Ambient Air Particulate Matter Research Articles

Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PBDEs) in ambient air samples at the electronic waste (e-waste) reclamation site.

Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PBDEs) were used as flame-retardants in various building materials, plastic and other polymers, airplanes, electronics etc. All or some of their congeners have been already banned in many countries, due to their persistency and adverse health effects. In this study, we are focusing on the e-wastes as a source of emission of PBDEs in ambient air during reclamation processes. The ambient air particulate matter (PM) samples were collected at and near e-waste reclamation site in Bangkok, Thailand. Results showed the presence of various homologues viz: tri, tetra, penta, hexa, and hepta-PBDEs on both PM2.5 and Total Suspended Particle (TSP) samples. The comparison of samples as a function of distance from reclamation site indicated elevated levels of PBDEs in the close proximity to e-waste site. Interestingly, a shift in the congener pattern was observed with lower brominated PBDEs being more prevalent on nearby off-site samples as compared to the PM collected at the e-waste site. The total penta-PBDEs concentration is about double on e-waste site PM2.5 compared to control site samples. For TSP, tetra, penta, and hepta-PBDEs congeners are at higher concentrations at e-waste sites and its vicinity compared to reference sites. Overall, a clear trend can be observed indicating a debromination of PBDEs to more toxic tri and tetra congeners during reclamation process and PBDEs are being translocated from treated materials to ambient air PM. BDE 30 congener is identified as a specific marker of thermal reclamation processes of e-wastes as a most stable degradation product. This work indicates potential hazards related to the reclamation of e-wastes and remediation of sites containing PBDEs. In particular, thermal treatment methods can lead to congener transformation and increased emissions of more toxic lower-brominated congeners.

Origin and speciation of major and trace PM elements in the Barcelona subway system

Wear in train and rail components in the Barcelona subway system includes brake pads, catenary wires, wheels, railways, and motor brushes. These components were characterised to evaluate their contribution to ambient particulate matter (PM) levels in two platforms (conventional F-L3 and new S-L9). The observed chemical compositions of these components were used to interpret the mineralogical, chemical, and leachability patterns of subway platform particulate matter (PM). The use of sulphides such as molybdenite (MoS2), pyrite (FeS2), stibnite Sb2S3) rich in toxic elements such as in Cu, Ni, As, Hg, Cd, and Pb and abrasives such barite (BaSO4) and zinzite (ZnO) in the brake pad composition, the composition of the catenary rich in Cu (98% metallic-Cu) with traces of Hg and that of the wheel/rail (98% metallic-Fe) with traces of As results in the production of fine PM particles of As, Hg, Cu, and Sb in ambient air PM in platform as a consequence of the abrasion/friction and sparking processes. The temperature reached in the aforementioned processes give rise to fine condensed and water-soluble As species (most likely As2O3 and As2O5). Moreover, the stibnite (Sb2S3) Hg-rich lateral brake pads used in L9 also contribute to fine and relatively soluble Sb and Hg oxides. Sulphide-rich brake pads significantly increase and change the occurrence mode of the Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Pb, and Ni present in PM by oxidation of brake-bearing metal sulphide to relatively water-soluble sulphate and oxide species. These changes in the mode of occurrence and speciation of elements in the PM of subway platforms points to the need for in-depth PM speciation studies, as well as the need for substituting conventional friction materials with low-metal materials—such as graphite pantographs/catenaries and rubber wheels and low toxic sulphides in brake pads—to reduce exposure to metals during subway commuting.

The Relationship between Daily Concentration of Fine Particulate Matter in Ambient Air and Exacerbation of Respiratory Diseases in Silesian Agglomeration, Poland.

