BACKGROUND Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that air pollution can produce bronchoconstriction and respiratory symptoms in selected subjects, but the relevance of these findings to exposure to natural pollution is unclear. This study was performed to determine whether air pollution at typical levels found in the UK has demonstrable effects on respiratory function and symptoms in subjec...

Major sedimentary nutrient cycles Phosphorus cycle Sulphur cycle Major gaseous cycles Nitrogen Cycle Carbon Cycle Ammonification Nitrification Nitrogen fixation Symbiotic nitrogen fixation Non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation Photosynthesis Light reaction Dark reaction Carbon dioxide cycle Micronutrients Plant uptake of trace elements (essential and non-essential) Factors influencing micronutrient u...

This paper addresses the variations that presently exist regarding the definition, determination, and reporting of detection limits for volatile sulphur compounds by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD). Gas standards containing hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S), carbonyl sulphide (COS), sulphur dioxide (SO(2)), methyl mercaptan (CH(3)SH), dimethyl sulphide (DMS), carbon...

The aim of this study was to assess to which extent the modernisation of an anode plant had reduced occupational chemical health hazards for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Periodical measurements of dust and gases were performed at the same workplaces using the same methods, before and after modernisation. These measurements were compared with the recommended standards. Before mod...

Advances in vehicle design and fuel quality mean cars can be made cleaner and more efficient. Lower emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), particles (including the fine dust and soot PM10) and hydrocarbons (HCs) also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will lead to better urban air quality and less summertime smog. Lower emissions of carbon dioxi...

During the late sixties and seventies the city of Rijeka underwent second rapid industrialization. Few huge plants (new petroleum refinery facilities, power plant, coke plant) were erected in the industrial zone eastwards from the city. As a consequence, high emission levels resulted in elevated ambient air pollution so that the city was one of the most polluted in Croatia during the mid-eighti...

Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxy...