Browsing by Author "Drew, Gillian H."
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Item Unknown A whole systems view to driving decentralised renewable energy investments in Sub-Saharan Africa.(Cranfield University, 2024-01) Abba, Yahajja Zara Ibrahim; Ozkan, Nazmiye; Drew, Gillian H.The scaling-up of decentralised renewable energy (DRE), such as solar mini- grids, is vital to achieving climate goals and universal electricity access in sub- Saharan African (SSA) countries. However, high investor risk perception continues to impede DRE investment in SSA, highlighting the importance of understanding investors' risk perception and developing appropriate risk mitigation actions. Yet, the risk management (RM) literature offers a fragmented and singular approach, where the multidimensional nature of risk factors and their interactions are overlooked. In addition, current studies do not consider DRE site- specificity alongside investor heterogeneity in quantifying the implications of mitigation actions on the evolution of investment decisions. In this context, and to address these research gaps, this thesis aims to develop, validate, and implement a unified RM framework incorporating an investment decision model to assess the impacts of actions on investment and electricity access spatially, thus offering a more holistic outcome for decision-makers. This thesis focuses on solar mini-grids in Nigeria, which has one of the highest electricity deficits in SSA. The framework is implemented in two phases. In phase one, investment risks and potential mitigations were evaluated as perceived by four investor groups and various stakeholders through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and an analytic hierarchy process methodology. In phase two, a novel DRE decision-support model was deployed to enhance existing methods by using a system dynamics-agent-based modelling (SD-ABM) approach. This approach incorporates complex interactions and feedback between heterogeneous investor and location attributes to establish investment outcomes for various case study mitigation scenarios. This thesis the following contributions. Phase one provides new empirical data comprising: identifying 13 additional risk factors compared to the literature, establishing importance of risk factors as perceived by diverse investor groups in Nigeria, and proposing mitigation strategies, some of which were tested in phase two as scenarios. The results indicated variations in risk importance among investors, with the most critical risk factors being revenue risks, limited access to low-cost capital, currency risks, insecurity, and inadequate policy implementation. Phase two contributes to the knowledge of how complex system modelling can be applied to evaluate the impact of mitigation actions on the spatial evolution of DRE investment in a liberalised market. The case study results revealed that the most impactful mitigation scenarios were increased funding availability and the implementation of renewable energy mandates for domestic finance institutions. Whilst our findings confirm the criticality of concessional investors as identified in the literature, we find that meeting electrification targets necessitates incentivising risk-averse non-concessional-type investors. The developed model can additionally enable policymakers to explore the potential implications of further policy actions and investors to identify potential projects that suit their investment profiles during the feasibility phase.Item Unknown Appropriateness of selecting different averaging times for modelling chronic and acute exposure to environmental odours(Elsevier, 2007-04-01T00:00:00Z) Drew, Gillian H.; Smith, Richard; Gerard, Valerie; Burge, C.; Lowe, M.; Kinnersley, Robert P.; Sneath, Robert W.; Longhurst, Philip J.Odour emissions are episodic, characterised by periods of high emission rates, interspersed with periods of low emissions. It is frequently the short term, high concentration peaks that result in annoyance in the surrounding population. Dispersion modelling is accepted as a useful tool for odour impact assessment, and two approaches can be adopted. The first approach of modelling the hourly average concentration can underestimate total odour concentration peaks, resulting in annoyance and complaints. The second modelling approach involves the use of short averaging times. This study assesses the appropriateness of using different averaging times to model the dispersion of odour from a landfill site. We also examine perception of odour in the community in conjunction with the modelled odour dispersal, by using community monitors to record incidents of odour. The results show that with the shorter averaging times, the modelled pattern of dispersal reflects the pattern of observed odour incidents recorded in the community monitoring database, with the modelled odour dispersing further in a north easterly direction. Therefore, the