The relationship between the worsening of air quality during the colder season of the year and respiratory health problems among the exposed population in many countries located in cold climates has been well documented in numerous studies. Silesian Voivodeship, a region located in southern Poland, is one of the most polluted regions in Europe. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between daily concentration of particulate matter (PM: PM2.5 and PM10) in ambient air and exacerbations of respiratory diseases during the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 August 2017 in the central agglomeration area of Silesian Voivodeship. The study results confirmed a significant increase of daily fine particulate matter concentration in ambient air during the cold season in Silesian Voivodeship with a simultaneous increase of the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. The moving average concentration was better suited for the modelling of biological response as a result of PM2.5 or PM10 exposure than the temporal lag of health effects. Each increase of dose expressed in the form of moving average concentration over a longer time leads to an increase in the daily number of respiratory effects. The highest risk of hospitalization due to respiratory diseases was related to longer exposure of PM expressed by two to four weeks of exposure; outpatient visits was related to a shorter exposure duration of 3 days.

Traffic-related particulate matter exposure induces nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

Traffic emission is responsible for most small-sized particulate matter (PM) air pollution in urban areas. Several recent studies have indicated that traffic-related PM may aggravate kidney disease. Furthermore, exposure to particulate air pollution may be related to the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been adequately addressed. In the present study, we studied the mechanisms of renal damage that might be associated with exposure to PM. In a real world of whole-body exposure to traffic-related PM model for 3–6 months, PM in urban ambient air can affect kidney function and induce autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in kidney tissues. Exposure to traffic-related diesel particulate matter (DPM) led to a reduction in cell viability in human kidney tubular epithelial cells HK-2. DPM increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, DPM induced ER stress and activated the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. Eventually, DPM exposure induced caspase pathways and triggered apoptosis. In addition, DPM induced autophagy through the inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Autophagy inhibition resulted in significantly increased cytotoxicity and apoptosis. These findings suggest that air pollution in urban areas may cause nephrotoxicity and autophagy as a protective role in PM-induced cytotoxicity.

The processes associated with lipid peroxidation in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, treated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organic extract from particulate matter.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may cause lipid peroxidation via reactive oxygen species generation. 15-F2t-isoprostane (IsoP), an oxidative stress marker, is formed from arachidonic acid (AA) by a free-radical induced oxidation. AA may also be converted to prostaglandins (PG) by prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS) induced by NF-κB. We treated human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEL12469) with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) and extractable organic matter (EOM) from ambient air particulate matter <2.5 µm for 4 and 24 h. B[a]P and 3-NBA induced expression of PAH metabolising, but not antioxidant enzymes. The concentrations of IsoP decreased, whereas the levels of AA tended to increase. Although the activity of NF-κB was not detected, the tested compounds affected the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). The levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) decreased following exposure to B[a]P, whereas 3-NBA exposure tended to increase PGE2 concentration. A distinct response was observed after EOM exposure: expression of PAH-metabolising enzymes was induced, IsoP levels increased after 24-h treatment but AA concentration was not affected. The activity of NF-κB increased after both exposure periods, and a significant induction of PTGS2 expression was found following 4-h treatment. Similarly to PAHs, the EOM exposure was associated with a decrease of PGE2 levels. In summary, exposure to PAHs with low pro-oxidant potential results in a decrease of IsoP levels implying 'antioxidant' properties. For such compounds, IsoP may not be a suitable marker of lipid peroxidation.

Evaluation of Tire Wear Contribution to PM2.5 in Urban Environments

Vehicle-related particulate matter (PM) emissions may arise from both exhaust and non-exhaust mechanisms, such as brake wear, tire wear, and road pavement abrasion, each of which may be emitted directly and indirectly through resuspension of settled road dust. Several researchers have indicated that the proportion of PM2.5 attributable to vehicle traffic will increasingly come from non-exhaust sources. Currently, very little empirical data is available to characterize tire and road wear particles (TRWP) in the PM2.5 fraction. As such, this study was undertaken to quantify TRWP in PM2.5 at roadside locations in urban centers including London, Tokyo and Los Angeles, where vehicle traffic is an important contributor to ambient air PM. The samples were analyzed using validated chemical markers for tire tread polymer based on a pyrolysis technique. Results indicated that TRWP concentrations in the PM2.5 fraction were low, with averages ranging from &lt; 0.004 to 0.10 µg/m3, representing an average contribution to total PM2.5 of 0.27%. The TRWP levels in PM2.5 were significantly different between the three cities, with significant differences between London and Los Angeles and Tokyo and Los Angeles. There was no significant correlation between TRWP in PM2.5 and traffic count. This study provides an initial dataset to understand potential human exposure to airborne TRWP and the potential contribution of this non-exhaust emission source to total PM2.5.

