RESUMEN Se evalúa la influencia de la variables meteorológicas y los tipos de situaciones sinópticas (TSS) en condiciones de poca dispersión sobre las concentraciones de los contaminantes atmosféricos (SO2, NO2, O3, PM10 y PM2.5 ) en el Campus del Instituto Superior de Ciencias Aplicadas (InSTEC) de la Universidad de La Habana y en la localidad de San Miguel del Padrón (SMP) durante el periodo de 2015 al 2017 a través de las mediciones realizadas en las estaciones automáticas de monitoreo de la calidad del aire. La situación sinóptica que contribuyo de forma predominante a la ocurrencia de condiciones de poca dispersión fue la TSS VIII (Anticiclón Continental Migratorio) y el segundo lugar la TSS I (Anticiclón del Atlántico). Las muestras horarias que estuvieron por encima de la concentración máxima admisible (CMA) según la NC 1020:2014 fueron 59 y 31 veces para el PM10 y PM2,5 respectivamente, en la localidad de SMP. Por otro lado, en el InSTEC, el PM10 sobrepaso la CMA diaria en 21 ocasiones. Para el caso del PM2,5 fueron sobrepasadas la CMA en 17 veces. El único evento catalogado como episodio extremo de altas concentraciones (SMOG) se desarrolló en la estación de monitoreo de la calidad del aire de SMP durante el día 15 de marzo de 2016. Los demás contaminantes gaseosos sobrepasaron sus respectivas CMA en pocas ocasiones para muestras horarias y diarias y coincidieron en tiempo con las ocurridas para el material particulado. Estas situaciones sinópticas que producen poca dispersión también pueden provocar efectos nocivos sobre la salud humana.

ABSTRACT The influence of the meteorological variables and the types of synoptic situations (TSS) in low dispersion conditions on the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (SO2, NO2, O3, PM10 and PM2.5) in the Campus of the Higher Institute of Sciences Applied (InSTEC) of Havana University and in the town of San Miguel del Padrón (SMP) is evaluated during the period from 2015 to 2017 through the measurements made in the automatic air quality monitoring stations. The synoptic situation that contributed predominantly to the occurrence of low dispersion conditions was TSS VIII (Migratory Continental Anticyclone) and the second place was TSS I (Atlantic Anticyclone). The hourly samples that were above the maximum admissible concentration (CMA) according to NC 1020:2014 were 59 and 31 times for PM10 and PM2.5 respectively, in the SMP locality. On the other hand, in InSTEC, PM10 exceeded the daily CMA on 21 occasions. In the case of PM2.5, the CMA was exceeded 17 times. The only event classified as an extreme episode of high concentrations (SMOG) took place at the SMP air quality monitoring station on March 15, 2016. The other gaseous pollutants exceeded their respective CMA on a few occasions for hourly and daily samples and coincided in time with those that occurred for particulate matter. These synoptic situations that produce low dispersion can also cause harmful effects on human health.

ABSTRACT In Cuba there are no air quality monitoring networks. The objective of this study is to evaluate air pollution by particulate matter (PM) in Havana through the use of the HYSPLIT model. We used in situ measurements and satellite images of the Copernicus and Giovanni NASA platforms and they were compared with the different runs of the model to evaluate its effectiveness. The results obtained showed that although making measurements of particulate matter is always the first option, it can be affirmed that the use of models of transport and dispersion of pollutants, specifically the HYSPLIT model, are relevant for the estimation of atmospheric pollution by particulate matter in Havana.

RESUMEN En Cuba no existen redes de monitoreo de calidad del aire. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la contaminación atmosférica por material particulado (PM) en La Habana mediante el empleo del modelo HYSPLIT (Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model). Utilizamos mediciones in situ e imágenes satelitales de las plataformas Copernicus y Giovanni NASA (Administración Nacional de Aeronáutica y el Espacio) y fueron comparadas con las diferentes corridas realizadas del modelo para evaluar la efectividad del mismo. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que, aunque realizar mediciones de material particulado siempre es la primera opción se puede afirmar que el empleo de modelos de transporte y dispersión de contaminantes, en específico del modelo HYSPLIT, son pertinentes para la estimación de la contaminación atmosférica por material particulado en La Habana.

