Resumen En Cuba, la falta de equipos de medición, el alto costo de las estaciones de contaminación atmosférica y las limitantes para acceder a nuevas tecnologías, dificultan el monitoreo continuo de la calidad del aire. Por tales motivos, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo, caracterizar contaminantes criterio empleando el modelo System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition. Se obtuvo una serie diaria de concentraciones estimadas de contaminantes criterio en La Habana durante el año 2021. Se realizó una caracterización del comportamiento de los contaminantes analizando las concentraciones medias diarias y medias mensuales. Se realizó una revisión de los días en que las concentraciones sobrepasaban los valores de las concentraciones máximas admisibles establecidas en la Norma Cubana. Además, se compararon estos resultados con los Valores Guías de Calidad del Aire recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. De forma general, los valores diarios estimados de las concentraciones de los contaminantes se correspondieron con los patrones de distribución espacial y temporal característicos observados en estudios precedentes en la ciudad con monitoreo automático y activo. Se reafirma así la utilidad de la herramienta de las salidas del modelo System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition para brindar información de calidad del aire en La Habana.

Abstract In Cuba, the lack of measurement equipment, the high cost of air pollution stations and the limitations to access new technologies make continuous monitoring of air quality difficult. For these reasons, the objective of this research was to characterize criterion pollutants using the System for Integrated modeling of Atmospheric coMposition model. A daily series of estimated concentrations of criteria pollutants was obtained in Havana during the year 2021. A characterization of the behavior of the pollutants was carried out by analyzing the average daily and average monthly concentrations. A review was carried out of the days in which concentrations exceeded the values of the maximum admissible concentrations established in the Cuban Standard. In addition, these results were compared with the Air Quality Guide Values recommended by the World Health Organization. In general, the estimated daily values of pollutant concentrations corresponded to the characteristic spatial and temporal distribution patterns observed in previous studies in the city with automatic and active monitoring. Thus, the usefulness of the tool of the outputs of the System for Integrated modelLing of Atmospheric coMposition model to provide air quality information in Havana is reaffirmed.

Resumen Introducción. La calidad del aire es un asunto de interés para la salud pública por su rápido deterioro en los países de bajos y medianos ingresos, y los efectos del aire contaminado en la salud de las poblaciones. Objetivo. Explorar las condiciones de la calidad del aire en las que los repartidores de plataformas digitales desarrollaron su trabajo en las localidades de Kennedy y Usaquén de Bogotá durante el 2021. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio mixto, paralelo y convergente, basado en cuatro fuentes de información: 1) observación etnográfica en cinco ubicaciones comerciales de las dos localidades; 2) monitoreo de PM10 y PM2.5 en 56 rutas de reparto, empleando un equipo de bajo costo; 3) bitácoras diarias de los recorridos que apoyaron la interpretación de los datos del equipo, y 4) entrevista semiestructurada con el rutero para explorar sus percepciones frente a los peligros durante los recorridos. Resultados. Se identificaron diferencias en las condiciones de trabajo, las percepciones y las exposiciones a material particulado de los repartidores entre las dos localidades de estudio que constituyeron fuentes de injusticia ambiental. Los recorridos que realizaron los repartidores en la localidad de Kennedy registraron mayores concentraciones de PM10 y PM2.5. Las fuentes de contaminación atmosférica identificadas por los repartidores mostraron los peores parámetros en Kennedy. Conclusiones. Se evidenció que la calidad del aire, el equipamiento urbano, la infraestructura vial, las fuentes móviles y la ubicación geoespacial son elementos que marcan la presencia de injusticia ambiental para los repartidores. Para disminuir esta inequidad, es necesario que las plataformas de reparto digital y el gobierno distrital implementen estrategias que reduzcan la exposición y la emisión de contaminantes del aire con el fin de proteger la salud de los repartidores de plataformas.

