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Abstract Recently, there has been a flurry of publications assessing the effect of air pollution on neurodevelopment. Here we present a summary of the results obtained within the BRain dEvelopment and Air polluTion ultrafine particles in scHool childrEn (BREATHE) Project, which aimed to evaluate the effects of the exposure to traffic related air pollutants in schoolchildren in Barcelona. To this end, we comprehensively characterised air quality in 39 urban schools from Barcelona and identified the main determinants of children's increased exposure. We propose a series of measures to be implemented to improve air quality in schools within the urban context and, consequently, minimise the negative effects on children's neurodevelopment that we found to be associated with the exposure to air pollution. We also aimed to list some of the actions pushed by governments and the society (including school managers, parents, and children) that have been taking place around Europe for promoting better high quality in the school and its surroundings. Highlights • Air pollution was associated with decelerated cognitive development. • Traffic should be moved away from schools to improve air quality. • Safe school pathways can help promote active travel (e.g.: walk, bicycle). • Cleaning should be done after school hours to avoid exposure to ultrafine particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Israeli quarry industry produces 57 Mt of raw material and ∼4–6 Mt of associated sub-economical by-products annually. These sub-economical quarry fines are not used because production and transportation costs considerably exceed their retail value. Therefore these by-products, are stored in large piles of fine grain size particles, create environmental risks to their surrondings. This paper evaluates the possibility of mixing the sub-economical quarry by-products of two Israeli quarries with sub-economical Class F coal fly ash (<20 wt.% CaO) to form an economical aggregate sand substitute to be used as a concrete filler product. To study the feasibility of the aggregate as partial substitute to sand in concrete several analyses, including leaching experiements (EN12457-2), analytical techinques (SEM-EDX, ICP-MS, ICP-AES, and XRD), as well as an analysis of the mechanical and chemical properties of the concrete aggregate (strength, workability, and penetration) were performed. Scrubbing quarry waste with coal fly ash was found to be very effective for reducing the leaching rate of potentially harmful trace elements. In addition, adding fly ash with quarry fines as partial substitute to sand enhanced the performance of the concrete mixture and the properties of the fresh and harden concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was developed to evaluate the chemical and mineralogical properties of acid volcanic rock waste from mining activities by measuring the availability of macronutrients and micronutrients in Milli-Q water, and in acidic solutions to evaluate the potential use of this type of waste as natural soil fertilizers. The sample used in this work was obtained from a company of the mining district of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. Petrographic studies using conventional optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope allowed to define the mineral composition of in powder wastes as being comprised mainly by pyroxene, feldspar, and variable contents of amorphous glass in matrix. The primary oxides detected in the samples by X-ray Fluorescence were calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, iron oxide, and with concentration minor potassium oxide, and phosphorus oxide. Several important nutrients were transferred into the acidic solutions, indicating the significant potential and feasibility of these wastes to be effectively used as natural fertilizers. This study is of great relevance to the sector of mining and to agriculture in the region because it can create an alternative disposal treatment for tailings, and improve the environmental sustainability of local farms, thereby avoiding excessive chemical fertilizer consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal fly ash (FA) is an abundant commodity in many countries using steam coal for power production. In some countries (e.g. Israel) all the FA is utilized whereas in some countries only low percentage is used (e.g. USA). The main mode of utilization is in the civil engineering industries as cement or clinker additive or for concrete production. In Israel (2014) 1.3 Mt of highly basic type F FA has been produced, mostly from South African and Colombian coals, in the utilities. A potential application for type F FA could be as an efficient scrubber for hazardous acidic wastes (e.g. the phosphate industry). The scrubbing efficiency of FA stems from interactions of the aluminosilicate surface of the particles with trace elements or with fine precipitates of ionic solids (e.g. SrCO 3 ). The process changes the chemical and physical nature of the FA surface. These changes have been studied using SEM, TEM, XRD and particle size measurements of non-treated, compared to treated FA with acidic or neutral aqueous solutions. The results indicate that an appreciable part of the outer lime layer and part of the glassy aluminosilicate material is dissolved, revealing the mullite skeleton as well as Ti, and Fe species. Moreover, formation of mixed ettringite/thaumasite and halite particles is observed. Thus, this study can lead to a better understanding of the fixation mechanisms of the trace elements by coal FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current air quality situation in Europe is reviewed for the most critical pollutants, i.e.: PM10, PM2.5, N02, 03 and BaP. Reasons of incompliance, as well as major actions required for reaching further compliance of the WHO guidelines are discussed. For some pollutants there is a need for further scientific research in order to cost-efficiently abate urban and peri-urban pollution, especially for PMx and03. The policy and scientific challenges are identified for these five pollutants. These include, for policy, the need to solve the air quality problem caused by NOx-diesel-vehicle EU policy failure, the need to reduce PM and BaP emissions from an increasing domestic biomass burning combustion favoured by policy actions, the need to abate the currently high agricultural NH3 emissions, and devising specific and cost-effective 03 abatement strategies. Key scientific challenges include the need for an accurate source apportionment of secondary organic aerosols in urban areas, the abatement of vehicle wear and road dust resuspension, an accurate tropospheric 03 source apportionment identifying the hemispheric/regional/local contributions as well as the accurate modelling of 03 able to reproduce the complex meteorology favouring high 03 episodes around the Mediterranean, and yielding reliable sensitivity analysis for policy actions. Levels, origins and application of other non-regulated air quality parameters such as concentrations of ultrafine particles (UFP) and black carbon (BC) are discussed in view of their potential use in air quality standards. We conclude that monitoring of BC should provide accurate evaluations of the effectiveness of road traffic air quality measures and their associated health gains. In the case of UFP, although road traffic is the major contributing source to urban levels, in high insolation regions a significant fraction of urban UFP can be attributed to photochemical nucleation processes. Thus, caution is necessary when doing metaanalysis of health outcomes linked to urban UFP using data from diverse cities, where the finest aerosol fraction might be considerably different in both composition and origin. Finally a strategy to abate N02 and PM from road traffic in urban areas of Europe, based on 7 major pillars or action types, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of volcanic rock residue, from a crushing plant in the Nova Prata Mining District, State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, in this work named rock powder, were investigated in view of its potential application as soil ammendment in agriculture. Abaut 52,400 m 3 of mining waste is generated annually in the city of Nova Prata without a proper disposal. The nutrients potentially available to plants were evaluated through leaching laboratory tests. Nutrient leaching tests were performed in Milli-Q water; citric acid solution 1% and 2% (AC); and oxalic acid solution 1% and 5% (AO). The bulk and leachable contents of 57 elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Mining waste were made up by CaO, K 2 O, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and P 2 O 5 . The analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the major occurence of quartz, anorthite, cristobalite, sanidine, and augite. The water leachable concentrations of all elements studied were lower than 1.0 mg/kg, indicating their low solubility. Leaching tests in acidic media yield larger leachable fractions for