Browsing by Author "Cipoli, Yago Alonso"
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- Ambient concentrations and dosimetry of inhaled size-segregated particulate matter during periods of low urban mobility in Braganca, PortugalPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Targino, Admir Creso; Krecl, Patricia; Furst, Leonardo; Alves, Célia; Feliciano, ManuelThe restrictive measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a timely scenario to investigate the effects of human activities on air quality, and the extent to which mobility reduction strategies can impact atmospheric pollutant levels. Real-time concentrations of PM1, PM2.5 and PM(10 )were measured using a mobile platform in a small city of Portugal, during morning and afternoon rush hours, in two distinct phases of the pandemic: emergency phase (cold period, lockdown) and calamity phase (warm period, less restricted). The Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry Model (MPPD) was used to calculate the PM deposition for adults. Large spatiotemporal variabilities and pronounced changes in mean PM concentrations were observed, with lower concentrations in the calamity phase: PM1 = 2.33 +/- 1.61 mu g m(-3); PM2.5 = 5.15 +/- 2.77 mu g m(-3); PM10 = 23.30 +/- 21.53 mu g m(-3) than in the emergency phase: PM1 = 16.85 +/- 31.80 mu g m(-3); PM2.5 = 30.92 +/- 31.93 mu g m(-3); PM10 = 111.27 +/- 104.53 mu g m(-3). These changes are explained by a combination of meteorological factors and local emissions, mainly residential firewood burning. Regarding regional deposition, PM1 was the main contributor to deposition in the tracheobronchial (5%) and pulmonary (12%) regions, and PM10 in the head region (92%). In general, total deposition doses were higher for males than for females. This work quantitatively demonstrated that even with a 38% reduction in urban mobility during the lockdown, the use of firewood for residential heating is the main contributor to the high concentrations of PM and the respective inhaled dose.
- Avaliação de contrastes espaciais dos níveis de material particulado na cidade de BragançaPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Feliciano, Manuel; Gonçalves, Artur; Targino, Admir Créso de LimaA qualidade do ar em centros urbanos é principalmente determinada pelos fluxos rodoviários, atividades industriais, condições atmosféricas e estruturas urbanas. Dentro da matriz de poluentes atmosféricos encontrados em cidades, um dos mais importantes é o material particulado (PM), devido aos efeitos nocivos na saúde humana e no clima. O conhecimento da sua variabilidade espácio-temporal é relevante para a gestão da qualidade do ar e para melhor diagnosticar a exposição da população a este tipo de poluente. O estudo envolveu a medição da concentração mássica de material particulado, em particular, das frações PM2.5 e PM10, e da concentração em número de partículas (NP) na malha urbana da cidade de Bragança, Portugal, com a finalidade de caracterizar a atmosfera urbana da região, avaliando a relação das concentrações e da variabilidade espácio-temporal com atributos urbanos e fontes que contribuem para o aumento das concentrações ambiente. Realizou-se a monitorização móvel com equipamentos montados em bicicleta durante os meses de maio e junho de 2020. Os trajetos percorridos possuíam cerca de 11 km de extensão, com diferentes características urbanas e intensidades de tráfego automóvel. Dados meteorológicos foram obtidos numa estação fixa, localizada a 2,7 km do centro da cidade. Os resultados mostram uma grande variabilidade espácio-temporal das concentrações de PM2.5 e PM10, e relativamente menor para NP. Os locais mais poluídos foram no interior de cânions urbanos, nas proximidades de atividades temporárias de construção, na zona industrial, no interior de um túnel e na proximidade de semáforos. O fluxo de tráfego rodoviário, combinado com as atividades de construção em várias zonas da cidade, contribuíram para valores elevados de PM. As concentrações mais baixas foram encontradas nas proximidades de parques, zonas residenciais e terrenos sem construções. As concentrações médias de PM2.5, PM10 e NP para dias úteis foram, respetivamente, 2,2 μg m-3, 9,8 μg m-3 e 27 # cm-3 (0,3 μm – 10 μm). Foi constatado que não havia uma forte relação entre o número de veículos e as concentrações de PM2.5 (r²= 0,44), sendo mais expressivo em termos da concentração de NP (r²= 0,61). Uma análise mais detalhada de um período de medição específico evidenciou picos instantâneos de PM10 associados à ocorrência de suspensão de poeira e próximo aos canteiros de obras. As razões médias entre PM2.5/PM10 foram superiores nos dias de fim de semana (0,63) em relação aos dias úteis (0,53), indicando que as partículas finas estão presentes em maior quantidade na fração PM10 aos sábados e domingos, devido à diminuição ou ausência de fontes que contribuem para a emissão de material particulado de maior dimensão. O estudo provou ser uma abordagem efetiva no mapeamento de poluentes atmosféricos, permitindo localizar com maior precisão zonas que oferecem riscos à população, através da monitorização móvel com alta resolução espacial. Os resultados enfatizam a importância de conhecer a variabilidade espácio-temporal das concentrações, alertando para valores extremamente altos de PM nas proximidades de atividades de construção, com possíveis efeitos nocivos na saúde de quem está exposto.
