1. The role of environmental PM2.5 in admission acute heart failure in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients : an observational retrospective studyAndreja Sinkovič, Andrej Markota, Manja Kraševec, David Šuran, Martin Marinšek, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Air pollution with increased concentrations of fine (< 2.5 μm) particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Even short-term increase of PM2.5 may help trigger ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and heart failure (HF) in susceptible individuals, even in areas with good air quality.
Purpose: To evaluate the role of PM2.5 levels ≥ 20 μg/m3 in admission acute HF in STEMI patients.
Materials and Methods: In 290 STEMI patients with the leading reperfusion strategy primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), we retrospectively studied independent predictors of admission acute HF and included admission demographic and clinical data as well as ambient PM2.5 levels ≥ 20 μg/m3. We defined admission acute HF in STEMI patients as classes II–IV by Killip Kimball classification.
Results: Acute admission HF was observed in 34.5% of STEMI patients. PPCI was performed in 87.1% of acute admission HF patients and in 94.7% non-HF patients (p= 0.037). Significant independent predictors of acute admission HF were prior diabetes (OR 2.440, 95% CI 1.100 to 5.400, p=0.028), admission LBBB (OR 10.190, 95% CI 1.160 to 89.360, p=0.036), prior resuscitation (OR 2.530, 95% CI 1.010 to 6.340, p=0.048), admission troponin I≥ 5μg/l (OR 3.390, 95% CI 1.740 to 6.620, p< 0.001), admission eGFR levels (0.61, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.72, p < 0.001), and levels of PM2.5 ≥ 20 μg/m3 (OR 2.140, 95% CI 1.005 to 4.560, p=0.049) one day before admission.
Conclusion: Temporary short-term increase in PM2.5 levels (≥ 20 μg/m3) one day prior to admission in an area with mainly good air quality was among significant independent predictors of acute admission HF in STEMI patients.
Ključne besede: admission acute heart failure, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, air pollution, PM2.5
Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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2. Comparison of emissions depending on the type of vehicle engineVladimír Rievaj, Ján Gaňa, František Synák, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Road transport is showing growth in the period of globalization. Its task is to transport cargo as well as people to the required location within the shortest possible time and at the lowest price. Thus, road transport plays a crucial role in enabling the globalization to be developed and improved. However, the internal combustion engine hat prevail among the vehicles of freight and passenger transport are the producers of gaseous emissions from the exhaust gases. Many developed countries of the world has committed themselves, inter alia also trough the Paris Agreement, to reduce global warming, and thus to reduce the production of harmful gaseous emissions. The result is the endeavour to replace the internal combustion engine vehicles that burn carbon fuels with the vehicles powered by electric motors consuming electric energy. The reason of such trying claims that road transport using the internal combustion engine vehicles is environmentally aggressive, and the problem would not be solved by implementation of the vehicles with electric motors. Such claim is based on the fact that an electric car does not produce any of primary emissions. From an overall perspective, it is also necessary to take into account secondary emissions that are produced during the electric energy production by which is the vehicle with electric motor powered. The purpose of this article is to assume the possibility of reducing global pollution by replacing the internal combustion engine vehicles with the vehicles powered by electric motors in dependence with producing the emissions during the production of electric energy.
Ključne besede: electric energy, emissions, electric vehicle, internal combustion engine, global pollution
Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.08.2024; Ogledov: 43; Prenosov: 8
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3. Traffic density-related black carbon distribution : impact of wind in a basin townBorut Jereb, Brigita Gajšek, Gregor Šipek, Špela Kovše, Matevž Obrecht, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Black carbon is one of the riskiest particle matter pollutants that is harmful to human health. Although it has been increasingly investigated, factors that depend on black carbon distribution and concentration are still insufficiently researched. Variables, such as traffic density, wind speeds, and ground levels can lead to substantial variations of black carbon concentrations and potential exposure, which is even riskier for people living in less-airy sites. Therefore, this paper "fills the gaps" by studying black carbon distribution variations, concentrations, and oscillations, with special emphasis on traffic density and road segments, at multiple locations, in a small city located in a basin, with frequent temperature inversions and infrequent low wind speeds. As wind speed has a significant impact on black carbon concentration trends, it is critical to present how low wind speeds influence black carbon dispersion in a basin city, and how black carbon is dependent on traffic density. Our results revealed that when the wind reached speeds of 1 ms-1 , black carbon concentrations actually increased. In lengthy wind periods, when wind speeds reached 2 or 3 ms-1 , black carbon concentrations decreased during rush hour and in the time of severe winter biomass burning. By observing the results, it could be concluded that black carbon persists longer in higher altitudes than near ground level. Black carbon concentration oscillations were also seen as more pronounced on main roads with higher traffic density. The more the traffic decreases and becomes steady, the more black carbon concentrations oscillate.
