Abstract
To determine the pollution characteristics, chemical compositions, and population health risks of PM2.5 at different pollution levels, PM2.5 samples were intensively collected during the long-lasting winter haze episode from 13–23 January 2018 in Xiantao in Jianghan Plain (JHP), central China. The higher PM2.5 levels during the severe pollution period were dominated by the WNW-NNE air-masses, whereas the lower PM2.5 concentrations during other pollution periods were mainly affected by the NE, S, and NW air-masses. The NO3−/SO42− and OC/EC ratios indicated a mixed contribution of intensive vehicle exhaust and secondary formation. The enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index for assessing the PM2.5-bound metal(loid)s contamination levels were positively correlated. Ingestion is the dominant exposure pathway of PM2.5-bound metal(loid)s for children and adults, followed by inhalation and dermal contact. As, Cr, and Pb may pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, whereas Sb and V may only pose non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults. The population health risks may not depend on the pollution levels but depend on the PM2.5-bound metal(loid)s concentrations. PM2.5-bound metal(loid)s may pose much higher population health risks for adults compared to children. More attentions should be paid to the population health risks of PM2.5-bound metal(loid)s during a long-lasting winter haze episode in JHP.
Highlights
Haze is associated with the explosive growth of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) in ambient air [1]
This study provides important information for population health risks posed by PM2.5 -bound metal(loid)s at four different pollution levels of Xiantao, which has a great praxis function as a reference for other cities in Jianghan Plain (JHP), central China
The anions/cations ratios indicated that the PM2.5 aerosols were acidic during the winter haze episode in Xiantao
Summary
Haze is associated with the explosive growth of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) in ambient air [1]. The impacts of PM2.5 on population health rely on its chemical compositions, such as metal(loid)s, which represent all kinds of PM2.5 -bound metals and metalloids [5], and organic components [6]. It was reported that PM2.5 -bound metal(loid)s have influences on acute changes in cardiorespiratory physiology [7] and allergic airways disease [8], whereas PM2.5 -bound elemental carbon is the main contributor to epidemiological disease [9]. Necessary knowledge of PM2.5 chemical compositions is beneficial for the public and government to evaluate the population health risks. Values of Soil Elements in China, 1st ed.; China. Chemical characteristics and human health assessment of PM1 during the Chinese Spring Festival in Changchun, Northeast China.
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