Environmental Decision-making utilizing a Web GIS to Monitor Hazardous Industrial Emissions in the Valencian community of Spain

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

Mecanismos de inflama����o br��nquica resultantes da exposi����o a factores ambientais

RESUMO Tratando-se a asma de uma doen��a respirat��ria, desde h�� v��rias d��cadas que tem sido abordada a hip��tese de que factores ambientais, nomeadamente os relacionados com a qualidade do ar inalado, possam contribuir para o seu agravamento. Para al��m dos aeroalergenos, outros factores ambientais como a polui����o atmosf��rica estar��o associados ��s doen��as respirat��rias. O ar respirado cont��m uma variedade de poluentes atmosf��ricos, provenientes quer de fontes naturais quer de origem antropog��nica, nomeadamente de actividades industriais, dom��sticas ou das emiss��es de ve��culos. Estes poluentes, tradicionalmente considerados como um problema de foro ambiental, t��m sido cada vez mais encarados como um problema de sa��de p��blica. Tamb��m a qualidade do ar interior, tem sido associada a queixas respirat��rias, n��o s�� em termos ocupacionais mas tamb��m em exposi����es dom��sticas. Dentro dos principais poluentes, encontramos a mat��ria particulada (como as PM10), o O3, NO2, e os compostos org��nicos vol��teis (COVs). Se �� verdade que os tr��s primeiros t��m como principais fontes de exposi����o a combust��o f��ssil associada aos ve��culos autom��veis, j�� os COVs (como o benzeno, tolueno, xileno, etilbenzeno e formalde��do) s��o poluentes mais caracter��sticos do ar interior. Os mecanismos fisiopatol��gicos subjacentes �� agress��o dos poluentes do ar n��o se encontram convenientemente esclarecidos. Pensa-se que ap��s a sua inala����o, induzam um grau crescente de stress oxidativo que ser�� respons��vel pelo desenvolvimento da inflama����o das vias a��reas. A progress��o do stress oxidativo e da inflama����o, associarse- ��o posteriormente a les��o local (pulmonar) e sist��mica. Neste trabalho pretendeu-se avaliar os efeitos da exposi����o individual a diversos poluentes, do ar exterior e interior, sobre as vias a��reas, recorrendo a par��metros funcionais, inflamat��rios e do estudo do stress oxidativo. Neste sentido, desenvolveu-se um estudo de painel na cidade de Viseu, em que foram acompanhadas durante 18 meses, 51 crian��as com hist��ria de sibil��ncia, identificadas pelo question��rio do estudo ISAAC. As crian��as foram avaliadas em quatro Visitas (quatro medidas repetidas), atrav��s de diversos exames, que inclu��ram execu����o de espirometria com broncodilata����o, medi����o ambulat��ria do PEF, medi����o de FENO e estudo do pH no condensado br��nquico do ar exalado. O estudo dos 8-isoprostanos no condensado br��nquico foi efectuado somente em duas Visitas, e o do doseamento de malonalde��do urin��rio somente na ��ltima Visita. Para al��m da avalia����o do grau de infesta����o de ��caros do p�� do colch��o, para cada crian��a foi calculado o valor de exposi����o individual a PM10, O3, NO2, benzeno, tolueno, xileno, etilbenzeno e formalde��do, atrav��s de uma complexa metodologia que envolveu t��cnicas de modela����o associadas a medi����es directas do ar interior (na casa e escola da crian��a) e do ar exterior. Para a an��lise de dados foram utilizadas equa����es de estima����o generalizadas com uma matriz de correla����o de trabalho uniforme, com excep����o do estudo das associa����es entre poluentes, 8-isoprostanos e malonalde��do. Verificou-se na an��lise multivari��vel a exist��ncia de uma associa����o entre o agravamento dos par��metros espirom��tricos e a exposi����o aumentada a PM10, NO2, benzeno, tolueno e etilbenzeno. Foram tamb��m encontradas associa����es entre diminui����o do pH do EBC e exposi����o crescente a PM10, NO2, benzeno e etilbenzeno e associa����es entre valores aumentados de FENO e exposi����o a etilbenzeno e tolueno. O benzeno, o tolueno e o etilbenzeno foram associados com maior recurso a broncodilatador nos 6 meses anteriores �� Visita e o tolueno com desloca����es ao servi��o de urg��ncia. Os resultados dos modelos de regress��o que inclu��ram o efeito do poluente ajustado para o grau de infesta����o de ��caros do p�� foram, de uma forma geral, id��nticos ao da an��lise multivari��vel anterior, com excep����o das associa����es para com o FENO. Nos modelos de exposi����o com dois poluentes, com o FEV1 como vari��vel resposta, somente o benzeno persistiu com significado estat��stico. No modelo com dois poluentes tendo o pH do EBC como vari��vel resposta, somente persistiram as PM10. Os 8-isoprostanos correlacionaram-se com alguns COVs, designadamente etilbenzeno, xileno, tolueno e benzeno. Os valores de malonalde��do urin��rio n��o se correlacionaram com os valores de poluentes. Verificou-se no entanto que de uma forma geral, e em particular mais uma vez para os COVs, as crian��as mais expostas a poluentes, apresentaram valores superiores de malonalde��do na urina. Verificou-se que os poluentes do ar em geral, e os COVs em particular, se associaram com uma deteriora����o das vias a��reas. A exposi����o crescente a poluentes associou-se n��o s�� com obstru����o br��nquica, mas tamb��m com FENO aumentado e maior acidez das vias a��reas. A exposi����o crescente a COVs correlacionou-se com um maior stress oxidativo das vias a��reas (medido pelos 8-isoprostanos). As crian��as com exposi����o superior a COVs apresentaram maiores valores de malonalde��do urin��rio. Este trabalho sugere uma associa����o entre exposi����o a poluentes, inflama����o das vias a��reas e stress oxidativo. Vem refor��ar o interesse dos poluentes do ar, nomeadamente os associados a ambientes interiores, frequentemente esquecidos e que poder��o ser explicativos do agravamento duma crian��a com sibil��ncia.