ABSTRACT Agroecological management is considered a model of sustainable agriculture that offers social, environmental and economic benefits. The hypotheses of this study were that agroecological production systems can promote changes in the physical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) associated with aggregates of different origins, and that the greater diversity of plant species in the production system may favour an increase in the carbon concentration of these aggregates. The aim of this study was to a) determine the mass of the free light fraction (FLF), intra-aggregate light fraction (ILF) and light organic matter fraction (LOM) of biogenic and physiogenic soil aggregates; and b) quantify the organic carbon content of the three light SOM fractions and the residual particulate SOM fraction. Five production systems were evaluated: AgF - Agroforestry system; CSun - Coffee grown in full sun; CSha - Coffee grown in shade; FLE - Flemingia grown in alleys; and NT - No-tillage. The aggregates were separated, identified and classified according to their origin or formation pathway into biogenic (formed by biological processes) or physiogenic aggregates (resulting from chemical and physical actions). From these, the mass and carbon content of the FLF, ILF, LOM and residual particulate fractions were quantified. The greater diversity of plant species found in the AgF system has not yet favoured an increase in the carbon content of the aggregates. The longer set-up time and the management practices of the CSun system has led to an increase in the carbon content of the organic fractions of the aggregates (3.44-1.63 g kg-1 for C-LOM; 1.93-1.13 g kg-1 for C-FLF). The lowest overall mean values for LOM and ILF were found mainly in the aggregates of the NT system (1.22-1.67 and 1.55-2.20 g kg-1, respectively), being associated with the shorter time and greater mobilisation of the arable layer. Biogenic aggregation afforded the highest overall mean values for LOM, and increased the mass of the light fractions (15.5%-27.8% for FLF; 23.4%-8.0% for ILF) and the carbon in the C-LOM, C-FLF and residual particulate fractions (42.3%, 12.9%, and 35.0%, respectively) in the surface layer, suggesting an improvement in soil quality. social benefits (SOM origins FLF , (FLF) intraaggregate intra aggregate (ILF (LOM b evaluated sun shade alleys Notillage. Notillage No tillage. tillage No-tillage separated formed processes resulting actions. actions . actions) quantified setup set up 3.441.63 344163 3.44 1.63 3 44 1 63 (3.44-1.6 kg1 kg kg- CLOM C C-LOM 1.931.13 193113 1.93 1.13 93 13 1.93-1.1 CFLF. CFLF C-FLF) 1.221.67 122167 1.22 1.67 22 67 (1.22-1.6 1.552.20 155220 1.55 2.20 55 2 20 1.55-2.2 kg1, 1, respectively, respectively layer 15.5%27.8% 155278 15.5% 27.8% 15 5 27 8 (15.5%-27.8 23.4%8.0% 23480 23.4% 8.0% 23 4 0 23.4%-8.0 CLOM, 42.3%, 423 42 (42.3% 129 12 9 12.9% 350 35 35.0% quality (FLF 441 3.441.6 34416 344 3.4 163 1.6 6 (3.44-1. 931 1.931.1 19311 193 1.9 113 1.1 1.93-1. 221 1.221.6 12216 122 1.2 167 (1.22-1. 552 1.552.2 15522 155 1.5 220 2.2 1.55-2. 15.5%27.8 15527 15.5 278 27.8 (15.5%-27. 23.4%8.0 2348 234 23.4 80 8.0 23.4%-8. 42.3% (42.3 12.9 35.0 3.441. 3441 34 3. 16 1. (3.44-1 1.931. 1931 19 11 1.93-1 1.221. 1221 (1.22-1 1.552. 1552 2. 1.55-2 15.5%27. 15. 27. (15.5%-27 23.4%8. 23. 8. 23.4%-8 42.3 (42. 12. 35. 3.441 (3.44- 1.931 1.93- 1.221 (1.22- 1.552 1.55- 15.5%27 (15.5%-2 23.4%8 23.4%- 42. (42 (3.44 (1.22 15.5%2 (15.5%- (4 (3.4 (1.2 (15.5% ( (3. (1. (15.5 (3 (1 (15. (15