Abstract Introduction. Air quality is a matter of interest for public health due to its rapid deterioration in low- and middle-income countries and the effects of polluted air on the health of populations. Objective. To explore the air quality conditions in which digital platform delivery workers carry out their work, evaluating the localities of Kennedy and Usaquén in Bogotá, 2021. Materials and methods. We developed a mixed parallel convergent study based on four sources of information: 1) Ethnographic observation in five commercial locations of the two localities; 2) Monitoring of PM10 and PM2.5 in 56 delivery routes using a low-cost sensor; 3) Daily logs of the routes to support the device data interpretation, and 4) A semi-structured interview applied to the drivers to explore their danger perception during the routes. Results. We identified elements causing environmental injustice among digital platform delivery workers between the two study locations. The routes made by the delivery drivers in the locality of Kennedy registered higher concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5, compared to the values observed in Usaquén. The sources of air pollution identified by the delivery drivers through ethnographic observation and the router logbook showed the worst parameters in Kennedy. Conclusions. We evidenced that air quality, urban equipment, road infrastructure, mobile sources, and geospatial location are elements that mark the presence of environmental injustice for the digital platform delivery drivers in the studied localities. To reduce this inequity, it is necessary for digital delivery platforms and the district government to implement strategies that reduce the exposure and emission of air pollutants to protect the health of digital platform delivery workers.

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.

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 air pollutant in a specific region is mainly responsible for the respiration-related health problem. But the effect of these pollutants is also creating cognitive related issues and hence degrades the attention level of the students. As a result, their educational performance and learning ability reduce to a great extent. This study is to reveal the effect of the air pollutant on the educational outcomes of a student by measuring their attentiveness in the class using the Internet of Everything (IoE). As the effect of ambient air quality is different from region to region. This investigation is performed upon 33 schools of the Odisha region in India. An IoE-SVM Based approach is employed to evaluate the attentiveness of the student in different regions. The result shows that the PM10 and NO2 are mostly affecting the student’s attentiveness and hence cognitive response. The result shows that a 1% increase in PM10, NO2, and SO2 levels would decrease the test score by 0.049%, 0.14%, and 0.18% respectively.

Resumen En el presente artículo aborda la modelación de las concentraciones de Dióxido de Azufre (SO2) emitidas por dos industrias ubicadas en la ciudad Santiago de Cali. Estas industrias emplean distintos tipos de combustible en sus calderas: la caldera 1 utiliza Fuel Oil y la caldera 2 utiliza Diésel. Con el objetivo de evaluar y comparar el comportamiento de las concentraciones de SO2, se propone la sustitución de estos combustibles por Gas natural. Mediante el uso de Aermod View se realizó la modelación de la dispersión de este contaminante y se obtuvo que para un tiempo de exposición de una hora la concentración máxima SO2 proveniente de las calderas con Fuel Oil y Diésel fue de 1440.32 µg/m3. Para un tiempo de exposición de 24 horas se alcanzó una concentración de SO2 de 178.56 µg/m3. Estos niveles, exceden los límites establecidos en la resolución 2254 de 2017, donde el valor máximo permisible para una hora es 100 µg/m3 y para 24 horas es 50 µg/m3. En contraste al usar Gas natural como combustible se observa que las concentraciones son considerablemente más bajas. Para un tiempo de exposición de una hora la máxima concentración es de 0.74 µg/m3 y para un tiempo de exposición de 24 horas, de 0.04 µg/m3. Estos resultados cumplen con la normatividad vigente. Se puede concluir que el Gas natural se presenta como una alternativa más favorable, generando concentraciones significativamente menores de SO2. Este cambio en el tipo de combustible no solo favorecerá el cumplimiento de las normativas ambientales, sino que también contribuirá de manera efectiva a la reducción de la concentración de SO2 en el aire.

Abstract This article deals with modeling sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations emitted by two industries in Santiago de Cali. These industries use different fuel types in their boilers: Boiler 1 uses Fuel Oil, and Boiler 2 uses Diesel. To evaluate and compare the behavior of SO2 concentrations, the substitution of these fuels by natural gas is proposed. Using Aermod View, this pollutant's dispersion was modeled and obtained that the maximum SO2 concentration from the boilers with Fuel Oil and Diesel was 1440.32 µg/m3 for an exposure time of one hour. For a 24-hour exposure time, the SO2 concentration reached 178.56 µg/m3. These levels exceed the limits established in resolution 2254 of 2017, where the maximum permissible value for one hour is 100 µg/m3, and for 24 hours is 50 µg/m3. In contrast, when using Natural Gas as fuel, it is observed that the concentrations are considerably lower. The maximum concentration is 0.74 µg/m3 for a one-hour exposure time, and for a 24-hour exposure time, 0.04 µg/m3. These results comply with current regulations. It can be concluded that natural gas is a more favorable alternative, generating significantly lower SO2 concentrations. This change in the fuel type will favor compliance with environmental regulations and effectively contribute to reducing SO2 concentration in the air.

