PAH Concentrations Research Articles

Comparative analysis of the concentrations of TVOCs, Aldehydes, and PAHs in public and commercial kitchens in Korea

Comparative analysis of the concentrations of TVOCs, Aldehydes, and PAHs in public and commercial kitchens in Korea

Environmental and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic elements in the red sea using Monte Carlo simulation

This research evaluates the environmental and health risks linked to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and PAHs along the western coast of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. This study investigated the concentration of 16 PAH compounds in the Suez Gulf, revealing significantly higher levels than the EU (0.20 µg/L) and US (0.030 µg/L) standards. The average total PAH concentration across eight locations was significantly higher, with the Suez area having the highest concentration at 479 µg/L. Pyrene (Pyr) was the dominant PAH with a concentration of 443 µg/L in Suez, while acenaphthylene (Ace) had the lowest concentration at 0.120 µg/L in Northern Zaafarana. Carcinogenic PAHs (CAR) ranged from 8.67 µg/L at Ras Gharib to 29.62 µg/L at Suez, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures. Confirmatory ratios pointed to industrial and shipping influences as petrogenic sources. Elevated total organic carbon (TOC) levels in Suez Bay indicated aggravated organic pollution, exacerbated by oil rigs and refineries. The ecological risk assessment highlighted substantial risks, particularly in Suez, necessitating immediate interventions to combat PAH contamination and preserve the environmental balance of the Red Sea. The dominant metals in water samples were arranged in descending order as follows: Pb > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cd > Ni. The study evaluated environmental and human health risks using a multifaceted approach, including cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and various indices (HPI, RI, MI, HQ, HI, and CR). Most water samples exhibited high pollution risks, surpassing permissible limits for HPI (> 100) and MI (> 6). Notably, HI oral values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. While HI values for adults suggested low-risk dermal contact, those for children showed a substantial proportion in the high-risk category. Most water samples displayed CR values exceeding 1 × 10–4 for Cd, Cr, and Pb, indicating vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both age groups. Monte Carlo simulations reinforced these findings, revealing a significant carcinogenic impact on children and adults. The identified clusters, reflective of industrial, petroleum-related, and urban runoff contamination sources, were consistently validated and clarified through PCA, enhancing the reliability of the findings. In light of these results, urgent and comprehensive water treatment measures are imperative to mitigate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. These insights provide a foundation for implementing targeted management strategies to effectively address the challenges of heavy metal contamination in the Red Sea.

International pellet watch; origins and monitoring of oil markers in surface sediments and plastic resin pellets in southern Caspian Sea, Iran.

Oil pollution in marine environments, particularly along the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, has become a serious issue due to anthropogenic activities such as shipping, tourism, fishing, and urban development. This study aimed to assess the concentration and origin of PAHs, n-alkanes, hopanes, and steranes in sediment samples (coastal area and coastal line) and resin pellets collected from 30 stations along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea (Golestan, Mazandaran, and Gilan provinces). The results showed that PAHs concentrationranged from 530.4 to 9201ng/g-dw in coastal area sediments, 753 to 10,528ng/g-dw in coastal line sediments, and 5920.7 to 16,548ng/g-pellet in resin pellets. The average total concentration of alkanes ranged from 251 to 7059μg/g-dw in coastal area sediments, 273 to 8401.6μg/g-dw in coastal line sediments, and 1967 to 22,258μg/g-pellet in resin pellets. The total terpene concentration in coastal area sediments was 60.5 to 537.5ng/g-dw, in coastal line sediments 120.6 to 811.3ng/g-dw, and in resin pellets 227 to 2886.5ng/g-pellet. Additionally, the highest concentrationwere observed in port-related areas (Bandar Anzali, Amirabad, and Astara), while the lowest concentrationwere found in recreational areas. Resin pellets generally exhibited higher concentrationof all investigated compounds compared to sediments. The classification of PAH pollution intensity based on global criteria indicated moderate to very high contamination in sediments and high to very high contamination in resin pellets. The determination of pollution levels based on the concentration of n-alkanes in southern Caspian Sea sediments revealed very high and considerable pollution. The categorization of hopane compounds' pollution intensity in resin pellets, according to International Pellet Watch classification, indicated a lack of pollution in all samples. The primary source of all compounds was identified as petrogenic.