current regulatory method of dispersion modelling, using hourly averaging times, is less successful at capturing peak concentrations, and does not capture the pattern of odour emission as indicated by the community monitoring database. The use of short averaging times is therefore of greater value in predicting the likely nuisance impact of an odour source and in framing appropriate regulatory controls.Item Unknown Bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting facilities : emission characterisation and dispersion modelling improvements(Cranfield University, 2013-06) Douglas, Philippa; Drew, Gillian H.; Tyrrel, Sean F.Bioaerosol emissions from open windrow composting facilities are becoming of increasing concern due to the negative health effects associated with bioaerosols, and the fact that emissions from open windrow facilities are not contained. Current bioaerosol monitoring techniques provide only a snapshot of bioaerosol concentrations spatially and temporally, whereas dispersion models have the potential to offer a more continual overview of bioaerosol levels, alongside existing sampling methods. However, dispersion models have not been successful at accurately predicting bioaerosol concentrations from open windrow composting facilities, generally under predicting concentrations by at least one order of magnitude. This is predominantly due to a lack of knowledge and data surrounding the complex nature of bioaerosol release and transportation, particularly when the compost is agitated. This study aimed to improve the reliability in the outputs of the ADMS dispersion model, specifically in the open windrow composting scenario, by performing several model tests alongside selected input parameter quantification improvements. This involved completing a sensitivity analysis, and a model calibration and validation specific to this scenario for the first time. Results from the sensitivity analysis showed that the use of wet and dry deposition modules is significant, and the majority of model inputs associated with the representation of the source of the emission are sensitive. These findings helped select the model input parameters for quantification improvements. Novel preliminary measurements of bioaerosol temperature, velocity and concentration at the source of composting agitation activities were completed. These values provided more accurate model inputs. Collectively, these results allowed the model to be successfully calibrated, and consequently, validated for the first time for this specific scenario, resulting in model outputs corresponding to within one order of magnitude to measured data. This has helped to generate an initial set of modelling recommendations, allowing modellers to use the ADMS dispersion model in a reliable manner, when applied to the open windrow composting scenario. Eventually, these improved model outputs may be used to predict bioaerosol exposure levels at sensitive receptors, particularly in conditions where current monitoring methods are not feasible.Item Unknown Biodrying for mechanical-biological treatment of wastes: A review of process science and engineering(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z) Velis, C. A.; Longhurst, Philip J.; Drew, Gillian H.; Smith, Richard; Pollard, Simon J. T.Biodrying is a variation of aerobic decomposition, used within mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plants to dry and partially stabilise residual municipal waste. Biodrying MBT plants can produce a high quality solid recovered fuel (SRF), high in biomass content. Here, process objectives, operating principles, reactor designs, parameters for process monitoring and control, and their effect on biodried output quality are critically examined. Within the biodrying reactors, waste is dried by air convection, the necessary heat provided by exothermic decomposition of the readily decomposable waste fraction. Biodrying is distinct from composting in attempting to dry and preserve most of biomass content of the waste matrix, rather than fully stabilise it. Commercial process cycles are completed within 7–15 days, with mostly H2O(g) and CO2 loses of ca. 25–30% w/w, leading to moisture contents of <20% w/w. High airflow rate and dehumidifying of re-circulated process air provides for effective drying. We anticipate this review will be of value to MBT process operators, regulators and end-users oItem Unknown The challenges, uncertainties and opportunities of bioaerosol dispersion modelling from open composting facilities(WIT Press, 2017-08-06) Williams, Ben; Hayes, Enda T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Rolph, Catherine A.; Jackson, Simon; Khera, Shagun; Bennett, Alan; Gladding, Toni Lesley; Drew, Gillian H.; Tyrrel, Sean F.Bioaerosols are ubiquitous organic particles that comprise viruses, bacteria and coarser fractions of organic matter. Known to adversely affect human health, the impact of bioaerosols on