all elements being studied are in the leachate of the AO 1%. These date usefulness of volcanic rock powder as potential natural fertilizer in agriculture in the mining district in Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous studies reported significant variability of air pollutants across Europe with the lowest concentrations generally found in Northern Europe and the highest in Southern European countries. Within the MED-PARTICLES project the spatial and temporal variations of long-term PM and gaseous pollutants data were investigated in traffic and urban background sites across Southern Europe. The highest PM levels were observed in Greece and Italy (Athens, Thessaloniki, Turin and Rome) while all traffic sites showed high NO2 levels, frequently exceeding the established limit value. High PM2.5/PM10 ratios were calculated indicating that fine particles comprise a large fraction of PM10, with the highest values found in the urban background sites. It seems that although in traffic sites the concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 are significantly higher than those registered in urban background sites, the coarse fraction PM2.5–10 is more important at the traffic sites. This fact is probably due to the high levels of resuspended road dust in sites highly affected by traffic, a phenomenon particularly relevant for Mediterranean countries. The long-term trends of air pollutants revealed a significant decrease of the concentration levels for PM, SO2 and CO while for NO2 no clear trend or slightly increasing trends were observed. This reduction could be attributed to the effectiveness of abatement measures and strategies and also to meteorological conditions and to the economic crisis that affected Southern Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Measurements of CO 2 and counting of occupants were carried out in 37 public bus trips during commuting rush hours in Barcelona (NE Spain) with the aim of evaluating parameters governing ventilation inside the vehicles and proposing actions to improve it. The results show that CO 2 concentrations (1039 and 934 ± 386 ppm, as average and median, during rush hours but with average reduced occupancy due to the fair to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 during the measurement period, and measured in the middle of the busses) are in the lower range of values recorded in the literature for public buses, however an improvement in ventilation is required in a significant proportion of the journeys. Thus, we found better ventilation in the older Euro 3+ (retrofitted with filter traps and selective catalytic reduction) and Euro 5 buses (average 918 ± 257 ppm) than in the hermetically closed new Euro 6 ones (1111 ± 432 ppm). The opening of the windows in the older buses yielded higher ventilation rates (778 ± 432 ppm). The opening of all doors at all stops increases the ventilation by causing a fall in concentrations of 200–350 ppm below inter-stop concentrations, with this effect typically lasting 40–50 s in the hermetically closed new Euro 6 hybrid buses. Based on these results a number of recommendations are offered in order to improve ventilation, including measurement of CO 2 and occupancy, and installation of ventilation fans on the top of the hermetically closed new buses, introducing outdoor air when a given concentration threshold is exceeded. In these cases, a CO 2 sensor installed in the outdoor air intake is also recommended to take into account external CO 2 contributions. • Measurements of CO 2 were carried out in public buses during commuting rush hours. • An evaluation of factors governing ventilation inside the vehicles was carried out, and actions to improve it were suggested. • The opening of the windows in the older buses yielded higher ventilation rates. • The opening of all doors at all stops increases the ventilation by causing a fall in concentrations lasting 40–50 s. • Measurement of CO 2 and occupancy and installation of roof ventilation fans in the hermetically closed new buses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: An analysis of the hourly SO2 pollution patterns with time can be a useful tool for policy makers and stakeholders in developing more effective local policies in relation to air quality as it facilitates a deeper understanding of concentrations and potential source apportionment. A detailed analysis of hourly inter-annual, seasonal and weekday-specific SO2 concentration patterns using data obtained from 6 cities involved in the Aphekom project was conducted. This type of analysis has been done for other pollutants but less so for SO2, and not in a systematic fashion for a number of European cities. Methods: Individual diurnal SO2 profiles and working weekday versus weekend specific 24-hr plots were generated using hourly SO2 measurements from a roadside and an urban background monitoring sites for 1993, 2001 and 2009 for each of the 6 European cities (Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, London, Paris, and Vienna). This facilitated the assessment of city specific patterns and comparison of changes with time. Results: SO2 concentrations varied throughout the day and tended to be lower on the weekends. A general decreasing trend for SO2 levels with time was observable at all stations. Discussion & Conclusion: This study provides a useful European perspective on patterns of exposure. For the 6 EU cities examined, road traffic, heating, and shipping in port cities appeared to be important sources of SO2 emissions, and hence the driving components widely reflected in the diurnal profiles with lower levels on the weekend likely due to lower traffic volume and industry related emissions. Although ambient SO2 concentrations have fallen over the assessed study period at all measurement sites, the daily patterns remained relatively unchanged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Coal-based power generation produces over 750Mt of coal ash per year globally, but under 50% of world production is utilised. Large amounts of fly ash are either stored temporarily in stockpiles, disposed of in ash landfills or lagooned. Coal ash is viewed as a major potential source of release of many environmentally sensitive elements to the environment. This paper encompasses over 90 publications on coal fly ash and demonstrates that a large number of elements are tightly bound to fly ash and may not be easily released to the environment, regardless of the nature of the ash. This review provides an extensive look at the extent to which major and trace elements are leached from coal fly ash. It also gives an insight into the factors underlying the leachability of elements and addresses the causes of the mobility. The mode of occurrence of a given element in the parent coal was found to play an important role in the leaching behaviour of fly ash. The amount of calcium in fly ash exerts a dominant influence on the pH of the ash–water system. The mobility of most elements contained in ash is markedly pH sensitive. The alkalinity of fly ash attenuates the release of a large number of elements of concern such as Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn or Zn among others, but at the same time, it enhances the release of oxyanionic species such as As, B, Cr, Mo, Sb, Se, V and W. The precipitation of secondary phases such as ettringite may capture and bind several pollutants such ash As, B, Cr, Sb, Se and V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MSWI bottom ash is a well-graded highly compactable material that can be used as a road material in unbound pavements. Achieving the compactness assumed in the design of the pavement is of primary concern to ensure long term structural stability. Regulations on road construction in a number of EU countries rely on standard tests originally developed for natural aggregates, which may not be appropriate to accurately assess MSWI bottom ash. This study is intended to assist in consistently assessing MSWI bottom ash compaction by means of the Proctor method. This test is routinely applied to address unbound road materials and suggests two methods. Compaction parameters show a marked procedural dependency due to the particle morphology and weak particle strength of ash. Re-compacting a single batch sample to determine Proctor curves is a common practise that turns out to overvalue optimum moisture contents and maximum dry densities. This could result in wet-side compactions not meeting stiffness requirements. Inaccurate moisture content measurements during testing may also induce erroneous determinations of compaction parameters. The role of a number of physical properties of MSWI bottom ash in compaction is also investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on the effect of a major firework event on urban background atmospheric PM2.5 chemistry, using 24-h data collected over 8 weeks at two sites in Girona, Spain. The firework pollution episode (Sant Joan fiesta on 23rd June 2008) measured in city centre parkland increased local background PM2.5 concentrations as follows: Sr (x86), K (x26), Ba (x11), Co (x9), Pb (x7), Cu (x5), Zn (x4), Bi (x4), Mg (x4), Rb (x4), Sb (x3), P (x3), Ga (x2), Mn (x2), As (x2), Ti (x2) and SO4 2− (x2). Marked increases in these elements were also measured outside the park as the pollution cloud drifted over the city centre, and levels of some metals remained elevated above background for days after the event as a reservoir of metalliferous dust persisted within the urban area. Transient high-PM pollution episodes are a proven health hazard, made worse in the case of firework combustion because many of the elements released are both toxic and finely respirable, and because displays commonly take place in an already polluted urban atmosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The emission of trace metal pollutants by industry and transport takes place on a scale large enough to alter atmospheric chemistry and results in measurable differences between the urban background of inhalable particulate matter (PM) in different towns. This is particularly well demonstrated by the technogenic release into the atmosphere of V, Ni, and lanthanoid elements. We compare PM concentrations of these metals in large datasets from five industrial towns in Spain variously influenced by emissions from refinery, power station, shipping, stainless steel, ceramic tiles and brick-making. Increased La/Ce values in urban background inhalable PM, due to La-contamination from refineries and their residual products (fuel oils and petcoke), contrast with Ce-rich emissions from the ceramic related industry, and clearly demonstrate the value of this ratio as a sensitive and reliable tracer for many point source emissions. Similarly, anomalously high V/Ni values (>4) can detect the influence of nearby high-V petcoke and fuel oil combustion, although the use of this ratio in urban background PM is limited by overlapping values in natural and anthropogenic materials. Geochemical characterisation of urban background PM is a valuable compliment to the physical monitoring of aerosols widely employed in urban areas, especially given the relevance of trace metal inhalation to urban health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simultaneous measurements of the PM concentration levels and chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols at a regional background (RB) and an urban background (UB) site, located in the same geographic region, allowed for the determination of their urban and regional contributions. In the specific case of the North-Western region of the Mediterranean the RB amount has been quantified in 18, 13 and 12 μg m−3 for PM10, PM2.5 and PM1, respectively, whereas the UB contribution reached 22, 13 and 8 μg m−3, respectively. The UB contributions in the Western Mediterranean are much higher than those observed in other European regions; especially concerning the coarse fraction. The high loads of road dust in the urban areas across the Mediterranean may account for these large differences. The urban contributions are extremely enriched in Ca, Fe, Sb, Sn, Cu, Zn, being the main tracers of the road dust, with concentrations up to 6–8 times higher than those at the RB. Elemental carbon and nitrate are mainly derived from direct vehicular emissions. Some industrial tracers (Mn, Pb, Bi) are also enriched in the urban area. The evaluation of the Cu/Sb, Cu/Zn, Cu/Cd and Cu/Pb ratios and the high enrichment of these trace elements versus the Upper Crustal Composition average values corroborates the importance of the road-traffic emissions in the study area, also influencing the RB. The supplementary results from a suburban site in the Balearic Islands and the evaluation of the V/Ni ratios evidence the strong signature of fuel-oil combustion processes, which is a general characteristic of the Mediterranean aerosols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study deals with the synthesis of geopolymers from co-fired fly ash and blast furnace slags. Geopolymer bodies were simultaneously synthesized in open and closed curing conditions in order to elucidate the role of this parameter on their resultant properties. Open curing conditions produce solid bodies characterized by high porosity, low compressive strength and exacerbated leaching of certain oxyanionic metalloids. By contrast, protected curing promotes the binder development, giving rise to higher strength and less porous systems. This imposes physical restrictions to leaching which decreases and/or retards releases of oxyanionic metalloids in comparison to open curing conditions. Fly ash-slag-based geopolymers may immobilize a number of trace pollutants such as Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Nb, Ni, Pb, REE, Sn, Th, U, Y and Zr, regardless of the curing conditions. Due to geopolymers displaying weak assimilation capacity for oxyanionic species, their successful regarding oxyanionic retention is strongly dependent on porosity and therefore on curing conditions applied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The insular suburban site of Castillo de Bellver was selected for the study of the variability of PM levels and composition in the Western Mediterranean Basin (WMB). Mean annual (in 2004) PM10 and PM2.5 levels at this site were 29 and 20µg/m3, respectively. These levels may be regarded as relatively low when compared with other suburban insular locations in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin (EMB), but they are higher than those recorded at most of the European suburban sites, especially in Northern and Western Europe. Seasonal variability of PM levels at this site is governed by meteorology rather than local emissions, whereas the daily cycles are clearly defined by the anthropogenic emissions, mainly coming from the urban area of Palma de Mallorca and the harbour area of the same city. Concerning the aerosol composition at this site, the main PM constituent is the mineral matter (29% in PM10 and 16 % in PM2.5), more than 50% (in PM10) being attributable to African dust. The amount of secondary inorganic aerosols is also very high (27% in PM10 and 34% in PM2.5), with the predominance of fine ammonium sulphate, and in a less proportion fine ammonium nitrate (in winter) and coarse Ca and Na nitrate (with higher importance in summer). The carbonaceous particles, dominantly fine, account for 17% of PM10 and 25% of PM2.5. The elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC) ratio reached a mean value of 0.17, similar to those observed at regional background sites in the WMB coast of Spain. The sea spray aerosols (mainly coarse) represented around 10% of PM10, and only 4% in PM2.5. Finally, the unaccounted fraction increased from 15% to 20% in PM2.5, being mostly attributed to water. The concentrations of trace elements in PM10 and PM2.5 were usually in the range to those observed in regional background sites in the Iberian Peninsula, with the exception of the typical tracers of road traffic such as Cu, Sb, Zn, Sn and Ba, which presented concentrations in the range of urban sites of Iberia. Other elements such as Cr, Zr, Hf and Co have been identified as the main tracers of the harbour contributions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite their burden in urban particulate air pollution, road traffic non-exhaust emissions are often uncontrolled and information about the effectiveness of mitigation measures on paved roads is still scarce. The present study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical sweeping/water flushing treatments in mitigating urban road dust resuspension and to quantify the real benefit in terms of ambient PM10 concentrations. To this aim a specific campaign was carried out in a heavily trafficked central road of Barcelona (Spain), a Mediterranean city suffering from a traffic-related pollution, both for a high car density and a frequent lack of precipitation. Several street washings were performed by means of mechanical sweepers and pressure water during night in all traffic lanes and sidewalks. PM10 levels were simultaneously compared with four reference urban background air quality stations to interpret any meteorological variability. At the downwind measurement site, PM10 concentrations registered a mean daily decrease of 8.8μgm−3 during the 24h after street washing treatments. However 3.7–4.9μgm−3 of such decrease were due to the meteorological variability detected at the upwind site, as well as at two of the reference sites. This reveals that an effective decrease of 4–5μgm−3 (7–10%) can be related to street washing efficiency. Mitigation of road dust resuspension was confirmed by investigating the chemical composition of airborne-PM10 filters. Concentrations of Cu, Sb, Fe and mineral matter decrease significantly with respect to concentrations of elemental carbon, used as tracer for exhaust diesel emissions. High efficiency of street washing in reducing road dust loads was found by performing periodic samplings both on the treated and the untreated areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extensive measurements on particle number concentration and size distribution (13–800 nm), together with detailed chemical composition of