Fraction Of Particulate Matter Research Articles

Trends in the sizes and carbonaceous fractions of primary emitted particulate matter in China from 1960 to 2019

Abstract The health impacts of particulate matter (PM) depend on its concentration, size, and composition. Herein, we quantified the changes in the emissions of primary PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM>10 with aerodynamic diameters of < 2.5 μm, 2.5–10 μm, and >10 μm, respectively, black carbon (BC), and organic carbon (OC) to address the changes and driving factors. The temporal trends of PM emissions follow Kuznets curves, with 1995 as the peak year when the gross domestic product was only 1 023 USD, showing a later-mover advantage. The fractions of PM2.5: PM2.5–10: PM>10 and BC: OC: non-carbonaceous-PM2.5 from various sectors varied following different trajectories. The mass fractions of PM2.5: PM2.5–10: PM>10 from iron–steel production industries changed from 21%:12%:67% in 1960 to 50%:13%:37% in 2019, showing a decrease in PM size. The fractions of BC were linearly correlated with PM2.5, whereas the dependence of OC on PM2.5 differed before and after 1995, owing to changes in residential emissions. Various factors influencing the changes in size and carbonaceous fraction were explored. The major factors were the promotion of dust-removal capacity and the transition in residential energy from solid fuels to emission-free fuels, which increased the fractions of fine PM and carbonaceous fraction.

Particulate Matter During Food Preparation on a Barbecue: A Case Study of an Electric Barbecue

The distribution of mass and the number of particles is a determining factor in the respirable nature of a given particulate matter (PM), and thus in the potential health effects of breathing the air in question. One of the most popular activities during the summer months is the preparation of food on a barbecue. Barbecuing represents one of the few sources of combustion particulates during the summer, a period which is otherwise characterised by a lack of heating. The objective of this study is to ascertain the fractional composition of PM emitted during food preparation on an electric barbecue and to compare these values with the measured background. The concentrations of particulate matter (PM) at the barbecue were determined with a Palas AQ Guard optical spectrometer, while the background concentrations were measured with a Palas Fidas 200 optical spectrometer that complies with the EN16450 standard. The contribution of the individual PM fractions measured in the barbecue environment differed from that observed in the ambient air. The background measurements exhibited a relatively well-defined and consistent distribution, with the PM1 fraction representing between 10 and 30% of the PM mass and the PM4−1 fraction accounting for only 10 to 20%. Thus, the mass of the PM4 fraction did not exceed 50% of the total mass of particles. Upon analysis of the particles emitted during the grilling process, it was observed that the PM1 fraction was capable of accounting for a substantial proportion, exceeding 90% of the PM mass. The trend related to the PM4−1 fraction was maintained; however, the limit of the maximum content of this fraction increased to 40% of the PM. The results demonstrate that the barbecue process itself, utilising a barbecue without emission fuel, can exert a notable influence on the contribution of submicron PM.

A Critical Review on the Experimental Setups Used to Assess the Efficiency of Respirators Against Ambient Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses significant health risks, prompting public health organizations to recommend the use of respirators and facemasks (RFMs) to mitigate exposure. Consequently, interest in their usage has increased, leading to several studies assessing the efficiency of these personal-level interventions against various fractions of ambient particulate matter (PM). We conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify relevant studies and address the following objectives: (1) explore the efficiency of RFMs in reducing ambient PM; (2) discuss discrepancies in efficiencies reported; (3) critique the experimental setups used to evaluate the efficiency of RFMs; and (4) propose recommendations for future research. Five relevant studies we reviewed reported significantly lower RFM effectiveness against ambient PM, with a size-dependent efficiency that decreases for smaller PM fractions. Variations in the reported efficiencies were primarily attributed to design-related factors, resulting in poor facial fit. Therefore, it is crucial to consider standardizing and properly designing these products. These studies overlooked essential factors, such as using dummy heads with flexible textures that mimic human skin. The use of rigid-textured dummy heads, as seen in previous studies, may fail to accurately represent real-world conditions. We recommend researchers take into account diverse facial profiles in their experiments. Moreover, it is essential to consider facial characteristics in the design of RFMs. We believe the evidence supports the increasing need for the adoption of appropriate guidelines and regulations to govern RFM suppliers at both national and international levels.

Fine Particle pH and Sensitivity to NH<sub>3</sub> and HNO<sub>3</sub> over South Korea During KORUS-AQ

Using a new approach that constrains thermodynamic modeling of aerosol composition with measured gas-to-particle partitioning of inorganic nitrate, we estimate the acidity levels for aerosol sampled in the South Korean planetary boundary layer during the NASA/NIER KORUS-AQ field campaign. The pH (mean ± 1σ = 2.43±0.68) and aerosol liquid water content determined were then used to determine the ‘chemical regime’ of the inorganic fraction of particulate matter (PM) sensitivity to ammonia and nitrate availability. We found that the aerosol formation is always sensitive to HNO3 levels, especially in highly polluted regions, while it is only exclusively sensitive to NH3 in some rural/remote regions. Nitrate levels are further promoted because dry deposition velocity is low and allows its accumulation in the boundary layer. Because of this, HNO3 reductions achieved by NOX controls prove to be the most effective approach for all conditions examined, and that NH3 emissions can only partially affect PM reduction for the specific season and region. Despite the benefits of controlling PM formation to reduce ammonium-nitrate aerosol and PM mass, changes in the acidity domain can significantly affect other processes and sources of aerosol toxicity (e.g. solubilization of Fe, Cu and other metals) as well as the deposition patterns of these trace species and reactive nitrogen.

A comparative study of foliar particulate matter wash-off from plants under natural and simulated rain conditions

Urban greening can reduce concentrations of particulate matter (PM). However, most of the PM is deposited temporarily on foliage and can be removed by precipitation. Due to the unpredictability and randomness of natural rain and the complexity of environmental conditions, the effect of rainfall on PM removal from foliage is usually examined using simulated rain. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of natural and simulated rain on washing off PM deposited on the foliage of seventeen plant species (evergreen/deciduous trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants). Regardless of the PM fraction studied, simulated rain washed off a larger fraction of the PM than natural rain. A novel finding is the differential role played by various plant characteristics in determining the effectiveness of PM wash off under natural and simulated rain conditions, with their influence being more pronounced under natural rainfall. The type of rainfall and PM size fraction influenced the effectiveness of the PM wash-off from different plant groups. Natural rain was more effective at removing PM from evergreen trees, while simulated rainfall was more effective at removing PM from deciduous shrubs and herbaceous plants. The results obtained from this study suggest that simulated rain does not reflect the effects of natural precipitation on the processes removing PM from leaves, and therefore should not be used to explain phenomena that occur in realistic conditions.

Air pollution and skin aging

Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk worldwide, with detrimental effects not only on human health but also on skin aging. This review explores the link between air pollution and skin aging, focusing on the harmful effects of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen oxides (NO2), and ozone (O3). These pollutants penetrate the skin, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix. This contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and inflammatory skin conditions. The smallest fractions of PM, particularly PM2.5, are the most harmful, causing significant cellular damage. Long-term exposure to these pollutants also disrupts the skin's microbiome, leading to dysbiosis and further weakening the skin's protective barrier. Current therapeutic strategies focus on protecting the skin using antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as well as probiotics and moisturizers that support the skin's natural defenses. Sunscreens also play a vital role in protecting the skin from UV-induced oxidative stress, further mitigating pollution-related damage. This review highlights the importance of developing comprehensive skincare regimens that target both pollution-induced oxidative stress and the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier. It also emphasizes the need for further research into personalized approaches to counteract the aging effects of air pollution on the skin.

Variations of phosphorus in sediments and suspended particulate matter of a typical mesotrophic plateau lake and their contribution to eutrophication

Internal phosphorus loading (IPL), as an important part of lake phosphorus cycle and the key to solve the eutrophication problem, is still an important cause of regional and seasonal algal blooms for some mesotrophic lakes located in plateau areas. We investigated the composition, distribution of P fractions in sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) of Erhai Lake, southwest China, and explored the relationships between environmental variables and spatial-temporal variations of P fractions. The total P (TP) in surface sediments ranged from 817 to 1216 mg/kg, with inert Ca-P (32%) and Res-P (24%) predominating, at a moderate level. The comparison of short-term release fluxes (0.08 mg/(m2·d)) and long-term release fluxes (0.09 mg/(m2·d)) reflected that the northern region was recovering slowly from the previous P pollution. Mobile-P (the sum of loosely adsorbed P, iron bound P, and organic P) accounted for 52.3% of the TP in SPM and showed high spatial-temporal variations, which were closely related to the growth of algae throughout the investigation. The results suggested that sediments could make a sustained contribution to IPL, and that the P in SPM was highly active and significantly contributed to eutrophication in Erhai Lake especially at the time of seasonal alternations. Our data provided important theoretical bases for the relationship between internal phosphorus loading and eutrophication in plateau lakes.

