Percorrer por autor "Cipoli, Yago"
A mostrar 1 - 6 de 6
Resultados por página
Opções de ordenação
- Bioethanol fireplaces as indoor pollution sources: The role of burner design and fuel typePublication . Vicente, Estela D.; Cipoli, Yago; Charres, Isabella; Nunes, Teresa; Cerqueira, Mário; Feliciano, Manuel; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Alves, Célia; Ryšavý, JiříBioethanol fireplaces are marketed as clean and decorative heating alternatives. However, their impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) remains poorly characterised. This study investigates the indoor levels of gaseous and particulate pollutants using a bioethanol fireplace operated under realistic conditions. Two types of bioethanol fuels and two burner designs, a single-chambered (SC) and a double-chambered (DC), were tested under minimal ventilation. Concentrations of CO, NO, NO2, CO2, NH3, N2O, C2H6O, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and carbonyl compounds were measured, while particulate matter (PM10) was characterised chemically and toxicologically. Combustion of both fuels led to substantial increases in indoor pollutant concentrations compared to background levels. Indoors, maximum average CO levels reached 5.67 & micro;g m-3, NO 0.33 & micro;g m-3, NO2 0.85 & micro;g m-3 and TVOCs exceeded 1400 & micro;g m-3. Acetaldehyde and formaldehyde were the dominant carbonyls, with the latter frequently surpassing the WHO guideline value along with NO2. Compared with traditional wood combustion, bioethanol combustion produced relatively higher indoor concentrations of nitrogen oxides, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde. Average PM10 concentrations ranged from 31.5 to 173 & micro;g m-3, with higher indoor concentrations for the DC burner and Fuel 2. PM10 samples were enriched in bromine, ammonium and nitrate during combustion, and exhibited elevated oxidative potential. Differences in indoor pollutant levels and oxidative potential were observed depending on the burner design, fuel type and initial fuel load. These results demonstrate that flueless bioethanol fireplaces can markedly deteriorate IAQ, underscoring the need for performance standards, improved fuel formulations, and adequate ventilation to mitigate exposure risks associated with their use.
- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in a clothing store from an international chain in EuropePublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Gomes, Bianca; Cervantes, Renata; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIn this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal’s largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies was used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analysers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average PM10 concentration indoors was 16.5 ± 3.87 μg/m3, well below the exposure limits set by various international organisations. A significant portion of indoor PM10 – 69% - was originated from outdoor sources. Outdoor PM10 concentrations were sub- stantially higher, averaging 29.4 ± 14.6 μg/m3. Metal concentrations were also higher outdoors than indoors, and the associated cancer risk and hazard quotient were not exceeded, indicating favourable air quality con- ditions within the store. Among VOCs, α-pinene and tetrachloroethylene were detected in notable concentra- tions. α-Pinene likely originated from cleaning products and fragrances, while tetrachloroethylene was attributed to emissions from a dry-cleaning establishment located in the same building, but did not exceed protection thresholds. Microbial analysis showed low concentrations of both fungi and bacteria. However, fungal species with clinical and toxigenic potential were found. The most common fungal species were Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., depending on the culture media. Overall, the clothing store demonstrated good air quality. However, to further reduce the impact of outdoor pollutants on indoor air quality, enhancements to the venti- lation system are recommended. These improvements can help create a healthier indoor environment by filtering and managing the intake of external contaminants more effectively.