-----------ABSTRACT: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that could be influenced by environmental factors, as allergens and air pollutants. The air breathed contains a diversity of air pollutants, both from natural or anthropogenic sources. Atmospheric pollution, traditionally considered an environmental problem, is nowadays looked as an important public health problem. Indoor air pollutants are also related with respiratory diseases, not only in terms of occupational exposures but also in domestic activities. Particulate matter (such as PM10), O3, NO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the main air pollutants. The main source for PM10, O3, NO2 exposure is traffic exhaust while for VOCs (such as benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and phormaldehyde) the main sources for exposure are located in indoor environments. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the aggression of air pollutants are not properly understood. It is thought that after inhalation, air pollutants could induce oxidative stress, which would be responsible for airways inflammation. The progression of oxidative stress and airways inflammation, would contribute for the local and systemic effects of the air pollutants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of individual exposure to various pollutants over the airways, through lung function tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. In this sense, we developed a panel study in the city of Viseu, that included 51 children with a history of wheezing. Those children that were identified by the ISAAC questionnaire, were followed for 18 months. Children were assessed four times (four repeated measures) through the following tests: spirometry with bronchodilation test, PEF study, FENO evaluation and exhaled breath condensate pH measurement. 8-isoprostane in the exhaled breath condensate were also measured but only in two visits. Urinary malonaldehyde measurement was performed only in the last visit. Besides the assessment of the house dust mite infestation, we calculated for each child the value of individual exposure to a wide range of pollutants: PM10, O3, NO2, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene and formaldehyde. This strategy used a complex methodology that included air pollution modelling techniques and direct measurements indoors (homes and schools) and outdoors. Generalized estimating equations with an exchangeable working correlation matrix were used for the analysis of the data. Exceptions were for the study of associations between air pollutants, malonaldehyde and 8-isoprostanes. In the multivariate analysis we found an association between worsening of spirometric outcomes and increased exposure to PM10, NO2, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene. In the multivariate analysis we found also negative associations between EBC pH and exposure to PM10, NO2, benzene, ethylbenzene and positive associations between FENO and exposure to ethylbenzene and toluene. Benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene were associated with increased use of bronchodilator in the 6 months prior to the visit and toluene with emergency department visits. Results of the regression models that included also the effect of the pollutant adjusted for the degree of infestation to house dust mites, were identical to the previous models. Exceptions were for FENO associations. In the two-pollutant models, with the FEV1 as dependent variable, only benzene persisted with statistical significance. In the two pollutant model with pH of EBC as dependent variable, only PM10 persisted. 8-isoprostanes were well correlated with some VOCs, namely with ethylbenzene, xylene, toluene and benzene. Urinary malonaldehyde did not present any correlation with air pollutants exposure. However, those children more exposed to air pollutants (namely to VOCs), presented higher values of malonaldehyde. It was found that air pollutants in general, and namely VOCs, were associated with deterioration of the airways. The increased exposure to air pollutants was associated not only with airways obstruction, but also with increased FENO and higher acidity of the airways. The increased exposure to VOCs was correlated with increased airways oxidative stress (measured by 8-isoprostane). Children with higher levels of exposure to VOCs had higher values of urinary malonaldehyde. This study suggests a relation between air pollution, airways inflammation and oxidative stress. It suggests also that attention should be dedicated to air quality as air pollutants could cause airways deterioration.