a population often manifests as outbreaks of illnesses such as Legionnaires Disease and Q fever, although the concentrations and environmental conditions in which these impacts occur are not well understood. Bioaerosol concentrations vary from source to source, but specific human activities such as water treatment, intensive agriculture and composting facilitate the generation of bioaerosol concentrations many times higher than natural background levels. Bioaerosols are not considered ‘traditional’ pollutants in the same way as PM10, PM2.5, and gases such as NO2, and consequently dispersion models do not include a bespoke method for their assessment. As identified in previous studies, priority areas for improving the robustness of these dispersion models include: 1) the development of bespoke monitoring studies designed to generate accurate modelling input data; 2) the publication of a robust emissions inventory; 3) a code of practice to provide guidelines for consistent bioaerosol modelling practices; and 4) a greater understanding of background bioaerosol emissions. The aim of this research project, funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), is to address these key areas through a better understanding of the generation, concentration and potential dispersion of bioaerosols from intensive agricultural and biowaste facilities, using case studies developed at specific locations within the UK. The objective is to further refine existing bioaerosol monitoring and modelling guidelines to provide a more robust framework for regulating authorities and site operators. This contribution outlines the gaps that hinder robust dispersion modelling, and describes the on-site bioaerosol data collection methods used in the study, explaining how they might be used to close these gaps. Examples of bioaerosol dispersion modelled using ADMS 5 are presented and discussed.Item Unknown Characterisation and disersal of bioaerosols emitted from composting facilities(Cranfield University, 2009-07) Tamer Vestlund, Asli; Tyrrel, Sean F.; Drew, Gillian H.The role of sustainable and natural waste management processes such as composting are increasingly becoming more important in tackling the current environmental challenge of the amount of waste that is being produced. However a potential risk of composting facilities is the release and dispersal of bioaerosols that might result in adverse health effects in sensitive receptors. Therefore, environmental regulators request regulatory risk assessments from composting facilities that are within 250m of sensitive receptors to assess the risk posed by bioaerosols. The prior art in compost related bioaerosol release and dispersal assessment is not extensive and gaps in the understanding of bioaerosols at source, on release from composting facilities and at receptor remain. Therefore, this research was undertaken to address some of these gaps in the current knowledge and to improve the understanding of the characterisation and dispersal of bioaerosols emitted from compost. Therefore firstly two studies were completed in regards to the characterisation of bioaerosols emitted from compost, in particular in improving the understanding of their aggregation and size distribution. In this context, a novel methodology (the compost tumbler) was developed to release and measure bioaerosols in experimental conditions. Data was generated using a combination of culturing and scanning electron microscopy methods to characterise the aggregation and size distribution of bioaerosols emitted from compost. Secondly, site work was conducted to validate the results of these controlled experiments and characterise the aggregation and size distribution of bioaerosols emitted from composting facilities. These controlled experiments and site work showed evidence of aggregation in bioaerosols released from compost. However, the majority of these bioaerosols were in single cell units hence they are more likely to be dispersed for longer distances. Following this, other studies were conducted in regards to the dispersal of bioaerosols emitted from compost, in particular in improving the understanding of bioaerosol concentration prediction by air dispersion modelling. Firstly preliminary air dispersion modelling was completed to assess the ability of a commercial air dispersion model,ADMS 3.3, to predict bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities compared to bioaerosol concentrations measured by on-site downwind bioaerosol sampling. Folowing this, the sensitivities of ADMS 3.3 were analysed and the effect of different modelling parameters on predicted bioaerosol concentrations were assessed. Finally, a final assessment of the potential of ADMS 3.3 to predict bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities was conducted. The overall results from the modelling studies indicated that ADMS 3.3 was not able to consistently predict absolute downwind bioaerosol