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This study aims to evaluate whether indoor particles are associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). We recruited 40 young, healthy students from universities in Taipei. We made four home visits in which we took consecutive 48-h measurements of systolic BP, (SBP) diastolic BP (DBP), and HR in each participant. Particulate matter less than 10 μm in diameter (PM10), 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), and nitrogen dioxide levels were measured at each participant’s home. Participants were asked to keep their windows open during the first two visits, and keep their windows shut during the last two visits. We used linear mixed-effects models to associate BP and HR with indoor air pollutants averaged over 1- to 8-h periods prior to physiological measurements. We found indoor PM10 and PM2.5 exposures at 1- to 4-h means were associated with an elevation in SBP, DBP, and HR. Effects of indoor PM10 and PM2.5 on BP and HR were greatest during the visits with windows open. During windows-closed visits, participants showed no significant change in BP and HR with indoor PM10 exposure. We concluded that exposures to infiltrated outdoor particles are associated with short-term increases in BP and HR in young and healthy students. Closing windows can reduce indoor PM concentrations and modify the effect of PM10 on BP and HR in young adults. Practical Implications Particulate matter exposure, high blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) have been reported to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exposure to indoor particles is found to be associated with Elevated BP and HR. Closing windows may reduce indoor particles concentrations and modify the effect of particles on BP and HR in young adults in heavily polluted cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two MBR pilot systems were constructed and tested in the Bali Primary WVVTP. The pilot study shows that two MBR systems, i.e. the Green-MenBio system (MBR-1) and the Bio-MF system (MBR-2), can both fulfill the requirement of wastewater reclamation standard, The MBR-2 system is more economical compared with MBR-1 system. The cost of US$ 0.10–0.16/m³ is estimated to reclaim the effluent of primary WWTP in Taiwan. The Bali Primary VVWTP has the capacity of 1,320,000 cmd which is the biggest in Taiwan. The domestic wastewater of partial Taipei City and Taipei County are collected and transported to the Bali Primary WWTP. The effluent of the Bali Primary WVVTP is then discharged into the ocean through two 3.8 m marine outfalls. The AO processes are installed in both MBR systems. More than 90% of the NH3-N can be removed through the AO and membrane processes. The outflow of the MBR systems (without RO) can reach the quality of COD < 30 mg/l, BOD < 10 mg/l, SS < 5 mg/l, NH3-N < 3 mg/L. The outflow of the MBR system is proposed to transport 40 km south to the Taoyuan County where four new industrial parks are to be constructed. Part of the reclaimed water is to be used on irrigation and another portion is to be sent to the industries after RO treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]