Rubber Crumb Infill in Synthetic Turf and Health Outcomes: A Review of the Literature on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metalloids

Synthetic turf has become a popular alternative to natural grass due to low upkeep costs; however, its health impacts have not been clearly elucidated. This review examines and consolidates the existing literature on rubber crumb in infill in synthetic turf and its associated adverse health outcomes, along with recommendations for future research. A database search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar of studies on exposures to rubber crumb in infills in synthetic turf. The search focused on epidemiological and toxicological laboratory studies (including exposure simulation and animal studies), as well as government reports. Non-English studies and those addressing injuries (musculoskeletal and burn injuries) were not considered. Eighteen laboratory studies examined concentrations of PAHs found in synthetic turf rubber infill. The total level of PAHs detected in samples varied between 0.4 mg/kg and 3196 mg/kg. The PAH levels were influenced by the age of the synthetic turf, with the older synthetic surface fields containing lower concentrations (compared to newly laid turfs). Synthetic turfs composed of industrial rubber crumb infill also had a lower PAH composition relative to end-of-life tyre-derived infill. In the six studies that investigated the metal content and composition of rubber crumb infill, Aluminium (5382 mg/kg), Zinc (5165 mg/kg), and Iron (489.6 mg/kg) had the highest median concentrations. There were minor differences in heavy metal concentrations found in newly installed synthetic turf compared to older turfs and synthetic sporting fields exposed to direct sunlight (versus indoor fields). There were two epidemiological studies on synthetic turf rubber crumb infill (one ecological and one cross-sectional study), which found no significant associations between synthetic turf exposure and the incidence of leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Similarly, one metabolomic study of urine samples from athletes taken pre- and post-match on synthetic turf, and two studies simulating dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure concluded that there was no elevated health risk associated with playing on synthetic turf pitches. Currently, there is very limited evidence of an association between synthetic turf use and adverse health outcomes. Considering the ubiquitous use of synthetic grass globally and the scarcity of epidemiological studies, there is a vital need for further research based on longitudinal study designs and more robust exposure assessments, to help improve our understanding of any potential health risks associated with synthetic turf infill exposures.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Polish Traditionally and Industrially Smoked Meats as an Element of Monitoring and PAH Reduction Strategies

This work aimed to analyze the PAH content in products smoked in traditional smokehouses with direct and indirect heat sources and in an industrial way as an element of PAH content monitoring in Polish market products. This research material comprised 12 smoked meats (W) and 38 sausages (K), medium or coarsely minced. The content of benzo(a)pyrene and the total content of four marker PAHs was determined by GC-MS. The analysis showed a significantly higher level of PAH contamination in products smoked using traditional methods. The results also indicate that the natural casing is not a barrier against PAH contamination during traditional smoking, and a higher degree of meat fragmentation, together with a small cross-section, increases the PAH content in this technological group. Concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene exceeding the permissible levels were found in the sausages smoked for more than 60 min. As part of the strategies for reducing the PAH content, among others, changing the furnace to an indirect one, shortening the time, lowering the smoking temperature, using artificial casings or removing casings before consumption, drying the product surface before the smoking process, using seasoned and bark-free wood, as well as additional smokehouse equipment, are recommended.

Atmospheric pah concentrations in a semi-urban site: temporal variation, risk assessment, source identification and estimation of levels in diverse environments.

This study evaluates atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in a semi-urban area, Görükle, Turkey, from June 2021 to February 2022. The average concentration of ∑16 PAHs was 24.85 ± 19.16 ng/m3, ranging from 6.70 to 59.11 ng/m3. Seasonal variations were observed, with winter concentrations approximately five times higher than those in summer, driven by increased residential heating emissions and adverse meteorological effects. The results were compared to literature values, revealing lower PAH levels than those found in other urban and industrial areas. Meteorological factors were statistically analyzed. PAH concentrations exhibited an inverse relationship with temperature and mixing height, while relative humidity showed a positive linear correlation. The study also estimated PAH concentrations in various environmental media using gas-particle partitioning and equilibrium models. The concentrations of PAHs in the particulate phase were minimal, suggesting that most PAHs were present in the gas phase. Additionally, the equilibrium concentrations of PAHs in soil, leaves, bark, and water were modeled, emphasizing the accumulation of heavier PAHs in these media yet 2- and 3-ring PAHs were predominant in the ambient air samples. Source apportionment and PCA studies identified vehicle emissions and combustion for heating purposes as the primary sources of pollution. However, air mass trajectory analysis indicated contributions from Kocaeli, an area with significant industrial activity. The cancer risk assessment yielded low risks for both adults and children.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contents in Soil Organic Matter Fractions Along an Elevation Gradient in the French Alps

ABSTRACTPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants that accumulate in soils because of their high affinity for soil organic matter (SOM). As these pollutants are toxic to humans and the environment, a better understanding of their fate in the environment is required. This study aimed to assess the PAH distribution within soils according to different soil fractions: the free particulate organic matter (fPOM), the occluded particulate organic matter (oPOM) and the mineral‐associated organic matter (MaOM). PAH contents were measured in bulk soils and SOM fractions of alpine soils along an elevation gradient in the French Alps (Lautaret) from 1920 m to 2840 m a.s.l. A specific PAH distribution was identified, with highest PAH contents in the oPOM, followed by the fPOM, then the MaOM. Organic matter (OM) contents of each fraction can partly explain this distribution, but results of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy on fPOM and oPOM also highlighted a correlation between the PAH contents and the degree of decomposition of SOM. This indicates that the PAH distribution may be linked to the formation and transformation of fractions: (i) PAHs in the fPOM correspond to relatively recent deposits and mainly reflect the background contamination, (ii) in the oPOM are the PAHs that resist biodegradation during the transformation of fPOM into oPOM and accumulate in the oPOM; this accumulation may be further enhanced by the formation of aggregates. Finally, (iii) in the MaOM, the lower PAH contents can be explained by the different formation pathway of this fraction and its high degree of decomposition. As the PAH distribution may have an impact on their dynamics in soils, it should be taken into consideration in future research.

A new form of hazardous microparticulate contamination to the marine environment from ships using heavy fuel oil with exhaust gas scrubbers - Characterization and implications for fate, transport and ecotoxicity.

Aiming to reduce sulfur oxides emission in the atmosphere, the International Maritime Organization developed regulations on shipping that came into effect in 2020. The new rules incentivized many owners to install scrubber systems on thousands of ships. However, the overall environmental implications of scrubbers is a controversial subject, largely due to the release of acids, metals, and chemicals in the oceans and impact on marine life. In order to close some of the knowledge gaps on the role and characteristics of these contaminants, we determine the physicochemical properties of the particulate fraction of scrubber effluent from four ships, with a complementary set of analytical techniques. We find that scrubber effluent contains particles in the order of 108 per liter, with diverse properties. Focusing on particles larger than 10μm in diameter, we find that approximately 10% will accumulate on the water surface according to particle size and density, while the rest will settle on sediments at velocities ranging from 1 to 9m/d. Chemical analysis shows that particle composition is also diverse and depends on fuel oil, engine type and loading, scrubber configuration, and post-scrubber treatment. Particles are enriched with PAHs, sulfur, vanadium, iron, nickel, chromium, and titanium. Interestingly, we found carbon-rich microparticles aggregated with multiple metal-rich nanoparticles, whose transport behavior will be determined by the larger and less dense microparticles, but their toxicity will be driven by the metal-bearing nanoparticles and PAHs concentration.

VARIABILITY IN THE MUTAGENICITY OF ORGANIC POLLUTANTS ADSORBED ON THE PARTICULATE MATTER IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

