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Analysing the Impact on Health and Environment from Biogas Production Process and Biomass Combustion: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Tamburini

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Roberta Pernetti

    (Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Manuela Anelli

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Enrico Oddone

    (Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
    Hospital Occupational Medicine Unit (UOOML), ICS Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Anna Morandi

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Adam Osuchowski

    (Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Simona Villani

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Cristina Montomoli

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Maria Cristina Monti

    (Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

Abstract

The increasing demand for renewable energy production entails the development of novel green technologies, among them the use of biomass for energy generation. Industrial processes raise new issues regarding emerging risks for the health of people working in biogas plants and of nearby communities. The potential epidemiological and environmental impacts on human health related to biogas plants were assessed by means of a review of the available literature. Nineteen papers published between 2000 and 2022 were identified through electronic database search using search strings. The selected works are epidemiological studies and environmental monitoring studies, which aimed at investigating what are the health risk factors for biogas plant workers and for people living in the surrounding communities. The results of the epidemiological studies revealed a potential exposure to endotoxins and fungi that are associated with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, the results from the environmental monitoring studies showed significant concentrations of particulate matter, microbial agents, endotoxins, and VOCs in occupational settings. In conclusion, the results of this literature review suggest that further analyses through an integrated approach combining environmental and health data are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks associated with the uptake of biogas technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Tamburini & Roberta Pernetti & Manuela Anelli & Enrico Oddone & Anna Morandi & Adam Osuchowski & Simona Villani & Cristina Montomoli & Maria Cristina Monti, 2023. "Analysing the Impact on Health and Environment from Biogas Production Process and Biomass Combustion: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-29, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5305-:d:1110297
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrea G. Capodaglio & Arianna Callegari & Maria Virginia Lopez, 2016. "European Framework for the Diffusion of Biogas Uses: Emerging Technologies, Acceptance, Incentive Strategies, and Institutional-Regulatory Support," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Alice Freiberg & Julia Scharfe & Vanise C. Murta & Andreas Seidler, 2018. "The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-27, February.
    3. Meyer-Aurich, Andreas & Schattauer, Alexander & Hellebrand, Hans Jürgen & Klauss, Hilde & Plöchl, Matthias & Berg, Werner, 2012. "Impact of uncertainties on greenhouse gas mitigation potential of biogas production from agricultural resources," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 277-284.
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