Optical Properties, Chemical Composition and the Toxicological Potential of Urban Particulate Matter

Máté Pintér,Noémi Utry,Beatrix Jancsek-Turóczi,Nóra Kováts,László Manczinger,Gergely Kiss-Albert,Kornélia Imre,Eszter Horváth,András Gelencsér,Andrea Palágyi,Zoltán Bozóki,Gábor Szabó,Tibor Ajtai,Csaba Vágvölgyi

doi:10.4209/aaqr.2016.09.0395

Abstract

This paper discusses the diurnal variation and the interdependences between the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics of atmospheric carbonaceous particulate matter (CPM) and co-emitted gaseous components. Measurements were carried out at two different urban sites during a 2-month period. On-line measured parameters were optical absorption coefficients (OAC), total number concentration (TNC), mass concentration of CPM and the concentration of gaseous species (CO, NOx and BTEX). Off-line analyses were carried out on filters collected with 6-hour time resolution. The concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), total carbon (TC), levoglucosan (LG) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined. The ecotoxicity of CPM was assessed by the Vibrio Fischeri marine bioluminescence inhibition bioassay (ISO 21338:2010). We found (r > 0.498) positive and wavelength dependent correlation between the CPM related parameters based on optical response (OAC, AAE) and thermal stability (TC, EC, OC, OC/TC). We also revealed weak (r = 0.309) or moderate (r = 0.448) correlation between the AAE and the ecotoxicity data indicating that carbonaceous fraction of the ambient particulate matter has ecotoxicological impact. Based on the determined correlations, we propose the applicability of the AAE determined by multi wavelength photoacoustic measurements as a possible candidate for first-screening the toxicological impact of optically active carbonaceous ambient particulate matter. The strengths and the limitations of this methodology are both discussed here.

Highlights

The importance of investigating atmospheric carbonaceous particulate matter (CPM) has recently gained widespread recognition
We revealed weak (r = 0.309) or moderate (r = 0.448) correlation between the Absorption Angström exponent (AAE) and the ecotoxicity data indicating that carbonaceous fraction of the ambient particulate matter has ecotoxicological impact
Based on the determined correlations, we propose the applicability of the AAE determined by multi wavelength photoacoustic measurements as a possible candidate for first-screening the toxicological impact of optically active carbonaceous ambient particulate matter

Summary

Introduction

The importance of investigating atmospheric carbonaceous particulate matter (CPM) has recently gained widespread recognition. The fine (PM2.5) and especially the ultrafine (PM0.1) size fraction have been shown to have the highest toxicity (Tokiwa et al, 1980; Pagano et al, 1996; Cerna et al, 2000; Buschini et al, 2001; Kawanaka et al, 2004; de Kok et al, 2006) Due to their large specific surface, fine particles have a huge capacity for adsorbing different carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals (Hayakawa et al, 1995; Schnelle et al, 1995; Kawanaka et al, 2002). Fine aerosol particles are able to reach the pulmonary alveoli acting as transporters of toxic compounds

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Conclusion