- Chemical speciation and oxidative potential of PM10 in different residential microenvironments: Bedroom, living room and kitchenPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Vicente, Estela D.; Evtyugina, Margarita; Figueiredo, Daniela R.; Pietrogrande, Maria C.; Lucarelli, Franco; Feliciano, Manuel; Ryšavý, Jiří; Alves, CéliaExposure to particulate matter (PM) and its chemical constituents in residential microenvironments has become a major health concern worldwide. The oxidative potential (OP) has been proposed as a metric for estimating the PM capacity to induce oxidative stress and, consequently, health effects. In the present study, PM10 was daily monitored simultaneously in the bedroom, living room and kitchen of three dwellings for one week in a small town of Portugal, to perform a detailed characterisation of its organic and inorganic constituents and the determination of the OP. Bedrooms (B) were found to be a hotspot of PM10 concentrations (B1 = 22.7 μg m-3; B2 = 19.5 μg m-3; B3 = 68.1 μg m-3). PM10-bound elements varied significantly between microenvironments in all dwellings. Lower molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found to be between 14 and 72 times higher than high molecular weight PAHs in bedrooms. The mean volume-normalised OP determined by the dithiothreitol and ascorbic acid assays varied within the 0.01–0.38 nmol min-1 m-3 and 0.03–0.53 nmol min-1 m-3 ranges, respectively. Quinones, oxy-aromatic, aromatic and alkyl-aromatic compounds stood out in bedrooms. Strong and significantly positive relationship between OP and black carbon, Cu and Br were observed, indicating common redox active species mainly associated with traffic emissions. Sr, Fe, Zn and Zr presented higher concentrations in dwelling 3, exhibiting excellent positive correlation with OP, indicating that the Sahara dust intrusion recorded in that house may have contributed to the formation of more redox active species thought to drive antioxidant depletion responses.
- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in an international chain supermarketPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Pena, Pedro; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIndoor environmental quality is of utmost importance since urban populations spend a large proportion of their life in confined spaces. Supermarkets offer a wide range of products and services that are prone to emitting several air pollutants. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive characterisation of the indoor and outdoor air quality in a multinational supermarket, encompassing not only criteria parameters but also unregulated pollutants of concern. Monitoring included measurements of comfort parameters, CO2, multiple gaseous pollutants, particulate matter (PM10) and bioburden. PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyls were subject to chemical speciation. Globally, the supermarket presented CO2, VOCs, and PM10 values below the limits imposed by international regulations. The PM10 concentration in the supermarket was 33.5 ± 23.2 μg/m3, and the indoor-to-outdoor PM10 ratio was 1.76. Carbonaceous constituents represented PM10 mass fractions of 21.6% indoors and 15.3% outdoors. Due to the use of stainless-steel utensils, flour and fermentation processes, the bakery proved to be a pollution hotspot, presenting the highest concentrations of PM10 (73.1 ± 9.16 μg/m3), PM10-bound elements (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, and Cr) and acetaldehyde (42.7 μg/m3). The maximum tetrachloroethylene level (130 μg/m3) was obtained in the cleaning products section. The highest values of colony-forming units of bacteria and fungi were recorded in the bakery, and fruit and vegetable section. The most prevalent fungal species was Penicillium sp., corresponding to 56.9% of the total colonies. In addition, other fungal species/ sections with toxicological or pathogenic potential were detected (Aspergillus sections Aspergilli, Circumdati, Flavi, Mucor and Fusarium sp.).
- Comprehensive assessment of PM10 from home heating using different appliances and biomass fuels: Chemical composition, oxidative potential, and ecotoxicityPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Vicente, Estela D.; Charres, Isabella; Evtyugina, Margarita; Alfosea-Simón, Marina; Lucarelli, Franco; Kováts, Nora; Ryšavý, Jiří; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaThe European Union has implemented policies to promote renewable energy, with an emphasis on biomass for heat generation. However, residential biomass combustion is a major source of particulate matter (PM10), and its chemical constituents pose health concerns worldwide. This study characterised the organic and inorganic composition, oxidative potential (OP), and ecotoxicity of PM10 indoors and outdoors during the operation of two heating appliances fuelled with different types of biomasses: a modern hydronic stove and a traditional wood stove. PM10 concentrations were higher in the room equipped with the traditional system during the combustion of briquettes (95.9 f 74.9 mu g m-3) and firewood (50.1 f 25.6 mu g m- 3), compared to the modern stove using pellets (27.1 f 11.8 mu g m-3) and olive stone (23.0 f 4.5 mu g m- 3). While element oxides accounted for similar PM10 mass fractions (7 %), the wood stove produced higher levels of organic constituents, including carbonaceous fractions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), quinones and saccharides. Significant correlations between OP assays and concentrations of PAHs, quinones and phenolic compounds were found in the room equipped with wood stove, with indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios higher than 1. In contrast, I/O ratios below 1 were observed for OP in PM10 samples collected during hydronic stove operation. Ecotoxicity assays using Aliivibrio fischeri classified indoor PM10 from the wood stove as 'very toxic', whereas samples from the hydronic stove exhibited lower toxicity and OP levels. These findings highlight the need to reconcile renewable energy goals with air quality and public health.
