Assessment of spatial variations of particulate matter (PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>) in Bahrain identified by air quality index (AQI)

The rapid urbanization, industrialization, modernization, and the frequent Middle Eastern dust storms have negatively impacted the ambient air quality in Bahrain. The objective of this study is to identify the most critical atmospheric air pollutants with emphasis on their potential risk to health based on calculated AQI (air quality index) values using EPA approach. The air quality datasets of particulate matters (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured in January 2012 and August 2012 using five mobile air quality monitoring stations located at different governorates. The results of this study demonstrated that PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are the most critical air pollutants in Bahrain with PM_2.5 prevailing during January 2012 and PM₁₀ prevailing during August 2012. The corresponding AQI categories were utilized to evaluate spatial variability of particulate matters in five governorates. The impact of meteorological factors such as ambient air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and total precipitation on ambient air quality were discussed. The analysis demonstrated that the highest PM₁₀ concentrations were observed in the Northern Governorate while the highest PM_2.5 concentrations were observed in the Capital, Central, and Northern Governorates during August 2012. It was observed that the levels of PM_2.5 pollution were higher within proximity of the industrial zone. The results suggested that the average PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio in August 2012 was lower than in January 2012 due to the Aeolian processes. This study concludes that higher wind speed, total precipitation, relative humidity rates, and lower ambient air temperature in January 2012 assisted with the dissipation of particulate matter thus lowering the pollution levels of both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in comparison to August 2012.     

Levels, seasonal variations, and health risks assessment of ambient air pollutants in the residential areas

People living in the urban area and the surrounding suburban area have disparities in exposure and health risks due to different levels of ambient air pollutants. The main objective of this study is to investigate the concentrations, seasonal variations, and related health risks of ambient air pollutants (PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂) in urban and suburban areas of Ningbo, China. The results showed that the average PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ concentrations in the urban area were 85.2, 49.3, and 37.4 μg/m³, which were 1.13, 1.25, and 1.41 times the values of the suburban area during the period of March 2009 to February 2010. For the potential health risk analysis, the residents have been divided into four age categories namely, infants, children (1 year), children (8–10 years), and adults. The analysis took into account age-specific breathing rates, body weights for different age categories. The results showed that the potential health risks to respiratory disease for all age categories living in urban area were higher than those in suburban area.     

Temporal analysis of air pollution and its relationship with meteorological parameters in Bahrain, 2006–2012

The objective of this paper is to analyze temporal and seasonal trends of air pollution in Bahrain between 2006 and 2012 by utilizing datasets from five air quality monitoring stations. The non-parametric and robust Theil-Sen approach is employed to study quantitatively temporal variations of particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃). The calculated annual concentrations for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in Bahrain were substantially higher than recommended World Health Organization (WHO) guideline standards. Results showed increasing trends for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and SO₂ whereas O₃ and its precursor NO₂ showed decreasing behavior. The general increase in air pollution trends is in agreement with prediction of air pollution models for Middle East region due to economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization. The significances of long-term trends were examined. Additional to actual (unadjusted) trends, meteorological adjusted (deseasonalized) trends and seasonal trends were quantified. The box-plot analysis visually illustrated monthly variations of key air pollutants. It showed that only PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 exhibited seasonal pattern, and their concentrations increased during summer and decreased during winter. The effects of ambient air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and rainfall on particulate matter (PM) concentrations were further investigated. The Spearman correlation coefficient results demonstrated significant negative correlation between relative humidity and PM concentrations (??0.595 for PM₁₀ and ??0.526 for PM_2.5) while significant positive correlation was observed between temperature and PM concentrations (0.420 for PM₁₀ and 0.482 for PM_2.5).     

Ambient air quality of Kathmandu valley as reflected by atmospheric particulate matter concentrations (PM10)

This paper presents the analysis and interpretation of ambient particulate matter concentrations measured as PM₁₀ at a network of six air monitoring stations in Kathmandu valley during the years, 2003 through 2005. The purpose was to understand the pollution trends associated with different areas considering levels particulate matter concentrations representing the ambient air quality of Kathmandu valley. The study indicate that particulate concentrations (PM₁₀) measured are persistently higher at air sampling sites representing roadside areas compared to the background sites. The inter-station network variability with respect the particulate pollution suggests optimizing resources. The comparison of annual average PM₁₀ concentration observed at six air-monitoring sites in Kathmandu Valley with standard annual average concentration prescribed by World Health Organization as well as Europe Union indicates serious PM₁₀ pollution in Kathmandu valley.     

Spatial and temporal analyses of air pollutants and meteorological driving forces in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region,China

Due to its negative impact on the living environment of human beings, ambient air pollution has become a global challenge to human health. In this study, surface observations of six criteria air pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO and O₃, were collected to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region during 2013–2016 and to explore the relationships between atmospheric pollutants and meteorological variables using quantile regression model (QRM) and multiple linear regression model (MLRM). The results show that BTH region has experienced significant air pollution, and the southern part generally has more severe conditions. The annual average indicates clear decreasing trends of the particulate matters, SO₂ and CO concentrations over the last 4 years and slight increasing trends of NO₂ and O₃ in several cities. The seasonal and monthly characteristics indicate that the concentrations of five species reach their maxima in the winter and their minima in the summer, whereas O₃ has the opposite behaviour. Finally, the pseudo R² values show that the QRMs have the best performance in the winter, followed by spring, fall, and summer. Specifically, all the meteorological factors have significant impacts on air pollution but change with pollutants and seasons. The MLRM results are generally consistent with the QRM results in all seasons, and the inconsistencies are more common in the fall and winter. The results of this research provide foundational knowledge for predicting the response of air quality to climate change in the BTH region.     

A study of PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> concentrations in the atmosphere of large cities in Gansu Province,China, in summer period

Due to rapid economic growth of the country in the last 25 years, particulate matter (PM) has become a topic of great interest in China. The rapid development of industry has led to an increase in the haze created by pollution, as well as by high levels of urbanization. In 2012, the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) imposed ‘more strict’ regulation on the PM concentrations, i.e., 35 and 70 μg/m³ for annual PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in average, respectively (Grade-II, GB3095-2012). The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the linear relationship of pollution between pollution levels and weather conditions as well as the temporal and spatial variability among neighbouring cities. The goal of this paper was to investigate hourly mass concentration of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ from June 1 to August 31, 2015 collected in the 11 largest cities of Gansu Province. This study has shown that the overall average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in the study area were 26 and 66 μg/m³. In PM_2.5 episode days (when concentration was more than 75 μg/m³ for 24 hrs), the average concentrations of PM_2.5 was 2–3 times higher as compared to non-episode days. There were no observed clear differences during the weekday/weekend PM and other air pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, CO and O₃) in all the investigated cities.     

Estimation of number of deaths associated with exposure to excess ambient PM10 air pollution

The respirable particle matter (PM₁₀) concentration in urban areas has been a chronic cause concern and principal reason for increased morbidity rate among resident population. The present study aimed at estimating a discrete event like mortality rate associated and attributable to excess particulate matter pollution in the Kathmandu Valley area. The Government of Nepal conducts air monitoring of particulates at its air monitoring site network covering valley area. Adopting the data available with respect to PM₁₀ and with several other considerations like cutoff value for PM₁₀, mean annual concentration, demographic data of valley, exceedance to the reference cutoff value, attributable fraction evolution and computation relative risk attributable to PM₁₀ was computed. Assumption was made about the relative risk of long-term average PM₁₀ exposure on natural mortality estimated and reported from a previous study. The estimation or mortality rate in our case was 0.95% after all these considerations and computation. This implies that 95 deaths out of 10,000 deaths are due to particulate pollution existing in the Kathmandu Valley Area.     