Ključne besede: black carbon, black carbon concentration, traffic pollution, air pollution, wind, traffic density, logistics, basin city
Objavljeno v DKUM: 20.08.2024; Ogledov: 44; Prenosov: 8
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4. Microplastic pollution in vulnerable karst environments : case study from the Slovenian classical karst regionLara Valentić, Peter Kozel, Tanja Pipan, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Since the start of mass production of plastic materials more than a century ago, the problem of accumulating plastic waste in the environment has reached epic proportions. Recently, the problem of smaller plastic particles (microplastic, MP) in the environment has become a widely studied topic, but the amount and types of MP in karst environments are still poorly known. Thus, the objective of this study was to collect and analyse samples from various karst habitats and to try and determine the scope of pollution in karst springs that are in part used as sources for drinking water. Of the potential pollution sources, we sampled rainwater, two discharges from wastewater treatment plants, and a leachate from a landfill. We conducted polymer analyses of potential MP particles using FTIR-ATR. The results showed that eight samples from the Postojna region (Postojna–Planina Cave System, rainfall sample and surface streams) contain up to 444 MP particles per m3. However, 32 samples taken from the Škocjan–Kačna–Jama 1 v Kanjaducah Cave System contain up to 60,000 MP particles per m3, with the bulk of particles found in the sediment samples from Škocjan Caves – Kačna Cave System. Samples from Postojna region contained mostly PET, PU and PA polymers, with a minor inclusion of polymers of plastic sponge used for cleaning. Samples from Škocjan region contained mostly PP, PET and PE polymers, with some of PA and PU polymers. Sediment samples contained much less MP particles compared to water samples, which indicates fast transport through karst aquifer.
Ključne besede: caves, fibres, microplastic contamination, karst (geology), groundwater, pollution, plastics, aquifers, Postojna (Slovenia), Škocjan (Slovenia)
Objavljeno v DKUM: 12.07.2024; Ogledov: 122; Prenosov: 9
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5. An overview of molecular markers for identification of non-human fecal pollution sourcesTanja Žlender, Maja Rupnik, 2023, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Identifying primary sources of fecal pollution is important for assessing public health risks and implementing effective remediation strategies. To date, one of the main molecular approaches for identifying sources of fecal pollution relies on detecting molecular markers within bacterial, viral, or mitochondrial nucleic acids, that are indicative of a particular host. With a primary focus on identifying fecal pollution originating from humans, the field of fecal source tracking often places less emphasis on livestock sources, frequently leaving the problem of wildlife fecal pollution unaddressed. In this review, we summarize 55 previously published and validated molecular assays and describe methods for the detection of molecular markers that are indicative of non-human hosts. They cover a range of 15 animal species/groups with a primary focus on domestic animals including cattle, pigs, dogs, and poultry. Among assays associated with wild animals, the majority are designed to detect bird feces, while the availability of assays for detecting feces of other wild animals is limited. Both domestic and wild animals can represent a zoonotic reservoir of human enteropathogens, emphasizing the importance of their role in public health. This review highlights the need to address the complexity of fecal contamination and to include a broader range of animal species into assay validation and marker identification.
Ključne besede: fecal source tracking, microbial source tracking, fecal pollution, host-specific markers, animals
Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.05.2024; Ogledov: 165; Prenosov: 16
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6. Particulate matter air pollution in the Republic of Slovenia and its national spatial emissions releasePetra Dolšak Lavrič, Maja Ivanovski, Darko Goričanec, Danijela Urbancl, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In this work, an impact of particulate matter (PM) on air pollution and its emissions released is investigated. Concentration levels of PM10 and PM2.5 in the Republic of Slovenia (RS) were analyzed on daily, weekly, monthly, quartile, and annual data and then compared. The study was conducted from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 at two monitoring stations, so-called urban traffic and urban industrial. Obtained results showed that the highest concentrations of PM in air were during the cold months of the year when the temperatures are lower (< 6%). Results from heating seasons (from October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 and from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) showed the highest concentration levels of PM10 between 9:00 and 14:00 and between 18:00 and 22:00, with highest concentrations recorded during the winter months (January and February). Additionally, emission building inventory was built based on PM10 and PM2.5 emissions released. The study includes yearly spatial building emissions release model considering currently installed high PM emitted stoves. The building model for the Republic of Slovenia has been developed by using 500 x 500 m model grid. Obtained results showed that changing currently low efficient appliance with advanced appliance would result in significant lower PM emissions released from building sector
Ključne besede: air pollution, particulate matter, heating season, emission release, Slovenia
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.05.2024; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 14
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7. Analytical gas sensing in the terahertz spectral rangeAndreja Abina, Uroš Puc, Mojca Jazbinšek, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Exploiting the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is attracting attention in various scientific and applied disciplines worldwide. THz technology has also revealed its potential as an effective tool for gas analysis in astronomy, biomedicine and chemical analysis. Recently, it has also become important in environmental applications for monitoring hazardous and toxic gases in the atmosphere. This paper gives an overview of THz gas detection analytical methods for environmental and biomedical applications, starting with a brief introduction to THz technology and an explanation of the interaction of THz radiation with gaseous species and the atmosphere. The review focuses on several gaseous species and groups of air pollutants that have been or can be analysed by THz spectrometry. The review concludes that different but complementary THz detection methods allow unique detection, identification and quantification of gaseous and particulate air pollutants with high selectivity, specificity and sensitivity. THz detection methods also allow further technological improvements and open new application possibilities.
