Showing papers on "Air pollutant concentrations published in 2017"

Use of electrochemical sensors for measurement of air pollution: correcting interference response and validating measurements

Abstract: . The environments in which we live, work, and play are subject to enormous variability in air pollutant concentrations. To adequately characterize air quality (AQ), measurements must be fast (real time), scalable, and reliable (with known accuracy, precision, and stability over time). Lower-cost air-quality-sensor technologies offer new opportunities for fast and distributed measurements, but a persistent characterization gap remains when it comes to evaluating sensor performance under realistic environmental sampling conditions. This limits our ability to inform the public about pollution sources and inspire policy makers to address environmental justice issues related to air quality. In this paper, initial results obtained with a recently developed lower-cost air-quality-sensor system are reported. In this project, data were acquired with the ARISense integrated sensor package over a 4.5-month time interval during which the sensor system was co-located with a state-operated (Massachusetts, USA) air quality monitoring station equipped with reference instrumentation measuring the same pollutant species. This paper focuses on validating electrochemical (EC) sensor measurements of CO, NO, NO2, and O3 at an urban neighborhood site with pollutant concentration ranges (parts per billion by volume, ppb; 5 min averages, ±1σ): [CO] = 231 ± 116 ppb (spanning 84–1706 ppb), [NO] = 6.1 ± 11.5 ppb (spanning 0–209 ppb), [NO2] = 11.7 ± 8.3 ppb (spanning 0–71 ppb), and [O3] = 23.2 ± 12.5 ppb (spanning 0–99 ppb). Through the use of high-dimensional model representation (HDMR), we show that interference effects derived from the variable ambient gas concentration mix and changing environmental conditions over three seasons (sensor flow-cell temperature = 23.4 ± 8.5 °C, spanning 4.1 to 45.2 °C; and relative humidity = 50.1 ± 15.3 %, spanning 9.8–79.9 %) can be effectively modeled for the Alphasense CO-B4, NO-B4, NO2-B43F, and Ox-B421 sensors, yielding (5 min average) root mean square errors (RMSE) of 39.2, 4.52, 4.56, and 9.71 ppb, respectively. Our results substantiate the potential for distributed air pollution measurements that could be enabled with these sensors.

Exposure to PM10, NO2, and O3 and impacts on human health.

Abstract: Air pollution is emerging as a risk factor for human health like cancer and other health outcomes in developing countries, especially Iran where air pollutant concentrations are elevated. Additionally, some of the crucial environmental problems are caused by air pollution. Nevertheless, the data on health effects of air pollution are limited. The main objective of this study was to assess the health impacts attributed to particulate matter less than 10 μg/m3 (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) in Kermanshah City (Iran). The diurnal averages of PM10 and NO2 levels and 1-h averages of O3 concentrations were applied to assess the cardiovascular mortality due to exposure to these pollutants during the years 2014 and 2015. The excess number of cardiovascular mortality was estimated by relative risk (RR) and baseline incidence (BI) defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The excess in mortality risk for cardiovascular diseases is of 188 premature deaths related to PM10, 33 related to NO2, and 83 related to O3, respectively. The results indicate that a 10-μg/m3 change in PM10, NO2, and O3 generates a relative risk of 1.066, 1.012, and 1.020, respectively. The excess of relative risk is of 6.6, 1.2, and 2.0%, respectively. Immediate policies and actions are needed to reduce the various sources of these pollutants from transport and energy manufacture facilities in Kermanshah.

Attributions of meteorological and emission factors to the 2015 winter severe haze pollution episodes in China's Jing-Jin-Ji area

Abstract: . In the 2015 winter month of December, northern China witnessed the most severe air pollution phenomena since the 2013 winter haze events occurred. This triggered the first-ever red alert in the air pollution control history of Beijing, with an instantaneous fine particulate matter (PM2. 5) concentration over 1 mg m−3. Air quality observations reveal large temporal–spatial variations in PM2. 5 concentrations over the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) area between 2014 and 2015. Compared to 2014, the PM2. 5 concentrations over the area decreased significantly in all months except November and December of 2015, with an increase of 36 % in December. Analysis shows that the PM2. 5 concentrations are significantly correlated with the local meteorological parameters in the Jing-Jin-Ji area such as the stable conditions, relative humidity (RH), and wind field. A comparison of two month simulations (December 2014 and 2015) with the same emission data was performed to explore and quantify the meteorological impacts on the PM2. 5 over the Jing-Jin-Ji area. Observation and modeling results show that the worsening meteorological conditions are the main reasons behind this unusual increase of air pollutant concentrations and that the emission control measures taken during this period of time have contributed to mitigate the air pollution ( ∼ 9 %) in the region. This work provides a scientific insight into the emission control measures vs. the meteorology impacts for the period.