The characteristics of air pollutants during different seasons in the urban area of Lanzhou,Northwest China

Based on data from ground-based air quality stations, space–time variations of six principal atmospheric pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and gas pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, СО, and O₃), obtained from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 in the city of Lanzhou, have been studied. Average total concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 53.2?±?26.91 and 124.54?±?82.33 µg/m³, respectively; however, the results showed that in 75.53% and 84.85% days, concentrations of these pollutants exceeded Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standard and in 100% days exceeded World Health Organization guidelines standards. Daily mean values of aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent based on data, received by satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, show a broad range of values for aerosol optical depth (from 0.018 to 1.954) and Ångström exponent (from 0.003 to 1.8). Results of principal components analysis revealed three factor loadings. Thus, Factor 1 has the relevant loadings for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, CO, SO₂, and NO₂ (36%) and closely associated with transport emissions and industrial sources, which contribute to air pollution in Lanzhou. Factor 2 was heavily loaded with temperature and visibility (16.94%). Factor 3 consisted of relative humidity (14.11%). Cluster analysis revealed four subgroups: cluster 1 (PM_2.5, NO₂, SO₂), cluster 2 (CO), cluster 3 (PM₁₀) and cluster 4 (relative humidity, visibility, temperature, O₃, wind speed), which were compliant with results, obtained from principal components analysis. Positive correlation was found among all pollutants, other than O₃. According to processed backward trajectories obtained by Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model, it was found that movement of air masses occur from north, northwest, and west directions—the location of principal natural sources of aerosols.     

Effect of attachment configuration on the trapping efficiency of Vaseline-coated slide catchers for windblown particles

There are various types of the windblown sediment traps developed for wind tunnel and field studies. One of the main supports expected from these traps is in measuring surface dust concentrations to appropriately derive flux equations. The measurement performance and accuracy of a trap is very important and depends strictly upon the physical characteristics and the behaviors of dust grains with air flows. This paper presents the measurement results of static pressure distribution (SPD) of wind flow around Vaseline-coated slide (VCS) catchers with an aim of finding out whether or not particle trapping efficiency (η) of the VCS is related to the SPD. The SPD was evaluated by a wind reduction coefficient (R _c) in a series of wind tunnel experiments with different VCS settings which have different attachment configurations on a pole. Three VCS configurations were considered: a configuration on a circular plastic pole (CPP) and two configurations on wooden square poles (WSP₁ and WSP₂, respectively). Thus, the primary contribution of this work was to experimentally analyze the effect of the different attachment configurations on the SPD, and the secondary objective was to determine the effect of the SPD on the η. It was shown that spatial correlation and spatial pattern of the R _c were different in the surrounding area of each configuration, and ANOVA and DUNCAN tests indicated that η(s) of WSP₁, WSP₂, and CPP were different at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05 with the mean of 0.94 ± 0.09, 0.63 ± 0.14, and 1.13 ± 0.07, respectively. Additionally, the amount of PM₂₀, PM₄₀, PM₆₀, PM₈₀, and PM₁₀₀ trapped by the configurations of WSP₁, WSP₂, and CPP considerably varied depending upon the particular aerodynamic circumstances associated with every configuration.     

Experimental and numerical analyses of particulate matter concentrations in underground subway station

The purpose of this paper was to perform the experimental and numerical analyses of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations in Imam Khomeini (IKH) underground subway station in Tehran. The aim was to provide fundamental data in order to fulfill workers and passengers respiratory health necessities. Experimental measurements was done at three different locations (entrance, middle and exit) inside the platform and also outdoor ambient of the station. The Dust-Trak was applied to measure continuous PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations at a logging interval of 30 s. The measurements were recorded during rush hours (8:00 am–12:00 pm) for one week per each season from June 2015–June 2016.Moreover, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation was done for the platform of the above station and the necessary boundary conditions were provided through field measurements. Those basic parameters which were considered for numerical analysis of particulate matters concentrations included air velocity, air pressure and turbulence. Furthermore, the piston effect caused by train movement inside the station provided natural ventilation in the platform. The results showed that seasonal measured PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ indoor concentrations had a variety range from 40–98 µg/m³ to 33–102 µg/m³, respectively, and were much higher than national indoor air quality standard levels. Meanwhile, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations in the IKH underground subway station were approximately 2.5–2.9 times higher than those in outdoor ambient, respectively. Numerical simulation indicated that the predicted concentrations were underestimated by a factor of 8% in comparison with the measured ones.     