Ključne besede: terahertz spectroscopy, gas sensing, air pollution, environmental monitoring
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.03.2024; Ogledov: 205; Prenosov: 16
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8. Assessment of Air Pollution in Different Areas (Urban, Suburban, and Rural) in Slovenia from 2017 to 2021Maja Ivanovski, Kris Alatič, Danijela Urbancl, Marjana Simonič, Darko Goričanec, Rudi Vončina, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Air pollution can have a significant effect on human health. The present work is focused on the investigation of daily, monthly, and annual concentration levels of five typical air pollutants (SO2, NO2, NOX, PM10, and PM2.5) in the Republic of Slovenia (RS) from January 2017 to December 2021. The study was conducted at five different monitoring stations of the following kind: traffic (A), industrial (D), and background (B, C, E). The obtained results showed a decline in the average concentrations for all the studied air pollutants through the years, respectively. The daily average SO2 concentrations were the lowest in the year 2021 at location B, which is classified as background location, while the highest were detected in the year 2018 at location E, which is also classified as background location. The average daily concentrations of NO2 and NOX were the highest at location A in the year 2017, whereas the lowest were detected in the year 2010 and 2021. It is believed that those results are a consequence of measures set by the Slovenian government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM10 and PM2.5 daily average concentrations were the highest at location A in 2017, while the lowest were observed in the year 2019 at location C. Meteorological parameters (temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) were studied in addition. In general, the high temperatures in ambient air are responsible for the intense concentrations of air pollutants. It was found in the study results for temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity that no significant difference was shown between studied years.
Ključne besede: air pollution, air quality, air pollutants, meteorology, Republic of Slovenia
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.03.2024; Ogledov: 234; Prenosov: 23
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9. Reviewing the narrative concerning the impact of population growth in AfricaCocou Marius Mensah, 2019, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This article discusses the topic of population growth in Africa, a recurring theme in the era of climate change and the fight against CO2 emissions. The African continent is full of essential raw materials and encompasses the youngest population in the world. There is no doubt concerning the significant role it will play in global affairs, at a time when the world population is ageing, according to the UN statistics. In recent years, many policymakers have highlighted the necessity to deal with overpopulation, provoking moral controversial and basic human rights abuses. This article, however, proposes an opposite argumentation based on fresh data and emphasises the opportunities and challenges to take on, as the author considers "overpopulation" as more of a challenge than a sentence to underdevelopment. Though the paper mentions different issues linked to overpopulation, such as migration crisis, ecological sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it concludes with a reminder of the importance of international cooperation as a solution to global issues.
Ključne besede: global issues, impact of population growth, migration trends, international cooperation, pollution, African Union, European Union, UN sustainable development goals, environmental footprint
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.01.2021; Ogledov: 842; Prenosov: 17
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10. Corrosion mechanisms for cemented soils in three different sulfate solutionsPengju Han, Chao Ren, Xiaohong Bai, Frank Chen, 2015, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In order to simulate and study the corrosion effects on the compressive strength of cemented soils that could be exposed in a polluted environment, a series of tests were conducted on cemented soil blocks cured with different concentrations of H2SO4, MgSO4, and Na2SO4 solutions. The test results show that the corrosion degree generally increases with the corrosion time and the solution concentration, while the compressive strength decreases with the increasing corrosion degree. The corrosion degree is highest for the Na2SO4 solution, followed by the MgSO4 and H2SO4 solutions. Namely, when the SO4 2- ion exists in a solution, the corrosion degree for the positive ions follows this descending order: Na+, Mg2+, and H+. X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analyses were performed for the cemented soil samples after corrosion and ionic concentrations. The results show that the compressive strength decreases with an increase of the Mg2+ concentration in the MgSO4 solution and the Na+ concentration in the Na2SO4 solution. At the same time, the strength increases with an increase of the pH value of the H2SO4 solution. Based on the chemical analysis results, the corrosion of H2SO4 or MgSO4 solutions on cemented soils is deemed as a composite action involving the combined resolving and crystallizing corrosion processes. Furthermore, the corrosion of the Na2SO4 solution of cemented soil is a composite action consisting of dissolving and crystallizing.
Ključne besede: cemented soil, compressive strength, corrosion mechanism, sulfate, pollution, solution
Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.06.2018; Ogledov: 1757; Prenosov: 178
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