concentrations at composting facilities. However it was also concluded that ADMS 3.3 can be a useful tool for the initial screening and assessing relative changes of bioaerosols at a compost facility, provided that the detailed assessment of absolute bioaerosol emissions are made in conjunction with measurement of downwind bioaerosol concentrations. The research presented in this thesis makes a significant contribution to knowledge in terms of improving the understanding of the characterisation and dispersal of bioaerosols emitted from composting facilities.Item Unknown A controlled study on the characterisation of bioaerosols emissions from compost(2018-09-28) Nasir, Zaheer A.; Rolph, Catherine A.; Collins, Samuel; Stevenson, David; Gladding, Toni Lesley; Hayes, Enda T.; Williams, Ben; Khera, Shagun; Jackson, Simon; Bennett, Allan; Parks, Simon; Kinnersley, Robert P.; Walsh, Kerry A.; Pollard, Simon J. T.; Drew, Gillian H.; Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Coulon, Frederic; Tyrrel, SeanBioaerosol emissions arising from biowaste treatment are an issue of public concern. To better characterise the bioaerosols, and to assess a range of measurement methods, we aerosolised green waste compost under controlled conditions. Viable and non-viable Andersen samplers, cyclone samplers and a real time bioaerosol detection system (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS)) were deployed simultaneously. The number-weighted fraction of fluorescent particles was in the range 22–26% of all particles for low and high emission scenarios. Overall fluorescence spectral profiles seen by the SIBS exhibited several peaks across the 16 wavelength bands from 298 to 735 nm. The size-fractionated endotoxin profile showed most endotoxin resided in the 2.1–9 μm aerodynamic diameter fraction, though up to 27% was found in a finer size fraction. A range of microorganisms were detected through culture, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of bioaerosols from composting sites, as well as informing future monitoring approaches and data interpretation for bioaerosol measurement.Item Unknown A critical review of classification of organisations in relation to the voluntary implementation of environmental management systems(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, 2012-12-30T00:00:00Z) Stevens, P. A.; Batty, William J.; Longhurst, Philip J.; Drew, Gillian H.The need and ability of an organisation to manage and control its impact on the environment has been hotly debated in recent times. However, the uptake of certificated environmental management systems (EMS), specifically BS EN ISO 14001 (ISO 14001) (British Standards Institution, 2004), is becoming more prevalent, even though evidence of the individual benefits is less clear. Furthermore, reports are often limited and anecdotal in their discussion of the true barriers that organisations experience during the certification and management of their EMS. Presently organisations are commonly classified simply according to size and the barriers they experience when implementing an EMS successfully. This system of classification is not sufficient to understand the multifaceted environments within which modern organisations operate. This paper reviews existing classification methodologies relevant to environmental management so as to determine whether opportunities exist for their practical application in this sector. It begins with an introduction to EMS and existing discussions regarding implementation is provided before a more detailed consideration of organisational size, the integration and development of environmental management within an organisation, then cladistics and quality management systems (QMS) are reviewed as potential opportunities for classification. This shows that whilst numerous methods are available, none function beyond the theoretical, or that the classes provided restrain the description of the complex tasks. Central to differences faced by organisations are insights to the true hurdles that each experience when implementing an EMS. It is shown here how the manipulation of techniques from the more mature field of Energy Management may offer a direction for the development of robust classes. A valuable outcome is that these methods produce classifications that are fit for purpose to better support organisations through the implementation and management of their EMS.Item Open Access Delivering organisational adaptation through legislative mechanisms: Evidence from the Adaptation Reporting Power (Climate Change Act 2008)(Elsevier, 2016-10-14) Jude, Simon R.; Drew, Gillian H.; Pollard, Simon J. T.; Rocks, Sophie A.; Jenkinson, K.; Lamb, R.There is increasing recognition that organisations, particularly in key infrastructure sectors, are potentially vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events, and require organisational responses to ensure they are resilient and adaptive. However, detailed