Mercury,Trace Elements and Organic Constituents in Atmospheric Fine Particulate Matter,Shenandoah National Park,Virginia, USA: A Combined Approach to Sampling and Analysis

Compliance with U.S. air quality regulatory standards for atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is based on meeting average 24 hour (35 μ m^?3) and yearly (15 μg m^?3) mass‐per‐unit‐volume limits, regardless of PM_2.5 composition. Whereas this presents a workable regulatory framework, information on particle composition is needed to assess the fate and transport of PM_2.5 and determine potential environmental/human health impacts. To address these important non‐regulatory issues an integrated approach is generally used that includes (1) field sampling of atmospheric particulate matter on filter media, using a size‐limiting cyclone, or with no particle‐size limitation; and (2) chemical extraction of exposed filters and analysis of separate particulate‐bound fractions for total mercury, trace elements and organic constituents, utilising different USGS laboratories optimised for quantitative analysis of these substances. This combination of sampling and analysis allowed for a more detailed interpretation of PM_2.5 sources and potential effects, compared to measurements of PM_2.5 abundance alone. Results obtained using this combined approach are presented for a 2006 air sampling campaign in Shenandoah National Park (Virginia, USA) to assess sources of atmospheric contaminants and their potential impact on air quality in the Park. PM_2.5 was collected at two sampling sites (Big Meadows and Pinnacles) separated by 13.6 km. At both sites, element concentrations in PM₂₅ were low, consistent with remote or rural locations. However, element/Zr crustal abundance enrichment factors greater than 10, indicating anthropogenic input, were found for Hg, Se, S, Sb, Cd, Pb, Mo, Zn and Cu, listed in decreasing order of enrichment. Principal component analysis showed that four element associations accounted for 84% of the PM_2.5 trace element variation; these associations are interpreted to represent: (1) crustal sources (Al, REE); (2) coal combustion (Se, Sb), (3) metal production and/or mobile sources (Mo, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) and (4) a transient marine source (Sr, Mg). Concentrations of Hg in PM_2.5 at background levels in the single pg m^?3 were shown by collection and analysis of PM_2.5 on filters and by an automated speciation analyser set up at the Big Meadows air quality site. The speciation unit revealed periodic elevation of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) that co‐occurred with peaks in SO₂, indicating an anthropogenic source. GC/MS total ion current chromatograms for the two sites were quite similar indicating that organic signatures were regional in extent and/or that the same compounds were present locally at each site. Calculated carbon preference index values for n‐alkanes indicated that plant waxes rather than anthropogenic sources, were the dominant alkane source. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected, with a predominance of non‐alkylated, and higher molecular weight PAHs in this fraction, suggestive of a combustion source (fossil fuel or forest fires).     

Low carbon storage of woody debris in a karst forest in southwestern China

The properties of woody debris (WD) vary across different forests under various soil conditions. Owing to the relatively shallow and low amounts of soils on karst terrains, it is necessary to determine the WD carbon inventory of karst forests. In this study, we recorded WD with a basal diameter for standing snags and the large-end diameter for fallen logs of ≥ 1 cm. The carbon density of WD in a secondary karst mixed evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest that had been clear-cut 55 years ago in southwestern China were inventoried in a 2 ha plot. Woody debris carbon density calculated using specific gravity and carbon concentration was 4.07 Mg C ha⁻¹. Woody debris with diameters ≥ 10 cm (coarse WD) constituted 53.8% of total carbon storage whereas WD < 10 cm in diameters (fine WD) accounted for more pieces of WD (89.9%). Lithocarpus confinis contributed the most WD carbon (26.5%). Intermediate decayed WD was relatively more abundant, but WD with final decay contributed the least to the total pieces of WD (6.7%). The contribution of WD to carbon storage of karst forest was low compared to other forests worldwide. Significant positive correlations were found between WD carbon and biodiversity (R² = 0.035, p < 0.01) and elevation (R² = 0.047, p < 0.01) and negative correlations was found in outcrop coverage (R² = 0.034, p < 0.01). Further studies are needed to elucidate the ecological functions of WD to better understand their roles in maintaining biodiversity, enhancing productivity, and controlling vegetation degradation in karst forest ecosystems.

