozone, particulate matter<2.5μm (PM) and <10μm (PM) exposures assessed using inverse-distance-squared spatial interpolation based on childhood (birth-17 years) residential histories. Bronchitic symptoms (bronchitis, cough, or phlegm in last 12 months) were ascertained via questionnaire in adulthood. Associations between mean air pollution exposure across childhood and self-reported adult bronchitic symptoms were estimated using logistic regression. We further adjusted for childhood bronchitic symptoms and asthma to understand whether associations operated beyond childhood respiratory health impacts. Effect modification was assessed for family history of asthma, childhood asthma, and adult allergies.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
1308 participants were included (mostly non-Hispanic White [56%] or Hispanic [32%]). At adult assessment (age mean=32.0 years, standard deviation [SD]=4.7) 25% reported bronchitic symptoms. Adult bronchitic symptoms were associated with NO and PM childhood exposures. Odds ratios per SD increase: 1.69 (95%CI:1.14,2.49) for NO (SD=11.1ppb); 1.51 (95%CI:1.00,2.27) for PM (SD=14.2µg/m). Adjusting for childhood bronchitic symptoms or asthma produced similar results. NO and PM associations were modified by childhood asthma, with larger associations among asthmatics.
CONCLUSION
Childhood NO and PM exposures were associated with adult bronchitic symptoms. Associations were not explained by childhood respiratory health impacts; however, participants with childhood asthma had stronger associations.
PubMed: 38940605
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202308-1484OC -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Jun 2024COVID-19 is currently pandemic and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater is causing widespread concern. Herein, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is proposed as...
COVID-19 is currently pandemic and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater is causing widespread concern. Herein, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is proposed as a novel wastewater disinfection technology that effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2 transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particles, coronavirus GX_P2V, pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variants, and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in a large volume of water within 180 s (inhibition rate > 99%). Further, CAP disinfection did not adversely affect the viability of various human cell lines. It is identified that CAP produced peroxynitrite (ONOO), ozone (O), superoxide anion radicals (O ), and hydrogen peroxide (HO) as the major active substances for coronavirus disinfection. Investigation of the mechanism showed that active substances not only reacted with the coronavirus spike protein and affected its infectivity, but also destroyed the nucleocapsid protein and genome, thus affecting virus replication. This method provides an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for the elimination of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses from wastewater.
PubMed: 38939868
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20230012 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Ozone pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, and there is a high correlation between different pollutants. This study aimed to assess the...
BACKGROUND
Ozone pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, and there is a high correlation between different pollutants. This study aimed to assess the association between ozone and cardiovascular disease deaths and the resulting disease burden in Nanjing, China.
METHODS
A total of 151,609 deaths from cardiovascular disease were included in Nanjing, China from 2013 to 2021. Daily data on meteorological and air pollution were collected to apply a generalized additional model with multiple pollutants to perform exposure-response analyses, stratification analysis, and evaluation of excess deaths using various standards.
RESULTS
In the multi-pollutant model, an increase of 10 μg/m in O was significantly associated with a 0.81% (95%CI: 0.49, 1.12%) increase in cardiovascular disease deaths in lag05. The correlation weakened in both the single-pollutant model and two-pollutant models, but remained more pronounced in females, the older group, and during warm seasons. From 2013 to 2021, the number of excess deaths attributed to ozone exposure in cardiovascular disease continued to rise with an increase in ozone concentration in Nanjing. If the ozone concentration were to be reduced to the WHO standard and the minimum level, the number of deaths would decrease by 1,736 and 10,882, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The risk of death and excess deaths from cardiovascular disease due to ozone exposure increases with higher ozone concentration. Reducing ozone concentration to meet WHO standards or lower can provide greater cardiovascular disease health benefits.
Topics: Ozone; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; China; Female; Male; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Middle Aged; Aged; Seasons; Adult; Rivers
PubMed: 38939565
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1353384 -
Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny 2024Haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common nowadays. It is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The leading cause of its development is also a functional...
INTRODUCTION
Haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common nowadays. It is often associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The leading cause of its development is also a functional disorder of the intestine and chronic constipation. To date, there is a steady growth rate of this disease, leading to its "rejuvenation". The current stage of development indicates the need for further improvement of surgical treatment and optimisation of patient management methods and the creation of uniform standards of care for this contingent of patients.
AIM
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the use of platelet-rich plasma therapy and the biologically active substance "ozoyl" in the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The main group included 100 patients with chronic haemorrhoids who were operated on in the period from March 2021 to March 2022. For this group, autoplasma was used during surgery, and an ozoyl-based drug in the postoperative period. The remaining 100 participants of this study, assigned to the control group, underwent a conventional haemorrhoidectomy operation and standard patient management using a hydrophilic ointment based on chloramphenicol.