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between gestational age and green areas, urban built areas, and the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the city of São Paulo, analyzing the irregular distribution of these areas and pollution levels above the recommended level. METHODS The study population consisted of a cohort of live births from 2012, and data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the city of São Paulo were used. Using satellite images and supervised classification, the distribution and quantity of green areas and built areas in the city of São Paulo was obtained, as well as the concentrations of PM2.5. Logistic regressions were used to obtain possible associations. RESULTS The results of the study show that a lower percentage of green areas is significantly associated with a higher chance of preterm births. A higher building density was positively associated with the odds ratio for preterm birth. We did not find any significant associations between air pollution (PM2.5) and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that greener areas are less associated with preterm births when compared with less green areas. 25 2 5 2. PM2.5 PM25 PM PM2 (PM2.5 level 2012 Sinasc (Sinasc classification obtained birth PM2. (PM2. 201 (PM2 20 (PM

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a associação entre a idade gestacional e as áreas verdes, áreas construídas urbanas e a concentração de material particulado 2,5 (MP2,5) em São Paulo, analisando a distribuição irregular dessas áreas e os níveis de poluição acima do recomendado. MÉTODOS A população utilizada no estudo foi a dos nascidos vivos no ano de 2012, com os dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivo (Sinasc) na cidade de São Paulo. Por meio de imagens de satélites e realizando a classificação supervisionada, obtivemos a distribuição e quantidade de áreas verdes e de áreas construídas, na cidade de São Paulo, assim como as concentrações de MP2,5. Regressões logísticas foram utilizadas para obter possíveis associações. RESULTADOS Os resultados do estudo mostram que menor percentual de áreas verdes está associado significativamente com maior chance de prematuridade. Maior densidade de construção foi associada positivamente com a razão de chance de nascimento prematuro. Não encontramos resultados significativos entre a poluição do ar (MP2,5) e prematuridade. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que áreas mais verdes em relação às áreas menos verdes são menos associadas a nascimentos prematuros. 25 2 5 2, MP2,5 MP25 MP MP2 (MP2,5 Paulo recomendado 2012 Sinasc (Sinasc supervisionada associações prematuridade prematuro prematuros MP2, (MP2, 201 (MP2 20 (MP

This research explores the concentration of black carbon (BC) in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from ten monitoring stations in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro (MRRJ), Bonsucesso (BS), Botafogo (BOT), Copacabana (COP), Gavea (GAV), Gericino (GER), Lagoa (LAG), Recreio dos Bandeirantes (REC), Santa Cruz (SC), Castelo (CAS) and Urca (URC), covering a range of pollution sources (vehicular, industrial, and residential). PM samples were collected using filter units every week from January 2018 to December 2019. Results revealed high concentrations of PM10 in BS (86 ± 22 µg m3) and PM2.5 in REC (30 ± 11 µg m3). Likewise, both monitoring stations exceeded the international limits. In 2019, BC in PM10 decreased in the following order: BS > CAS > GER > BOT > SC > GAV. For 2018, BC in PM2.5 decreased as follows REC > LAG > SC, while 2019 REC > GAV > LAG > COP > URC. REC and BS have industrial and commercial activities and intense vehicular traffic. During the period of study, average BC concentrations in PM10 and PM2.5 were 3.3 ± 1.5 and 1.9 ± 0.70 µg m3, respectively. These findings indicate that BC concentrations should be monitored and regulated in locations with high levels of traffic-related air pollution for offering new insights and guiding efforts to minimize emissions and enhance public health. (BC (PM1 PM25 PM2 5 MRRJ, MRRJ , (MRRJ) BS, (BS) BOT, (BOT) COP, (COP) GAV, (GAV) GER, (GER) LAG, (LAG) REC, (REC) (SC) (CAS URC, URC (URC) vehicular, (vehicular residential. residential . residential) 201 PM1 86 (8 2 m3 m PM2. 30 (3 1 m3. Likewise limits order traffic study 33 3 3. 15 1. 19 9 070 0 70 0.7 respectively trafficrelated related health (PM (MRRJ (BS (BOT (COP (GAV (GER (LAG (REC (SC (URC 20 8 ( 07 7 0.