Characterization of water-soluble inorganic ions and carbonaceous aerosols in the urban atmosphere in Amman, Jordan

Characterization of water-soluble inorganic ions and carbonaceous aerosols in the urban atmosphere in Amman, Jordan

Unveiling the organic chemical composition and sources of organic carbon in PM2.5 at an urban site in Greater Cairo (Egypt): A comprehensive analysis of primary and secondary compounds

This work presents an exhaustive chemical characterization of the organic fraction of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) collected at an urban site in the Greater Cairo Area, Egypt, one of the most polluted megacities in the world. An intensive 2-month sampling campaign was conducted at an urban site in Giza (Dokki), from November 26, 2019, to January 28, 2020. Daily (24-h integrated) PM2.5 filter samples were then analyzed for their carbonaceous (OC, EC) and organic fractions including primary (n-alkanes, phthalates, fatty acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hopanes, sugars, and sugar alcohols) and secondary (isoprene and β-caryophyllene oxidation products, and dicarboxylic acids) compounds. Average organic (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) concentrations were 17.8±6.6μg/m3 and 4.4±1.5μg/m3, respectively. Biomass burning was confirmed by high daily concentration levels of levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan (sum equals to 288ng/m3). Road traffic was also highlighted by the relative abundance of tetracosane and a carbon preference index close to unity as well as by the concentration ratios of PAHs and hopanes. Moreover, phthalates were identified for the first time in Cairo with high concentrations (654ng/m3) that might be attributable to open waste burning activities. Fatty acids and sugars were also investigated and assigned to cooking activities and primary biogenic sources, respectively. The average concentration of isoprene and β-caryophyllene oxidation products were 0.89±0.83ng/m3, and 0.01±0.02ng/m3, respectively. These low values are expected since no pine trees or even forests exist in Egypt. The macrotracer approach was employed alongside Monte Carlo simulation to identify sources of primary OC and evaluate the uncertainties associated with source attribution and OC reconstruction. The findings revealed a strong contribution from cooking (31% of observed OC) and biomass burning (18%), with median reconstructed OC levels showing significant uncertainty (64%) as expected.

Machine Learning Approach for Local Atmospheric Emission Predictions

This paper presents a novel machine learning methodology able to extend the results of detailed local emission inventories to larger domains where emission estimates are not available. The first part of this work consists in the development of an emission inventory of elemental carbon (EC), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and levoglucosan (LG) obtained from the detailed emission estimates available from the Project LIFE PREPAIR for the Po Basin in north Italy. The emissions of these chemical species in combination with particulate primary emissions and gaseous precursors are very important information in source apportionment and in the impact assessment of the different emission sources in air quality. To gain a better understanding of the origins of atmospheric pollution, it is possible to combine measurements with emission estimates for the particulate matter fractions known as EC, BC, OC, and LG. To identify the sources of emissions, it is usual practice to use the ratio of the measured EC, OC, TC (Total Carbon), and LG. The PREPAIR emission estimates and these new calculations are then used to train the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, considering a large array of local variables, such as taxes, the characteristics of urbanization and dwellings, the number of employees detailed for economic activities, occupation levels and land cover. The outcome of the comparison of the predictions of the machine learning implemented model (ML) with the estimates obtained for the same areas by two independent methods, local disaggregation of the national emission inventory and Copernicus Air Modelling Service (CAMS) emissions estimates, is extremely encouraging and confirms it also as a promising approach in terms of effort saving. The implemented modelling approach identifies the most important variables affecting the spatialization of different pollutants in agreement with the main emission source characteristics and is suitable for harmonization of the results of different local emission inventories with national emission reporting.