PM2.5 have constituted the main inputs of the database used for a source apportionment analysis. Data were collected at an urban background site in Barcelona, Western Mediterranean. The source identification analysis helped us to distinguish five emission sources (vehicle exhausts, mineral dust, sea spray, industrial source and fuel-oil combustion) and two atmospheric processes (photochemical induced nucleation and regional/urban background particles derived from coagulation and condensation processes). After that, a multilinear regression analysis was applied in order to quantify the contribution of each factor. This study reveals that vehicle exhausts contribute dominantly to the number concentration in all the particle sizes (52–86%), but especially in the range 30–200 nm. This work also points out the importance of the regional and/or urban formed aerosols (secondary inorganic particles) on the total number concentration (around 25% of the total number), with a higher impact on the accumulation mode. The photo-chemically induced nucleation of aerosols only represents a small proportion of the total number as an annual mean (3%), but is very relevant when considering only the nucleation mode (13–20 nm) fraction (23%). The other sources recognized registered sporadic contributions to the total number, coinciding with specific meteorological scenarios. This study discloses the main sources and features affecting and controlling the fine and ultra-fine aerosols in a typical city in the Western Mediterranean coast. Whereas the road traffic appears to be the most important source of sub-micrometric aerosols, other sources may not be negligible under specific meteorological conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study deals with the use of fly ash as a starting material for geopolymeric matrices. The leachable concentrations of geopolymers were compared with those of the starting fly ash to evaluate the retention of potentially harmful elements within the geopolymer matrix. Geopolymer matrices give rise to a leaching scenario characterised by a highly alkaline environment, which inhibits the leaching of heavy metals but may enhance the mobilization of certain oxyanionic species. Thus, fly ash-based geopolymers were found to immobilise a number of trace pollutants such as Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Nb, Ni, Pb, Sn, Th, U, Y, Zr and rare earth elements. However, the leachable levels of elements occurring in their oxyanionic form such as As, B, Mo, Se, V and W were increased after geopolymerization. This suggests that an optimal dosage, synthesis and curing conditions are essential in order to obtain a long-term stable final product that ensures an efficient physical encapsulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The acquisition of increasingly large analytical datasets from standardized air pollution monitoring stations allows more effective characterization of the fine aerosol cocktail breathed daily by modern urban populations. It is increasingly clear from such data that there is great variability in the chemical composition of inorganic inhalable particulate matter (PM10 = < 10 μm in size) in both space and time. Such variability can be demonstrated using selected tracer elements which, combined with source apportionment techniques, allow differentiation between natural (geological) and anthropogenic sources such as traffic and various industries. These tracer elements, which are commonly toxic metals, can be shown to concentrate in the finer, more deeply inhalable PM fraction, and are thus linked to potential inflammation and oxidative stress after inhalation. Legislation concerned only with measuring physical PM mass concentrations therefore fails to address potential health effects linked to chemical variations in ambient aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient PM10 and PM2.5 at Puertollano (central Spain) are derived mostly from local industrial emissions (including a refinery and power stations) and mineral (“crustal”) aerosols from fugitive dusts and African intrusions. Vanadium and the lanthanoid elements (La to Lu) can be used as geochemical markers to help identify these different contributions, especially when combined with atmospheric back-trajectory data. The total lanthanoid (∑Loid) content of PM is controlled primarily by the amount of coarse crustal material present, with the highest values being recorded in PM10 during an African dust intrusion (13ng m−3). In contrast, La/Ce and La/Sm ratios are controlled by fine refinery emissions, rising above natural crustal averages due to the release of La from fluid catalytic converters (FCC), and allowing the identification of La anomalies (La>Ce) when FCC emissions are prominent. Crustal La/Ce ratios are least common, and La anomalies most common, in PM2.5 measured during local pollution events. Increasing contamination of urban/industrial atmospheric PM samples away from crustal compositions may be tracked using a LaCeSm triangular plot, but this does not differentiate between FCC refinery and oil combustion emissions. Comparing lanthanoid and V concentrations does aid such differentiation, although given the likelihood of multiple PM sources in industrial locations, we recommend use of a LaCeV plot rather than simply La/V ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Relatively little is known about the lanthanoid element (La to Lu) chemistry of inhalable urban atmospheric particulate matter (PM). PM samples collected during an air sampling campaign in the Mexico City area contain lanthanoid concentrations of mostly 1-10ng m-3, increasing with mass where resuspension of crustal PM is important (low PM2.5/PM10), but not where fine emissions from traffic and industry dominate (high PM2.5/PM10). Samples show anthropogenic enrichment of lighter over heavier lanthanoids, and Ce enrichment relative to La and Sm occurs in the city center (especially PM10) possibly due to PM from road vehicle catalytic converters. La is especially enriched, although many samples show low La/V values (<0.11), suggesting the dominating influence of fuel oil combustion sources rather than refinery emissions. We use La/Sm v La/Ce, LaCeSm, and LaCeV plots to compare Mexico City aerosols with PM from other cities. Lanthanoid aerosol geochemistry can be used not only to identify refinery pollution events, but also as a marker for different hydrocarbon combustion emissions (e.g., oil or coal power stations) on urban background atmospheric PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The leaching properties of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) used as an aggregate substitute in unbound pavement layers are evaluated. The mechanical behaviour of bottom ash is acceptable for this application, but the potential environmental consequences constitute the most important limitation on the use of bottom ash as a road material. The environmental properties of bottom ash are assessed by means of the Dutch availability test NEN 7341 and the single-batch and two-stage batch European EN 12457 laboratory leaching tests. Furthermore, an experimental unbound pavement stretch is constructed to provide information on leaching behaviour under field conditions. In this high infiltration scenario, the results from predicted (based upon laboratory leaching tests) and measured releases (under field conditions) are compared, evidencing that predictions based on compliance leaching tests may be highly realistic. The depletion period of the extractable fraction of a number of elements in these field conditions is also quantified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article synthesises the results obtained in several projects on atmospheric aerosol (particulate matter – PM) pollution developed during the last years in the Western Mediterranean. It focuses on particulate matter sources and the strategies for suitable monitoring in ambient air. The article has been structured in several sections that give response to the main questions that prompted these studies. After analysing the main PM features in the Mediterranean, a brief review of the main factors differentiating the particulate matter composition with respect to Central Europe is presented. Finally, the suitability of the different metrics or parameters for monitoring ambient air PM levels in different types of environments is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fireworks creates an unusual and distinctive anthropogenic atmospheric pollution event. We report on aerosol samples collected during Las Fallas in Valencia, a 6-day celebration famous for its firework displays, and add comparative data on firework-and bonfire-contaminated atmospheric aerosol samples collected from elsewhere in Spain (Barcelona, L’Alcora, and Borriana) and during the Guy Fawkes celebrations in London. Specific high-profile official firework events during Las Fallas included the afternoon Mascletà and the nightly aerial displays (especially in the climactic final 2 days of the fiesta) and were accompanied by pollution spikes in suspended particles, NO, SO2, and