Browsing by Author "Galindo, Nuria"
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- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in a clothing store from an international chain in EuropePublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Gomes, Bianca; Cervantes, Renata; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIn this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal's largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies were used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analyzers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average PM10 concentration indoors was 16.5 ± 3.87 μg/m3, well below the exposure limits set by various international organizations. A significant portion of indoor PM10 – 69% - was originated from outdoor sources. Outdoor PM10 concentrations were substantially higher, averaging 29.4 ± 14.6 μg/m3. Metal concentrations were also higher outdoors than indoors, and the associated cancer risk and hazard quotient were not exceeded, indicating favorable air quality conditions within the store. Among VOCs, α-pinene and tetrachloroethylene were detected in notable concentrations. α-Pinene likely originated from cleaning products and fragrances, while tetrachloroethylene was attributed to emissions from a dry-cleaning establishment located in the same building, but did not exceed protection thresholds. Microbial analysis showed low concentrations of both fungi and bacteria. However, fungal species with clinical and toxigenic potential were found. The most common fungal species were Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., depending on the culture media. Overall, the clothing store demonstrated good air quality. However, to further reduce the impact of outdoor pollutants on indoor air quality, enhancements to the ventilation system are recommended. These improvements can help create a healthier indoor environment by filtering and managing the intake of external contaminants more effectively.
- Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in an international chain supermarketPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Galindo, Nuria; Yubero, Eduardo; Viegas, Carla; Pena, Pedro; Nunes, Teresa; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaIndoor environmental quality is of utmost importance since urban populations spend much of their life in confined spaces. Supermarkets offer a wide range of products and services that are prone to emitting several air pollutants. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize indoor and outdoor air quality in a multinational supermarket, encompassing not only criteria parameters but also unregulated pollutants of concern. Monitoring included measurements of comfort parameters, CO2, multiple gaseous pollutants, particulate matter (PM10), and bioburden. PM10, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbonyls were subject to chemical speciation. Globally, the supermarket presented CO2, VOCs, and PM10 values below the limits imposed by international regulations. The PM10 concentration in the supermarket was 33.5±23.2 μg/m3, and the indoor-to-outdoor PM10 ratio was 1.76. Carbonaceous constituents represented PM10 mass fractions of 21.6% indoors and 15.3% outdoors. Due to the use of stainless-steel utensils, flour, and fermentation processes, the bakery proved to be a pollution hotspot, presenting the highest concentrations of PM10 (73.1±9.16 μg/m3), PM10-bound elements (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, and Cr) and acetaldehyde (42.7 μg/m3). The maximum tetrachloroethylene level (130 μg/m3) was obtained in the cleaning products section. The highest values of colony-forming units of bacteria and fungi were recorded in the bakery, and fruit and vegetable section. Penicillium sp. was the most prevalent fungal species, corresponding to 56.9% of the total colonies. In addition, other fungal species/sections with toxicological or pathogenic potential were detected (Aspergillus sections Aspergilli, Circumdati, Flavi, Mucor, and Fusarium sp.).
- Indoor air quality in a home improvement store: gaseous pollutants, bioburden and particle-bound chemical constituentsPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Yubero, Eduardo; Galindo, Nuria; Viegas, Carla; Dias, Marta; Nunes, T.; Igrejas, Getúlio; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaEnsuring good air quality is essential for safeguarding human health, requiring monitoring to comprehend air composition and formulate effective interventions. This study focused on indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring within a home improvement and gardening franchise store in northeastern Portugal. Real-time optical monitors recorded levels of particulate matter below 10 µm (PM10), while PM10 gravimetric sampling was performed to analyse carbonaceous constituents and metal(loid)s. Continuous monitoring also included CO2 and comfort parameters. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bacteria, and fungi were passively sampled. During labour hours, indoor PM10 concentrations exceeded the national protection threshold, reaching 45.4 ± 15.2 μg/m3, compared to 27.1 ± 9.96 μg/m3 outdoors. The presence of elements from tyre and brake wear and road dust resuspension suggested that outdoor particles were mainly from non-exhaust traffic emissions. Indoors, the abundance of soil-related elements points to the resuspension of mineral dust as an important source of PM10. Also, anthropogenic constituents associated with activities (e.g., wood sawing) and products sold in the store contributed to indoor particle levels. Dominant indoor VOCs were α-pinene, limonene, and hexanal. The most abundant elements in PM10 indoors were Ca, Fe and Zn, with values of 658 ± 297, 273 ± 141, 172 ± 67.4 ng/m3, respectively. Common fungi included Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., while colony-forming bacterial units were most prevalent in the gardening and heating sections. This comprehensive study highlights the need to implement indoor air quality monitoring strategies in commercial spaces, particularly with regard to particulate matter and associated pollutants.
- Indoor air quality in a home improvement store: gaseous pollutants, bioburden and particle-bound chemical constituentsPublication . Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago; Yubero, Eduardo; Galindo, Nuria; Viegas, Carla; Dias, Marta; Nunes, Teresa; Igrejas, Getúlio; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaThis paper provides a comprehensive assessment of indoor and outdoor air quality within a home improvement and gardening store chain in northeastern Portugal. In December 2021 and January 2022, two multipollutant systems were installed in the store and outdoors to assess air quality. Continuous monitoring included particulate matter below 10 µm (PM10), CO2, and comfort parameters. PM10 samples were collected using gravimetric samplers during both occupied and vacant periods. These samples were then analysed for carbonaceous constituents and metal(loid)s. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyls, bacteria, and fungi were passively sampled. Results showed higher indoor concentrations of PM10 during labour hours (45.4 ± 15.2 μg/m3), while outdoor values of 27.1 ± 9.96 μg/m3 were recorded. The elemental characterisation of PM10 revealed a high abundance of soil-related elements indoors, suggesting that resuspension is one of the primary sources. The most abundant elements were Ca, Fe, and Zn, with concentrations of 658 ± 297, 273 ± 141, and 172 ± 67.4 ng/m³, respectively. Outdoors, elements related to tyre and brake wear, and road dust were predominant, indicating emissions from non-exhaust traffic emissions as the main source. A prevalence of α-pinene, limonene, and hexanal was found indoors, most likely related to wood products. Fungi with clinical relevance toxigenic potential and higher bacterial loads were observed in the gardening and heating sectors of the store. This study underscores the importance of investigating less-studied stores, as they may exhibit pollutant levels that exceed health protection thresholds.