Time to harmonize national ambient air quality standards.

Abstract: The World Health Organization has developed ambient air quality guidelines at levels considered to be safe or of acceptable risk for human health. These guidelines are meant to support governments in defining national standards. It is unclear how they are followed. We compiled an inventory of ambient air quality standards for 194 countries worldwide for six air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. We conducted literature and internet searches and asked country representatives about national ambient air quality standards. We found information on 170 countries including 57 countries that did not set any air quality standards. Levels varied greatly by country and by pollutant. Ambient air quality standards for PM2.5, PM10 and SO2 poorly complied with WHO guideline values. The agreement was higher for CO, SO2 (10-min averaging time) and NO2. Regulatory differences mirror the differences in air quality and the related burden of disease around the globe. Governments worldwide should adopt science based air quality standards and clean air management plans to continuously improve air quality locally, nationally, and globally.

Significance of PM2.5 Air Quality at the Indian Capital

Abstract: In New Delhi, the capital city of India, concentrations of regulated air pollutants often exceed the Indian national ambient air quality standards (INAAQS). As the sources of these pollutants differ, it is of utmost priority to understand the most dangerous air pollutant to formulate better control strategies in the city. In this study, regulated air pollutant concentrations in New Delhi during 2011 to 2014 were collected. Compared to other pollutants, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the INAAQS quite often. While PM2.5 exceeded INAAQS during 85% of the days, NO2, O3, CO and SO2 exceeded only on 37, 14, 11 and 0% of the days, respectively. Using air quality index approach, the most dominant pollutant was identified as PM2.5, for 75 to 90% of the days. However, a seasonal variation in the percentage dominance of PM2.5 was observed. For example, PM2.5 was dominant during 95% of the winter and 68% of monsoon days. In addition to absolute concentrations, pollutants can also be ranked by studying their associated short term mortality impacts. However, such studies are rare in India. For the first time, the short term impact of PM2.5 concentrations on non-disease specific mortality in New Delhi was assessed using Poisson regression models. Results indicated that the excessive risk associated with PM2.5 estimated was 0.57, which was higher than the other regulated pollutants. This indicates a projected 6.2 and 6.5% decrease in mortality by meeting the PM2.5 Indian standards and WHO set limits, respectively.

Influence of mixing layer height on air pollutant concentrations in an urban street canyon

Abstract: Urban areas often suffer from high air pollutant concentrations. To study the influence of the mixing layer height (MLH) on concentrations of important pollutants in an urban street canyon of a busy road, a long-term measurement campaign was performed at the kerb site of an arterial road in Essen, Germany, during the winter 2011/2012 and the early spring in 2012. Considered pollutants were NO, NO 2 , PM 10 , benzene, toluene and isoprene. The MLH was detected continuously using a ceilometer. To study the impact of MLH on pollutant concentrations, the classification scheme of Sturges was applied for the first time for this purpose. It is found that even in the immediate vicinity (kerbside) to a busy road the concentrations of air pollutants are strongly affected by MLH. It is a new result that high quantiles of concentrations decrease stronger with increasing MLH than low quantiles. The strongest correlations between concentrations and MLH are obtained for maximum concentrations with coefficients r from −0.84 to −0.95. In general, maximum concentrations of air pollutants in a street canyon provide stronger correlations with MLH than mean concentrations. NO 2 is the pollutant whose concentration is affected least by MLH because it is mainly a secondary pollutant.