the creation and dispersal of an aerosol cloud enriched in a range of metallic elements. Notable metal aerosol concentration increases recorded during Las Fallas were potassium (from 500 to 5900ngm−3), aluminium (as Al2O3 from around 600 to 2200ngm−3), titanium (from 200 to 700ngm−3), magnesium (from 100 to 500ngm−3), lead (from 17 to 379ngm−3), barium (from 39 to 322ngm−3), strontium (from 3 to 112ngm−3), copper (from 12 to 71ngm−3), and antimony (from 1 to 52ngm−3). Firework-contaminated aerosols of similarly metalliferous composition were also identified at the other monitoring sites, although different sites show variations attributable to other sources such as bonfires and local industry. Unusual levels of the trace elements Ba, Sr and (to a lesser extent) Cu, always in proportions with Ba dominant, along with strongly enhanced K, Pb, and Sb, are identified as being particularly characteristic of firework aerosols. Although firework-related recreational pollution episodes are transient in nature, they are highly concentrated, contribute significantly to total annual metal emissions, and are on average fine enough to be easily inhaled and a health risk to susceptible individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The origin of the daily exceedances of 50μg PM10m−3 (daily limit value or DLV of the EU air quality directive) and of an arbitrary daily value (DV) 35μg PM2. 5m−3 recorded in 2001–2003 in 13 regional background stations of the Iberian Peninsula were interpreted. This was carried out by means of back-trajectory analysis, available PM model outputs, satellite data and meteorological maps. This allows the detection of high PM episodes on a regional scale and the study of their seasonal and geographical variability. The number of exceedances of the PM10 DLV ranged in 2001–2003 from 6 to 41 depending on the monitoring site. For the selected PM2. 5DV, the range of daily exceedances was 0–10 in the study period. The majority of the PM10 (>70% in most stations) and PM2. 5 (17–55% in most stations) exceedances in regional background monitoring stations are caused by African dust outbreaks. These exceedances were less frequent in winter than in summer due to: (a) the frequent long range transport of dust in the warm seasons over Iberia, (b) the re-suspension associated with convective atmospheric dynamics, and (c) the relative low rainfall favouring re-suspension and high residence time of PM. Moreover, a regional contribution of secondary aerosols derived from the efficient photochemical transformation of gaseous precursors may coincide with African transport in summer. Episodes with lack of advective conditions caused 2–29% and 20–50% of the PM10 and PM2. 5 exceedances. These occurred mainly in summer due to poor renovation of air masses, increased convective re-suspension, dispersion of pollutants towards rural areas and regional re-circulation and aging of air masses which result in the proliferation of secondary inorganic species. Long-range transport of PM from continental Europe caused exceedances (9–40% and 18–38% of the PM10 and PM2. 5 exceedances, respectively), only in northern Iberia because, as the European air masses evolve towards the south, the pollutants suffer dispersion/dilution. Local exceedances are associated with the advection of the clean Atlantic air masses, which cannot increase PM levels to a great extent without the influence of a local source of PM. The proportion of local exceedances of PM10 and PM2. 5 ranged 6–33% and 17–40%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Puertollano Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Power Plant (Spain) fly ash is characterized by a relatively high content of Ga and V, which occurs mainly as Ga2O3 and as Ga3+ and V3+substituting for Al3+ in the Al–Si fly ash glass matrix. Investigations focused on evaluating the potential recovery of Ga and V from these fly ashes. Several NaOH based extraction tests were performed on the IGCC fly ash, at different temperatures, NaOH/fly ash (NaOH/FA) ratios, NaOH concentrations and extraction times. The optimal Ga extraction conditions was determined as 25°C, NaOH 0. 7–1M, NaOH/FA ratio of 5L/kg and 6h, attaining Ga extraction yields of 60–86%, equivalent to 197–275mg of Ga/kg of fly ash. Re-circulation of leachates increased initial Ga concentrations (25–38mg/L) to 188–215mg/L, while reducing both content of impurities and NaOH consumption. Carbonation of concentrated Ga leachate demonstrated that 99% of the bulk Ga content in the leachate precipitates at pH 7. 4. At pH 10. 5 significant proportions of impurities, mainly Al (91%), co-precipitate while >98% of the bulk Ga remains in solution. A second carbonation of the remaining solution (at pH 7. 5) recovers the 98. 8% of the bulk Ga. Re-dissolution (at pH 0) of the precipitate increases Ga purity from 7 to 30%, this being a suitable Ga end product for further purification by electrolysis. This method produces higher recovery efficiency than currently applied for Ga on an industrial scale. In contrast, low V extraction yields (<64%) were obtained even when using extreme alkaline extraction conditions, which given the current marked price of this element, limits considerably the feasibility of V recovery from IGCC fly ash. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The majority of the Spanish urban population breathe air containing inhalable ambient airborne particles at average concentrations of 30–46μgm−3 (PM10) and 20–30μgm−3 (PM2.5). Even though the average weight of inhaled urban aerosol is commonly similar, however, there can be large chemical differences between the ambient dusts from different towns, including the more bioreactive elements such as some metals. In this context, we compare the source-apportioned trace metal content of airborne PM10 and PM2.5 collected daily over a 1-year period from six population centres in Spain: Barcelona, Alcobendas, Llodio, Huelva, Tarragona and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Total average trace metal (ΣTM) PM10 and PM2.5 contents vary by up to a factor of around 3, reaching a maximum of ΣTM10 811ngm−3 and ΣTM2.5 503ngm−3 at Llodio, an industrial but humid site with the lowest PM10 mass levels but high contamination by Zn, Pb, Mn, Sn, Ni and Cr. In contrast, pollution at Huelva, although another industrially influenced site, instead emphasises Cu and As, whereas Barcelona, where traffic emissions and resuspension contribute to some of the highest average PM10 levels in Spain, has unusually raised levels of Ti, V and Ba. Such variations in both daily and annual average PM bulk chemistry, particularly in potentially toxic trace metals concentrated in the finer aerosols (such as Cd, As, Pb, Hg and Ni), predict that PM health effects on resident populations from different towns are unlikely to be the same. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence and distribution of trace elements (Pb, Zn, As, Ge, Cd, Tl, Bi, Sn, and also Ni, Fe and V) in condensates arising from coal gasification was investigated through the study of samples physically deposited on the gas cooling system from the Puertollano IGCC 335 MW power plant. These highly metal enriched samples are suitable for a comprehensive evaluation of the mode of occurrence of these elements in IGCC fly ash. Pb, Zn, Ge, and Fe sulfides, Ni–Fe arsenides, Ge and V oxides as well as traces of K chloride and Pb, Zn and Fe sulfates were determined as the major bearing phases for these elements. Three condensation zones were differentiated as function of the condensation temperatures and metal content: 1. Pb zone (520–750°C), characterized by the dominance of galena (70–90% of the main crystalline phases), and by the condensation of pyrrhotite and nickeline. 2. Ge–Zn–Pb zone (520–470°C), with sphalerite and wurzite being the dominant crystalline phases (over 40%), and Ge compounds, GeS2 and GeO2, reaching 30% of the bulk condensates. 