Steelmaking is an important industrial branch, but it is also associated with large emissions of pollutants into the environment, especially nickel, which is used in the manufacturing process of metallic alloys and steel. Nickel is generally associated with particulate matter and, in industrial regions, its concentration can be 14 times higher than those observed in non-industrialized regions. This study was carried out in a residential area located in the city of Volta Redonda, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, which is impacted by industrial steel activity and by a deposit of steel slag tailings. The goal of this study was to measure air contamination and its impact on the health of the population by determining Ni in the total particulate matter and in the urine of 211 residents. The results obtained showed that the average values of Ni in the atmospheric air varied in the range of 1.3-13.2 ng m-3, with a maximum value of 20 ng m-3, which is comparable to other industrialized regions. In turn, Ni concentration in the urine of the residents presented an average concentration of 3.61 μg L-1, which is higher than the values normally found in the urine of occupationally exposed persons. branch environment nickel regions 1 nonindustrialized non Redonda Janeiro tailings 21 1.313.2 13132 1.3 13.2 3 13 2 1.3-13. m3, m3 m 3, m-3 turn 361 61 3.6 L1, L1 L 1, L-1 persons 313 1.313. 1313 1. 132 13. 1.3-13 m- 36 6 3. L- 31 1.313 131 1.3-1 1.31 1.3-

This study aimed to assess how a partial lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected air quality in four cities with dissimilar characteristics. In three cities, Araraquara (ARQ), Presidente Prudente (PPE), and Santos (STS), reductions in NO2 concentrations were observed due to social distancing. Conversely, in Santa Gertrudes (SGD), NO2 concentrations increased, indicating that a brief pause in ceramics industry activity was not sufficient to reduce NO2 emissions. A variable behavior was observed in O3 concentrations; in some cases, it followed the trends observed in previous years, but in others, an increase or decrease in concentrations was observed due to variations in concentrations of NO2 and volatile organic compounds and/or climatic conditions. Particulate matter (PM) concentrations decreased in SGD and STS due to social distancing, meteorological conditions, such as wind speed, and reductions in industrial and port activities. Nevertheless, in the cities of ARQ and PPE, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM10) concentrations were elevated during the pandemic period, due to numerous biomass burning events in 2020. Thus, although vehicular and industrial emission control/reduction policies are effective in improving air quality, they may not be sufficient to achieve air quality standards if they are not combined with more restrictive measures to manage biomass burning. 201 COVID19 COVID 19 (COVID-19 characteristics ARQ, , (ARQ) PPE (PPE) STS, (STS) NO distancing Conversely SGD, (SGD) increased emissions O cases years others andor conditions PM (PM speed activities Nevertheless 1 PM10 (PM10 period 2020 Thus controlreduction control reduction 20 COVID1 (COVID-1 (ARQ (PPE (STS (SGD PM1 (PM1 202 2 (COVID- (COVID

Abstract Soil organic matter is closely linked to the quality of Agroecosystems and directly influences the agricultural production and the environmental conditions. Understanding of soil organic matter dynamics in agroforestry systems requires studies with a temporal focus, since the changes in its chemical composition tend to follow a gradual behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of changes in stocks and chemical composition of soil organic matter under agroforestry, using systems in different stages of vegetation succession. The soil sampling was carried out from trenches, and litter fractions were also sampled. The samples were collected from different layers of the soil profile under the following conditions: Control; agroforestry with 1 year; agroforestry with 3 years; agroforestry with 7 years and Forest in natural regeneration. The following attributes/parameters were determined/calculated: i) C and N contents and stocks and C/N ratio; ii) C and N proportions in soil granulometric fractions and iii) kinetics of organic matter accumulation in soil with the time of systems evolution. The results showed: i) The C/N ratio tended to increase in depth but did not show a clear variation between the systems evaluated; ii) the adoption of successive agroforestry practices has the potential to increase the C and N stocks in soil; iii) the soil organic matter accumulation occurs gradually during the systems evolution and is mainly related to the particulate fraction (> 0.053 mm). conditions focus behavior succession trenches sampled Control year regeneration attributesparameters attributes parameters determined/calculated determinedcalculated determined calculated i CN ii iii showed evaluated > ( 0053 0 053 0.05 mm. mm . mm) 005 05 0.0 00 0.