The global DNA and RNA methylation and their reversal in lung under different concentration exposure of ambient air particulate matter in mice

Particulate matter (PM) in air pollution is a pervasive risk factor in pulmonary diseases that are always associated with gene expression level alterations in many specific-genes. DNA methylation (5-methylcytosine [5mC]) and RNA methylation (N6-methyladenine [6 mA]) influence the gene expression from transcription and post-transcription level, and the DNA hydroxymethylation (5-hydroxymethylcytosine [5hmC]) is the oxidized form of 5mC. In the present study, the levels of global 5mC, 5hmC and 6 mA of lungs in experimental mice were investigated. We divided the animals into 3 groups randomly, the group 1 was exposed to heavy PM for 24 h in the unfiltered chamber, the group 2 was exposed to filtered air in the filtered chamber, and the group 3 was 10 of the mice in the group 1 after 24 h exposure and then being moved to the filtered chamber for further 120 h exposure. The morphology of lungs showed that acute PM exposure impaired the structure of pulmonary alveolus. Meanwhile, the global level of DNA methylation was decreased, and DNA hydroxymethylation and RNA methylation levels were increased in lungs after PM exposure for only 24 h. Very notably, after being exposed in purified air for 120 h, the pulmonary morphology, the global levels of DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation and RNA methylation of lungs were all reversed. The present study clearly demonstrated the alteration of DNA and RNA methylation after acute heavy PM exposure and emphasized the reversal of the symptoms caused by PM exposure after the air purification, which provided us a new idea for the intervention of the adverse health effects from air pollution. CapsuleAcute PM exposure resulted in reduced global DNA methylation and increased global DNA hydroxymethylcytosine and RNA methylation, and air purification reversed these alterations.

Comparison of two receptor models PCA-MLR and PMF for source identification and apportionment of pollution carried by runoff from catchment and sub-watershed areas with mixed land cover in South Korea

The application and comparison of receptor modeling techniques based on ambient air quality and particulate matter increasingly being studied. However, less is known about the comparison of receptor modeling techniques using spatial runoff quality data to identify and quantify the stormwater runoff pollution. This study compared the performance of principal component analysis-multiple linear regressions (PCA-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models on stormwater runoff data collected from a small catchment (Site 1) with urban development activity and a sub-watershed outlet (Site 2). In both sites, the PCA-MLR model identified three pollution sources, whereas PMF identified five with a detailed source mechanism including two additional sources. Furthermore, the spatial land-use land-cover (LULC) analysis results indicate that the Site 1 exhibited a rapid conversion of the native area into a built-up area over the monitoring period compared to Site 2. Based on the modeling results, domestic wastewater and soil erosion were the major source of pollution at Site 1 and Site 2, respectively. The performance evaluation statistics including Nash coefficient (0.86–0.99), % error (<−14 to 2), and coefficient of determination (R2 ≤ 0.99) showed better performance for the PMF model than the PCA-MLR model. Overall, the PMF receptor modeling approach was found to be more robust for the current study sites with different land use types. The findings of this study could provide a basis for further application of these receptor models and their comparison using spatial-temporal ionic and sediment related runoff monitoring data. Also, the models from this research could be combined with other receptor models on runoff quality data (e.g. CMB or UNMIX) to explore and inter-compare the outcomes, and to determine how the model results are affected by modifications to input data and model parameters. Therefore, further research is required to precisely assess the accuracy of both receptor models.

Metals Uptake from Particulate Matter Through Foliar Transfer and Their Impact on Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of S. robusta in a Tropical Forest, West Bengal, India.