evidence of how adaptation is facilitated, implemented and reported, particularly through legislative mechanisms is lacking. The United Kingdom Climate Change Act (2008), introduced the Adaptation Reporting Power, enabling the Government to direct so-called reporting authorities to report their climate change risks and adaptation plans. We describe the authors' unique role and experience supporting the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) during the Adaptation Reporting Power's first round. An evaluation framework, used to review the adaptation reports, is presented alongside evidence on how the process provides new insights into adaptation activities and triggered organisational change in 78% of reporting authorities, including the embedding of climate risk and adaptation issues. The role of legislative mechanisms and risk-based approaches in driving and delivering adaptation is discussed alongside future research needs, including the development of organisational maturity models to determine resilient and well adapting organisations. The Adaptation Reporting Power process provides a basis for similar initiatives in other countries, although a clear engagement strategy to ensure buy-in to the process and research on its long-term legacy, including the potential merits of voluntary approaches, is required.Item Open Access Dispersion of bioaerosols from composting facilities.(2006-09-01T00:00:00Z) Drew, Gillian H.; Tamer Vestlund, Asli; Taha, Mohd Pauze M. ; Smith, Richard; Longhurst, Philip J.; Kinnersley, Robert P.; Pollard, Simon J. T.The promotion of composting as an option for sustainable waste management has raised concerns regarding public health impacts of exposures to potentially hazardous bioaerosols. Recent source term experiments show that bioaerosol emissions are episodic and that peak emissions are related to compost agitation. The Environment Agency requires risk assessments for facilities that have sensitive receptors within 250m of their boundary. In order to improve current risk assessment methodologies, improved predictions of bioaerosol dispersal are required. Dispersion modelling has been successfully used to determine dispersion of odours from waste management. In this paper, bioaerosol concentration data measured at a composting facility is analysed in an ongoing series of model experiments, using the ADMS air dispersion model. Initial modelling results reveal that the concentrations of bioaerosols decrease rapidly with distance from the site, although under certain circumstances, it is possible that higher concentrations may still be present at 200m from the site boundary. However, dispersion models are not yet able to take into account all the properties of bioaerosols, in particular, their viability and their ability to aggregate and form clumps, which will affect the rate of dispersal. A series of experiments were designed to examine how the options within dispersion model affect the dispersion of bioaerosols and under which circumstances high concentrations may disperse to sensitive receptors. The results will be compared with bioaerosol measurements taken downwind of a composting facility, to determine the accuracy of the model predictions. This is the first stage in an attempt to design a best practice method for modelling bioaerosols.Item Open Access The Effect of Green Waste Composting on the Concentration and Composition of Ambient Bioaerosols(Cranfield University, 2010-01) Pankhurst, Louise J.; Tyrrel, Sean F.; Drew, Gillian H.The emission and dispersal of bioaerosols from commercial composting facilities has become an issue of increasing concern over the past decade, as historical evidence links bioaerosol exposure to negative human health impacts. As a result, recommended concentrations and risk assessment limits were imposed in 2001. However, more recent research has suggested that these limits may be exceeded under certain circumstances. For example, underestimation of bioaerosol concentrations may occur through „snapshot‟ sampling, and the use of methods that may reduce culturability of bioaerosols. This study aimed to address several gaps in knowledge, including quantification of bioaerosol concentrations downwind from sites, analysis of the effect that operational and environmental influences have on emission and downwind concentrations, and investigation of methods for the enumeration of non-culturable bioaerosols. The concentrations of bioaerosols upwind, on-site and downwind from two open-air green waste windrow composting facilities were enumerated in extensive detail, producing the first detailed and validated database of bioaerosol concentrations at green-waste composting facilities. The effects of composting processing activities, season, and meteorological conditions on concentrations were also investigated utilising this dataset. Results from these studies suggested that bioaerosols are able to disperse in