Resumo Smog tornou-se a quinta estação do Paquistão, especialmente na cidade de Lahore. Acredita-se que o aumento do nível de poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) seja responsável pela formação de poluição atmosférica em Lahore. Portanto, o presente estudo foi realizado para a avaliação dos poluentes atmosféricos (primários e secundários) do smog na fronteira de Wagah em particular e em outros locais (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. Para este propósito, os dados de referência sobre a poluição atmosférica de inverno de março a dezembro sobre poluentes atmosféricos primários e secundários e parâmetros meteorológicos foram coletados do Departamento de Proteção Ambiental e do Departamento Meteorológico do Paquistão, respectivamente. Dispositivos sendo usados em ambos os departamentos para análise de parâmetros também foram estudados. Os dados coletados foram posteriormente analisados estatisticamente para determinar a correlação dos parâmetros com as condições meteorológicas e foram submetidos ao índice de qualidade do ar. De acordo com os resultados, PM 10 e PM 2,5 foram encontrados muito acima do NEQS. As concentrações de NOx também estavam muito acima dos limites permitidos, enquanto SO2 e O3 foram encontrados abaixo do NEQS, portanto, não têm papéis na formação de smog. O índice de qualidade do ar (AQI) de poluentes foi PM 2,5 (86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) e SO2 (10-95). O AQI de PM 2,5 permaneceu entre níveis moderados a muito prejudiciais à saúde. O AQI de PM 10 permaneceu entre níveis bons e perigosos. AQI de NOx permaneceu entre bom e não saudável para os níveis de grupos sensíveis. O AQI de O3 e SO2 permaneceu entre níveis bons a moderados. A correlação de Pearson mostrou que cada poluente tem uma relação diferente com parâmetros diferentes ou iguais em áreas diferentes. Conclui-se do presente estudo que o material particulado foi muito mais responsável pela formação de smog. Embora o NOx também tenha desempenhado um papel na formação do smog. Portanto, é necessário reduzir as fontes de partículas e NOx, especificamente para reduzir a formação de smog em Lahore.

Abstract Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups’ levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Resumo O material particulado (MP) é um importante poluente do ar que causa sérios problemas de saúde. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descobrir a concentração de MP no ar ambiente e sua associação com o risco à saúde na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão. Vinte e três amostras foram coletadas em várias instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias na cidade de Haripur. A concentração de MP2,5 (µg/m3) e MP10 (µg/m3) foi medida por meio do contador de MP portátil Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A. Os resultados revelaram que os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 estavam acima dos limites permitidos (35 µg/m3 para MP2,5 e 150 µg/m3 para MP10) estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental do Paquistão (Pak-EPA) em todas as instituições de ensino, hospitais, áreas recreativas e indústrias investigadas. Além disso, foi encontrada variação significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração de MP2,5 e MP10 em todos os locais estudados. A concentração de MP2,5 correlacionou-se positivamente com a concentração de MP10 em todos os locais de amostragem. Portanto, a partir da escala padrão 1-14 do índice de saúde, os valores de MP2,5 e MP10 mostraram que a qualidade do ar ambiente na cidade de Haripur, Paquistão, está sob alto risco. Se as autoridades reguladoras, como a Pak-EPA, o Departamento de Saúde e o governo local, monitorarem a poluição por MP em diferentes configurações da cidade de Haripur, pode ser que haja uma diminuição no nível de poluição. As medidas que podem ser tomadas para superar o problema da poluição do ar ambiente, como o MP, são o plantio de árvores nos locais onde há maiores níveis de poluentes atmosféricos, o uso de máscaras e a implantação de sistema de controle de poluição nas propriedades industriais de Hattar, na cidade Haripur, Paquistão.