Particulate matters deposition on the leaves of S. robusta were investigated during three different seasons in two tropical forests: Barjora forest, situated adjacent to heavy pollution sources, and the control, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India. The purpose of this study is to measure the dust fall and foliar transfer of heavy metals (viz., Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Mn) and antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase, catalase) in S. robusta, including the measurement of heavy metals present in the suspended particulate matter in ambient air. Dust fall on leaves and the total metal accumulation capacity of the plant were the highest during winter season with metal accumulation index of 9.82. Based on two-way ANOVA, it has been shown that there is a statistically significant difference in dust fall between the two forests and in different seasons. From cluster analysis, correlation results, and principal component analysis, it was suggested that heavy metals in Barjora may be due to the traffic emission and various industrial activities. Increased levels of peroxidase and catalase activities and the presence of high levels of reactive oxygen species in the leaves of the Barjora forest was an indication of stress state in this forest. On the basis of these findings, controlling the emission of pollutants from industrial and vehicular activities in that area is highly encouraged.

Ambient Particulate Matter (PM) Evaluation in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Industries, and Vehicles emit air pollutants; all among these pollutants Particulate Matter (PM) has the greatest effects on human health like respiratory diseases and effects on environment like global warming and climate change. To find the levels of ambient PM air pollutants in commercial and bus-stations areas of Gasabo-district, one of the three districts of Kigali the capital city Rwanda was the main purpose of this research. The Air Visual Nodes instruments were used to measure values of PM concentration in microgram per cubic-meter (µg/m3). Questionnaire method was used where the total of 125 respondents for all sites was randomly selected to respond some questions before starting sampling activity in July, 2018. Sampling showed that; In both Batsinda and Kinamba commercial areas, level of PM is between (20-60)µg/m3 for PM2.5 and (80-130)µg/m3 for PM10. While in both Kagugu and Gakinjiro (Gisozi) commercial areas level of PM is between (15-45)µg/m3 for PM2.5 and (50-110)µg/m3 for PM10. In Batsinda bus-station level of PM is between (25-60) µg/m3 for PM2.5 and (80-130)µg/m3 for PM10. While in Kakiru bus-station, level of PM is between (15-40)µg/m3 for PM2.5 and (80-120)µg/m3 for PM10. Interview showed vehicle and decomposition of waste materials emissions as source of air pollutants. World Health Organization Guideline indicate that 10µg/m3 for PM2.5 and 20µg/m3 for PM10 are adequate, these above findings are high compared to these guidelines that is why education for all toward good air quality would be the best option in reducing air pollutants in Kigali city.

Development of low-cost and user-friendly sustainable portable particulate sensor

Particulate Matter (PM) has various effects on the quality of air, health, and environment. A newly developed on-line PM10 (particulate matter less than 10 μm) measurement using Arduino as the microcontroller which has multi-connections was able to provide real-time measurement. Shinyei dust sensor (PPD42NS) is used to measure the concentration of the particulate matter at ambient air along with temperature and humidity sensor (DHT22). The aims of the study are to build a portable and user-friendly device for the monitoring of PM10 as a low-cost and sustainable particulate sensor. The device was tested for five days to determine the particulate concentration indoor and outdoor at one site in Dungun, Terengganu. The results showed that the average of the particulate concentration at the indoor and outdoor for five days were 329 and 1587 μg/m3 respectively. The custom-made device can be treated as a low-cost measuring device for particulate matter in ambient air which will be further refined and verified.

Using Pb isotope ratios of particulate matter and epiphytic lichens from the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada to quantify local, regional, and global Pb source contributions

