No abstract

One of the main problems that arise in the assessment of air quality in an area is to estimate the number of representative sampling points of each microenvironment within it. We present a new model that reduces the variability and increases the quality of the comparison of the sampling points. The study is based on the comparison between a city in eastern Spain, Vila-real, a macro city in México, Monterrey and the Piemonte region regarding the assessment of PM10 in microenvironments. Vila-real is located in the province of Castellón. This province is a strategic area in the framework of European Union (EU) pollution control. On the other hand, Monterrey in México, located in the northern state of Nuevo León, has several problems with particulate material in the atmosphere produced by the extraction of building materials in the hill that surround the city. Finally, the Piemonte region, which is located in the north of Italy, has to be in consideration due to higher concentrations of PM10 in the Po river basin. In the case of Vila-real the PM10 samples were collected by a medium volume sampler according to European regulations. Particle concentration levels were determined gravimetrically (EN 12341:1999). In the case of Monterrey the PM10 concentrations were determined by Beta Ray Attenuation according to US-EPA regulations. In the Piemonte region, the average concentration of PM10 was also obtained by means of the Beta Ray Attenuation as well as using gravimetric instruments. The methodology carried out in this paper is a useful tool for developing future Air Quality Plans in other industrialised areas.

The restoration technologies in areas degraded by extractive activities are more efficient under the use of their own spoils. Reducing deficiencies in physical properties, organic matter, and nutrients with a contribution of treated sewage sludge is proposed. This experiment was based on a controlled study using columns. The work was done with two limestone quarry spoils, both very rich in calcite. Two biosolids doses were undertaken (30,000 and 90,000 kg/ha of sewage sludge) in addition to a different quarry spoils used as substrates. The water contribution was provided by a device simulating short duration rain. The leached water was collected 24 hours after the last application. Nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, sulfate, and chloride ions were determined, as well as the pH and electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity limit value is <1000 µS/cm. These values will be met from the fourth irrigation application onward, while the values up to that point were far superior. Significant nitrate concentrations appeared that may pose an environmental contamination risk. A comparison between the concentrations of the chemical elements obtained in the leachates from our experiment and the established limit values for water of the third quality group has been performed. The electrical conductivity correlated well with the cations, with the exception of potassium. For sulfates, significant correlations were obtained with the Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and K + cations. The chlorides showed excellent correlation with the sodium.

are a lot of pollutants from this industry that represent an important contribution to soil 20 contamination so it is necessary to control their air quality. In these areas atmospheric 21 particles are deposited in the ground through both dry and wet deposition. Soil is a 22 major sink for heavy metals released into the environment. For this purpose the levels of 23 PM10 in ambient air and the corresponding annual and seasonal trend were calculated. 24The results of the study show that the PM10 and heavy metals concentrations are below

Environmental pollution control is one of the most important goals in pollution risk assessment today. In this sense, modern and precise tools that allow scientists to evaluate, quantify and predict air pollution are of particular interest. Monitoring atmospheric particulate matter is a challenge faced by the European Union. Specific Quality Plan is proposed to protect human health, and the environment as a whole, in the study area. General and specific corrective measures of main emission sources are provided. A strategy for air pollution management is thus presented.