     

Assessment of groundwater quality with special emphasis on nitrate contamination in parts of Gautam Budh Nagar district,Uttar Pradesh,India

Progressive developments in industrial and agricultural activities are causing a critical stress on groundwater quality in developing countries. The objective of this paper is to assess and evaluate the contamination level of groundwater caused by leachate in 11 villages of the Gautam Budh Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh, India. We systematically sampled 22 groundwater samples and 13 leachate samples to ascertain the source of pollution on groundwater quality. The standard analytical methods given by the American Public Health Association (APHA) (Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater, 23rd edn. APHA, AWWA, WPCF, Washington, 2017) were used for quantitative estimation of hydrochemical parameters of collected samples. The results of the analysis of groundwater samples indicate that pH values range from 7.31 to 8.97. The mean magnesium concentration in groundwater samples is 58.93 ± 21.44 mg/L. Out of the groundwater samples taken, approximately 41% and 73% of samples analysis results have been found beyond the acceptable limit with respect to the parameters of turbidity and total dissolved solids, respectively, according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (Indian standard specification for drinking water (IS:10500). BIS, Manak Bhawan, New Delhi, 2012) for drinking water. Around 95.4% of groundwater samples and 92.3% of leachate samples have high nitrate concentrations above the standard limit of BIS (45 mg/L), respectively. The Piper plot shows that 50% of the samples belong to the Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻ type. Ternary and Durov’s diagrams indicate that the mean concentrations of ions are in the order of Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ (for cations) and HCO₃⁻> NO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > CO₃²⁻ > F⁻ (for anions) in groundwater of the study area. The spatial variation of the hydrochemical parameters shows that groundwater is heavily contaminated with respect to nitrate. Analytical results indicate that the groundwater of villages Achheja, Bisrakh road, Dujana, Badalpur and Sadopur is not suitable for drinking.

     

PM2.5降尘对大鼠的急性肺损伤及复合维生素B的干预作用研究

为探讨复合维生素B(叶酸、B_6和B_(12))能否抑制PM_(2.5)对大鼠的急性肺损伤作用,本研究将56只SD大鼠随机分成对照组、不同剂量(0. 4、2. 0、10. 0 mg/m L) PM_(2.5)染毒组和相应的复合维生素B干预组(0. 02 mg/m L叶酸、1 mg/m L维生素B6、0. 002 5 mg/m L维生素B12),取肺组织进行HE染色观察组织病理学形态变化并进行病理学评分;收集支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)测定总蛋白(TP)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)的含量。结果显示,PM_(2.5)染毒能对大鼠肺组织造成不同程度的病理性损伤,复合维生素B能减缓此损伤;与对照组相比,低、中、高剂量的PM_(2.5)染毒大鼠可引起BALF中LDH、AKP、ACP、TP和MDA含量显著升高(P 0. 05),而SOD和CAT活性显著降低(P 0. 05),且TP和MDA含量随染毒剂量的增加而升高(P 0. 05),CAT活性随染毒剂量的增加而降低; 3个染毒剂量的复合维生素B干预组LDH、TP和MDA含量显著降低(P 0. 05),而SOD和CAT活性显著升高(P 0. 05); PM_(2.5)低、高剂量+复合维生素B组BALF中ACP含量显著降低(P 0. 05); PM_(2.5)中剂量+复合维生素B组BALF中ACP含量无显著改变;仅有PM_(2.5)低剂量+复合维生素B组AKP含量降低(P 0. 05),其余干预组AKP含量无显著变化。因此认为,PM_(2.5)降尘能打破机体的氧化-抗氧化平衡,造成大鼠急性肺损伤,而复合维生素B能减缓此损伤,对机体起到保护作用。     