ABSTRACT The spatial and temporal variability of air pollutants in an urban area is great. Superimposed on daily meteorological variability are seasonal cycles of human activities that influence air quality. The objective of this research was to analyze the spatial and temporal variation of polluting gases: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone in two locations in Havana from November 2015 to October 2016. Hourly concentration data from two Automatic Atmospheric Monitoring Stations. The statistical processing of the data was carried out using the MS-Excel and Origin 2016 software. The non-pa rametric Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Dunn tests were applied. In general, the concentrations of the pollutants corresponded to the distribution patterns characteristic of urban locations.

RESUMEN La variabilidad espacial y temporal de los contaminantes atmosféricos en un área urbana es grande. Superpuestos a la variabilidad meteorológica diaria existen ciclos estacionales de las actividades humanas que influyen en la calidad del aire. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar la variación espacial y temporal de los gases contaminantes: dióxido de azufre, dióxido de nitrógeno y ozono en dos localidades de La Habana desde noviembre de 2015 hasta octubre de 2016. Se utilizaron datos horarios de concentración provenientes de dos Estaciones Automáticas de Monitoreo Atmosférico. El procesamiento estadístico de los datos fue realizado empleando los softwares MS-Excel y Origin 2016. Se aplicaron las pruebas no paramétricas U de Mann-Whitney, H de Kruskal-Wallis y Dunn. De forma general as concentraciones de los contaminantes se correspondieron con los patrones de distribución característicos de localidades urbanas.

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.

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.

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-

Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant, and modeling studies used to assess its behavior play a role in facilitating regulatory and decision-making processes in public policies. Thus, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ), a chemical transport model, was specifically designed to simulate and forecast O3 concentrations. This critical review includes publications between 2016 and 2023 showing the most used configurations. The research was carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, and the articles were filtered using determined criteria. With this, it was observed that the most used model arrangements are Weather Research and Forecasting as a meteorological model, carbon bond 2005 as the chemical mechanism, 36 × 36 km with 35 vertical layers as grid resolution, CMAQ standard profiles as a boundary condition, Multi-resolution Emission Inventory for China, due to the high number of publications by Chinese researchers, and Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature as inventory and processor of biogenic emissions, respectively. It is concluded that this arrangement of configurations is the most widespread in the literature but shows that nowadays the publications predominantly lie over China and with greater prominence of this country in studies of influence on ozone simulation. O (O3 pollutant decisionmaking decision making policies Thus CMAQ, , (CMAQ) concentrations 201 202 databases criteria 200 mechanism 3 resolution condition Multiresolution Multi researchers emissions respectively simulation (O (CMAQ 20 2

Abstract Coal mining activities release harmful air pollutants, which affect children’s health, particularly the lung function. Brazil has a large coal reserve in the southern region, where a coal-fired power plant and two coal mines are located. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of altered respiratory function and associated factors in children living in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven cities. It collected socioeconomic and demographic, prenatal and postnatal care, neonatal outcomes, child health information as well as lung function and air quality. The study included 396 children who lived in a high socio-environmental vulnerability due to low education levels and family income, high percentage of unemployed and families with a high bedroom density. There was a high prevalence of preterm birth, low birth weight and long-term exposure to environmental conditions. The most common respiratory problem in the parents was rhinitis, while in the children was wheezing and pneumonia. The prevalence of respiratory function alteration in the region was 7.78%. Variables associated with altered respiratory function were passive smoking, low birth weight, history of wheezing. The concentration of pollutants was equivalent when comparing stations within the coal mining host town (Candiota) and surrounding towns. childrens s coalfired fired located crosssectional cross sectional cities demographic care outcomes quality 39 socioenvironmental socio income density longterm long term conditions rhinitis pneumonia 778 7 78 7.78% smoking Candiota (Candiota towns 3 77 7.78 7.7 7.

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.

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.

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.