RESULTS
After the conducted clinical studies, it was established that in the main group, the pain syndrome decreased by about 30%, considering the period from the first day of the postoperative period compared to the control group. The postoperative wound healed in the main group in the third week after the operation, unlike the control group, in which this event was noted in the fourth week. The patients did not complain during the examination 3 months later.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is of practical significance because haemorrhoidal disease today has a high prevalence, and an integrated approach is required for the treatment of such patients. Ozoyl is a powerful cell and tissue repairer.
PubMed: 38939058
DOI: 10.5114/pg.2024.139517 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Jun 2024With growing interest in hair health, researchers are exploring aspects beyond the surface qualities of hair, such as its porous inner structure. While previous studies...
BACKGROUND
With growing interest in hair health, researchers are exploring aspects beyond the surface qualities of hair, such as its porous inner structure. While previous studies have focused on the effects of treatments such as perming and hair dying on hair porosity, less emphasis has been paid to the effects of harmful environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and particulate matter on the porous nature of hair.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating how UV rays and particulate matter affect hair porosity in different ways. Our study could help elucidate how these external factors influence hair health and shed light on previously unknown aspects of hair porosity.
METHODS
Hair tresses were bleached, cut into 1 cm-long sections, and stained with methylene blue. The sections were then irradiated with UV light or exposed to particulate matter.
RESULTS
Bleached hair absorbed more methylene blue than normal hair. UV radiation-induced hair porosity occurred at 3 h after irradiation and increased with time. Particulate matter alone did not affect the porosity of the damaged hair; however, in combination with UV irradiation, it substantially increased hair porosity.
CONCLUSION
Environmental challenges such as a depleted ozone layer and increasing pollution may increase hair porosity, which can be prevented by maintaining healthy hair.
PubMed: 38938219
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16442 -
Environmental Science & Technology Jun 2024Waterborne pathogens invariably present considerable threats to public health. The quorum sensing (QS) system is instrumental in coordinating bacterial growth and...
Waterborne pathogens invariably present considerable threats to public health. The quorum sensing (QS) system is instrumental in coordinating bacterial growth and metabolisms. However, the responses and regulatory mechanisms of bacteria to various disinfection technologies through quorum sensing are still unclear. This study examines the inactivation effect of chlorination and ozonation on biofilms and planktonic cells of QS signaling-deficient mutants of . Cell counting and viability assessment revealed that the combined disinfection of chlorine and ozone was the most effective for inactivating planktonic within 10 min of exposure. Additionally, microfluidic chip culture demonstrated that the secretion of quinolone signals escalated biofilms' disinfection resistance. Disinfection exposure significantly altered the gene expression of wild-type strains and QS signaling-deficient mutants. Moreover, the QS system triggered multilayered gene expression programs as a responsive protection to disinfectant exposure, including oxidative stress, ribosome synthesis, and the nutrient absorption of bacteria. These insights broaden our understanding of bacterial QS in response to disinfection, promising potential strategies toward efficient disinfection processes.
PubMed: 38937254
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08305 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024To enhance tire durability, the antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) is used in rubber, but it converts into the toxic 6PPD quinone... (Review)
Review
To enhance tire durability, the antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) is used in rubber, but it converts into the toxic 6PPD quinone (6PPD-Q) when exposed to oxidants like ozone (O), causing ecological concerns. This review synthesizes the existing data to assess the transformation, bioavailability, and potential hazards of two tire-derived pollutants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q. The comparative analysis of different thermal methods utilized in repurposing waste materials like tires and plastics into valuable products are analyzed. These methods shed light on the aspects of pyrolysis and catalytic conversion processes, providing valuable perspectives into optimizing the waste valorization and mitigating environmental impacts. Furthermore, we have examined the bioavailability and potential hazards of chemicals used in tire manufacturing, based on the literature included in this review. The bioavailability of these chemicals, particularly the transformation of 6PPD to 6PPD-Q, poses significant ecological risks. 6PPD-Q is highly bioavailable in aquatic environments, indicating its potential for widespread ecological harm. The persistence and mobility of 6PPD-Q in the environment, along with its toxicological effects, highlight the critical need for ongoing monitoring and the development of effective mitigation strategies to reduce its impact on both human health and ecosystem. Future research should focus on understanding the chronic effects of low-level exposure to these compounds on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the potential for bioaccumulation in the food chain. Additionally, this review outlines the knowledge gaps, recommending further research into the toxicity of tire-derived pollutants in organisms and the health implications for humans and ecosystems.
PubMed: 38936499
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119492