elevated concentrations to distances beyond the 250 m risk assessment limit. Downwind peaks in concentration were directly linked to compost processing activities on-site, with the risk of sensitive receptor exposure to bioaerosols during non-operational hours minimal. Further, it was found that patterns in downwind concentrations of bioaerosols are likely to be governed by buoyancy effects, as a second peak in concentrations was found at 100-150m downwind. This finding was further supported through the use of a novel direct counting method. Finally, molecular methods allowed the composition of bioaerosols emitted from composting to be determined and showed that composting significantly alters the aerobiotic community at distances downwind. The methods investigated provide the potential for detailed, continuous measurements of bioaerosols, alongside identification of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, and could ultimately lead to source apportionment of bioaerosols.Item Open Access Endotoxin emissions from commercial composting activities(BioMed Central, 2009-12-21T00:00:00Z) Deacon, Lewis J.; Pankhurst, Louise J.; Liu, Jian; Drew, Gillian H.; Hayes, Enda T.; Jackson, Simon; Longhurst, James; Longhurst, Philip J.; Pollard, Simon J. T.; Tyrrel, Sean F.This paper describes an exploratory study of endotoxin emissions and dispersal from a commercial composting facility. Replicated samples of air were taken by filtration at different locations around the facility on 10 occasions. Measurements were made of endotoxin and associated culturable microorganisms. The inflammatory response of cell cultures exposed to extracts from the filters was measured. Endotoxin was detected in elevated concentrations close to composting activities. A secondary peak, of lesser magnitude than the peak at source was detected at 100-150 m downwind of the site boundary. Unexpectedly high concentrations of endotoxin were measured at the most distant downwind sampling point. Extracted endotoxin was found to stimulate human monocytes and a human lung epithelial cell line to produce significant amounts of pro- inflammatory cytokines. On a weight basis, endotoxin extracted from the composting source has a greater inflammatory cytokine inducing effect than commercial E. coli endotoxin.Item Open Access Enumerating actinomycetes in compost bioaerosols at source—Use of soil compost agar to address plate ‘mask(Elsevier, 2007-07-01T00:00:00Z) Taha, Mohd Pauze M.; Drew, Gillian H.; Tamer Vestlund, Asli; Aldred, David; Longhurst, Philip J.; Pollard, Simon J. T.Actinomycetes are the dominant bacteria isolated from bioaerosols sampled at composting facilities. Here, a novel method for the isolation of actinomycetes is reported, overcoming masking of conventional agar plates, as well as reducing analysis time and costs. Repeatable and reliable actinomycetes growth was best achieved using a soil compost media at an incubation temperature of 44 °C and 7 days’ incubation. The results are of particular value to waste management operators and their advisors undertaking regulatory risk assessments that support environmental approvals for compost facilitiItem Open Access Evaluating the quality of bioaerosol risk assessments for composting facilities in England and Wales(Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam., 2009-07-01T00:00:00Z) Drew, Gillian H.; Jordinson, Greg M.; Smith, Mark A.; Pollard, Simon J. T.A critical evaluation of 44 environmental risk assessments for composting facilities, submitted in support of environmental permits or exemption from licensing is presented. Assessments were scored semi-quantitatively, in triplicate, by reference to 11 generic and 11 bioaerosol-specific risk assessment attributes developed from existing regulatory guidance. Radar plots of the two attribute groups illustrate where opportunities for improvements exist, and are being used to inform regulatory guidance to the operators of composting facilities and their professional advisors. Aspects of the regulatory risk assessments requiring attention include (i) descriptions of the limitations and uncertainties within risk analyses, (ii) presentation of methodological details of sampling and analysis, and (iii) the provision of background information.Item Open Access Evaluation of a novel biosensor for bioaerosol sampling and modelling.