| 11. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Källor till och flöden av ftalater och nonylfenoler i Stockholms dagvatten
- 2007
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- SEWSYS is a computer model designed for simulating fluxes of pollutants from its’ sources to the urban stormwater system. The model is able to simulate concentrations of substances in stormwater – thereby reducing the need for sampling and analyses of stormwater – as well as establishing the major sources of the pollutants in the urban environment. The aim of this work has been to identify the sources of some selected organic pollutants, adjusting SEWSYS to these new substances and simulating their fluxes in urban stormwater. The simulation results have then been used to investigate proper barriers to prevent these substances to reach the environment.The prioritised pollutants chosen to be studied were four phthalates – DBP, DEHP, DINP and DIDP – nonylphenols (NP) and their ethoxylates (NPE). Phthalates are plasticisers used in PVC (often as coil coating), paint and sealants. NP/E:s are surfactants used in a range of materials, such as concrete, paint and plastics. In order to add these pollutants into the SEWSYS model, the emission of each substance from each of the identified sources was scrutinised. Depending on the overall lack of data, assumptions and estimations were necessary to be made for the emission calculations.Two housing areas and one area dominated by traffic were selected for the modelling. Information on the prevalence of the different sources together with rainfall data were used for the simulation of stormwater runoff and pollution load. The model was calibrated with measured stormwater flows and volumes, as well as analysed concentrations of the pollutants in stormwater from the chosen housing and traffic areas. The traffic area showed high concentrations of phthalates in the stormwater samples. DIDP, and particularly DINP, showed the highest concentrations in most samples, both from the traffic area and the housing areas. The NP and NPE concentrations in most samples were close to or under the detection limits for the analytical methods used.The calibration of the model showed that the runoff module in SEWSYS is able to predict the runoff volume well. After recalculating and adjusting some of the emission factors, the concentrations of the pollutants were in the same magnitude as the measured values. The simulations showed that vehicles are the dominating source of the phthalates in the traffic area. Parking spaces and concrete are indicated to emit significant amounts of NP/E:s. In the housing areas the construction materials – such as plastic coated steel for roofing and cladding – were the most important sources of phthalates. Parking spaces tend to cause high pollution loads of NP/E:s.To reduce the load of organic pollutants in the environment a combination of barriers can be used – these barriers may include legislative measures to prohibit the use of a substance, recommendations to the consumers (not) to use specific construction materials or installing technical measures such as sedimentation facilities. A preliminary simulation show that by using construction materials free from phthalates or NP/E:s or reducing the traffic load, combined with a technical barrier such as a sedimentation pond, the pollution load from housing or traffic area is considerably decreased.
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| 12. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Phthalates and nonylphenols in urban runoff: Occurrence, distribution and area emission factors
- 2009
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 407:16, s. 4665-4672
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The urban water system is believed to be an important sink for the nonpoint-source pollutants nonylphenols and phthalates. The presence of nonylphenols (NPs), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), and eight phthalates was analyzed in urban stormwater and sediment from three catchment areas in Sweden. Emission loads for these substances were then calculated for a specific urban catchment area. In addition, substance distribution in road runoff passing through a sedimentation facility was modeled using a modified QWASI-model for chemical fate. High concentrations of DEHP, DIDP and DINP (≤ 48, 66 and 200 µg/g dw, respectively) as well as nonylphenol mono- and di-ethoxylate (6.6 and 20 µg/g dw, respectively) were found in the sediment. Aqueous concentrations of the pollutants varied considerably; branched NP was detected in concentrations up to 1.2 µg/L, whereas di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) were the most frequently detected phthalates in concentrations up to 5.0, 17 and 85 µg/L, respectively. The fate modeling demonstrated that predicted substance levels in water agreed well with measured levels, whereas the modeled sediment levels were underestimated. Calculation of catchment area emission factors from an urban highway environment revealed that as much as 2.1 kg of total phthalates and 200 g of NP and NPEOs may be emitted per hectare and year. The results indicate that all monitored phthalates, branched NPs and lower NPEOs are present in Swedish urban water systems. The long-chain phthalates DIDP and DINP are believed to occur at higher concentrations than other phthalates because of their higher environmental persistence and their increasing use in Sweden.
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| 13. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Screening of Organic Contaminants in Urban Snow
- 2011
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Ingår i: Water Science and Technology. - : IWA Publishing. - 0273-1223 .- 1996-9732. ; 64:1, s. 206-213
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Snowmelt is known to cause peak concentrations of pollutants, which may adversely affectreceiving water quality. High concentrations of metals and suspended solids in snow have beenreported, whereas studies on organic pollutants are rare. This study aims at investigating theoccurrence of anthropogenic organic compounds in urban snow in Gothenburg (Sweden). The mostfrequently detected organic pollutants in the collected snow samples were polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAHs), high molecular-weight phthalates, 4-nonylphenol and 4-t-octylphenol.Brominated flame retardants and chlorinated paraffins were only sporadically detected. In severalsnow samples, the concentrations of specific PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were higher thanreported stormwater concentrations and European water quality standards. Pollutant sourceidentification and sustainable management of snow are important instruments for the mitigation oforganic contaminants in the urban environment.