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) is a major air pollutant causing serious health problems. The aim of the present study was to find out concentration of PM in ambient air and its associated health risk in Haripur city, Pakistan. Twenty-three samples were taken at various educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries in Haripur city. Concentration of PM2.5 (µg/m3) and PM10 (µg/m3) was measured with Youngteng YT-HPC 3000A portable PM counter. The results revealed that values of both PM2.5 and PM10 were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 150 µg/m3 for PM10) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA) in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas and industries investigated. Furthermore, significant (p<0.05) variation was found in the concentration of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all the educational institutes, hospitals, recreational areas, and industries studied. The concentration of PM2.5 was positively correlated with the concentration of PM10 in all the sampling sites. Therefore, from 1-14 scale standard of health index, the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited that the ambient air quality of Haripur city Pakistan is under high risk. If the regulatory authorities such as Environmental Protection Agency, Health Department and Local Government monitor PM pollution in different settings of Haripur city, then a decrease can be possible in the pollution level. The remedies that can be taken to overcome the problem of ambient air pollution such as PM are plantation of trees at the sites where there are higher levels of air pollutants and use of masks on personal protection basis along with implementation of pollution control system in industries of Hattar Industrial Estate Haripur city, Pakistan.

This study presents current levels of fine particulate matter, with aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre (PM2.5) in the city of Blantyre, Malawi measured between June 2021 to May 2022. PM2.5 measurements were done in 18 different locations (spanning greater than 2 km apart) using Dylos DC1100 PRO Laser Particle Counter (2018 model). The sampling points were; 3 school campuses, 3 hospitals, 3 industrial areas, 3 open markets, 3 residential areas, and 3 commercial/ business centres (CBC) of Blantyre. PM2.5 monitoring was conducted between 10:00-12:00 hours and 15:00-17:00 hours local time. The results showed that the hourly mean PM2.5 concentrations (μg/m³) for the 10:00-12:00 time period were; 43 ± 23 μg/m³ for school campuses, 35 ± 16 μg/m³ for hospitals, 62 ± 38 μg/m³ for industrial areas, 44 ± 26 μg/m³ for markets, 40 ± 21 μg/m³ for residential areas and 35 ± 16 μg/m³ for CBC. The results showed that the hourly mean PM2.5 concentrations (ug/m³) for the 15:00-17:00 time period were; 38 ± 22 ug/m³ for school campuses, 34 ± 18 μg/m³ for hospitals, 57 ± 37 μg/m³ for industrial areas, 42 ± 25 μg/m³ for markets, 36 ± 23 μg/m³ for residential areas and 34 ± 18 μg/m³ for CBC. Significant increases of PM2.5 levels were observed in school campuses, residential areas and CBC during the months of June-October, which are windy and drier. On the other hand, lowest concentration of PM2.5 was observed during the warm season (November-March) across the sampling locations over Blantyre. Based on these findings, this study recommends further investigation of long-term concentration of PM2.5 in Blantyre city because it is hazardous and likely to cause health implications to the local population. Furthermore, interventions should be sought to reduce PM2.5 concentration in the city.

ABSTRACT Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) is one of the most harmful atmospheric pollutants with implications for human health. Plants have been used as an alternative for the removal of atmospheric PM in urban environments. The removal of PM depends on different plant morphological traits, including trichomes and epicuticles evaluated on trees. However, leaf traits for herbaceous plants commonly used in urban gardens have not been fully explored. This study used filtering to quantify the PM deposition and to describe leaf morphological traits throughout optical devices on 20 leaves from six herbaceous species -Calathea rufibarba, Calathea zebrina, Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, Philodendron sp. and Dieffenbachia sp. Our results suggest that structures such as trichomes -C. rufibarba- and epicuticle -H. psittacorum- play a role in PM deposition. On the other hand, large leaf size did not influence the deposition of PM per leaf unit area. Therefore, for improving city air quality, our study suggests selecting species with epidermal traits independent of leaf area. This is the first study focusing on ornamental herbaceous species ability for PM deposition in urban environments in Medellín, Colombia.