Application of geographic information system and modelling in health impact assessment for urban road mobility in Vietnam

Transport is an essential sector in modern societies. It connects economic sectors and industries. Next to its contribution to economic development and social interconnection, it also causes adverse impacts on the environment and results in health hazards. Transport is a major source of ground air pollution, especially in urban areas, and therefore contributing to the health problems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and physical injuries. This thesis presents the results of a health risk assessment that quantifies the mortality and the diseases associated with particulate matter pollution resulting from urban road transport in Hai Phong City, Vietnam. The focus is on the integration of modelling and GIS approaches in the exposure analysis to increase the accuracy of the assessment and to produce timely and consistent assessment results. The modelling was done to estimate traffic conditions and concentrations of particulate matters based on geo-references data. A simplified health risk assessment was also done for Ha Noi based on monitoring data that allows a comparison of the results between the two cases. The results of the case studies show that health risk assessment based on modelling data can provide a much more detail results and allows assessing health impacts of different mobility development options at micro level. The use of modeling and GIS as a common platform for the integration of different assessments (environmental, health, socio-economic, etc.) provides various strengths, especially in capitalising on the available data stored in different units and forms and allows handling large amount of data. The use of models and GIS in a health risk assessment, from a decision making point of view, can reduce the processing/waiting time while providing a view at different scales: from micro scale (sections of a city) to a macro scale. It also helps visualising the links between air quality and health outcomes which is useful discussing different development options. However, a number of improvements can be made to further advance the integration. An improved integration programme of the data will facilitate the application of integrated models in policy-making. Data on mobility survey, environmental monitoring and measuring must be standardised and legalised. Various traffic models, together with emission and dispersion models, should be tested and more attention should be given to their uncertainty and sensitivity

A r��dio na Internet: Do ���on air��� para o ���online���. Estudo de caso do servi��o p��blico e o caminho para o futuro

Trabalho de Projecto de Mestrado em Novos Media e Pr��ticas Web

Modelling and optimization of the ion exchange membrane bioreactor for removal of anionic pollutants from drinking water streams

Disserta����o para obten����o do Grau de Doutor em Engenharia Qu��mica, especialidade de Engenharia Bioqu��mica

Gas emissions on rice culture and its importance on air quality

Disserta����o para obten����o do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente Perfil Gest��o de Sistemas Ambientais

Evaluation of air lime and clayish earth mortars for earthen wall renders

CIAV2013 ��� International Conference on Vernacular Architecture, 7�� ATP, VerSus, 16-20 october 2013

Identification of atmospheric pollutants control mechanisms during co-combustion of coal and non-toxic wastes

Doctoral dissertation for Ph.D. degree in Sustainable Chemistry

Electrodialytic remediation of two types of air pollution control residues and their applicability in construction materials

Disserta����o para obten����o do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente Perfil de Engenharia de Sistemas Ambientais

Air lime-earth blended mortars - Assessment on fresh state and workability

International Conference on Vernacular Heritage, Sustainability and Earthen Architecture, VerSus 2014, 2nd MEDITERRA, 2nd ResTAPIA, 11-13 September, Valencia, Spain