Seasonal and spatial variations of arsenic and its species in particulate matter in an urban environment of Brno, Czech Republic

The present paper deals with an analysis of total arsenic concentration using ICP-MS/MS and an analysis of concentration of several arsenic species, arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonate (MMA), dimethylarsenite (DMA), and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), using HPLC-ICP-MS/MS in the PM10 fraction of airborne urban aerosol. The samples were collected during two campaigns, in the autumn of 2022 and in the winter of 2023, at three locations within the central European city of Brno, with the aim to evaluate the seasonal and spatial variations in the PM10 composition. The results confirmed only the seasonal variability in the content of the methylated arsenic species in PM10 influenced by biomethylation processes. To gain better understanding of the possible arsenic origin, a supplementary analysis of the total arsenic concentrations was performed in samples of different size fractions of particulate matter collected using ELPI + . Local emissions, including industrial activities and heating during the winter season, were suggested as the most likely predominant source contributing to the total As content in PM10.Graphical abstract

Insight into the mechanism of solution organic fractions on soot oxidation activity enhancement

The particulate matter and soluble organic fraction emitted by diesel engine are hazardous to environment and human health. Exploring the effect mechanism of soluble organic fraction on soot oxidation is beneficial for reducing the emissions. In this study, the effects of four different types of soluble organic fractions on the soot oxidation activity and physicochemical properties are investigated. The results show that the attachment of oxygen-containing soluble organic fractions enhances the soot oxidation and reduces the peak characteristic temperature. However, the low volatility soluble organic fractions without oxygen element inhibit soot oxidation. Additionally, the high volatility soluble organic fractions without oxygen element elicit limited effects on soot oxidation. the contents of aliphatic C-H functional groups, carbonyl CO functional groups, and carboxylic acid O-CO functional groups significantly increase after adding oxygen-containing soluble organic fractions, while the limited increase in functional groups is observed in soluble organic fractions without oxygen element. Solid soluble organic fractions adhere to soot particles in the form of small particles, leading a reduction in the initial particle size distribution, while liquid soluble organic fractions exhibit block and chain shapes around the soot particles, which makes the initial particle size distribution increasing. Moreover, the attachment of all soluble organic fractions disrupts the surface order of soot particle, leading to a decrease in soot graphitization. This study is beneficial for revealing the interaction mechanism between soot and soluble organic fractions.

Assessment of air quality in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania subway.

Subways are popular and efficient modes of transportation in cities. However, people are exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM) in subways. Subway air quality in the United States has been investigated in a few cities, but data is lacking on simultaneous measurement of several pollutants, especially ultrafine particles (UFP) and black carbon (BC), in combination with different size fractions of PM. The goals of this study are to assess air quality in a belowground subway and compare it with outdoor ambient levels, to examine temporal variability of PM in the subway, and to analyze the correlation between PM and BC. Particulate matter of varying sizes (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), UFP, and BC were measured using DustTrak, nanoparticle detector, and micro aethalometer, respectively. Measurements were made at the belowground subway platform and the aboveground street level at 15th Street subway station in Philadelphia during summer 2022. Belowground mean PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were 112.2 ± 61.3 µg/m3, 120 ± 65.5 µg/m3, and 182.1 ± 132 µg/m3, respectively, which were 5.4, 5.7, and 7.6 times higher than the respective aboveground street levels. The UFP lung deposited surface area (LDSA) (59.4 ± 36.2 µm2/cm3) and BC (9.5 ± 5.4 μg/m3) belowground were 1.7 times and 10.7 times higher than the aboveground. The pollutant concentration varied from day-to-day on both the locations. A higher positive correlation was found between the belowground BC and PM2.5 (r = 0.51, p < 0.05) compared to the aboveground (r = 0.16, p < 0.05). This study showed high levels of particulate matter exposure at a belowground subway station in Philadelphia. Particulate matter levels were about 5 to 8 times higher at belowground subway station than the corresponding aboveground street level. Higher levels were also observed for UFP lung deposited surface area (LDSA), while black carbon levels showed the highest concentration at the belowground level by a factor of ten compared to the aboveground level. The study shows the need for air quality management at belowground subways to reduce particulate matter exposure for the commuters.