3. Zn zone (300–400°C), characterized by the dominance of Zn sulfides (over 85% of the main crystalline phases). The results obtained from these highly metalliferous condensates show similar forms of occurrence for the studied elements to those obtained in the bulk Puertollano IGCC fly ash (by using XAFS spectroscopy), where the contents of these elements are much lower. Furthermore, the sequential condensation of sulfides during coal gasification is similar to that from volcanic fumaroles, and may thus promote a better understanding of volcanic deposits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Sahara–Sahel Dust Corridor runs from Chad to Mauritania and expels huge amounts of mineral aerosols into the Atlantic Ocean. Data on samples collected from Algeria, Chad, Niger, and Western Sahara illustrate how corridor dust mineralogy and chemistry relate to geological source and weathering/transport history. Dusts sourced directly from igneous and metamorphic massifs are geochemically immature, retaining soluble cations (e.g., K, Na, Rb, Sr) and accessory minerals containing HFSE (e.g., Zr, Hf, U, Th) and REE. In contrast, silicate dust chemistry in desert basins (e.g., Bodélé Depression) is influenced by a longer history of transport, physical winnowing (e.g., loss of Zr, Hf, Th), chemical leaching (e.g., loss of Na, K, Rb), and mixing with intrabasinal materials such as diatoms and evaporitic salts. Mineral aerosols blown along the corridor by the winter Harmattan winds mix these basinal and basement materials. Dusts blown into the corridor from sub-Saharan Africa during the summer monsoon source from deeply chemically weathered terrains and are therefore likely to be more kaolinitic and stripped of mobile elements (e.g., Na, K, Mg, Ca, LILE), but retain immobile and resistant elements (e.g., Zr, Hf, REE). Finally, dusts blown southwestwards into the corridor from along the Atlantic Coastal Basin will be enriched in carbonate from Mesozoic–Cenozoic marine limestones, depleted in Th, Nb, and Ta, and locally contaminated by uranium-bearing phosphate deposits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A detailed physical and chemical characterization of coarse particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the city of Huelva (in Southwestern Spain) was carried out during 2001 and 2002. To identify the major emission sources with a significant influence on PM10 and PM2.5, a methodology was developed based on the combination of: (1) real-time measurements of levels of PM10, PM2.5, and very fine particulate matter (PM1); (2) chemical characterization and source apportionment analysis of PM10 and PM2.5; and (3) intensive measurements in field campaigns to characterize the emission plumes of several point sources. Annual means of 37, 19, and 16 µg/m³were obtained for the study period for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1, respectively. High PM episodes, characterized by a very fine grain size distribution, are frequently detected in Huelva mainly in the winter as the result of the impact of the industrial emission plumes on the city. Chemical analysis showed that PM at Huelva is characterized by high PO43- and As levels, as expected from the industrial activities. Source apportionment analyses identified a crustal source (36% of PM10 and 31% of PM2.5); a traffic-related source (33% of PM10 and 29% of PM2.5), and a marine aerosol contribution (only in PM10, 4%). In addition, two industrial emission sources were identified in PM10 and PM2.5: (1) a petrochemical source, 13% in PM10 and 8% in PM2.5; and (2) a mixed metallurgical-phosphate source, which accounts for 11-12% of PM10 and PM2.5. In PM2.5 a secondary source has been also identified, which contributed to 17% of the mass. A complete characterization of industrial emission plumes during their impact on the ground allowed for the identification of tracer species for specific point sources, such as petrochemical, metallurgic, and fertilizer and phosphate production industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 12-month study of PM10 and gases in the industrial Spanish town of Puertollano reveals striking variations in pollutant concentrations. The normal daily pollution pattern is characterised by a daily double peak for NO x and CO and associated double trough for ozone (morning and evening), a midday atmospheric fumigation peak for SO2 and PM10 (1–2h later in winter), and a late morning through afternoon maximum for ozone (shorter and lower in winter). Superimposed upon this are: (1) seasonal variations, which accentuate the PM10 and SO2 mid-morning peaks in winter (when the peak occurs later than in summer), raise NO2, ozone and background particulate levels during the summer, and favour enhanced levels of NO during the winter; (2) local pollution spikes, particularly those associated with SO2 release from nearby industrial sources; (3) regional atmospheric stagnation episodes, which enhance concentrations of all pollutants and (4) intrusion of exotic pollutants, notably desert dust from North Africa. Given that air pollutants are known adversely to influence human health, understanding and predicting such diurnal variations in concentrations of inhalable pollutants is especially relevant to susceptible individuals such as asthmatics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The occurrence and distribution of minerals, and major and trace elements of the coal #6-1 from the Cretaceous Wulantuga high-germanium coal deposit in Shengli coal field, Inner Mongolia are investigated. The major mineral constituents of coal #6-1 are quartz (15%), kaolinite (4–5%), illite (1%), pyrite (<1%), feldspars (<1%), gypsum (weathering product, <2%) and traces of chlorite. In addition to these phases, traces of scheelite (CaWO4) and weddellite (an oxalate, CaC2O4·2H2O) were also detected by XRD. On the basis of chemical and mineralogical properties, a clear differentiation was found between the upper and lower coal sections: the lower section with higher sulfide mineral content, and the upper one with low sulfur content and with a higher proportion of mineral phases formed/accumulated under oxidizing conditions (quartz and dolomite). This coal seam is highly enriched in Ge, As, W, and Hg (one to two orders of magnitude higher than the usual worldwide coal concentrations), with high contents of Sb, U, Cs, and Be (one order of magnitude higher than the usual worldwide coal concentrations). The geochemical and mineralogical profile patterns of the coal seam were attributed to the development of a basal reduced marsh environment evolving towards a more oxidizing marsh environment in the upper part of the coal seam. This could be related to the evolution from a high water table low moor marsh environment to a high moor marsh into an open water body with a higher detrital influence at the top of the seam. These syngenetic geochemical characteristics are possibly modified by an unusually intensive hydrothermal alteration causing the formation of oxalate minerals and the enrichment in a series of elements such as Cs, Be, U, As, Se, and Hg. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of zeolitic material synthesized from coal fly ash for the immobilization of pollutants in contaminated soils was investigated in experimental plots in the Guadiamar Valley (SW Spain). This area was affected by a pyrite slurry spill in April 1998. Although reclamation activities were completed in a few months, residual pyrite slurry mixed with soil accounted for relatively high leachable levels of trace elements such as Zn, Pb, As, Cu, Sb, Co, Tl and Cd. Phytoremediation strategies were adopted for the final recovery of the polluted soils. The immobilization of metals had previously been undertaken to avoid leaching processes and the consequent groundwater pollution. To this end, 1100kg of high NaP1 (Na6[(AlO2)6(SiO2)10]·15H2O) zeolitic material was synthesized using fly ash from the Teruel power plant (NE Spain), in a 10m3 reactor. This zeolitic material was manually applied using different doses (10000–25000kg per hectare), into the 25cm topsoil. Another plot (control) was maintained without zeolite. Sampling was carried out 1 and 2years after the zeolite addition. The results show that the zeolitic material considerably decreases the leaching of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn. The sorption of metals in soil clay minerals (illite) proved to be the main cause contributing to the immobilization of these pollutants. This sorption could be a consequence of the rise in pH from 3.3 to 7.6 owing to the alkalinity of the zeolitic material added (caused by traces of free lime in the fly ash, or residual NaOH from synthesis). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The area of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain is repeatedly visited by mineral dust incursions from the deserts of NW Africa. Such exotic atmospheric intrusions raise background PM10 levels, making urban areas much more likely to exceed daily limits of 50μgm−3 and become subject to fines under European environmental law. Data from a 3-year (2001–2003) study of hourly PM10 values demonstrate that average background dust levels in remote sites rise from 6–8μgm−3 when Atlantic-derived W/SW winds are blowing, to 24–7μgm−3 when African events take place. In four Castilla-La Mancha towns, numbers of exceedence days (ED: when PM10>50μgm−3) per year averaged 31 in Guadalajara (suburban site with annual daily PM10 average ADPM10=27μgm−3), 68 in Toledo (ADPM10=38μgm−3) and 139 in Albacete (ADPM10=47μgm−3; both urban sites), and 151 in Puertollano (industrial urban site with ADPM10=51μgm−3). Thirty-four percent of ED occurred during African dust incursions, and current law allows exclusion of such days from annual data (which also reduces the ADPM10 by 2–4μgm−3). Rather than simply excluding such days, a more scientifically satisfactory approach would be to allow subtraction of the estimated component of exotic background dust present daily at every urban monitoring station, and thus identify towns subject to high levels of locally derived anthropogenic PM10. Such an approach reduces ADPM10 values by the same amount as above (2–4μgm−3) if only African-derived PM10 values (as measured at remote background stations) are subtracted, although ΣED shows a relative increase. If, however, an attempt is made to estimate and subtract the total amount of exotic PM10 (i.e. not just African non-locally derived) at the four sites, this reduces the ADPM10 by 8–12μgm−3, and ΣED also drops significantly. Whichever approach is adopted, however, our data confirm that the legally allowable number of ED is far more strict than the annual limit value. This inconsistency will make it especially difficult for many southern European towns, with their abundant dry dust resuspension and regular incursions of African dust, to achieve PM exceedence targets in 2005. We argue that further refinement of aerosol pollution law is necessary to ensure that penalties for exceeding legally acceptable levels of atmospheric particulates are scientifically well founded and fair. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A strong African dust outbreak episode affecting the Canary Islands from 28 to 31/07/02 has been characterised at the Izaña Observatory (IZO), located in the free troposphere (FT), and at Sta. Cruz de Tenerife (SCO), in the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL). The Saharan air mass intruded above the trade wind inversion layer resulting in daily mean PM levels of up to 616, 312, 98 and 26μgm−3 of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1, respectively, at IZO. As demonstrated by the vertical sounding profiles, the MBL is compressed during the Saharan intrusion, favouring the deposition of coarse dust particles to the MBL and giving rise to daily levels of up to 85, 52 and 30μgm−3 of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1, respectively, at SCO. A complete chemical and mineralogical characterisation has been performed for TSP and PM2.5 collected simultaneously at both sites. Levels of mineral elements increased during the Saharan episode at both sampling sites. In addition, at the MBL, the levels of the secondary inorganic aerosols registered during the Saharan episode were considerably higher than levels recorded during non-Saharan episodes. The partial formation of secondary coarse Ca and/or Na sulphates and nitrates by the reaction of gaseous pollutants (or derived oxidised phases), of a major local origin, with the natural aerosols has been deduced. These reactions may be favoured by the high concentration of coarse mineral and marine aerosols particles measured at SCO, the high relative humidity (RH) measured, as well as the strong compression of the MBL during the Saharan episode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The speciation of Ga, Ge, Ni, V, S and Fe in fly ash from IGCC power plant were investigated for possible further extraction process by combining conventional mineral and chemical analysis, leaching tests, wet sequential extraction, Mössbauer and XAFS spectroscopies. The results shown that Ge occurs mainly as water-soluble species, GeS and/or GeS2 and hexagonal GeO2. Ga is present as an oxide, Ni occurs mainly as nickeline (NiAs), with minor proportions of Ni arsenates and vanadium as V(III) with minor amounts of V(IV) in the aluminosilicate glass matrix. Pyrrhotite and wurtzite-sphalerite are sulfide species containing Fe and Zn, but an important fraction of iron is also present in the aluminosilicate glass. These clear differences between the speciation of the above elements in this material and those reported for fly ash from conventional PC combustion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water-soluble germanium species (GeS2, GeS and hexagonal-GeO2) are generated during coal gasification and retained in fly ash. This fact together with the high market value of this element and the relatively high contents in the fly ashes of the Puertollano Integrated Gasification in Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant directed our research towards the development of an extraction process for this element. Major objectives of this research was to find a low cost and environmentally suitable process. Several water based extraction tests were carried out using different Puertollano IGCC fly ash samples, under different temperatures, water/fly ash ratios, and extraction times. High Ge extraction yields (up to 84%) were obtained at room temperature (25°C) but also high proportions of other trace elements (impurities) were simultaneously extracted. Increasing the extraction temperature to 50, 90 and 150°C, Ge extraction yields were kept at similar levels, while reducing the content of impurities, the water/fly ash ratio and extraction time. The experimental data point out the influence of chloride, calcium and sulphide dissolutions on the Ge extraction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elemental composition and mineralogy of a high ash feed coal (ash: 49.7 wt.%), and its bottom and fly ash from a Brazilian power plant (Presidente Médici Power Plant or UTPM-446 MW) was determined using ICP-MS, ICP-AES, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron micrography (SEM). Most trace elements in coal fall in the usual range determined for world coals. However, concentrations of some elements were higher than the expected for coals, including Cs Rb and heavy rare earth elements (REEs). This might be due to the high content of detrital minerals of the studied coal, given that these elements are usually associated with clay minerals. Elements were classified into three groups based on the analysis of trace element concentrations in fly and bottom ashes, and enrichments or depletions of these concentrations in relation to the coal: Group I (volatile elements with subsequent condensation): As, B, Bi, Cd, Ga, Ge, Mo, Pb, S, Sb, Sn, Tl and Zn; Group II (no volatile elements enriched in bottom ash vs. fly ash): Ca, Fe, Mn, P, Ti and Zr; Group III (low volatile elements with no partitioning between fly and bottom ashes): Al, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, K, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, Rb, Sr, Th, U, W, Y and most of REE. The mass balance for trace elements obtained demonstrated that the volatile emission of the trace elements studied is very low. According to the leachable proportion obtained, the elements may be classified as follows: B (40–50%)>Mo>Cu>Ge=Li=Zn=As>, Ni, Sb, Tl, U>Ba, Cd, Sr, V (0.3–2%). For the other elements studied, the leachable fraction is in most cases <1% of the bulk content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study a set of 340 PM10 and PM2.5 samples collected throughout 16 months at rural, an urban kerbside and an industrial background site (affected by the emissions from the ceramic manufacture and other activities) were interpreted. On the regional scale, the main PM10 sources were mineral dust (mainly Al2O3, Fe, Ti, Sr, CaCO3, Mg, Mn and K), emissions derived from power generation (SO4&z.dbnd6;, V, Zn and Ni), vehicle exhausts (organic and elemental carbon, NO3- and trace elements) and marine aerosol (Na, Cl and Mg). The latter was not identified in PM2.5. At the industrial site, additional PM10 sources were identified (tile covering in the ceramic production, petrochemical emissions and bio-mass burning from a large orange tree cultivation area). The contribution of each PM source to PM10 and PM2.5 levels experiences significant variations depending on the type of PM episode (Local-urban mainly in autumn–winter, regional mainly in summer, African or Atlantic episode), which are discussed in this study. The results show that it would be very difficult to meet the EU limit values for PM10 established for 2010. The annual mean PM levels are 22.0 μg PM10/m3 at the rural and 49.5 μg PM10/m3 and 33.9 μg PM2.5/m3 at the urban site. The natural contribution in this region, estimated at 6 μg/m3 of natural mineral dust (resulting from the African events and natural resuspension) and 2 μg/m3 of marine aerosol, accounts for 40% of the 2010 EU annual limit value (20 μg PM10/m3). Mineral dust concentrations at the urban and industrial sites are higher than those at the rural site because of the urban road dust and the ceramic-production contributions, respectively. At the urban site, the vehicle exhaust contribution (17 μg/m3) alone is very close to the 2010 EU PM10 limit value. At the rural site, the African dust is the main contributor to PM10 levels during the highest daily mean PM10 events (100th–97th percentile range). At the urban site, the vehicle exhaust product is the main contributor to PM10 and PM2.5 levels during the highest daily mean PM events (100th–85th percentile range). Mineral dust concentrations during African dust events accounts for 20–30 μg/m3 in PM10 and 10–15 μg/m3 in PM2.5. During non-African dust events, mineral dust derived from anthropogenic activities (e.g. urban road dust) is also a significant contributor to PM10, but not to PM2.5. