Abstract
This work presents and discusses the results of measurements of PM10 concentrations and of its content in metals, obtained in three different sites of the Venice lagoon area where the construction of the MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico-Electromechanical Experimental Module) mobile dams was going on. Measurements were taken between 2010 and 2015 and the spatial and seasonal variability of metals and PM10 concentration were discussed. The aim of the work is to get information on the air quality in the lagoon area related to the presence of toxic metals in particulate matter produced by construction activities. Additional measurements of PAHs concentration in gas and particle phases, and the related health risk assessment, were carried out in two out of the three sites, in order to enhance the knowledge about the air quality near the construction yards. Diagnostic ratios have been calculated for the purpose of investigating the PAH sources of the area. PM10 was collected using low volume sequential aerosol samplers, with quartz filters carefully decontaminated in an atmosphere-controlled laboratory. Inorganic elements (V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, and Pb) in PM10 samples were measured by ICP-MS. Samples for PAH analyses were collected using a high-volume air sampler that allows to sample both gaseous and particulate PAH simultaneously. Gaseous PAHs were collected on pre-cleaned polyurethane foams and particulate PAHs on pre-combusted quartz fiber filters. Samples for PAHs determinations were analyzed by GC-HRMS. Results showed limited differences in metals' and PAHs' concentrations between the sites, indicating a relatively homogeneous spatial distribution of metals in PM10 and PAHs in the Venice lagoon area. Temporal trends furthermore give indication of a slight decrease in PAHs and PM10 concentration in Punta Sabbioni and in its content of Pb, Zn, and Sb. The health risk assessment showed that congeners that most contributed to the carcinogenicity of the mixture were benzo(a)pyrene e dibenzo(A,H)anthracene, mainly in the particulate phase. The study provides an important multi-years trend of chemical characterization of the Venice lagoon aerosol and about air quality in terms of toxic chemicals concentration in the atmosphere.
Highlights
Air pollution may cause effects on visibility and climate, effects on materials, direct and indirect effects on vegetation (Harrison et al, 2014), and particulate air pollution is an important risk factor for cardiopulmonary disease and mortality, both as a result of acute and chronic exposure (Arden Pope and Dockery, 1999)
PM10 and Its Metal Content In Table 1 samples data related to PM10 concentration and its content in heavy metals is reported
The concentrations of all the analyzed metals in PM10 were consistent with those found in the mentioned previous studies in the same area, for all the sites
Summary
Air pollution may cause effects on visibility and climate, effects on materials, direct and indirect effects on vegetation (Harrison et al, 2014), and particulate air pollution is an important risk factor for cardiopulmonary disease and mortality, both as a result of acute and chronic exposure (Arden Pope and Dockery, 1999). This has shown an association between exposure to particulate matter air pollution and the incidence of lung cancer (Raaschou-Nielsen et al, 2013). Heavy metal associated with atmospheric particles may accumulate in human being via inhalation and may cause dangerous effects on human health: effects on the respiratory system, effects via the cardiovascular system, and carcinogenesis (Harrison et al, 2014)
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