- Indoor air quality in a home improvement store: Gaseous pollutants, bioburden and particle-bound chemical constituentsPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Yubero, Eduardo; Galindo, Nuria; Viegas, Carla; Dias, Marta; Nunes, Teresa; Igrejas, Getúlio; Feliciano, Manuel; Célia AlvesThis paper provides a comprehensive assessment of indoor and outdoor air quality within a home improvement and gardening store chain in northeastern Portugal. In December 2021 and January 2022, two multipollutant systems were installed in the store and outdoors to assess air quality. Continuous monitoring included particulate matter below 10 μm (PM10), CO2 and comfort parameters. PM10 samples were collected using gravimetric samplers during both occupied and vacant periods. These samples were then analysed for carbonaceous con- stituents and metal(loid)s. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyls, bacteria, and fungi were passively sampled. Results showed higher indoor concentrations of PM10 during labour hours (45.4 ± 15.2 μg/ m3), while outdoor values of 27.1 ± 9.96 μg/m3 were recorded. The elemental characterisation of PM10 revealed a high abundance of soil-related elements indoors, suggesting that resuspension is one of the primary sources. The most abundant elements were Ca, Fe, and Zn, with concentrations of 658 ± 297, 273 ± 141, and 172 ± 67.4 ng/m³, respectively. Outdoors, elements related to tyre and brake wear and road dust were predominant, indicating emissions from non-exhaust traffic emissions as the main source. A prevalence of α-pinene, limonene, and hexanal was found indoors, most likely related to wood products. Fungi with clinical relevance and toxigenic potential, and higher bacterial loads were observed in the gardening and heating sectors of the store. This study underscores the importance of investigating less-studied stores, as they may exhibit pollutant levels that exceed health protection thresholds
- PM10-bound elements in Luanda's urban atmosphere: Concentrations, sources, and their environmental and health impactsPublication . Alves, Célia A.; Campa, Ana Sanchez de la; Cipoli, Yago; Furst, Leonardo; Higawa, Gustavo; Leitão, Anabela; Silva, Alan Victor; Feliciano, ManuelAn unprecedented study was carried out in the megacity of Luanda, Angola, involving daily sampling of particulate matter (PM10) from June to November 2023. The analysis was focused on the detection of 56 metal(loid)s and complemented by the application of several contamination and health risk indices. PM10 levels ranged from 23.6 to 108 μg/m3, averaging 59.3 μg/m3, exceeding WHO’s 24-h guideline on 83% of days. In addition to crustal elements, the most abundant constituents were Zn (159 ng/m3), Ba (43.2 ng/m3), Pb (17.8 ng/m3), Cu (10.5 ng/m3), Sr (7.0 ng/m3), Ni (4.5 ng/m3), Sb (3.7 ng/m3) and Cr (3.5 ng/m3). Mineral dust, primarily from unpaved roads and local soils, accounted for 31 wt% of PM10, while sea salt contributed 6%. Geochemical markers (e.g., Ce-La-V relationships) suggest that vanadium originates predominantly from upper crust weathering. Elemental ratios such as Fe/Cu, Cu/Sb, and Zn/Sb indicate significant contributions from traffic-related emissions (e.g., brake and tyre wear) and industrial sources. Sulphur, an important PM10 component, likely stems from fossil fuel combustion and petroleum refining. Luanda experiences severe air pollution, with high inputs from Sb, Cd, Zn, and other elements linked to traffic, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The extremely high ecological risk (RI = 4360 ± 2440) highlights critical contamination, driven primarily by Cd and Sb, while the Nemerow risk index (1990 ± 1530) underscores urgent public health concerns. Non-cancer hazard indices (HI) exceeded safe thresholds for children (2.29) and adults (2.18), with Fe, Mn, Be, Pb, Ni, Co, and Sb identified as key contributors. Carcinogenic risks from PM10 inhalation (2.34 × 10 3 for children and 1.36 ×10 3 for adults) also exceeded acceptable levels, emphasising the need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies.