Ambient air particulate matter (PM) was collected at the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association Bertha Ganter Fort McKay monitoring station in the Athabasca Oil Sand Region (AOSR) in Alberta, Canada from February 2010 to July 2011 as part of an air quality source assessment study. Daily 24-hour duration fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10–2.5) PM was collected using a sequential dichotomous sampler. 100 pairs of PM2.5 and PM10–2.5 were selected for lead (Pb) concentration and isotope analysis. Pb isotope and concentration results from 250 epiphytic lichen samples collected as far as 160 km from surface mining operations in 2008, 2011, and 2014 were analyzed to examine longer term spatial variations in Pb source contributions. A key finding was recognition of thorogenic 208Pb from eastern Asia in the springtime in the PM2.5 in 2010 and 2011. 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb isotope ratios were used in a three-component mixing model to quantify local, regional, and global Pb sources in the PM and lichen data sets. 47 ± 3% of the Pb in the PM2.5 at AMS-1 was attributed to sources from eastern Asia. Combined results from PM10–2.5 and PM2.5 indicate PM2.5 Pb contributions from eastern Asia (34%) exceed local AOSR sources of PM2.5 Pb (20%), western Canada sources of PM2.5 Pb (19%), and PM10–2.5 Pb from fugitive dust including oil sands (14%), tailings (10%), and haul roads (3%). The lichen analysis indicates regional sources contribute 46% of the Pb, local sources 32%, and global sources 22% over the 2008–2014 timeframe. Local sources dominate atmospheric Pb deposition to lichens at near field sites (0–30 km from mining operations) whereas regional Pb sources are prevalent at distal sites (30–160 km). The Pb isotope methodology successfully quantified trans-Pacific transport of Pb to the AOSR superimposed over the aerosol footprint of the world's largest concentration of bitumen mining and upgrading facilities.

Occurrence of organic phosphates in particulate matter of the vehicle exhausts and outdoor environment – A case study

The occurrence and concentrations of a wide range of organic phosphates (OPEs) in vehicle's exhaust (VPM), ambient air particulate matter (APM), and soil of various urban environments were researched. VPM comes from passenger cars, commercial vehicles, marine and bus engines emitted in New European Driving Cycle tests whereas APM was sampled in several sites of the Upper Silesia region (Poland). APM and VPM collected on filters and soil from the same locations as APM sampling sites were extracted with dichloromethane and extracts analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The OPEs found include aryl phosphates such as triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP), alkyl phosphates - triethyl phosphate (TEP), tripropyl phosphate (TPP), tributyl phosphate (TBP) and tri(butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBEP), and alkylchlorinated phosphates including tris-(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCiPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Occurrence and concentrations of these compounds in the PM investigated are highly variable. It was found that total concentrations in APM are directly related to traffic density in particular sites of the urban environment and a style of a vehicle driving. The highest emission of OPEs was found at a crossroad and city center sites where traffic is the densest and vehicles stops and starts are frequent. Village and residential areas were less exposed to OPEs emission. Since OPEs concentrations show exponential correlations to each other also human exposure to these compounds increases exponentially with increasing traffic density. High TEP and TBP level is tentatively proposed as an indicator of emission from petrol-fueled cars. Concentrations of OPEs in some soil are related to their emission to the air and resistance to degradation of a particular compound since only the most resistant TCiPP and TPhP were identified in soil extracts.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Loquat Leaf Flavonoids in PM2.5-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Regulation of IRs-1/Akt and CYP2E1/JNK Pathways.

Ambient air particulate matter (PM) represents a class of heterogeneous substances present in polluted air, which contains many harmful components. Exposure to ambient particulate matter in fine rages (PM2.5) is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Loquat Leaf possesses pharmacological actions on NAFLD. As the main biological active ingredients, the potential therapeutic role of total flavonoids (TF) isolated from Loquat Leaf in PM2.5-induced NAFLD model remains unclear. The present study was designed to explore the hepatoprotective effect of TF in PM2.5-induced NAFLD mice with its related mechanisms of action. Mice were exposed to PM2.5 to induce NAFLD, and body weight, the ratio of liver to body weight, and blood lipids increased significantly compared with the control group. It was found that TF significantly reduced the above parameters in PM2.5-induced NAFLD mice. TF treatment alleviated oxidative stress by preventing the accumulation of oxidative product malondialdehyde (MDA) and by strengthening the anti-oxidative capacity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). TF was also found to reduce the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in the PM2.5 group. In addition, TF repaired the PM2.5-induced decline of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRs-1) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. Meanwhile, the data showed TF suppressed the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1) and the phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in PM2.5-induced NAFLD. Taken together, these findings show that TF alleviate PM2.5-induced NAFLD via regulation of IRs-1/Akt and CYP2E1/JNK pathways, which may have potential for further development as novel therapeutic agents for NAFLD.