The role of meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies in reducing air pollution in Beijing during APEC 2014 and Victory Parade 2015

Abstract: . To control severe air pollution in China, comprehensive pollution control strategies have been implemented throughout the country in recent years. To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies, the influence of meteorological conditions on levels of air pollution needs to be determined. Using the intensive air pollution control strategies implemented during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in 2014 (APEC 2014) and the 2015 China Victory Day Parade (Victory Parade 2015) as examples, we estimated the role of meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies in reducing air pollution levels in Beijing. Atmospheric particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) samples were collected and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO, NOx, and O3) were measured online at a site in Peking University (PKU). To determine the influence of meteorological conditions on the levels of air pollution, we first compared the air pollutant concentrations during days with stable meteorological conditions. However, there were few days with stable meteorological conditions during the Victory Parade. As such, we were unable to estimate the level of emission reduction efforts during this period. Finally, a generalized linear regression model (GLM) based only on meteorological parameters was built to predict air pollutant concentrations, which could explain more than 70 % of the variation in air pollutant concentration levels, after incorporating the nonlinear relationships between certain meteorological parameters and the concentrations of air pollutants. Evaluation of the GLM performance revealed that the GLM, even based only on meteorological parameters, could be satisfactory to estimate the contribution of meteorological conditions in reducing air pollution and, hence, the contribution of control strategies in reducing air pollution. Using the GLM, we found that the meteorological conditions and pollution control strategies contributed 30 and 28 % to the reduction of the PM2.5 concentration during APEC and 38 and 25 % during the Victory Parade, respectively, based on the assumption that the concentrations of air pollutants are only determined by meteorological conditions and emission intensities. We also estimated the contribution of meteorological conditions and control strategies in reducing the concentrations of gaseous pollutants and PM2.5 components with the GLMs, revealing the effective control of anthropogenic emissions.

Air Contamination by Mercury, Emissions and Transformations-a Review.

Abstract: The present and future air contamination by mercury is and will continue to be a serious risk for human health. This publication presents a review of the literature dealing with the issues related to air contamination by mercury and its transformations as well as its natural and anthropogenic emissions. The assessment of mercury emissions into the air poses serious methodological problems. It is particularly difficult to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic emissions and re-emissions from lands and oceans, including past emissions. At present, the largest emission sources include fuel combustion, mainly that of coal, and “artisanal and small-scale gold mining” (ASGM). The distinctly highest emissions can be found in South and South-East Asia, accounting for 45% of the global emissions. The emissions of natural origin and re-emissions are estimated at 45–66% of the global emissions, with the largest part of emissions originating in the oceans. Forecasts on the future emission levels are not unambiguous; however, most forecasts do not provide for reductions in emissions. Ninety-five percent of mercury occurring in the air is Hg0—GEM, and its residence time in the air is estimated at 6 to 18 months. The residence times of its HgII—GOM and that in Hgp—TPM are estimated at hours and days. The highest mercury concentrations in the air can be found in the areas of mercury mines and those of ASGM. Since 1980 when it reached its maximum, the global background mercury concentration in the air has remained at a relatively constant level.

Effect of Ambient Air Pollution on Hospitalization for Heart Failure in 26 of China's Largest Cities.

Abstract: There is growing interest in the association between ambient air pollution and congestive heart failure (CHF), but research data from developing countries are very limited. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between short-term exposure to air pollution and hospital admission for CHF in China. A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted between 2014 and 2015 in 26 large Chinese cities among 105,501 CHF hospitalizations. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate the percentage changes in CHF admissions in relation to per interquartile range increases in air pollutant concentrations. Air pollution was positively associated with CHF hospitalizations. An interquartile range increase in fine particulate, particulate matter less than 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone concentrations on the current day corresponded to 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5%, 1.8%), 1.3% (95% CI 0.5%, 2.0%), 1.0% (95% CI 0.2%, 1.7%), 1.6% (95% CI 0.6%, 2.5%), 1.2% (95% CI 0.5%, 1.9%), and 0.4% (95% CI -0.9%, 1.7%) increases in CHF admissions, respectively. In conclusion, our findings contribute to the limited scientific literature concerning the effects of air pollution on CHF risk for high-exposure settings typical in developing countries, which may have significant public health implications for prevention of CHF in China.

The effects of air pollutants on the mortality rate of lung cancer and leukemia.

