Maria Cristina Solci

Modelling and measurements of below cloud scavenging processes in the highly industrialised region of Cubatão-Brazil

Abstract Below cloud scavenging has been investigated from rainwater chemistry measurements using a one-dimensional scavenging numerical model and surface data from the local atmospheric conditions. The local emissions of pollutants from a large industrial complex in the south-eastern Brazil were also evaluated in the modelling. The scavenging model was coupled to the measurements of SO 2− 4 , NO − 3 and NH + 4 found in the rainwater samples. The concentration of gases and particles samplings and meteorological parameters measured during the study of rain episodes were used as input data in the numerical model, which simulates the raindrop interactions associated with the removal process. The results were compared with those actually measured. The variability of the rainwater concentrations estimated through the scavenging model was also compared to the chemical analysis of the rainwater collected by fractionated rain samplers. The results show a good agreement between both modelled and observed data as seen from the role of the raindrop size distribution in the below cloud scavenging of pollutants

Comparison of rural and urban atmospheric aldehydes in Londrina, Brazil

Ambiental levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were measured at three sites in the city of Londrina: at the central bus station, downtown (night and day profiles) and in a rural area, during the summer and winter seasons of 2002. Atmospheric aldehydes were collected using C18 Sep-Pak cartridges coated with 2,4-DNPH and analyzed by HPLC-DAD. At the central bus station, the measured mixing atios for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde ranged, respectively, from 6.17 to 10.43 ppbv and from 0.49 to 2.12 ppbv. Downtown, during the summer, formaldehyde levels ranged from 2.07 to 5.65 ppbv, and acetaldehyde levels ranged from 1.05 to 5.06 ppbv. During the winter, the daytime concentrations for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were higher than nighttime levels. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde mixing ratios ranged from 3.24 to 9.46 ppbv and from 2.81 to 10.83 ppbv, respectively. At the rural site, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde mixing ratios ranged from 0.64 to 1.41 ppbv and from 0.10 to 0.87 ppbv, respectively. The acetaldehyde/formaldehyde ratios were compared with values from other Brazilian cities.

Characterization of PM10 and PM2.5 and size distribution of chloride, nitrate and sulphate in urban and rural atmospheres of Londrina.

Samplings of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) were carried out between the months of March and April of 2007, simultaneously in two areas of Londrina, an urban (Historical Museum) and other rural (Farm School-UEL). PM was collected using the cascade impactor consisting of four impaction stages (0.25 to 10 μm). The results indicated that the fine fraction (PM2.5) represented a significant portion of the mass of PM10 (70 and 67% in the urban and rural places, respectively). Cl-, NO3- and SO42- were determined by ion chromatography and the size distribution is presented. Natural and anthropogenic sources were suggested to the ionic components in the fine and coarse mode of PM.

Carbonyl concentrations from sites affected by emission from different fuels and vehicles

Concentrations of carbonyl compounds were evaluated on places impacted by emissions from different fuels and vehicles. In order to evaluate the concentrations, four campaigns during the winter and summer of 2011 and 2012 were performed, inside a covered parking area in a commercial establishment where mainly gasohol and ethanol vehicles are in circulation. Also, measurements were done inside a semi–closed bus station, which is the direct source of emissions from heavy duty vehicles (i.e. buses) burning B3–diesel (3% biodiesel and 97% diesel). The results indicated that acetaldehyde is the main aldehyde emitted by light vehicles due to large use of ethanol in Brazil by these vehicles. In addition, the concentrations found in the bus station revealed that B3–diesel fuel increases the emissions of carbonyl compounds and that of acetaldehyde when compared with results from B0–diesel at same bus station. Possible impacts of changing diesel to B3–diesel indicate an increase of ozone formation. In terms of health, a lower impact was estimated considering only the changes in formaldehyde concentrations.

Size-segregated particulate matter and carboxylic acids over urban and rural sites in Londrina City, Brazil

Samplings of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) from 0.25 to 10 µm were performed between the months of March and April 2007, simultaneously in urban and rural areas of Londrina City (Parana State, Brazil). Results indicated that the fine fraction (PM2.5) represents a significant portion of the PM10 mass (70 and 67% in urban and rural areas, respectively). Dicarboxylic acids were found in larger concentration, contributing to the PM2.5 fraction with 78% in urban and 69% in rural areas, being oxalate and succinate the most abundant species. Mass size distribution of oxalate in urban site was presented as the dominant mode, with peaks at 0.25-0.5 µm. Acetate-to-formate mass ratio indicated the primary vehicular emissions as dominant source of carboxylic acids in Londrina. Moreover, backward trajectories indicated the transport of pollutants from Sao Paulo State to Londrina region.