(2018-10) Jawad, Mohanad Abdulameer; Drew, Gillian H.; Tyrrel, Sean F.The identification and quantification of bioaerosols in the atmosphere is a significant subject of study. Bioaerosols emitted from composting sites are released directly to the atmosphere, which can be potentially harmful to human health. Although there are several studies undertaken to improve the risk assessment of bioaerosols from composting facilities, this subject still requires further research. Some studies focused on the direct detection of bioaerosol from the composting facilities, and the others focused on the dispersion modelling of bioaerosol. In both cases, the bioaerosol data detected in the direct measurement or the data used in the modelling were dependant on traditional sampling techniques. These techniques provide limited details about the bioaerosol emitted from the composting facilities. These traditional data provide spatial and temporal snapshots of bioaerosol emissions concentrations, and these concentrations represented particular components of bioaerosol. The SIBS (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor) is a new sampling device and can provide significant data about bioaerosols, as it can sample continuously over long periods. These advantages made the SIBS able to provide an important picture of the variation of bioaerosol concentrations with time. Several sampling experiments have been done in different environments to measure the bioaerosol concentrations using the SIBS alongside the filtration sampling technique (IOM/SKC). The collected data from the composting site showed the advantages and disadvantages of each sampling technique, and also increased the knowledge of bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities. These novel data were used to calculate emission rates of bioaerosol from agitation activities to improve the output of the bioaerosol dispersion modelling. The results achieved have presented new visions to the current understanding of the characterisation and dispersal of bioaerosols emitted from composting facilities and would be anticipated to make an important contribution to improve the risk assessment of bioaerosol from composting facilities to meet the increased regulatory requirements by Environment Agency.Item Open Access Fingerprinting ambient air to understand bioaerosol profiles in three different environments in the South East of England(Cranfield University, 2020-02-24 08:10) Coulon, Frederic; Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Tyrrel, Sean F.; Nasar, Zaheer; Drew, Gillian H.; Cipullo, Sabrina; Colbeck, Ian; ferguson, Robert; Whitby, Corinne; J. Dumbrell, Alex; Yan, ChengRaw data used and supporting the data and results presented in: "Fingerprinting ambient air to understand bioaerosol profiles in three different environments in the South East of England" Science of the Total EnvironmentItem Open Access Fingerprinting ambient air to understand bioaerosol profiles in three different environments in the South East of England(Elsevier, 2020-02-24) Garcia Alcega, Sonia; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Cipullo, Sabrina; Ferguson, Robert M. W.; Yan, Cheng; Whitby, Corinne; Dumbrell, Alex J.; Drew, Gillian H.; Colbeck, Ian; Tyrrel, Sean F.Molecular and chemical fingerprints from 10 contrasting outdoor air environments, including three agricultural farms, three urban parks and four industrial sites were investigated to advance our understanding of bioaerosol distribution and emissions. Both phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC) profiles showed a different distribution in summer compared to winter. Further to this, a strong positive correlation was found between the total concentration of MVOCs and PLFAs (r = 0.670, p = 0.004 in winter and r = 0.767, p = 0.001 in summer) demonstrating that either chemical or molecular fingerprints of outdoor environments can provide good insights into the sources and distribution of bioaerosols. Environment specific variables and most representative MVOCs were identified and linked to microbial species emissions via a MVOC database and PLFAs taxonomical classification. While similar MVOCs and PLFAs were identified across all the environments suggesting common microbial communities, specific MVOCs were identified for each contrasting environment. Specifically, 3,4-dimethylpent-1-yn-3-ol, ethoxyethane and propanal were identified as key MVOCs for the industrial areas (and were correlated to fungi, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria) and Gram negative bacteria, R = 0.863, R = 0.618 and R = 0.676, respectively) while phthalic acid, propene and isobutane were key for urban environments (correlated to Gram negative bacteria, fungi and bacteria, R = 0.874, R = 0.962 and R = 0.969 respectively); and ethanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-1-pentene, butane, isoprene and methyl acetate were key for farms (correlated to fungi, Gram positive bacteria and bacteria, R = 0.690 and 0.783, R = 0.706 and R = 0.790, 0.761 and 0.768). The combination of MVOCs and PLFAs markers can assist in rapid microbial fingerprinting of distinct environmental influences on ambient air quality.Item Open Access How to best communicate Bioaerosol Science to different audiences.