Abstract: World Health Organization classifies air pollution as the first cause of human cancer. The present study investigated impact of air pollutants on the mortality rates of lung cancer and leukemia in Shiraz, one of the largests cities of Iran. This cross‑sectional (longitudinal) study was carried out in Shiraz. Data on six main pollutants, CO, SO2, O3, NO2, PM10 and PM2.5, were collected from Fars Environmental Protection Agency for 3,001 days starting from 1 January, 2005. Also, measures of climatic factors (temperature, humidity, and air pressure) were obtained from Shiraz Meteorological Organization. Finally, data related to number of deaths due to lung and blood cancers (leukemia) were gathered from Shiraz University Hospital. Relationship between variations of pollutant concentrations and cancers in lung and blood was investigated using statistical software R and MiniTab to perform time series analysis. Results of the present study revealed that the mortality rate of leukemia had a direct significant correlation with concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air (P<0.05). Therefore, special attention should be paid to sources of these pollutants and we need better management to decrease air pollutant concentrations through, e.g., using clean energy respect to fossil fuels, better management of urban traffic planning, and the improvement of public transport service and car sharing.

Wireless Distributed Environmental Sensor Networks for Air Pollution Measurement-The Promise and the Current Reality.

Abstract: The evaluation of the effects of air pollution on public health and human-wellbeing requires reliable data Standard air quality monitoring stations provide accurate measurements of airborne pollutant levels, but, due to their sparse distribution, they cannot capture accurately the spatial variability of air pollutant concentrations within cities Dedicated in-depth field campaigns have dense spatial coverage of the measurements but are held for relatively short time periods Hence, their representativeness is limited Moreover, the oftentimes integrated measurements represent time-averaged records Recent advances in communication and sensor technologies enable the deployment of dense grids of Wireless Distributed Environmental Sensor Networks for air quality monitoring, yet their capability to capture urban-scale spatiotemporal pollutant patterns has not been thoroughly examined to date Here, we summarize our studies on the practicalities of using data streams from sensor nodes for air quality measurement and the required methods to tune the results to different stakeholders and applications We summarize the results from eight cities across Europe, five sensor technologies-three stationary (with one tested also while moving) and two personal sensor platforms, and eight ambient pollutants Overall, few sensors showed an exceptional and consistent performance, which can shed light on the fine spatiotemporal urban variability of pollutant concentrations Stationary sensor nodes were more reliable than personal nodes In general, the sensor measurements tend to suffer from the interference of various environmental factors and require frequent calibrations This calls for the development of suitable field calibration procedures, and several such in situ field calibrations are presented

Impacts of low emission zones in Germany on air pollution levels

Abstract: Since 2008 low emission zones (LEZ) have been introduced in many German cities to improve air quality and to protect human health. In order to assess the effectiveness of LEZ, both descriptive and statistical analyses have been conducted based on concentrations of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO2, and NOx) from relevant monitoring stations in Germany from year 2002 to 2012. The results indicate that the introduction of LEZ has brought positive effects on reducing air pollutant concentrations. But the potential of further reduction by additional LEZ in Germany without further development of this measure seems to be small.

Uncertainties in emissions estimates of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in India and their impacts on regional air quality

Abstract: Greenhouse gas and air pollutant precursor emissions have been increasing rapidly in India. Large uncertainties exist in emissions inventories and quantification of their uncertainties is essential for better understanding of the linkages among emissions and air quality, climate, and health. We use Monte Carlo methods to assess the uncertainties of the existing carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emission estimates from four source sectors for India. We also assess differences in the existing emissions estimates within the nine subnational regions. We find large uncertainties, higher than the current estimates for all species other than CO, when all the existing emissions estimates are combined. We further assess the impact of these differences in emissions on air quality using a chemical transport model. More efforts are needed to constrain emissions, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, where not only the emissions differences are high but also the simulated concentrations using different inventories. Our study highlights the importance of constraining SO2, NOx, and NH3 emissions for secondary PM concentrations.