Seasonal variation of water-soluble inorganic ions and carbonaceous components of PM2.5 and PM1 in industrial and residential areas of Suizhou, China

Seasonal variation of water-soluble inorganic ions and carbonaceous components of PM2.5 and PM1 in industrial and residential areas of Suizhou, China

Associations between Indoor and Outdoor Size-Resolved Particulate Matter in Urban Beijing: Chemical Compositions, Sources, and Health Risks

Ventilation may lead to a deterioration in indoor air quality in urban environments located close to roads. Understanding the differences in the chemical compositions of size-resolved particulate matter (PM) in indoor air and outdoor air could aid in assessing the health impacts of air in these settings and establishing relevant regulation policies. In this study, indoor and outdoor size-resolved PM was collected from an office in Beijing in summer (between 5 and 25 July 2020) and winter (between 5 and 31 January 2021). Its chemical components, including sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chlorine, organic matter (OM), elemental carbon (EC), crustal materials (CM), and heavy metals (HM), were analyzed. The mean levels of indoor and outdoor PM2.1 and PM9 were found to be much higher than those in the guidelines for PM2.5 and PM10 outlined by the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Moreover, the levels of PM2.1 and PM2.1–9 mass were higher outdoors than they were indoors. The size distributions of mass concentrations were shown to be bimodal, peaking at 0.43–0.65 μm and 4.7–5.8 μm, respectively. The most abundant chemicals were OM, nitrate, and sulfate for PM2.1 and OM, CM, and nitrate for PM2.1–9. We found higher percentages of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, EC, and HM in smaller-size fractions of PM. Additionally, positive matrix factorization showed that biomass burning, secondary inorganic aerosol, coal combustion, dust, traffic, and industrial pollution were the main sources of PM during the study period. The greatest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards were found at 0.43–0.65 μm in summer and 2.1–3.3 μm in winter. Our results indicate that size-resolved PM of ambient origin may infiltrate buildings near roads to varying degrees, resulting in negative health effects.

Characterization of aerosol and its oxidative potential in a coastal semi-rural site of Southern Italy

Characterization of aerosol and its oxidative potential in a coastal semi-rural site of Southern Italy

Temporal Variation and Sources of Particulate Matter in Kannur: Insights from a Coastal City in South India

In this study, particulate matter (PM) variation has been analyzed to address the dearth of scientific research on air pollution in a coastal city from south India. Mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 61.6 ± 26.4 and 87.3 ± 35.4 μg/m3. The highest (lowest) seasonal concentration was observed during winter (monsoon). Increase in PM from September to February is attributed to low relative humidity, biomass burning in nearby paddy fields, and continental air mass from the east and north-easterly direction. The mean PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.71, with the seasonal ratio ranging between 0.64 (summer) and 0.76 (monsoon), indicating the dominance of anthropogenic PM fraction. PM exhibited typical characteristic of the urban region, i.e., a two-peak diurnal trend during all seasons except monsoon. PM10 (PM2.5) concentrations decreased by ∼7–24.2% (∼11–21%) on the weekends, with the highest reduction in winter seasons. Regarding correlation analysis among PM, CO, and ozone; a negative correlation between PM10 and O3 and a positive correlation between PM and CO was observed. Wind speed and PM10 showed a positive quadratic linear, whereas wind speed and PM2.5 showed a negative linear relationship. The primary sources of particulate matter in Kannur town are motor vehicle emissions, dust from construction work in surrounding zones, and nearby industrial units.

Characterization of Wildland Firefighters' Exposure to Coarse, Fine, and Ultrafine Particles; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; and Metal(loid)s, and Estimation of Associated Health Risks.

