Publikasjoner

Using elemental analyses and multivariate statistics to identify the off-site dispersion from informal e-waste processing

Electronic waste (e-waste) is informally processed and recycled in Agbogbloshie in Accra (Ghana), which may be the largest such site in West Africa. This industry can lead to significant environmental contamination. In this study, surface dust samples were collected at a range of sites within Accra to establish the offsite consequences of such activities. Fifty-one samples were collected and analysed for 69 elements by ICP-mass spectrometry after nitric acid digestion. The data indicated a significant enrichment in metals associated with solder and copper wire at the site itself and a downwind dispersion of this source material to a distance of approximately 2.0 km. Chlorine and bromine were also elevated at this site as residues from polyvinyl chloride combustion and flame retardants respectively. The elemental composition indicated that only low technology electrical equipment was being treated this way. Multivariate statistical analyses by principal components analysis and polytopic vector analysis identified three sources contributing to the system; (i) burn site residue dispersing within 2 km from the source site, (ii) marine matter on the beaches alone and (iii) the baseline soil conditions of the city of Accra. Risk ratios and hazard quotients developed from the measured concentrations indicated that copper was providing the greatest risk to inhabitants in most cases although nickel, vanadium, chromium and zinc also contributed.

Using equilibrium passive samplers to monitor fjord-scale air-water-sediment fluxes of organic chemicals.

Arp, H.P.; Halse, A.K.; Breivik, K.; Schlabach, M.; Breedveld, G.; Cornelissen, G.

Using field campaigns results to reduce uncertainties in inventories. NILU F

Aas, W.; Breivik, K.; Yttri, K.E.

Using life cycle assessment to inform municipal climate mitigation planning

Local governments can play a key role in reducing emissions associated with local energy use. 17 Polish municipalities provided data on energy use and CO2 emissions for 2015. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to calculate lifecycle impact indicators for greenhouse gases, particulate matter, acidification and eutrophication associated with the annual energy demand in each municipality. Results showed that impacts from energy use increase almost proportionally with total energy used in the participating municipalities due to the heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Analysis of two municipalities of similar size showed that impacts can be attributed to different usage sectors. For one municipality, energy plans should focus on reducing emissions from private transport and associated fuel use. For the other, energy plans should focus on reducing energy demand from residential buildings. This means that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ energy plan, which may be developed at a national level, would not fit all municipalities. The application of LCA allows for identifying and informing energy planning with impact reduction potential for multiple environmental pressures. Analysis of the provided energy use and CO2 data showed large uncertainties in CO2 emission intensities and allowing for sufficient time and guidance in the energy and emissions accounting is recommended.

Using low-cost air quality sensors for personal exposure assessment

Using models to screen the domain of industrial chemicals for potential environmental contaminants.

Sobek, A.; Arnot, J.A.; Breivik, K.; Brown, T.N.; Wania, F.; McLachlan, M.S.

Using proxies to elucidate environmental threats to endangered species.

Kylin, H.; Bouwman, H.; Evans, S.

Using self-organising maps to explore ozone profile validation results - SCIAMACHY limb compared to ground-based lidar observations.

van Gijsel, J.A.E.; Zurita-Milla, R.; Stammes, P.; Godin-Beekmann, S.; Leblanc, T.; Marchand, M.; McDermid, I.S.; Stebel, K.; Steinbrecht, W.; Swart, D.P.J.

Using solid-phase extraction cartridges for sampling of volatile polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air.

Jahnke, A.; Berger, U.; Huber, S.; Kylin, H.; Temme, C.

Using UncertWeb for improved decision making. UncertWeb Consortium Deliverable 3.5.

Heuvelink, G.; Helle, K.; Pebesma, E.; Rasouli, S.; Stasch, C.; Truong, P.; Walker, S.E.

Ut mot norske butikker: – Det er kjempeskummelt

Skaar, Jøran Solnes (intervjuobjekt); Thistel, Rikard K. (journalist)

Utbygging av etappe 1 i Bjørvika. Beregning av luftforurensning. NILU OR

Tønnesen, D.

Beregninger av trafikkforurensning i forbindelse med utbygging av etappe 1 i Bjørvika er utført for nitrøse gasser og svevestøv. Beregningene viser at områder med høye konsentrasjoner er begrenset til sonen mellom Ekebergtunnelen og Festningstunnelens forlengelse.

Utilization of meandering in a receptor-oriented solution of the line source dispersion equation. Alliance for global sustainability bookseries, 17

Härkönen, J.; Berger, J.; Kauhaniemi, M.; Nikmo, J.; Karppinen, A.