AQUA-GAPS/MONET-Derived Concentrations and Trends of PAHs and Polycyclic Musks across Global Waters.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), released from petrogenic, pyrogenic or diagenetic sources (degradation of wood materials), are of global concern due to their adverse effects, and potential for long-range transport. While dissolved PAHs have been frequently reported in the literature, there has been no consistent approach of sampling across water bodies. Passive samplers from the AQUA/GAPS-MONET initiative were deployed at 46 sites (28 marine and 18 freshwater), and analyzed for 28 PAHs and six polycyclic musks (PCMs) centrally.

Comprehensive methodology for semi-volatile organic compound determination in ambient air with emphasis on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis by GC-MS/MS.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are air pollutants that affect the human health and the environment, and their accurate determination in outdoor and indoor environments is important. This study presents a methodology for sampling and analysis of semi-volatile compounds in ambient air with emphasis on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, collected with low-volume pumps (4.8 m) in unconditioned solid phase extraction cartridges (Isolute ENV+).

Measurement of volatile organic compounds using tethered balloons in a polluted industrial site in Catalonia (Spain).

Understanding the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) near emission sources and in the background atmosphere above the mixing layer height (MLH) provides insight into the fate of VOCs and is essential for developing effective air pollution control strategies. Unfortunately, knowledge of the qualitative and quantitative changes of VOCs and their vertical transport in the atmosphere is limited due to challenging experimental setups. In this study, an innovative method using tethered balloons was tested and implemented to sample 40 VOCs and O below and above the MLH at an industrial site in Spain.

Simple on-site extraction and GC-MS analysis of rotenone and degradation products for monitoring invasive fish eradication treatments in fresh and brackish waters.

The introduction of invasive fish species to aquatic ecosystems has been demonstrated to cause disastrous ecological effects. Current conservation strategies regard rotenone-containing piscicide formulations, such as commercial product CFT Legumine, as a potentially viable alternative to the cumbersome traditional approaches to fish eradication. This consideration relies on the fast degradation of rotenone and its relatively rapid dissipation from the environment.

Diurnal source apportionment of organic and inorganic atmospheric particulate matter at a high-altitude mountain site under summer conditions (Sierra Nevada; Spain).

High-altitude mountain areas are sentinel ecosystems for global environmental changes such as anthropogenic pollution. In this study, we report a source apportionment of particulate material with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM) in a high-altitude site in southern Europe (Sierra Nevada Station; SNS (2500 m a.s.

Key factors for abating particulate matter in a highly industrialized area in N Spain: Fugitive emissions and secondary aerosol precursors.

In highly industrialized areas, abating particulate matter (PM) is complex owing to the variety of emission sources with different chemical profiles that may mix in the atmosphere. Gijón-an industrial city in northern Spain-was selected as a case study to better understand the key emission sources and improve air quality in highly industrialized areas. Accordingly, the trends of various air quality indicators (PM10, PM2.

Passive-Sampler-Derived PCB and OCP Concentrations in the Waters of the World─First Results from the AQUA-GAPS/MONET Network.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are recognized as pollutants of global concern, but so far, information on the trends of legacy POPs in the waters of the world has been missing due to logistical, analytical, and financial reasons. Passive samplers have emerged as an attractive alternative to active water sampling methods as they accumulate POPs, represent time-weighted average concentrations, and can easily be shipped and deployed. As part of the AQUA-GAPS/MONET, passive samplers were deployed at 40 globally distributed sites between 2016 and 2020, for a total of 21 freshwater and 40 marine deployments.

Determination of subpicogram levels of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for personal exposure monitoring assessment.

A method based on the use of GC coupled to Q-exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap-MS) has been developed for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at sub-picogram levels. Outdoor ambient air particulate matter (PM2.5) and standard reference materials (SRM2260a) were analyzed in full scan mode showing low instrumental uncertainties (1-22%) and high linearity over a wide concentration range (0.

Phenotypic and Metabolomic Characterization of 3D Lung Cell Cultures Exposed to Airborne Particulate Matter from Three Air Quality Network Stations in Catalonia.

Air pollution constitutes an environmental problem that it is known to cause many serious adverse effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The chemical characterization of particulate matter (PM) is key for a better understanding of the associations between chemistry and toxicological effects. In this work, the chemical composition and biological effects of fifteen PM air filter samples from three air quality stations in Catalonia with contrasting air quality backgrounds were investigated.

Changes and distribution of gas-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine compounds in a high-mountain gradient over a three-year period (Pyrenees, 2017-2020).

The atmospheric gas-phase concentrations of several polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) were measured in six high-mountain sites in the Pyrenees (1619-2453 m). Polyurethane foam passive air samplers were used for this purpose, providing continuous records spanning over three years (2017-2020). The mean concentrations of ∑PCBs, HCB, and PeCB, 13 ± 4 pg m, 44 ± 18 pg m, and 23 ± 20 pg m, respectively, were of the order of those reported in other mountain sites and similar to those measured 20 years ago in the same area, evidencing the persistence of these compounds despite the international regulatory actions.

Primary and secondary organic winter aerosols in Mediterranean cities under different mixing layer conditions (Barcelona and Granada).

PM was collected during an EMEP winter campaign of 2017-2018 in two urban background sites in Barcelona (BCN) and Granada (GRA), two Mediterranean cities in the coast and inland, respectively. The concentrations of PM, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and organic molecular tracer compounds such as hopanes, anhydro-saccharides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and several biogenic and anthropogenic markers of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) were two times higher in GRA compared to BCN and related to the atmospheric mixing heights in the areas. Multivariate curve resolution (MCR-ALS) source apportionment analysis identified primary emissions sources (traffic + biomass burning) that were responsible for the 50% and 20% of the organic aerosol contributions in Granada and Barcelona, respectively.