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Time series (1996-2000) of levels of PM (PM10 and TSP) and gaseous pollutants recorded in air quality monitoring networks from Northeastern Spain were interpreted using meteorological data and satellite observations of African dust plumes. The main objective of this study was to identify the processes affecting time variations of PM levels on a day-to-day and seasonal basis. From March to October PM levels at rural, urban, and industrial sites vary as a function of the concatenation of Atlantic air mass advections (Atlantic episodes with Iow PM levels) and regional circulations (regional events with high PM levels, very often associated with high ozone levels), which favor the aging of air masses in the Western Mediterranean basin. During these regional episodes, PM is transported from urban/industrial to rural sites by meso-scale circulations. From November to February Iow PM levels are recorded at rural sites, and variations in PM levels at urban/industrial sites are governed by the successive occurrence of Atlantic episodes and local urban/industrial pollution events. The African dust outbreaks take place throughout the year and may induce PM levels to increase simultaneously in large areas of the Iberian peninsula. The difference between PM concentrations measured at urban and rural sites experiences a seasonal trend similar to that of levels of N0[sub x] and CO, which is characterized by a winter maximum due to the higher frequency of intensive local urban pollution events. However, maximum PM levels are recorded in summer at rural sites owing to the frequent occurrence of regional episodes. Furthermore, in three years of the study period (1997, 1998, and 2000), a secondorder PM maximum was also recorded at rural sites in March owing to intensive African dust outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed physical and chemical characterisation of total suspended particles (TSP) in the highly industrialised city of Huelva (southwestern Spain) was carried out. The results evidenced a coarse grain-size prevalence (PM10 accounting for only 40% of TSP mass, 37 and 91 μg/m3, respectively). PM10 levels are in the usual range for urban background sites in Spain. The crustal, anthropogenic and marine components accounted for a mean of a 40%, 24% and 5% of bulk TSP, respectively. As expected from the industrial activities, relatively high PO43− and As levels for an urban site were detected. In addition to the crustal and marine components, source apportionment analysis revealed three additional emission sources influencing the levels and composition of TSP: (a) a petrochemical source, (b) a mixed metallurgical-phosphate source, (c) and an unknown source (Sb and NO3−).Due to the high local emissions, the mean TSP anthropogenic contribution (mostly PM10) obtained for all possible air mass transport scenarios reached 18–29 μg/m3. The 2010 annual EU PM10 limit value (20 μg/m3) would be exceeded by the anthropogenic load recorded for all the air mass transport scenarios, with the exception of the North Atlantic transport (only 15% of the sampling days). Under African air mass transport scenarios (20% of sampling days), the TSP crustal contribution reached near three times the local crustal contribution. It must be pointed out that this crustal input should diminish when sampling PM10 due to the dominant coarse size distribution of this type of particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Concentrations of airborne particulates undergo a seasonal evolution characterised by a summer maximum in rural areas in Eastern Spain. In the summer months the daily mean concentrations of PM10 and TSP (PM) experience wide variations. In 3-day periods, increases in the PM concentrations from 15 to 30–40 μg/m3 are frequently reported, and increases from 15 to 40–60 μg/m3 occur several times throughout the summer. These variations are simultaneously reported at rural stations throughout the flat Ebro basin (600 m a.s.l.) and at mountain sites located at high altitude (>1000 m a.s.l.). The origin of high and low PM episodes was investigated by correlating PM levels with the concentrations of gaseous pollutants, and making use of meteorological analysis and satellite observations. The highest PM events (daily concentrations in the range 40–60 μg/m3) were documented during outbreaks of African dust. The second highest PM events (daily concentrations in the range 20–45 μg/m3) were recorded during regional episodes associated with ozone events. These summer regional PM episodes were induced by the abrupt orography surrounding the Western Mediterranean and by the regional meteorology, which favour the ageing of polluted air masses into the basin. These regional events occur in a synoptic meteorological context characterised by a weak pressure horizontal gradient over the Western Mediterranean often associated with the development of the Iberian thermal low, when advection of air masses is not significant. In this meteorological context, the transport of particulate pollutants from urban/industrial to rural sites is brought about by the breeze circulation at the coastal (sea breeze) and mountain (mountain breeze) sites. The persistence of this breeze circulation for several days (periods of up to 2 weeks were reported) results in a low renovation of air masses leading to an accumulation of airborne particulates in the regional atmosphere. The lowest PM events (daily concentrations <20 μg/m3) were reported during abrupt entries of Atlantic air into the Mediterranean. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which focused on the potential application of pure zeolitic material obtained in a two-step conversion process from pure Silicon extracts obtained from coal fly ash. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Examines the utilization of zeolites synthesized from coal fly ash in the purification of acid mine waters in Spain. Decontamination tests of acid mine waters; Employment of zeolitic material for heavy metal uptake in water purification processes; Increase of hydrogen concentration through zeolite application.

Particulate matter (PM) is an important player of indoor air quality and a topic of great interest in terms of public health. Deciphering the complex chemical composition of indoor PM is critical to understand the association between particles components and a wide range of adverse health effects. Over the last decades, advanced analytical instrumentation has been produced capable of providing various levels of information on the chemical features of indoor PM. This article reviews the most promising of these sophisticated analytical techniques that could be employed in the identification of organic and inorganic constituents of indoor PM, including (high-resolution) mass spectrometry, organic, carbonaceous and ions analytical techniques, elemental analysis techniques such as atomic spectrometry and X-ray based methods, and surface analysis techniques. A distinction is made between online and offline instrumentation, focusing on their capabilities and how they are currently being used in the targeted and untargeted analysis of PM components. This review aims to provide the indoor air chemistry community with insights into the power of the different techniques available today, so that they can be used advantageously in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Barcelona Life Study Cohort (BiSC) is a research project that aims to investigate the impact of environmental factors on maternal and child health and development. The cohort consists of 1080 pregnant women who were recruited between October 2018 and April 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Data collection includes a wide range of demographic, lifestyle, and exposure information, as well as mental and physical health outcomes. The study conducts multiple follow-ups with participants during pregnancy and postnatal periods, collecting comprehensive data on various variables. The data collected includes information on sociodemographic characteristics, exposures and lifestyle, medical history, clinical data, mental health, physical examination, biological samples, home characteristics, and cognitive tests. The study also collects data during home visits, including information on air pollution, noise, temperature, humidity, physical activity, and geolocation. The study has a high participation rate, with 828 participants remaining in the cohort at the 18-month follow-up. The data collected in the study is valuable for researchers studying various aspects of health and environmental factors in Barcelona. The study faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in missing data and limitations in data collection, but it also provided an opportunity to evaluate the interaction between socio-environmental factors and maternal and child health. The BiSC data is available for external collaborations, and interested parties can request access through the BiSC website. The study was funded by the European Research Council and the Health Effects Institute, among others. [Extracted from the article]

Focuses on an experiment which involved the use of fly ash by conventional and microwave-assisted hydrothermal alkaline activation, to synthesize zeolitic material. How the zeolite synthesis was studied; Contents of the zeolitic material synthesized from the same fly ash; Results of experiment.