RESUMEN Las partículas atmosféricas (PA) son uno de los contaminantes atmosféricos más dañinos con implicaciones para la salud humana. Las plantas se han utilizado como una alternativa para la eliminación de PA en entornos urbanos. Este mecanismo de eliminación depende de diferentes rasgos morfológicos, incluidos los tricomas y epicutículas evaluados en los árboles. Sin embargo, las características de las hojas de las plantas herbáceas comúnmente utilizadas en los jardines urbanos no se han explorado completamente. Este estudio cuantifica cómo se depositan las PA por filtración y describe los rasgos morfológicos de las hojas a través de dispositivos ópticos en 20 hojas de seis especies herbáceas -Calathea rufibarba, Calathea zebrina, Heliconia psittacorum, Heliconia rostrata, Philodendron sp. y Dieffenbachia sp-. Nuestros resultados sugieren que estructuras como los tricomas -C. rufibarba- y la epicutícula -H. psittacorum- juegan un papel en cómo se depositan las PA. Por otro lado, las hojas de gran tamaño no influyeron en las PA depositadas por unidad de área foliar. Por lo tanto, para mejorar la calidad del aire en las ciudades nuestro estudio sugiere seleccionar especies con rasgos epidermales independientemente del área foliar. Este es el primer estudio que se enfoca en las capacidades de las especies herbáceas ornamentales, utilizadas en ambientes urbanos en Medellín, Colombia, para retener las PA que se depositan en su superficie.

ABSTRACT Air pollution is a major global problem. Among the most important environmental pollutants is particulate matter, which has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a human carcinogen within Group 1. Toxicologically relevant components such as metals are added to suspended particulate matter, which is at least partly responsible for the adverse effects of particulate matter on organisms. One of the metals present in particulate matter is vanadium, which is found as an abundant trace element in Mexican petroleum and is emitted into the atmosphere mainly by burning its derivatives, such as gasoline. However, although vanadium is present in the atmosphere, its concentrations are not monitored since neither vanadium nor any other metal are considered criteria pollutants. Therefore, the objective of this work is to give visibility to this element as a ubiquitous pollutant attached to suspended particles, which represents a potential danger to the health of the inhabitants of polluted cities such as the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico; and, on the other hand, to emphasize the near absence of regulations in Mexico on metal pollution, since vanadium is only one example.

RESUMEN La contaminación atmosférica es uno de los grandes problemas a nivel global. Dentro de los contaminantes ambientales más importantes están las partículas suspendidas, las cuales han sido clasificadas dentro del Grupo 1 como carcinógenas para humanos por la Agencia Internacional sobre la Investigación en Cáncer. A las partículas suspendidas se adosan componentes con relevancia toxicológica como los metales a los que se les atribuyen, al menos en parte, los efectos adversos que las partículas generan en los organismos. Uno de los metales presentes en las partículas es el vanadio, metal que se encuentra como elemento traza abundante en el petróleo mexicano y que se emite a la atmósfera principalmente por la quema de sus derivados, como la gasolina. Sin embargo, aunque el vanadio está presente en la atmósfera, sus concentraciones no se monitorean, ya que ni éste ni algún otro metal están considerados como contaminantes criterio. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo es darle visibilidad a este elemento como contaminante ubicuo adosado a las partículas suspendidas, ya que representa un potencial peligro para la salud de los habitantes de las ciudades contaminadas como la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México y, por otro lado, enfatizar la casi nula de normatividad en México sobre la contaminación por metales, ya que el vanadio es solo un ejemplo de ésta.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a associação entre a idade gestacional e as áreas verdes, áreas construídas urbanas e a concentração de material particulado 2,5 (MP2,5) em São Paulo, analisando a distribuição irregular dessas áreas e os níveis de poluição acima do recomendado. MÉTODOS A população utilizada no estudo foi a dos nascidos vivos no ano de 2012, com os dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivo (Sinasc) na cidade de São Paulo. Por meio de imagens de satélites e realizando a classificação supervisionada, obtivemos a distribuição e quantidade de áreas verdes e de áreas construídas, na cidade de São Paulo, assim como as concentrações de MP2,5. Regressões logísticas foram utilizadas para obter possíveis associações. RESULTADOS Os resultados do estudo mostram que menor percentual de áreas verdes está associado significativamente com maior chance de prematuridade. Maior densidade de construção foi associada positivamente com a razão de chance de nascimento prematuro. Não encontramos resultados significativos entre a poluição do ar (MP2,5) e prematuridade. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados deste estudo demostraram que áreas mais verdes em relação às áreas menos verdes são menos associadas a nascimentos prematuros.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between gestational age and green areas, urban built areas, and the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the city of São Paulo, analyzing the irregular distribution of these areas and pollution levels above the recommended level. METHODS The study population consisted of a cohort of live births from 2012, and data from the Live Birth Information System (Sinasc) of the city of São Paulo were used. Using satellite images and supervised classification, the distribution and quantity of green areas and built areas in the city of São Paulo was obtained, as well as the concentrations of PM2.5. Logistic regressions were used to obtain possible associations. RESULTS The results of the study show that a lower percentage of green areas is significantly associated with a higher chance of preterm births. A higher building density was positively associated with the odds ratio for preterm birth. We did not find any significant associations between air pollution (PM2.5) and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that greener areas are less associated with preterm births when compared with less green areas.