Atmospheric pollution over the eastern Mediterranean during summer – a review

Abstract: . The eastern Mediterranean (EM) is one of the regions in the world where elevated concentrations of primary and secondary gaseous air pollutants have been reported frequently, mainly in summer. This review discusses published studies of the atmospheric dispersion and transport conditions characterizing this region during the summer, followed by a description of some essential studies dealing with the corresponding concentrations of air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, total reactive nitrogen, methane, and sulfate aerosols observed there. The interlaced relationship between the downward motion of the subsiding air aloft induced by global circulation systems affecting the EM and the depth of the Persian Trough, a low-pressure trough that extends from the Asian monsoon at the surface controlling the spatiotemporal distribution of the mixed boundary layer during summer, is discussed. The strength of the wind flow within the mixed layer and its depth affect much the amount of pollutants transported and determine the potential of the atmosphere to disperse contaminants off their origins in the EM. The reduced mixed layer and the accompanying weak westerlies, characterizing the summer in this region, led to reduced ventilation rates, preventing an effective dilution of the contaminants. Several studies pointing at specific local (e.g., ventilation rates) and regional peculiarities (long-range transport) enhancing the build-up of air pollutant concentrations are presented. Tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations observed in the summer over the EM are among the highest over the Northern Hemisphere. The three essential processes controlling its formation (i.e., long-range transport of polluted air masses, dynamic subsidence at mid-tropospheric levels, and stratosphere-to-troposphere exchange) are reviewed. Airborne campaigns and satellite-borne initiatives have indicated that the concentration values of reactive nitrogen identified as precursors in the formation of O3 over the EM were found to be 2 to 10 times higher than in the hemispheric background troposphere. Several factors favor sulfate particulate abundance over the EM. Models, aircraft measurements, and satellite-derived data have clearly shown that sulfate has a maximum during spring and summer over the EM. The carbon monoxide (CO) seasonal cycle, as obtained from global background monitoring sites in the EM, is mostly controlled by the tropospheric concentration of the hydroxyl radical (OH) and therefore demonstrates high concentrations over winter months and the lowest concentrations during summer when photochemistry is active. Modeling studies have shown that the diurnal variations in CO concentration during the summer result from long-range CO transport from European anthropogenic sources, contributing 60 to 80 % of the boundary-layer CO over the EM. The values retrieved from satellite data enable us to derive the spatial distribution of methane (CH4), identifying August as the month with the highest levels over the EM. The outcomes of a recent extensive examination of the distribution of methane over the tropospheric Mediterranean Basin, as part of the Chemistry-Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMEx) program, using model simulations and satellite measurements, are coherent with other previous studies. Moreover, this methane study provides some insight into the role of the Asian monsoon anticyclone in controlling the variability of CH4 pollutant within mid-to-upper tropospheric levels above the EM in summer.

Associations of short-term exposure to air pollution with respiratory hospital admissions in Arak, Iran

Abstract: Ambient air pollution, is one of the most frequently stated environmental problems. Many epidemiological studies have documented adverse health effects for ambient air pollution. This study aimed to investigate the association between ambient air pollution and respiratory hospital admissions. In this ecological time series study data about air pollutant concentrations including CO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10 and SO2 and, respiratory hospital admissions in the urban population of Arak, from January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2015; were inquired, from the Arak Department of Environment, and two major hospitals, respectively. Meteorological data were inquired for the same period as well. Time-series regression analysis with a distributed lag model, controlled for seasonality long-time trends, weather and day of the week, was used for data analysis. Every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, and PM10 and every 1 mg/m3 increase in CO at lag 0 corresponded to a RR = 1.032 (95%CI, 1.003–1.06), RR = 1.01 (95%CI, 1.004–1.017) and RR = 1.09 (95%CI, 1.04–1.14), increase in respiratory disease hospitalizations, respectively. Males and the elderly were found to be more susceptible than females and other age groups to air pollutants in regard to respiratory disease admissions. The results of this study showed that outdoor air pollutants significantly increase respiratory hospital admissions; especially among the men and elders in Arak.

Can dispersion modeling of air pollution be improved by land-use regression? An example from Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: Both dispersion modeling (DM) and land-use regression modeling (LUR) are often used for assessment of long-term air pollution exposure in epidemiological studies, but seldom in combination. We developed a hybrid DM-LUR model using 93 biweekly observations of NOx at 31 sites in greater Stockholm (Sweden). The DM was based on spatially resolved topographic, physiographic and emission data, and hourly meteorological data from a diagnostic wind model. Other data were from land use, meteorology and routine monitoring of NOx. We built a linear regression model for NOx, using a stepwise forward selection of covariates. The resulting model predicted observed NOx (R2=0.89) better than the DM without covariates (R2=0.68, P-interaction <0.001) and with minimal apparent bias. The model included (in descending order of importance) DM, traffic intensity on the nearest street, population (number of inhabitants) within 100 m radius, global radiation (direct sunlight plus diffuse or scattered light) and urban contribution to NOx levels (routine urban NOx, less routine rural NOx). Our results indicate that there is a potential for improving estimates of air pollutant concentrations based on DM, by incorporating further spatial characteristics of the immediate surroundings, possibly accounting for imperfections in the emission data.

Extreme Events of Reactive Ambient Air Pollutants and their Distribution Pattern at Urban Hotspots

Abstract: The occurrence of extreme events of air pollutant concentrations at urban hotspots is a routine phenomenon, particularly during the winter season. However, extreme events of reactive air pollutants are more frequent during the summer season. The assessment of air pollution extreme events will provide a platform to formulate an effective and efficient hotspot urban air quality management plan. The statistical distribution model (SDM) is widely used to describe the average as well as extreme air pollutant concentration in a more organized and efficient manner. In the present study, the best fit SDM has been evaluated for hourly average PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations at one of the busiest traffic intersections in Delhi city (air pollution hotspot 1: APH-1) and for PM2.5 at one of the heavily trafficked road corridors in Chennai city (air pollution hotspot 2: APH -2). The SDMs were developed for different seasons to evaluate the impacts of climatic conditions on the air pollution events. Results indicate that NO2 concentrations were best fitted with lognormal and log logistic distribution models respectively, for winter and summer seasons at APH-1. However, lognormal distribution was best fitted to PM2.5 concentration of winter and summer seasons at both APHs.

Associations Between Air Quality Changes and Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation During the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Abstract: There is increasing interest in quasi-experimental research to evaluate whether actions taken to improve air quality will benefit public health. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to evaluate inflammatory response to changes in air quality during the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics in China. We repeatedly measured 8 biomarkers of systemic inflammation in 31 healthy adults and obtained hourly air pollutant concentrations from a nearby fixed-site monitoring station. We used linear mixed-effect models to examine the associations between air quality changes and blood biomarkers. Air pollutant concentrations decreased apparently during the Youth Olympics. Concomitantly, we observed significant decreases in levels of soluble cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) ligand and interleukin 1β (geometric means ratios were 0.45 and 0.24, respectively) from the pre-Olympic period to the intra-Olympic period. Afterwards, levels of C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 increased significantly (geometric means ratios were 2.22 and 1.29, respectively) in the post-Olympic period. Fine particulate matter and ozone were significantly associated with soluble CD40 ligand, P-selectin, interleukin 1β, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. Other pollutants showed positive but nonsignificant associations. Our study indicated that reduced air pollution, especially fine particulate matter and ozone, during the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics was associated with alleviated systemic inflammation in healthy adults.

Analysis of Co-Effects on Air Pollutants and CO2 Emissions Generated by End-of-Pipe Measures of Pollution Control in China’s Coal-Fired Power Plants

Abstract: China is now facing great challenges resulting from climate change and air pollution, driven by the processes of industrialization and urbanization. Greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions produced by the coal-fired power industry represent approximately 70% of the total emissions in China’s industrial sector. In this study, 39 coal-fired power plants built in China between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed in regards to the co-effects oncarbon dioxide and air pollutant emissions generated directly and indirectly by end-of-pipe measures of pollution control. After completing the quantitative analysis with input data from 83units of power plants, we found that co-effects were positive only for air pollutant reductions through the implementation of desulfurization, denitrification, and dedusting measures, but co-effects were negative for carbon dioxide production because of the corresponding electricity use and chemical reactions that led to the increases in carbon dioxide emissions. We also performed an assessment of the synergistic coefficients to better understand the degree of co-effects. It will be important for researchers to take a comprehensive view of China’s coal-fired power plants and look for solutions that can maximize positive co-effects and achieve overall co-benefits of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.