Firefighters' occupational activity causes cancer, and the characterization of exposure during firefighting activities remains limited. This work characterizes, for the first time, firefighters' exposure to (coarse/fine/ultrafine) particulate matter (PM) bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal(loid)s during prescribed fires, Fire 1 and Fire 2 (210 min). An impactor collected 14 PM fractions, the PM levels were determined by gravimetry, and the PM-bound PAHs and metal(loid)s were determined by chromatographic and spectroscopic methodologies, respectively. Firefighters were exposed to a total PM level of 1408.3 and 342.5 µg/m3 in Fire 1 and Fire 2, respectively; fine/ultrafine PM represented more than 90% of total PM. Total PM-bound PAHs (3260.2 ng/m3 in Fire 1; 412.1 ng/m3 in Fire 2) and metal(loid)s (660.8 ng/m3 versus 262.2 ng/m3), distributed between fine/ultrafine PM, contained 4.57-24.5% and 11.7-12.6% of (possible/probable) carcinogenic PAHs and metal(loid)s, respectively. Firefighters' exposure to PM, PAHs, and metal(loid)s were below available occupational limits. The estimated carcinogenic risks associated with the inhalation of PM-bound PAHs (3.78 × 10-9 - 1.74 × 10-6) and metal(loid)s (1.50 × 10-2 - 2.37 × 10-2) were, respectively, below and 150-237 times higher than the acceptable risk level defined by the USEPA during 210 min of firefighting activity and assuming a 40-year career as a firefighter. Additional studies need to (1) explore exposure to (coarse/fine/ultrafine) PM, (2) assess health risks, (3) identify intervention needs, and (4) support regulatory agencies recommending mitigation procedures to reduce the impact of fire effluents on firefighters.

Temporal Pattern and Profile of a Coastal‐Deep Sea Conveyor at a Marginal Deep Oligotrophic Sea

AbstractSediment trap data set and 234Th profiles (deep water excesses and deficits) reveal that particulate organic carbon (POC) export at the highly oligotrophic Levantine Sea is dominated by lateral transport from the nearby margin. These intermediate nepheloid layers (INL) operate at multi‐depth, with the silt‐to‐clay size particulate matter (PM) fraction transported at water depths of about 100–500 m, while finer fraction arrives also at deeper depths. The shallow NIL is triggered by winter storms, manipulated by coastal flash floods and shelf resuspension and assisted by cross‐shore currents, which allow the arrival of PM at a distance of 50 km within about 10 days. The deeper INL could be related to sediments initially driven to depth by density currents. Our data show that inter‐annual differences in sediment trap fluxes were related to changes in both the intensity of coastal floods and current velocity. The frequent observation of deep‐water 234Th excesses during a (relatively) low export winter (2018) is related to lessened cleansing of the water column, that is, reduced removal of fine‐grained PM by sinking coarser‐grained material. These observations highlight the importance of winter storm intensity in the POC budget of marginal seas like the Levantine Basin (LB) even in areas with limited river discharge. This further suggests that the anticipated increase in extreme weather events due to the on‐going climate change should have an impact on this coastal‐deep sea conveyor and on POC export in the LB.

Review on Sampling Methods and Health Impacts of Fine (PM2.5, ≤2.5 µm) and Ultrafine (UFP, PM0.1, ≤0.1 µm) Particles

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is of great concern in the modern-day atmosphere owing to its association with a variety of health impacts, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Of the various size fractions of PM, it is the finer fractions that are most harmful to health, in particular ultrafine particles (PM0.1; UFPs), with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 100 nm. The smaller size fractions, of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5; fine particles) and ≤0.1 µm (PM0.1; ultrafine particles), have been shown to have numerous linkages to negative health effects; however, their collection/sampling remains challenging. This review paper employed a comprehensive literature review methodology; 200 studies were evaluated based on the rigor of their methodologies, including the validity of experimental designs, data collection methods, and statistical analyses. Studies with robust methodologies were prioritised for inclusion. This review paper critically assesses the health risks associated with fine and ultrafine particles, highlighting vehicular emissions as the most significant source of particulate-related health effects. While coal combustion, diesel exhaust, household wood combustors’ emissions, and Earth’s crust dust also pose health risks, evidence suggests that exposure to particulates from vehicular emissions has the greatest impact on human health due to their widespread distribution and contribution to air pollution-related diseases. This article comprehensively examines current sampling technologies, specifically focusing on the collection and sampling of ultrafine particles (UFP) from ambient air to facilitate toxicological and physiochemical characterisation efforts. This article discusses diverse approaches to collect fine and ultrafine particulates, along with experimental endeavours to assess ultrafine particle concentrations across various microenvironments. Following meticulous evaluation of sampling techniques, high-volume air samplers such as the Chem Vol Model 2400 High Volume Cascade Impactor and low-volume samplers like the Personal Cascade Impactor Sampler (PCIS) emerge as effective methods. These techniques offer advantages in particle size fractionation, collection efficiency, and adaptability to different sampling environments, positioning them as valuable tools for precise characterisation of particulate matter in air quality research and environmental monitoring.