Levels of chemical and microbiological pollutants in the vicinity of a waste incineration plant and human health risks: Temporal trends

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 84; no. 10; pp. 1476 - 1483
• Main Authors: Vilavert, Lolita, Nadal, Martí, Figueras, María J., Kumar, Vikas, Domingo, José L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Aerosols - analysis; Air Microbiology; Air Pollutants - analysis; Air Pollution - statistics & numerical data; Air. Soil. Water. Waste. Feeding; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Bacteria; Benzene - analysis; Benzene Derivatives - analysis; Bioaerosols; Biological and medical sciences; Cities; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Environment. Living conditions; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants - analysis; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fungi - isolation & purification; General aspects; Gram-Negative Bacteria - isolation & purification; Health; Humans; Incineration; Medical sciences; Microorganisms; Municipal solid waste incinerator; Pollutants; Population Density; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Risk; Risk Assessment; Seasons; Spain; Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain); Temporal logic; Temporal trends; Trends; Volatile organic compounds; Volatile Organic Compounds - analysis; Europe; Spain; Spain, Cataluna, Tarragona; Spain, Catalonia; Volatile organic compounds; Temporal trends; Municipal solid waste incinerator; Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain); Bioaerosols; Human; Urban waste; Volatile organic compound; Spain; Pollutant; Health status; Incineration; Incinerator; Health hazards; Solid waste; Tarragona Catalonia; Public health; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.04.041

► We present the results of a surveillance program near a MSWI regarding levels of VOCs and bioaerosols. ► Temporal trends of these pollutants (four 6-monthly campaigns) were investigated. ► The concentrations of VOCs were typical of suburban zones. ► Higher levels of gram-negative bacteria were found in winter than in summer. ► No additional health risks for the population living near the MSWI are expected. In 2007, a program was initiated to monitor air levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain). To investigate the temporal trends of chemical and microbiological pollutants, four 6-monthly campaigns were performed. Air samples were collected at different distances and directions from the facility, as well as in reference sites. In general terms, the concentrations of microbiological agents were very similar to those found in urban zones worldwide. The seasonal evaluation of the results showed higher levels of gram-negative bacteria in winter, contrasting with the increase of the airborne amount of total bacteria in summer. On the other hand, the concentrations of VOCs (mean range: 7.6–18.2 μgm −3) were typical of suburban zones. The current exposure to those compounds should not mean additional health risks for the population living nearby.