Occurrence and temperature dependence of atmospheric gas-phase organophosphate esters in high-mountain areas (Pyrenees).

The air concentrations of organophosphate esters (OPEs) were studied in a network of six remote high-mountain areas of the Pyrenees located along an altitudinal profile between 1619 m and 2453 m above sea level on a restricted planar surface to assess their vertical distribution based on long-range atmospheric transport and temperature gradients. Polyurethane foam passive samplers were used in five periods spanning over three years (September 2017-October 2020). The sum of concentrations of five OPEs were between 5.

Spread of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital areas.

We performed a systematic sampling and analysis of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA in different hospital areas to assess viral spread. Systematic air filtration was performed in rooms with COVID-19 infected patients, in corridors adjacent to these rooms, to rooms of intensive care units, and to rooms with infected and uninfected patients, and in open spaces. RNA was extracted from the filters and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed using the LightMix Modular SARS-CoV-2 E-gene.

Field comparison of passive polyurethane foam and active air sampling techniques for analysis of gas-phase semi-volatile organic compounds at a remote high-mountain site.

Polyurethane foam passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) are good candidates for the determination of gas-phase semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) air concentrations in high-mountain areas over long periods because they do not require an energy supply. However, the harsh meteorological conditions present in such locations can increase the uncertainties inherently associated to PAS sampling rates due to the many variables involved in their calculation and to the assumptions made regarding PUF diffusive uptake mechanics, which can considerably bias the resulting concentrations. Therefore, we studied the performance of PUF-PASs in a remote location in the Pyrenees mountain range for the analysis of several SVOCs in air, including polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the less studied emerging organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs).

Atmospheric deposition of semivolatile organic pollutants in European high mountains: Sources, settling and chemical degradation.

Bulk atmospheric deposition samples, including wet and dry deposition, were collected during 2004-2006 in four high mountain European lakes: Skalnate Pleso (Tatra mountains, Slovakia), Gossenköllesee (Alps, Austria), Redon (Pyrenees, Spain), and Lochnagar (Grampian Mountains, Scotland). Samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), endosulfans, and polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The deposition of PCBs, HCHs, and low brominated BDEs reflected baseline contributions from long range atmospheric transport.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in traffic and waste incineration PCDD/Fs in urban air and soils under different seasonal conditions (Metropolitan Area of Barcelona).

A sampling and analysis scheme was implemented to discriminate between inputs of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) at low concentrations in urban areas. Ambient air and soils were sampled and analyzed in five stations in the Metropolitan area of Barcelona (2018-2019); one located in a reference urban traffic site and four in the area of influence of an integrated waste management facility (IWMF) that included a solid waste incinerator. Seasonality was the main factor determining the PCDD/F composition, and involved lower values in the warmer months.

Organic Air Quality Markers of Indoor and Outdoor PM Aerosols in Primary Schools from Barcelona.

Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 µg, PM was regularly sampled in classrooms (indoor) and playgrounds (outdoor) of primary schools from Barcelona. Three of these schools were located downtown and three in the periphery, representing areas with high and low traffic intensities.

Athletes' exposure to air pollution during World Athletics Relays: A pilot study.

Potential adverse consequences of exposure to air pollutants during exercise include decreased lung function, and exacerbation of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. These effects are especially relevant for athletes and during international competitions, as they may impact athletic performance. Thus, assessing and mitigating exposure to air pollutants during exercising should be encouraged in sports venues.

Source apportionment of urban PM in Barcelona during SAPUSS using organic and inorganic components.

Source apportionment of atmospheric PM1 is important for air quality control, especially in urban areas where high mass concentrations are often observed. Chemical analysis of molecular inorganic and organic tracer compounds and subsequently data analysis with receptor models give insight on the origin of the PM sources. In the present study, four source apportionment approaches were compared with an extended database containing inorganic and organic compounds that were measured during an intensive sampling campaign at urban traffic and urban background sites in Barcelona.

Influence of electronic cigarette vaping on the composition of indoor organic pollutants, particles, and exhaled breath of bystanders.

The changes of particles and organic pollutants in indoor atmospheres as consequence of vaping with electronic cigarettes have been analyzed. Changes in the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath of non-smoking volunteers present in the vaping environments have also been studied. The exposure experiments involved non-vaping (n = 5) and vaping (n = 5) volunteers staying 12 h together in a room (54 m) without external ventilation.

Traffic-Related Air Pollution, ε4 Status, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes among School Children Enrolled in the BREATHE Project (Catalonia, Spain).

Background: Traffic-related air pollution is emerging as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and impaired brain development. Individual differences in vulnerability to air pollution may involve the ε4 allele of () gene, the primary genetic risk factor for AD.

Objective: We analyzed whether the association between traffic air pollution and neurodevelopmental outcomes is modified by ε4 status in children.

Origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic pollutants in the air particles of subway stations in Barcelona.

Underground subways transport large numbers of citizens in big cities, which must breathe air with limited ventilation. These atmospheric conditions may enhance the concentration of air pollutants from both outdoor and indoor air. The influence of ventilation conditions and maintenance activities on the concentrations of air pollutants have been studied.

Atmospheric pattern of volatile organochlorine compounds and hexachlorobenzene in the surroundings of a chlor-alkali plant.

The outdoor atmospheric distributions of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from locations receiving the emissions of a chlor-alkali plant have been studied. Trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene (medians 2.4 μg/m and 1.