- Experimental study of thermo-environmental properties of single and double-chambered bioethanol burnersPublication . Ryšavý, Jiří; Vicente, Estela Alexandra Domingos; Molchanov, Oleksandr; Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Krpec, Kamil; Alves, Célia A.; Feliciano, Manuel; Dargham, Imane; Kuo, Jenn-Kun; Wang, Cheng-ChiBioethanol burners are becoming increasingly popular across Europe, often valued primarily for their aesthetic appeal; however, their potential role in household energy systems and their influence on the indoor environment have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of burner design, burner opening area regulation, fuel quality, and initial fuel dose on key operational and environmental performance metrics, including heat output, pollutant emission rates, and impact on indoor environment, for single- and doublechambered bioethanol burners. The results showed that single-chambered burners achieved 11-31 % higher average heat output and 8-27 % higher maximum heat output despite having a lower burner opening area. Regarding emissions, single-chambered burners exhibited lower CO emission factors (5-51 % reduction) but higher NOx emission factors (13-23 % increase) compared to double-chambered burners. Indoors, a similar trend was observed, with single-chambered burners contributing to lower CO levels but higher NOx concentrations. These findings provide new insights into how burner geometry directly affects combustion efficiency and pollutant formation mechanisms, including thermal NOx and incomplete combustion processes. This study is one of the few to combine controlled hood testing with real-room experiments, offering a comprehensive assessment of the indoor air quality implications of ethanol burner operation. The results of this study highlight the necessity for further research and development to mitigate potential health risks while maximising the efficiency of bioethanol burners as a viable household heating solution.
- Informe sobre la evolución y seguimiento de todos los aspectos de las soluciones basadas en la naturaleza aplicadas en Argales y Cantarias: relatório do Projeto POCTEP INDNATURPublication . Caz Enjuto, M. Rosario del (Coord.); Feliciano, Manuel; Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Íñiguez-de la Torre, Elena Sánchez; Gonçalves, Artur; Alves, Felipe; Figueiredo, Tomás de; Fonseca, Felícia; Assis, João Luiz Brigido de; Gonçalves, Darinka; Kader., Abdel; Martín, Xavier; Méndez Tovar, Inés; Fernández Marín, Silvia; Devesa Fernández, Carmen; Kader, AbdelO relatório apresentado tem o objetivo de relatar a evolução dos vários aspectos monitorizados ou analisados no início do trabalho, a fim de verificar cientificamente os efeitos das SbN implementadas nas áreas intervencionadas nas zonas industriais de Argales (Valladolid) e Cantarias (Bragança). Para alcançar o objetivo mencionado, foram realizados os seguintes estudos sobre a situação atual, tanto em Argales (Valladolid) quanto nas Cantarias (Bragança): - Medição da qualidade do ar (CO2, NOX, O3 e micropartículas) - Medição das temperaturas em espaços abertos - Avaliação da infiltração de água da chuva no subsolo - Avaliação da variação da biodiversidade Além disso, após a implementação dos corredores, foi feita uma avaliação do impacto econômico e social por meio de pesquisas específicas elaboradas a partir de documentos de referência da UE.