Physiochemical characteristics and oxidative potential of ambient air particulate matter (PM10) during dust and non-dust storm events: a case study in Tehran, Iran.

In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of metal(loid)s, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxidative potential (OP) in PM10 during dust and non-dust days in a rural and an urban area in Tehran. Water-soluble ions, metal(loid)s, PAHs, and OP were measured using ion chromatography (IC), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and dithiothreitol (DTT) assay respectively. The results showed that the average concentrations of ambient PM10 were 284 ± 90.4 and 123 ± 31.4 μg m−3 on dusty and regular days in urban areas respectively, and were 258 ± 48.3 and 124 ± 41.4 μg m−3 on dusty and regular days in rural areas, respectively; these values were 95% above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline level. The crustal elements Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al, Si, Fe and Ti were the dominant for PM10 on dusty days, and NO−3 and SO42− were dominant for PM10 on regular days. The average ± SD concentrations of total PAHs were 34.3 ± 22.5 and 55.1 ± 28.3 ng m−3 on dusty and regular days, respectively, with the maximum value occurring on inversion days. The average OP was 8.90 ± 7.15 and 1.41 ± 0.35 and was 11.4 ± 3.97 and 19.9 ± 8.67 (nmol min−1 μg PM10−1) for water and methanol extracts on dusty and regular days, respectively, with the lowest value occurring on dusty days. The OP was highly associated with Cu and Mn. Briefly; the results of this study demonstrate that OP is mass independent and consequence a promising proxy for PM mass.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40201-018-0303-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Assessment of local and distant sources of urban PM2.5 in middle Indo-Gangetic plain of India using statistical modeling

Ambient air particulate matter is regulated by source complexity, short and distant sources, associated meteorological and atmospheric factors. For the implementation of appropriate policies for mitigation of air pollutants, information regarding air pollution status, sources and modifying factors are needed. Previous studies in Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP) have identified PM2.5 (particles 2.5 μm or less in size) variations and its sources but no studies have yet identified the local and long-range sources of PM2.5 and their relationships with other air pollutants and meteorology. The local and distant sources of PM2.5 were investigated from 2014 to 2017 in Varanasi city located in middle IGP of India by conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF), land use regression (LUR) and trajectory statistical models (TSM) like potential source contribution function (PSCF), concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) and trajectory cluster analysis.Fine PM levels in Varanasi city exceeded the daily mean 24-h national Central Pollution control board (CPCB) and WHO standards for ~75 and 93% of monitoring days, indicating the alarming status of PM pollution in this area. CBPF identified traffic as the major probable local source which contributed maximally to high PM level followed by paved road dust and local combustion activities. LUR also identified traffic variables such as heavy vehicle intensity, distance from the highway, traffic intensity (within 500 m buffer) and percent green cover as major predictor variables influencing PM2.5 distribution in the city. PSCF, CWT and cluster analysis identified the north-western part of India as the most probable source region for contributing higher PM2.5 mass to Varanasi city. Dewpoint temperature, ventilation coefficient, wind speed and daily minimum temperature were identified as major meteorological variables and NO2 and CO as major gaseous air pollutants which modified PM concentrations. Outcomes of the study will be helpful in source identification and PM2.5 abatement in cities of IGP.

Do elevated blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids modify effects of particulate air pollutants on fibrinogen?