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| 14. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Screening of organic contaminants in urban snow
- 2010
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Ingår i: Proceedings, 14th International Conference, IWA Diffuse Pollution Specialist Group: Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication. ; , s. 270-275
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Snowmelt is known to cause peak concentrations of pollutants which may adversely affect receiving water quality. High concentrations in snow have been shown for e.g. metals and suspended solids, whereas studies on organic pollutants are rarely reported. This study aimsat investigating the occurrence of anthropogenic organic compounds in urban snow, and at identifying sources of the pollutants. Snow from sites in Gothenburg, Sweden, was sampled and a range of organic substances was analysed. The most frequently detected organic pollutants in urban snow were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, high molecular-weightphthalates, 4-nonylphenol and 4-octylphenol. Brominated flame retardants and chlorinated paraffins were only sporadically detected. In several snow samples, the concentrations of specific PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were higher than reported stormwater concentrations and European water quality standards. Pollutant source identification and sustainable management of snow are important instruments for the mitigation of organic contaminants in the urban environment.
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| 15. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Simulating organic pollutant flows in urban stormwater: development and evaluation of a model for nonylphenols and phthalates
- 2011
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Ingår i: Water Science and Technology. - : IWA Publishing. - 0273-1223 .- 1996-9732. ; 65:3, s. 508-515
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stormwater-quality models can be useful tools for predicting pollutant loads and identifying sources of contamination. Most models in current use handle pollutants such as metals, nutrients and suspended solids, whereas models including emerging organic contaminants are rare.This study aims at developing and evaluating a model for simulating stormwater flows of two groups of organic pollutants; nonylphenols and phthalates. Sources, emission patterns and environmental fate were examined to create a model framework for the organic contaminants. The model was calibrated using field data from three urban catchments. The results show that the simulated pollutant concentrations are overestimated compared to the measured concentrations, which are often close to or below the analytical detection limit. The high uncertainty and the lowpredictive power of the model may be explained by factors such as incorrect catchment data, lack of knowledge on buildup, washoff and other processes involved in substance fate, and an underreporting of pollutant concentrations in stormwater. More data on release patterns and sewer fate are needed to adequately simulate stormwater concentrations of nonylphenols and phthalates. A conventional substance flow analysis based on bookkeeping, evaluated in parallel to the computer model, has proven to be useful for calculating fluxes of nonylphenols and phthalates in urban catchments.
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| 16. |
- Björklund, Karin, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Using the stormwater-quality model SEWSYS to identify sources and fluxes of hazardous organic substances
- 2008
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Ingår i: Book of abstracts. 9th Highway and Urban Environment Symposium, 9-11 June 2008, Madrid, Spain. ; , s. 21-
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stormwater-quality models simulating pollutant pathways in urban catchments are proven to be valuable means when planning and evaluating appropriate strategies to reduce the detrimental impacts of urban runoff [Zoppou, 2001]. SEWSYS, a substance flow model simulating pollutant concentrations in stormwater, is an effective instrument for predicting pollution loads from non-point sources and can therefore be used for proposing measures to reduce the release of contaminants into the environment [Ahlman, 2006]. SEWSYS is now being expanded from operating with nutrients and metals, to include also a few organic substances. In this study, two groups of organic compounds – phthalates and nonylphenols (NPs) – were selected for an initial flow analysis. These compounds, classified as “very toxic to aquatic organisms” [KEMI, 2007a], are high volume chemicals used as additives in a variety of products [KEMI, 2007b]. To incorporate phthalates and NPs into SEWSYS, an extensive literature study was accomplished. The study included identification of potential pollutant sources in urban areas, e.g. building materials and vehicles, and analysis of emission patterns and rates. Also, model input data such as source distribution and authentic rain series were collected from three urban catchment areas. Simulated pollutant concentrations were then compared with measured and analysed concentrations in stormwater from the investigated catchments. Preliminary model simulations showed that pollutant loadings and major contributing sources are catchment dependent: e.g. vehicles are the dominant sources of phthalates in traffic areas whereas construction materials are the most important sources in residential areas. These simulation results were then used for proposing adequate measures in order to mitigate phthalate and NP loads in stormwater. Calculations showed that by using phthalate- or NP-free construction materials, and by reducing the traffic load, the pollution load from residential and traffic areas was considerably decreased. These findings illustrate the use of SEWSYS as a tool for improving urban runoff quality, and corresponding simulations could easily be performed by local authorities for planning of effective abatement strategies. ReferencesAhlman S (2006) Modelling of Substance Flows in Urban Drainage Systems. Doctoral Thesis, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.KEMI (Swedish Chemicals Agency). (2007a) Classification List. http://apps.kemi.se/klassificeringslistan/default.cfmKEMI (Swedish Chemicals Agency). (2007b) KemI-Stat. http://apps.kemi.se/kemistat/start.aspx?sprak=eZoppou C (2001) Review of urban storm water models. Environmental Modelling & Software 16 (3), 195-231.