Assessment of ambient air quality in Bishnumati corridor, Kathmandu metropolis

The Kathmandu valley urban area is growing as a metropolis. Bishnumati corridor in Kathmandu valley is is a target of increased pollution. The unabated solid waste land-filling on either side of the river-bank and animal slaughter houses and biological waste arising from these activities, busy commercial and high residential density characterize the corridor. Six areas, namely Teku Dovan, Kalimati Bridge, Kankeswori, Shova Bhagwati, Balaju and New Bus Park areas, all areas falling within the Bishnumati corridor were selected to measure air quality representing corridor. The pollutants quantified were respirable particulate matter — PM₁₀, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. The air-borne microbial flora and fungi load quantification were also carried out. Teku Dovan (918.92 μg/m³) and Shovabhagavati areas (847.45 μg/m³) showed higher levels of particulates. Kankeswori area showed highest levels of aerial bacterial (3.7×10⁷ cfu/m³) and fungal load (4.8×10⁸ cfu/m³). The PM₁₀ levels at all the sites are substantial and fall in the categories of ’Harmful’ and ’Hazardous’ quality of air suggesting that the corridor needing intervention to minimize the risk from air pollution. Non-judicious open-air combustion of the solid waste contributes to air pollution. Heavy traffic and few roads not clad with asphalt; perceivable mal-odor and persistent stench emanating from the indiscriminate disposal and consequent putrefaction processes, dense population and increased commercial activities are other principal contributing sources to the resulting pollution of the corridor. In view of this status, mitigating measures to minimize exposure to the toxicants in the corridor is a necessity.     

Assessment of pollution sources in the southeastern of the Riyadh and its impact on the population/Saudi Arabia

The rapid growth of Riyadh—capital of Saudi Arabia—is pushing the area to more pollution and incentive for reorganization. The aim of this research is to assess air pollutants in southeast of Riyadh and detect opinion of the population about their environment. The assessment was done by analyzing 405 questionnaires, evaluating thermal band of Landsat 8, and spatial analyzing of particular matter and chemicals in 19 air samples by geostatistical tool in the ArcMap. Most of the inhabitants stated that they are suffering from bad odor, sewage leakage, and dust mainly from a cement factory. The thermal band of Landsat clarified the location of the pollution sources mainly the 1st industrial city, Yammama Cement Factory, and power plant in Farouq area. The ordinary kriging maps showed that the highest concentration of PM₁₀ (>403 μg/m³) lied to the northern and western side of the study area and caused a health issue to most inhabitants.     

First-principles investigation of the concentration effect on equilibrium fractionation of Ca isotopes in forsterite

Previous theoretical studies have found that the concentration variations within a certain range have a prominent effect on inter-mineral equilibrium isotope fractionation (10³lnα). Based on the density functional theory, we investigated how the average Ca–O bond length and the reduced partition function ratios (10³lnβ) and 10³lnα of ⁴⁴Ca/⁴⁰Ca in forsterite (Fo) are affected by its Ca concentration. Our results show that Ca–O bond length in forsterite ranges from 2.327 to 2.267 Å with the Ca/(Ca + Mg) varying between a narrow range limited by an upper limit of 1/8 and a lower limit of 1/64. However, outside this narrow range, i.e., Ca/(Ca + Mg) is lower than 1/64 or higher than 1/8, Ca–O bond length becomes insensitive to Ca concentration and maintains to be a constant. Because the 10³lnβ is negatively correlated with Ca–O bond length, the 10³lnβ significantly increases with decreasing Ca/(Ca + Mg) when 1/64 < Ca/(Ca + Mg) < 2/16. As a consequence, the 10³lnα between forsterite and other minerals also strongly depend on the Ca content in forsterite. Combining previous studies with our results, the heavier Ca isotopes enrichment sequence in minerals is: forsterite > orthopyroxene > clinopyroxene > calcite ≈ diopside > dolomite > aragonite. Olivine and pyroxenes are enriched in heavier Ca isotope compared to carbonates. The 10³lnα between forsterite with a Ca/(Ca + Mg) of 1/64 and clinopyroxene (Ca/Mg = 1/1, i.e., diopside) is up to ~ 0.64‰ at 1200 K. The large 10³lnα_Fo-diopside relative to the current analytical precision for Ca isotope measurements suggests that the dependence of 10³lnα_Fo-diopside on temperature can be used as a thermometer, similar to the one based on the 10³lnα of ⁴⁴Ca/⁴⁰Ca between orthopyroxene and diopside. These two Ca isotope thermometers both have a precision approximate to that of elemental thermometers and provide independent constraints on temperature.

     

Investigation of source locations and contributions using an integrated trajectory-source apportionment method with multiple time resolution data

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) coexist in ambient air and contribute to adverse health effects in human populations. Thus, it is helpful to identify the contributions of air pollutants from different sources in order to design effective control strategies. Nevertheless, different sampling time schedules for VOCs and PM_2.5 result in difficulties for conventional receptor modeling. Additionally, a receptor model is unable to link the retrieved factors directly with actual source locations. To address these gaps, this study integrated back-trajectory data into an improved source apportionment model suitable for multiple time resolution data to estimate the locations of the regional transport-related factor. Within six potential source regions (PSRs) outlined by the above method, PSR 5 was suggested the primary one located near the industrial regions in the northeastern China. Constrained model results showed that the source contribution estimates with back trajectories passing over the PSRs were 3 and 9% of the selected VOCs and PM_2.5 mass, respectively.     

Particulate air pollution in a small settlement: The effect of local heating

Mass concentrations of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and black smoke (BS) were measured in April 2003 during a 3-week campaign in a small village and at a nearby background location in the central part of the Czech Republic. In a pilot analysis, concentrations of selected trace elements (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sb, Cs, Pb) in the collected aerosol were determined by means of ICP-MS. Average concentrations of both PM fractions and BS were higher in the village (37, 26 and 26 μg m⁻³) than at the background location (26, 19 and 11 μg m⁻³) for PM₁₀, PM_2.5 and BS, respectively. Both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were reasonably correlated in the village (r = 0.80) and also at the background location (r = 0.79). Correlation between same fractions from the village and from the background site were even higher (r = 0.97 and r = 0.95 for the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively) suggesting that most of the aerosol in both locations may be influenced by similar sources. The ratio between PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 showed that sources in the village contributed about 33% and 35% to local aerosol concentration for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, respectively. When the data from the two rural locations were compared with corresponding 24-h averages of PM₁₀ concentrations obtained for the period of the campaign from fixed site monitors situated near larger towns, the highest concentration was found in Prague the Czech capital (49 μg m⁻³) followed by a district town Beroun (41 μg m⁻³) and the village (37 μg m⁻³). The lowest PM₁₀ concentration was found in the village background (26 μg m⁻³). Elemental analysis revealed higher concentrations for most of the elements characteristic of combustion aerosol (namely Zn, Pb, As, Mn and Ti) in the PM collected in the village. The results support the idea that traditional heating in villages may contribute a great extent to local air pollution and may represent an important problem.     

Zircon saturation model in silicate melts: a review and update

Zircon stability in silicate melts—which can be quantitatively constrained by laboratory measurements of zircon saturation—is important for understanding the evolution of magma. Although the original zircon saturation model proposed by Watson and Harrison (Earth Planet Sci Lett 64(2):295–304, 1983) is widely cited and has been updated recently, the three main models currently in use may generate large uncertainties due to extrapolation beyond their respective calibrated ranges. This paper reviews and updates zircon saturation models developed with temperature and compositional parameters. All available data on zircon saturation ranging in composition from mafic to silicic (and/or peralkaline to peraluminous) at temperatures from 750 to 1400 °C were collected to develop two refined models (1 and 2) that may be applied to the wider range of compositions. Model 1 is given by lnC_Zr(melt) = (14.297 ± 0.308) + (0.964 ± 0.066)·M − (11113 ± 374)/T, and model 2 given by lnC_Zr(melt) = (18.99 ± 0.423) − (1.069 ± 0.102)·lnG − (12288 ± 593)/T, where C_Zr(melt) is the Zr concentration of the melt in ppm and parameters M [= (Na + K + 2Ca)/(Al·Si)] (cation ratios) and G [= (3·Al₂O₃ + SiO₂)/(Na₂O + K₂O + CaO + MgO + FeO)] (molar proportions) represent the melt composition. The errors are at one sigma, and T is the temperature in Kelvin. Before applying these models to natural rocks, it is necessary to ensure that the zircon used to date is crystallized from the host magmatic rock. Assessment of the application of both new and old models to natural rocks suggests that model 1 may be the best for magmatic temperature estimates of metaluminous to peraluminous rocks and that model 2 may be the best for estimating magmatic temperatures of alkaline to peralkaline rocks.