(2021-09) Bailly, Adrien; Drew, Gillian H.; Nasar, ZaheerScientific research aims to advance society through its results and discoveries. However scientific discoveries and results are for most people very difficult to access, both from the point of view of pure understanding and the accessibility of science to non-expert audiences. Making scientific knowledge more accessible to wider public is challenging, especially for an interdisciplinary field like bioaerosol science, where effective communication to various stakeholders is facing complex challenges. This study is integrated into the BioAirNet research network, in the theme of public and policy engagement. Here, the focus is on how best to communicate the science of Biological Particulate Matter (BioPM) or airborne micro-organisms (bioaerosols) and associated results. The aim of the research was to develop a framework for communicating bioaerosol science to different stakeholder; the General Public (GP), professionals, from different areas and the regulators. To do this, the research work consisted of analysing the concerns of the stakeholders, conducting a literature review, and carrying out qualitative data analysis (QDA). Then with the result obtained an investigation on the best communication mechanisms and the research on the key message for the stakeholders. The results of the study led to a Framework that is an asset for a better understanding of stakeholder engagement (SE) through effective scientific communication. this research confirms the fact that when the objective is to communicate to a certain audience or stakeholders identified, understanding the audiences and their concerns is crucial for the achievement. This study provides mechanisms through the choice of well-adapted tools for science communication. The framework developed allows reducing as much as possible the uncertainties and the technical/scientific issues inherent to science communication.Item Open Access Identifying uncertainty in environmental risk assessments: the development of a novel typology and Its implications for risk characterisation(Taylor & Francis, 2014-12-31T00:00:00Z) Skinner, Daniel J. C.; Rocks, Sophie A.; Pollard, Simon J. T.; Drew, Gillian H.Environmental risk analysts need to draw from a clear typology of uncertainties when qualifying risk estimates and/or significance statements about risk. However, categorisations of uncertainty within existing typologies are largely overlapping, contradictory, and subjective, and many typologies are not designed with environmental risk assessments (ERAs) in mind. In an attempt to rectify these issues, this research provides a new categorisation of uncertainties based, for the first time, on the appraisal of a large subset of ERAs, namely 171 peer-reviewed environmental weight-of-evidence assessments. Using this dataset, a defensible typology consisting of seven types of uncertainty (data, language, system, extrapolation, variability, model, and decision) and 20 related sub-types is developed. Relationships between uncertainties and the techniques used to manage them are also identified and statistically evaluated. A highly preferred uncertainty management option is to take no action when faced with uncertainty, although where techniques are applied they are commensurate with the uncertainty in question. Key observations are applied in the form of guidance for dealing with uncertainty, demonstrated through ERAs of genetically modified higher plants in the European Union. The presented typology and accompanying guidance will have positive implications for the identification, prioritisation, and management of uncertainty during risk characterisation.Item Open Access Improving bioaerosol exposure assessments 1 - comparative modelling of 2 emissions from different compost ages and activities.(Elsevier, 2007-07-01T00:00:00Z) Taha, Mohd Pauze M.; Drew, Gillian H.; Tamer Vestlund, Asli; Hewings, Geoffrey J. D.; Jordinson, Greg M.; Longhurst, Philip J.; Pollard, Simon J. T.We present bioaerosol source term concentrations from passive and active composting sources and compare emissions from green waste compost aged 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Results reveal that the age of compost has little effect on the bioaerosol concentrations emitted for passive windrow sources. However emissions from turning compost during the early stages may be higher than during the later stages of the composting process. The bioaerosol emissions from passive sources were in the range of 103–104 cfu m−3, with releases from active sources typically 1-log higher. We propose improvements to current risk assessment methodologies by examining emission rates and the differences between two air dispersion models for the prediction of downwind bioaerosol concentrations at off-site points of exposure. The SCREEN3 model provides a more precautionary estimate of the source depletion curves of bioaerosol emissions in comparison to ADMS 3.3. The results from both models predict that bioaerosol concentrations decrease to below typical background concentrations before 250 m, the distance at which the regulator in England and Wales may require a risk assessment to be comple