ABSTRACT The Megalopolis of Central Mexico experiences high levels above the Official Mexican Standard (NOM) of PM2.5, leading to various respiratory diseases ranging from acute symptoms to chronic illnesses such as asthma and lung cancer. It is crucial to measure PM2.5 levels accurately to warn the public about the risks of exposure to particulate matter. Unfortunately, the Megalopolis of Central Mexico has a shortage of monitoring sites, limiting data availability. This study addresses this issue using satellite data to develop a multiple linear regression model. Our model uses aerosol optical depth (AOD), relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as independent variables to estimate PM2.5 concentrations in the region under study. The relationship between AOD and PM2.5 concentrations was found to be strongly influenced by RH and T. However, this effect is compensated for by a low PBLH (< 400 m), which enables AOD and PM2.5 measurements to be similar in magnitude. Our findings have important implications for estimating PM2.5 concentrations using satellite data. This study could help improve air quality monitoring in the Megalopolis of Central Mexico by providing more spatial and temporal data on particle concentrations in the atmosphere.

RESUMEN En la Megalópolis del centro de México frecuentemente se registran niveles de partículas suspendidas finas (PM2.5) superiores a la Norma Oficial Mexicana, causando diversas enfermedades respiratorias, desde síntomas agudos hasta asma y cáncer de pulmón. Por ello, la medición de PM2.5 es fundamental como primer paso para advertir a la población de los niveles de riesgo por exposición a las partículas. Desafortunadamente, la región central de México no cuenta con suficientes sitios de monitoreo, limitando la disponibilidad de datos. Este estudio aborda este problema al usar datos satelitales para desarrollar un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple. Nuestro modelo usa el espesor óptico de aerosoles (AOD por sus siglas en inglés), la húmedad relativa (RH), la temperatura (T), la capa límite planetaria (PBLH), y el índice de Vegetación de Diferencia Normalizada (NDVI) como variantes independientes para estimar las concentraciones de PM2.5 en la región de estudio. Se encontró que la relación entre el AOD y las concentraciones de PM2.5 estaba fuertemente influenciada por la RH y la T. Sin embargo, este efecto se compensa con una baja PBLH (< 400 m) que permite que las mediciones de AOD y las concentraciones de PM2.5 sean de magnitud similar. Los resultados de esta investigación tienen implicaciones importantes para estimar las concentraciones de PM2.5 con datos satelitales. Este estudio podría ayudar a mejorar el monitoreo de la calidad del aire en la Megalópolis del Centro de México al proveer mayor información temporal y espacial sobre la concentración de partículas en la atmósfera.