Previously, we found short-term increases in ambient particulate matter (PM) air pollutant concentrations were associated with increased serum fibrinogen levels in patients with cardiac disease. We now studied whether high blood levels of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids blunted this fibrinogen response to increased PM concentrations in these same patients. Plasma fibrinogen and ω-3 fatty acid levels (% of total identified fatty acids) were measured in blood samples collected from 135 patients treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center for myocardial infarction or stable ischemic heart disease requiring cardiac catheterization. Using ambient measurements of ultrafine, accumulation mode, and fine particles (PM2.5), Delta-C, and black carbon (BC), we regressed serum fibrinogen levels against pollutant concentrations over the previous 1–96 h, using interaction terms to estimate these associations separately for those with HIGH (> 5.12%) and LOWMED serum levels of ω-3 fatty acid (≤ 5.12%). Each 5.6 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration in the previous hour was associated with a 3.1% increase in fibrinogen (95% CI = 1.5%, 4.7%) in those subjects with LOWMED total ω-3 fatty acid levels, but only a 0.9% increase (95% CI = − 1.5%, 3.2%) in patients with HIGH total ω-3 fatty acid levels. This same pattern was observed with fish oil-derived docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids but not alpha-linolenic (from plant oil or seeds). A similar finding was observed with BC in the prior 24 h, but not other PM. Thus, increased blood levels of fish-based ω-3 fatty acids attenuated increases in fibrinogen associated with short-term increases in ambient PM.

Short-term effects of particle size fractions on lung function of late adolescents.

Although ambient air pollution has been linked to reduced lung function in healthy students, longitudinal studies that compare the response of asthmatic and healthy adolescents are lacking. To evaluate lung function responses to short-term ambient air particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1) levels, we conducted a study on high school students aged 15-18years. The aim of this study was to assess effects of acute exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) on lung function in healthy and asthmatic late adolescents. We examined associations of lung function indices and ambient PM levels in 23 asthmatic and 23 healthy students. Paired-samples T test was used to evaluate the association of exposure to airborne PM concentrations with lung function test results (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75). We observed negative impact of exposure to an increased concentration of ambient air PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 on lung function parameters of asthmatic and healthy late adolescents. These findings are consistent with other similar short-term studies which have confirmed the adverse effect of PM air pollution. These associations were stronger in asthmatic subjects compared with those in healthy ones. There are significant adverse effects of ambient air PM on pulmonary function of adolescents, especially asthmatics.

Chemical characterization of fine and ultrafine PM, direct and indirect genotoxicity of PM and their organic extracts on pulmonary cells

Particulate matter in ambient air constitutes a complex mixture of fine and ultrafine particles composed of various chemical compounds including metals, ions, and organics. A multidisciplinary approach was developed by studying physico-chemical characteristics and mechanisms involved in the toxicity of particulate atmospheric pollution. PM0.3–2.5 and PM2.5 including ultrafine particles were sampled in Dunkerque, a French industrialized seaside city. PM samples were characterized from a chemical and toxicological point of view. Physico-chemical characterization evidenced that PM2.5 comes from several sources: natural ones, such as soil resuspension and marine sea-salt emissions, as well as anthropogenic ones, such as shipping traffic, road traffic, and industrial activities. Human BEAS-2B lung cells were exposed to PM0.3–2.5, or to the Extractable Organic Matter (EOM) of PM0.3–2.5 and PM2.5. These exposures induced several mechanisms of action implied in the genotoxicity, such as oxidative DNA adducts and DNA Damage Response. The toxicity of PM-EOM was higher for the sample including the ultrafine fraction (PM2.5) containing also higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These results evidenced the major role of organic compounds in the toxicity of PM.

Environmental burden of disease in Germany

Environmental risk factors can have asubstantial impact on population health. With the environmental burden of disease (EBD) approach, the health losses attributable to environmental risk factors can be quantified using disability-adjusted life years (DALY). The aim of this article is to present and discuss available EBD estimates with afocus on Germany. Using current EBD studies, the share of the burden of disease attributable to environmental risk factors globally and DALYs for Germany are presented. Ambient particulate matter (PM), water-related risks and environmental noise are used as examples to emphasize the importance of availability and quality of input data for burden of disease assessments. The share of the global burden of disease attributable to environmental risk factors varies according to the available studies and lies between 13 and 22%. For Germany, EBD estimates are available for 12environmental risk factors. Most estimates are available for particulate matter in ambient air, however, the estimated burden differs greatly. Nonetheless, according to current knowledge, particulate matter pollution is the environmental risk factor with the highest burden of disease in Germany. Differences in the estimated burden of disease for the considered risk factors are due to varying underlying assumptions, e. g. for life expectancy or counterfactual value and the input data used.