Author: Marwa F. Mohsen Publisher: ISBN: Category : Air Languages : en Pages : 294
Book Description
Studies have shown that commuters can be exposed to substantial amounts of particulate matter (PM) during commuting time using the railway networks with major implications to public health. According to the Bureau of Transport statistics, Sydney Trains run about 1 million customer journeys per weekday in Sydney commuting people to different destinations. This thesis focuses on the PM assessment in the Sydney railway system at different railway microenvironments including measurements from the train carriages and the platforms at underground and ground levels. First the thesis focuses on PM10 and PM2.5 measurements taken from four different microenvironments and two fixed air quality stations during seven weeks of sampling (September to November 2015). Results indicate that average underground PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations from inside the trains were 2.8 and 2.5 times greater than the ground level measurements. Similarly, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations on the underground platforms were 2.7 and 2.5 times greater than at ground level platforms. Average underground PM levels have exceeded the national limits during the sampling period. Correlation analysis showed a strong to moderate association between ambient background and ground level PM (r2, 0.952 - 0.50) and weak association with the underground concentrations with a maximum r2 of 0.264. It was also found that Sydney railway can be considered as one of the cleanest systems in comparison with different railway systems globally. Then the thesis focuses on the metal content in the railway-derived PM. Another sampling campaign was conducted to collect the dust samples needed for the metal analysis. Samples were collected from five railway microenvironments (underground platforms) and also from an urban park for comparison purposes. The USEPA 3050B method was employed to extract the dust samples and to prepare them for metal analysis. Using the Microwave Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES), the concentrations of twelve metals were detected. Based on the pollution index (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI) and enrichment factor (EF) analyses, the metals content in the railway PM indicated high levels of pollution from anthropogenic sources mainly attributed to local railway sources. Fe was the most enriched element with an EF value of 61.3, and PI and IPI values of more than 9. After Fe, the EF values for the other metals followed the order of Ni, Cr, Mn, Ba, Zn, Cu. Consistent with previous studies, the current results indicate that high metal content in the railway PM is mainly attributed to local railway sources such as the wear and abrasion processes. The last part focuses on the potential health risks based on the metal content. Three probabilistic risk assessments approaches have been applied in this chapter: average daily dose method for non-carcinogenic effect, dose effect method for the carcinogenic effect and qualitative risk assessment. Results indicate that no potential risks to cause non-carcinogenic effects from any metal can occur at the measured concentrations except a very low indication from Cr levels. A carcinogenic effect was only performed for Ni and Cr indicating no potential cancer risks based on the measured concentrations. Finally, a qualitative risk assessment was employed to overcome the problem of the scarce information needed for estimating the potential cancer risk for the rest of elements using the ISO31000 method. The results also indicate low to moderate potential carcinogenic risks from Zn, Fe, Mn, Ba and Cu. Finally, the limitations of this study have been stated with some recommendations for future studies and applications which might help in reducing the PM levels at the railway networks.
Author: George D. Guthrie, Jr. Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG ISBN: 1501509713 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 600
Book Description
Volume 28 of Reviews in Mineralogy provides some of the necessary tools for the researcher interested in this area of interdisciplinary research. The chapters present several of the important problems, concepts, and approaches from both the geological and biological ends of the spectrum. These two extremes are partially integrated throughout the book by cross-referencing between chapters. Chapter 1 also presents a general introduction into the ways in which these two areas overlap. However, many of the areas ripe for the interdisciplinarian will become obvious after reading the various chapters. The final chapter of this book discusses some of the regulatory aspects of minerals. Ultimately, the regulatory arena is where this type of interdisciplinary approach can make an impact, and hopefully better communication between all parties will accomplish this goal. A glossary is included at the end of this book, because the complexity of scientific terms in the two fields can thwart even the most enthusiastic of individuals. This volume represents the proceedings of a course by the same title held at Harbor House Resort and Conference Center on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts, October 22-24, 1993.
Author: Hermann Fromme Publisher: Springer Nature ISBN: 303140078X Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 587
Book Description
This book presents a comprehensive and detailed overview of indoor pollution, covering the main contaminants in the indoor environment – air and dust, the health aspects of exposure, and different possibilities for a risk assessment. The book outlines the chemical substances and physical and biological factors that occur more frequently indoors, which are of health significance, or for which only limited information on their occurrence indoors is available to date. It also provides guidance to identify where problems may arise in the future and where data is missing for a valid exposure and risk assessment as well as for consequent risk management. Written by a highly recognized and experienced medical expert in the field, the book starts with an introduction to the indoor environment, including topics such as indoor environmental quality and health, indoor climate, sampling of indoor pollutants, and measures to improve indoor air quality. The author then delves into the fundamentals of exposure assessment and special exposure indoor situations, followed by in-depth coverage of the health aspects, and indoor air occurrence of several substances such as volatile organic compounds, very volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and particulate matters and fibers. Particular attention is given to bioaerosols like mold, microbial volatile organic compounds, mycotoxins, and viruses. Readers will also find chapters devoted to the main health aspects and indoor occurrence of inorganic gases, radon and metals, and smoking. The book closes with a chapter on risk assessment, in which readers will learn more about the basics of risk assessment, key points and processes of a health evaluation, and guidance for assessing indoor air contamination. This book is a unique compilation of the current worldwide exposure situation in private and public indoor spaces, and an important reference for researchers that are willing to assess the rising burden of disease and potential causes behind degraded indoor air quality. Scientists, students, and policymakers interested in the fields of medicine and environmental sciences will understand the appeal of this book.
Author: Ranjan K. Bose Publisher: World Bank Publications ISBN: 0821383094 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 250
Book Description
These papers, presented at the Fifth Urban Research Symposium in Marseille, France, put into perspective ESMAP’s prioritization of city-wide and sector specific urban energy initiatives to make cities energy efficient, providing analytical tools, policy insights, and good practices.
Author: Marwa F. Mohsen
Author: George D. Guthrie, Jr.
Author: Hermann Fromme
Author: Madhumita Lodh
Author: W. Ryder
Author: Ranjan K. Bose
Author: 
Author: 
Author: 
Author: New South Wales. Parliament