Long-term characterization of air lime mortars with ceramic waste

Due to their exposure to environmental conditions, outer coatings composed by render and painting system are usually the first construction elements to deteriorate and require intervention. A correct conservation and rehabilitation of these materials is fundamental once they provide protection to other fa��ade materials. It is known that old mortar renders were essentially air lime based mortars. To maintain the integrity of the whole wall-render elements, the image of the building and to avoid accelerated degradation, conservation and rehabilitation must be implemented with compatible mortars. As that, lime based mortars would be preferable. It was also common, in ancient renders, the incorporation of ceramic residues, which is, nowadays, an abundant material, especially in Central Region of Portugal. The reuse of these materials has great relevance once their landfilling causes serious environmental issues. In an attempt to combine the environmental and technical advantages of the use of ceramic waste in mortars��� production for rehabilitation purposes, a research has been developed at the University of Coimbra, in cooperation with Nova University of Lisbon, on the long term behaviour of air lime mortars with ceramic residues. In this paper the most significant up to one year results of an experimental campaign with air lime mortars with 1:3 and 1:2 volumetric proportions and ceramic residues are presented.

Multi-Enzymatic Systems for Cleaning-up Synthetic Dyes from the Environment

Environmental pollution is one of the major and most important problems of the modern world. In order to fulfill the needs and demands of the overgrowing human population, developments in agriculture, medicine, energy sources, and all chemical industries are necessary (Ali 2010). Over the last century, the increased industrialization and continued population growth led to an augmented production of environmental pollutants that are released into air, water, and soil, with significant impact in the degradation of various ecosystems (Ali 2010, Khan et al. 2013).(...)

On and off air: an ethnographic exploration of minority radio in Portugal

Taking a Media Anthropology���s approach to dynamics of mediated selfrepresentation in migratory contexts, this thesis starts by mapping radio initiatives produced by, for and/or with migrants in Portugal. To further explore dynamics of support of initial settlement in the country, community-making, cultural reproduction, and transnational connectivity - found both in the mapping stage and the minority media literature (e.g. Kosnick, 2007; Rigoni & Saitta, 2012; Silverstone & Georgiou, 2005) - a case study was selected: the station awarded with the first bilingual license in Portugal. The station in question caters largely to the British population presenting themselves as ���expats��� and residing in the Algarve. The ethnographic strategy to research it consisted of ���following the radio��� (Marcus, 1995) beyond the station and into the events and establishments it announces on air, so as to relate production and consumption realms. The leading research question asks how does locally produced radio play into ���expats��� processes of management of cultural identity ��� and what are the specificities of its role? Drawing on conceptualizations of lifestyle migration (Benson & O���Reilly, 2009), production of locality (Appadurai 1996) and the public sphere (Butsch, 2007; Calhoun & et al, 1992; Dahlgren, 2006), this thesis contributes to valuing radio as a productive gateway to research migrants��� construction of belonging, to inscribe a counterpoint in the field of minority media, and to debate conceptualizations of migratory categories and flows. Specifically, this thesis argues that the station fulfills similar roles to other minority radio initiatives but in ways that are specific to the population being catered to. Namely, unlike other minority stations, radio facilitates the process of transitioning between categories along on a continuum linking tourists and migrants. It also reflects and participates in strategies of reterritorialization that rest on functional and partial modes of incorporation. While contributing to sustain a translocality (Appadurai, 1996) it indexes and fosters a stance of connection that is symbolically and materially connected to the UK and other ���neighborhoods��� but is, simultaneously, oriented to engaging with the Algarve as ���home���. Yet, besides reifying a British cultural identity, radio���s oral, repetitive and ephemeral discourse particularly trivializes the reproduction of an ambivalent stance of connection with place that is shared by other ���expats���. This dynamic is related to migratory projects driven by social imaginaries fostered by international media that stimulate the search for idealized ways of living, which the radio associates with the Algarve. While recurrently localizing and validating the narrative projecting an idealized ���good life���, radio amplifies dynamics among migrants that seem to reaffirm the migratory move as a good choice.