Black Carbon Associated to PM1.0 and PM2.5: Mass Variation due to Combustion of Biodiesel/Diesel Blends (B5, B6, B7 and B8)

The present study aims to quantify black carbon (BC), particulate matter (PM1.0 and PM2.5, particles with diameter ≤ 1.0 and 2.5 μm, respectively) levels and their variability during the combustion of biodiesel/diesel blends used in heavy-duty vehicles. The samplings were conducted in the years 2014, 2016 and 2017 inside a semi closed bus station, a direct source of emission from engines burning blends of B5 to B8 biodiesel/diesel. Diesel engines using B5 and B6 presented a high contribution of BC in PM1.0 fraction representing 95 and 98% in mass, respectively. Results obtained from engines fueled with B7 and B8 diesel blends showed about 47% BC mass contribution in fine PM. The ratio PM1.0/PM2.5 remained relatively constant showing that the fine PM mass did not change significantly. Those measurements are important to follow the behavior of the addition of biodiesel in the diesel fuel as well as to help indicate a fingerprint of BC and PM2.5 concentrations in biodiesel increase.

Hidrocarburos policíclicos aromáticos producidos por el humo del electrocauterio y uso de equipamientos de protección individual

Objetivo: analizar las concentraciones de hidrocarburos policiclicos aromaticos provenientes del humo del electrocauterio en salas quirurgicas y el uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual por parte del equipo intraoperatorio, cuando expuestos a los hidrocarburos. Metodo: investigacion de campo, exploratoria y transversal realizada en un centro quirurgico. En la muestra, compuesta por 50 cirugias abdominales con uso de electrocauterio, los gases fueron recolectados con una bomba de succion de vacio. Se aplico un formulario para identificar el uso de los equipamientos de proteccion. Se realizo la lectura de los gases por medio de cromatografia. Los datos fueron analizados con la estadistica descriptiva y el test de Spearman. Resultados: 17 (34%) fueron colecistectomias con tiempo medio quirurgico de 136 minutos y tiempo medio de uso del electrocauterio de 3,6 minutos. Fueron detectados hidrocarburos en el aire de las salas de operacion en 100% de las cirugias. Se detecto el naftaleno en 48 (96,0%) cirugias y el fenantreno en 49 (98,0%). Las concentraciones promedio de esos compuestos fueron de 0,0061 mg/m3. Hubo correlacion (0,761) fuerte entre estos compuestos. El equipo intraoperatorio no utilizo mascaras respiratorias, como la N95. Conclusion: el humo del electrocauterio produce gases perjudiciales para la salud del equipo intraoperatorio que se encuentra expuesto debido a la baja adhesion al uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual, tornando preocupante esta exposicion.ABSTRACT Objective: analyze the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke in operating rooms and the use of personal protective equipment by the intraoperative team when exposed to hydrocarbons. Method: exploratory and cross-sectional field research conducted in a surgery center. Gases were collected by a vacuum suction pump from a sample of 50 abdominal surgeries in which an electrocautery was used. A form was applied to identify the use of personal protective equipment. Gases were analyzed using chromatography. Descriptive statistics and Spearmans test were used to treat data. Results: there were 17 (34%) cholecystectomies with an average duration of 136 minutes, while the average time of electrocautery usage was 3.6 minutes. Airborne hydrocarbons were detected in operating rooms in 100% of the surgeries. Naphthalene was detected in 48 (96.0%) surgeries and phenanthrene in 49 (98.0%). The average concentration of these compounds was 0.0061 mg/m3 and a strong correlation (0.761) was found between them. The intraoperative teams did not use respirator masks such as the N95. Conclusion: electrocautery smoke produces gases that are harmful to the health of the intraoperative team, which is a concern considering the low adherence to the use of personal protective equipment.

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos produzidos pela fumaça do eletrocautério e uso de equipamentos de proteção individual