- Natural hazards and disaster risk management in mountainous regions of southwest Europe: MONTCLIMA ProjectPublication . Fandiño, Isabella; Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Furst, Leonardo; Komac, Benjamin; Terrádez, Juan; Feliciano, ManuelPeople have inhabited mountainous regions for generations, living with the dangers posed by drought, erosion, wildfires and landslides [1]. Currently, perceptions of natural hazards have improved, but increasing numbers of people visiting, traveling or inhabiting mountainous regions have experienced higher levels of risk as well as an increase in vulnerability in these territories [1]. The understanding of hazards and consequent disasters is based on mutual knowledge of the human and biogeophysical dimensions [2], and how these impact the ecosystem. The mountainous regions are relatively active geophysically and hydrologically, structure a great landscape diversity, encompassing diverse ecosystems and many species of fauna and flora. Due to the heterogeneity of mountainous regions, there are several natural hazards, which are highlighted by the fragility of their ecosystems, the low population density, the growing abandonment of the territory, and the composition of their social systems. Added to all these characteristics, several studies have configured that climate change has interfered with the frequency and intensity of disasters [3]. In this way, managing natural risks and adapting to climate change are essential for ecosystems and the protection of populations. In south-western Europe there are mountainous areas that encompass part of the territorial space of Portugal, Spain, Andorra and France [4]. The main mountain ranges are the Iberian, the Pyrenees, the French massifs and the Alps. Therefore, the main objective of this report is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of natural hazards in the SUDOE mountain region and current strategies used to deal with disasters, as well as some effects of climate change. We carry out this report through two main parts: i) review of the EM-DAT database to identify the main disasters in the countries that comprise the SUDOE region; ii) analysis of projects in databases of European funding programs. In addition, we also use academic databases as support tools to search for terms and definitions directly related to our study focus. We identified that disasters in the region have increased by approximately 26% in the last four decades, with meteorological disasters being the most representative, with 16, 33 and 87 events recorded in Portugal, Spain and France, respectively. Heatwave was the deadliest event in the period studied, being responsible for 95%, 76% and 68% of deaths in Spain, Portugal and France, respectively. However, in Andorra, snow avalanches are the hazard that has caused the most deaths in the country, with 18 deaths since 1975. Based on these projects, we highlight that 72% of selected projects work with partner countries. In particular, wildfires receive great attention, since most of the good practices addressed this type of hazard through prescribed burning, guided herbivory and early detection of forest fires.
- Nighttime-daytime PM10 source apportionment and toxicity in a remoteness inland city of the Iberian PeninsulaPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Alves, Célia; Rapuano, Marco; Evtyugina, Margarita; Rienda, Ismael Casotti; Kovats, Nora; Vicente, Ana; Giardi, Fabio; Furst, Leonardo; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, ManuelThe distribution of daytime and nighttime sources of PM10 collected from January to March 2021 at an urban background site in the city of Braganca, Portugal, was performed using positive matrix factorisation (PMF). Additional data of PM2.5, NOx and meteorological variables were collected to support the interpretations. A solution with 5 factor profiles was found: traffic (33%), dust (24%), biomass burning (21%), secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) (12%) and sea salt (10%). Mean daytime and nighttime PM10 concentrations were 43.1 mu g m(-3) and 46.1 mu g m(-3), respectively. Nighttime concentrations were dominated by residential biomass combustion. Vehicle traffic and dust factors showed significantly greater contributions during the day (+12% and +4%, respectively), suggesting that exhaust and non-exhaust emissions and long-range transport are important contributors to daytime PM10 levels. In contrast, there were no significant differences between day and night for SIA and sea salt. Exceedances of the daily limit to PM10 (50 mu g m(-3)) and PM2.5 (15 mu g m(-3)) were observed in 22 (33%) and 27 (40%) days of the campaign, respectively, mostly associated with biomass burning for residential heating, but also with Saharan dust outbreaks. The application of the Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay for ecotoxicity assessment allowed classifying 70% of the samples as toxic, especially those from the nocturnal period, indicating that biomass burning is one of the main sources responsible for PM10 toxicity. Both the contributions from biomass burning estimated by the PMF and multiple tracers of this source showed statistically significant correlations with the toxicity units.
- Respiratory deposition dose of PM2.5 and PM10 during night and day periods at an urban environmentPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Furst, Leonardo; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaInhalation of particulate matter (PM) has been extensively associated with the worsening and onset of cardiorespiratory diseases, being responsible for millions of deaths annually. Assessment of PM deposition in the human respiratory tract is critical to better understand the health risks from environmental exposure of vulnerable age groups. In this study, PM2.5 and PM10 day-night monitoring campaigns during the cold season were carried out in Braganca, Portugal. The multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model was used to quantify total and regional depositions in the human respiratory tract for four different age groups: infant (3 months), child (9 years), adult (21 years) and elderly (65 years). The results showed that concentrations for both PM fractions were higher during the night, a period marked by the burning of biomass for residential heating. Regional deposition fractions (DF) for PM2.5 were in the ranges 17-38% (head), 4-14% (tracheobronchial) and 20-28% (pulmonary), while for PM10 were 24-67% (head), 4-27% (tracheobronchial) and 12-22% (pulmonary). Children and the elderly were found to be the most vulnerable groups to PM deposition, especially for the TB and H regions, respectively. The lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks associated with exposure to PM2.5 exceeded the recommended limits, especially for children <10 years old. These findings provide useful information to alert authorities to the need to take action to reduce the pollution burden and protect the health, in particular of those most susceptible.