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| 17. |
- Bradley, Karin, 1975-, et al.
(författare)
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Därför är ekonomisk tillväxt en risk
- 2016
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Ingår i: Dagens samhälle. - : Dagens Samhälle AB. - 1652-6511.
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Forskningsöversikt (populärvet., debatt m.m.)
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| 18. |
- Engström, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Early Pregnancy Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution among Late-Onset Preeclamptic Cases Is Associated with Placental DNA Hypomethylation of Specific Genes and Slower Placental Maturation
- 2021
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Ingår i: Toxics. - : MDPI AG. - 2305-6304. ; 9:12, s. 1-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE). Some suggested mechanisms behind this association are changes in placental DNA methylation and gene expression. The objective of this study was to identify how early pregnancy exposure to ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx) among PE cases and normotensive controls influence DNA methylation (EPIC array) and gene expression (RNA-seq). The study included placentas from 111 women (29 PE cases/82 controls) in Scania, Sweden. First-trimester NOx exposure was assessed at the participants’ residence using a dispersion model and categorized via median split into high or low NOx. Placental gestational epigenetic age was derived from the DNA methylation data. We identified six differentially methylated positions (DMPs, q < 0.05) comparing controls with low NOx vs. cases with high NOx and 14 DMPs comparing cases and controls with high NOx. Placentas with female fetuses showed more DMPs (N = 309) than male-derived placentas (N = 1). Placentas from PE cases with high NOx demonstrated gestational age deceleration compared to controls with low NOx (p = 0.034). No differentially expressed genes (DEGs, q < 0.05) were found. In conclusion, early pregnancy exposure to NOx affected placental DNA methylation in PE, resulting in placental immaturity and showing sexual dimorphism.
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| 19. |
- Flanagan, Erin, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure to local, source-specific ambient air pollution during pregnancy and autism in children : a cohort study from southern Sweden
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 13:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Evidence of air pollution exposure, namely, ambient particulate matter (PM), during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children is growing; however, the unique PM sources that contribute to this association are currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate local, source-specific ambient PM exposure during pregnancy and its associations with childhood autism, specifically, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as a group. A cohort of 40,245 singleton births from 2000 to 2009 in Scania, Sweden, was combined with data on locally emitted PM with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5). A flat, two-dimensional dispersion model was used to assess local PM2.5 concentrations (all-source PM2.5, small-scale residential heating- mainly wood burning, tailpipe exhaust, and vehicle wear-and-tear) at the mother’s residential address during pregnancy. Associations were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Exposure to local PM2.5 during pregnancy from each of the investigated sources was associated with childhood autism in the fully adjusted models. For ASD, similar, but less pronounced, associations were found. The results add to existing evidence that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of childhood autism. Further, these findings suggest that locally produced emissions from both residential wood burning and road traffic-related sources (tailpipe exhaust and vehicle wear-and-tear) contribute to this association.
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| 20. |
- Flanagan, Erin, et al.
(författare)
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Health impact assessment of road traffic noise exposure based on different densification scenarios in Malmö, Sweden
- 2023
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Ingår i: Environment International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0160-4120. ; 174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- While urbanization provides many opportunities to those arriving in thriving urban areas, a greater number of residents necessitates the expansion of housing and infrastructure. This is often achieved through densification, which can lead to increased noise, particularly through increased road traffic. A key challenge of promoting healthy urban planning is to understand potential health effects, especially on the local level. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to estimate and compare the health impacts of road traffic noise exposure for various urban densification scenarios within a neighborhood (Lorensborg) in Malmö, Sweden. The three scenarios include 1) Present-day, representing the study area as it is presently organized; 2) Planned municipal strategy (the city of Malmö’s own densification plans) and 3) Health-centred, which involves major structural alterations and reflects an effort prioritize a health-centred approach. Noise was modelled using the Nordic prediction method for road traffic. Health outcomes included noise annoyance, adverse sleep disturbance, ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence and mortality. Within all scenarios, a large proportion of the study population was exposed above the WHO's health-based guideline value (Lden 53 dB): >80% for Present-day and Planned municipal strategy scenarios, and almost 50% in the Health-centred scenario. Still, densifying Lorensborg (population ≈9,600) according to the Health-centred scenario could prevent 549 cases of highly annoyed, 193 cases of adverse sleep disturbance, 4.7 new cases of IHD (8.9% of total cases), and 1.5 deaths due to IHD (17.8% of IHD mortality) annually. The results demonstrated that it is possible to considerably lower the health impact with a more health-centred densification strategy. Important co-benefits for public and environmental health include air pollution reduction and green space creation, although their health effects were not quantified in the present study. Urban planning initiatives must be more ambitious in order to create healthy, sustainable cities.
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