Objetivo: analizar las concentraciones de hidrocarburos policiclicos aromaticos provenientes del humo del electrocauterio en salas quirurgicas y el uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual por parte del equipo intraoperatorio, cuando expuestos a los hidrocarburos. Metodo: investigacion de campo, exploratoria y transversal realizada en un centro quirurgico. En la muestra, compuesta por 50 cirugias abdominales con uso de electrocauterio, los gases fueron recolectados con una bomba de succion de vacio. Se aplico un formulario para identificar el uso de los equipamientos de proteccion. Se realizo la lectura de los gases por medio de cromatografia. Los datos fueron analizados con la estadistica descriptiva y el test de Spearman. Resultados: 17 (34%) fueron colecistectomias con tiempo medio quirurgico de 136 minutos y tiempo medio de uso del electrocauterio de 3,6 minutos. Fueron detectados hidrocarburos en el aire de las salas de operacion en 100% de las cirugias. Se detecto el naftaleno en 48 (96,0%) cirugias y el fenantreno en 49 (98,0%). Las concentraciones promedio de esos compuestos fueron de 0,0061 mg/m3. Hubo correlacion (0,761) fuerte entre estos compuestos. El equipo intraoperatorio no utilizo mascaras respiratorias, como la N95. Conclusion: el humo del electrocauterio produce gases perjudiciales para la salud del equipo intraoperatorio que se encuentra expuesto debido a la baja adhesion al uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual, tornando preocupante esta exposicion.ABSTRACT Objective: analyze the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke in operating rooms and the use of personal protective equipment by the intraoperative team when exposed to hydrocarbons. Method: exploratory and cross-sectional field research conducted in a surgery center. Gases were collected by a vacuum suction pump from a sample of 50 abdominal surgeries in which an electrocautery was used. A form was applied to identify the use of personal protective equipment. Gases were analyzed using chromatography. Descriptive statistics and Spearmans test were used to treat data. Results: there were 17 (34%) cholecystectomies with an average duration of 136 minutes, while the average time of electrocautery usage was 3.6 minutes. Airborne hydrocarbons were detected in operating rooms in 100% of the surgeries. Naphthalene was detected in 48 (96.0%) surgeries and phenanthrene in 49 (98.0%). The average concentration of these compounds was 0.0061 mg/m3 and a strong correlation (0.761) was found between them. The intraoperative teams did not use respirator masks such as the N95. Conclusion: electrocautery smoke produces gases that are harmful to the health of the intraoperative team, which is a concern considering the low adherence to the use of personal protective equipment.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by electrocautery smoke and the use of personal protective equipment 1

Objetivo: analizar las concentraciones de hidrocarburos policiclicos aromaticos provenientes del humo del electrocauterio en salas quirurgicas y el uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual por parte del equipo intraoperatorio, cuando expuestos a los hidrocarburos. Metodo: investigacion de campo, exploratoria y transversal realizada en un centro quirurgico. En la muestra, compuesta por 50 cirugias abdominales con uso de electrocauterio, los gases fueron recolectados con una bomba de succion de vacio. Se aplico un formulario para identificar el uso de los equipamientos de proteccion. Se realizo la lectura de los gases por medio de cromatografia. Los datos fueron analizados con la estadistica descriptiva y el test de Spearman. Resultados: 17 (34%) fueron colecistectomias con tiempo medio quirurgico de 136 minutos y tiempo medio de uso del electrocauterio de 3,6 minutos. Fueron detectados hidrocarburos en el aire de las salas de operacion en 100% de las cirugias. Se detecto el naftaleno en 48 (96,0%) cirugias y el fenantreno en 49 (98,0%). Las concentraciones promedio de esos compuestos fueron de 0,0061 mg/m3. Hubo correlacion (0,761) fuerte entre estos compuestos. El equipo intraoperatorio no utilizo mascaras respiratorias, como la N95. Conclusion: el humo del electrocauterio produce gases perjudiciales para la salud del equipo intraoperatorio que se encuentra expuesto debido a la baja adhesion al uso de equipamientos de proteccion individual, tornando preocupante esta exposicion.ABSTRACT Objective: analyze the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke in operating rooms and the use of personal protective equipment by the intraoperative team when exposed to hydrocarbons. Method: exploratory and cross-sectional field research conducted in a surgery center. Gases were collected by a vacuum suction pump from a sample of 50 abdominal surgeries in which an electrocautery was used. A form was applied to identify the use of personal protective equipment. Gases were analyzed using chromatography. Descriptive statistics and Spearmans test were used to treat data. Results: there were 17 (34%) cholecystectomies with an average duration of 136 minutes, while the average time of electrocautery usage was 3.6 minutes. Airborne hydrocarbons were detected in operating rooms in 100% of the surgeries. Naphthalene was detected in 48 (96.0%) surgeries and phenanthrene in 49 (98.0%). The average concentration of these compounds was 0.0061 mg/m3 and a strong correlation (0.761) was found between them. The intraoperative teams did not use respirator masks such as the N95. Conclusion: electrocautery smoke produces gases that are harmful to the health of the intraoperative team, which is a concern considering the low adherence to the use of personal protective equipment.

Concentration and Size Distribution of Particulate Matter in a Broiler House Ambient Air

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is an important constituent of ambient air. The determination of its concentration and size distribution in different environments is essential because of its ability to penetrate deeply into animal and human respiratory tract. In this study, air sampling was performed in a broiler house to estimate the concentration and size distribution of PM emitted along with its activities. Low-vol impactor ( 2.5; 1.0 – 2.5; 0.50 – 1.0; 0.25 – 0.50; < 0.25 mm) connected with membrane pumps were used. PM 10 showed high concentration (209 - 533 mg m -3 ). PM 2.5 and PM 1.0 initially showed relatively low concentration (20.8 and 16.0 mg m -3 respectively) with significantly increasing levels (412.9 and 344.8 mg m -3 respectively) during the samplings. It was also possible to observe the contribution of fine particles. This was evidenced by the high correlation between PM 2.5 and PM 1.0 and by the profile of particle distribution in the Sioutas sampler. PM concentration levels are considered excessively high, with great potential to affect animal and human health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v8i3.847