- Riscos naturais e gestão de riscos de desastres em regiões montanhosas do sudoeste da Europa: Projeto MONTCLIMAPublication . Fandiño, Isabella; Cipoli, Yago; Furst, Leonardo; Komac, Benjamin; Terrádez, Juan; Feliciano, ManuelMuitas populações habitam em regiões montanhosas, convivendo ao longo de várias gerações com os perigos associados à seca, erosão, incêndios florestais e deslizamentos de terra [1]. Atualmente, apesar de a maioria das populações ter percepções mais favoráveis sobre as consequências dos perigos naturais, em boa verdade continuamos a ter um número crescente de pessoas que visitam, viajam e/ou habitam regiões montanhosas cuja vulnerabilidade vai aumentando e vão ficando expostas a níveis crescentes de risco [1]. A compreensão dos perigos e desastres assenta no conhecimento mútuo das dimensões humana e biogeofísica [2], bem como do modo como estas impactam o ecossistema. As regiões montanhosas são ativas geofísica e hidrologicamente, suportam uma vasta diversidade paisagística e integram diversos ecossistemas e muitas espécies de fauna e flora. Devido à heterogeneidade das regiões montanhosas, existem diversos perigos naturais, que se destacam pela fragilidade de seus ecossistemas, pela baixa densidade populacional, pelo crescente abandono do território e pela composição dos seus sistemas sociais. A adicionar a todas essas características, diversos estudos têm identificado as alterações climáticas como um dos fatores mais determinantes na frequência e intensidade dos desastres [3]. Desta forma, a gestão dos riscos naturais e a adaptação às alterações climáticas são essenciais para a proteção dos ecossistemas e das populações. No sudoeste da Europa existem áreas montanhosas que abrangem parte do espaço territorial de Portugal, Espanha, Andorra e França [4]. As principais cadeias montanhosas são a Ibéria, os Pirinéus, os maciços franceses e os Alpes. Portanto, o principal objetivo deste documento é fornecer uma visão geral do estado da arte dos perigos naturais na região montanhosa do SUDOE e das estratégias atuais usadas para lidar com desastres, bem como destacar alguns dos efeitos das alterações climáticas. Este documento encontra-se estruturado em duas partes principais: i) revisão da base de dados EM-DAT para identificar os principais desastres nos países que integram a região SUDOE; ii) análise de projetos disponíveis em bases de dados de programas de financiamento europeu. Além disso, também foram utilizadas ferramentas de apoio à busca de termos e definições diretamente relacionadas com o nosso foco de estudo. Com base nesses projetos, destaca-se o facto de 72% dos projetos selecionados envolverem parceiros de mais do que um país. Constatamos que os desastres na região aumentaram aproximadamente 26% nas últimas quatro décadas, sendo os desastres meteorológicos os mais representativos, com 16, 33 e 87 eventos registados em Portugal, Espanha e França, respetivamente. A onda de calor foi o evento mais mortífero no período estudado, sendo responsável por 95% das mortes em Espanha, 76% em Portugal e 68% em França. No entanto, em Andorra, as avalanches de neve foram o fenómeno que mais contribuiu para a mortalidade no país, com 18 mortes desde 1975. Além disso, os incêndios florestais têm merecido especial atenção, pois a maioria das boas práticas abordam esse tipo de perigo por meio de queimadas prescritas, pastoreio de animais e deteção precoce de incêndios florestais.
- Tracking PM10 composition and source assignment in classrooms and schoolyard: A case study near an industrial estatePublication . Charres, Isabella; Cipoli, Yago; Vicente, Estela D.; Furst, Leonardo; Nunes, Teresa; Sánchez de la Campa, Ana M.; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaSchools are essential environments where people spend a significant portion of their early lives. Air quality in schools is shaped by various factors, including location, climate, and surrounding activities. Additionally, both indoor and outdoor sources can release chemicals into the air, potentially exposing pupils and staff to harmful conditions. This work characterised the chemical composition and potential sources of particulate matter (PM10) in a school, with different educational levels, located near an industrial estate in Portugal. PM10 daily samples were measured in classrooms and the schoolyard in two seasons. Samples were analysed by chromatography, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and thermo-optical transmittance techniques. Ancillary tools, such as factor analysis, multiple linear regression, meteorological analysis and air mass backward trajectories were applied to determine source contributions. Mass closure analysis revealed that organic matter accounted for similar to 39% of the PM10 mass in both seasons. Six sources were identified as contributors to PM10 in both the classrooms and the schoolyard. Common sources included biomass burning (18% and 28%), mineral dust (28% and 7.1%), sea salt (16% and 20%), and traffic (1.4% and 1.8%), for indoor and outdoor environments, respectively. In the classrooms, resuspension of calcium was a major contributor to PM10, whereas in the schoolyard, secondary aerosol formation played a significant role.