The aim of the study was to determine differences in mutagenicity of organic pollutants adsorbedon suspended particulate matter in the city centre and its outskirts. Particulate matter was collectedusing a high-performance sampler in different parts of Wrocław in summer and winter. Organiccompounds adsorbed on the particulate matter were extracted for 8 hours in Soxhlet apparatuses.The concentration of PAHs was determined using GC-MS. Mutagenicity of samples was testedusing the Ames test. The concentrations of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere rangedfrom 23 to 144 μg/m3, and PAHs from the EPA list adsorbed on it ranged from 8.3 to 1211.6 ng/m3.Particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere collected in different places in Wrocław insummer and winter showed mutagenic activity. This effect was greater in winter than in summer.In winter, it was greater in the city centre than on its outskirts. Activation with the S9 mix fractioncaused a decrease in the mutagenic activity of most of the tested particulate matter samples againstthe TA 98 strain. This indicates the presence of mainly direct mutagens in them. The volumesof polluted air causing a mutagenic effect on the TA 98 strain without activation by the S9 mixfraction ranged from 0.25 to 35 m3. The high sensitivity of the YG 1021 and YG 1024 strains tothe mutagenic effect of pollutants adsorbed on the tested particulate matter indicates a significantshare of nitroarenes in their mutagenic activity. The differentiation of this share depended mainlyon local and momentary conditions. The exposure of residents to the genotoxic effect of pollutantsadsorbed on particulate matter increases in winter, especially in the city centre. Supplementing thecurrently used physicochemical monitoring of air pollution with a study of the mutagenic activityof pollutants adsorbed on particulate matter would allow for the assessment of this activity and theshare of certain groups of pollutants, such as nitroarenes.

Application of EU Geographical Indications for the Protection of Smoked Dry-Cured Ham-Impact on Quality Parameters.

This study compares Dalmatinski pršut, an EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)-labelled smoked dry-cured ham from the Dalmatia region in Croatia, with non-PGI hams from the same area, focusing on the impact of PGI certification on the product quality. The investigation is prompted by the increasing presence of dry-cured hams lacking the PGI label on the market, aspiring to compete with esteemed high-value PGI products. Samples of 28 smoked dry-cured hams (12 PGI and 16 non-PGI) were analysed for chemical properties, fatty acid composition, volatile compounds, PAH content and sensory characteristics. The results showed that PGI and non-PGI hams differ in their chemical and physical properties, with non-PGI hams having a lower water content and a higher salt content, which was also confirmed by the saltier taste in the sensory evaluation. PGI hams had a lower b* colour value, and, while the differences in texture were minimal, non-PGI hams had slightly more monounsaturated fatty acids. The aroma analysis revealed that PGI hams contained more aldehydes and alcohols, while non-PGI hams had a higher content of phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons, probably due to differences in smoking practices. PAH levels, however, were within the EU limits, indicating controlled smoking of both type of hams. Overall, these results show that the quality of smoked dry-cured ham can be distinguished by the PGI designation. The study illustrates how the traditional production methods prescribed by the PGI production protocols shape the sensory and chemical profiles of Dalmatinski pršut, with the PGI certification playing a crucial role in maintaining product quality and certifying its typicality, to distinguish it from non-PGI products.

Assessment of heavy metals, PAHs, and pesticide levels in yerba mate on the European market.

Although yerba mate has been known and used for hundreds of years, not all of its properties have been fully understood yet. Yerba mate is a source of many desirable substances, but it may also contain toxic metals and other substances that are harmful to health. Fifteen samples of yerba mate tea from three South American countries were analyzed. The content of Cr, Ni, and Cd was determined using the AAS technique, while the PHA's content was determined with the gas chromatography method. Our studies show that some of the analyzed substances present in Ilex paraguariensis may exceed their acceptable levels specified in European standards established for the given substances. All analyzed samples contained the determined metals, where the concentrations of individual elements ranged from 1.92 ± 0.38 to 0.12 ± 0.05µg/g (for Cr), from 4.86 ± 0.28 to 1.72 ± 0.14µg/g (for Ni), and from 0.0008 ± 0.000 to 0.0695 ± 0.0745µg/g (for Cd). The total PAH content ranged from 0.064 to 0.585mg/kg. Yerba mate samples from Brazil were characterized by a lower PAH content (0.064-0.254mg/kg), compared with mate from Argentina and Paraguay (0.084-0.374 and 0.197-0.585mg/kg, respectively). Pesticide residues were found only in samples from Argentina and Paraguay, while samples from Brazil did not contain those compounds. Only four active substances belonging to the group of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides were detected, two of them not approved for use in the EU: chlorpyrifos and fenbuconazole. The most frequently detected compounds in yerba mate samples were pendimethalin (in four samples), fluazifop-p-butyl and fenbuconazole (detected in two samples), and chlorpyrifos (in one sample).

Manipulating overcompensation of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) in layer-by-layer nanofiltration membranes for Mg2+/Li+ separation

Manipulating overcompensation of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) in layer-by-layer nanofiltration membranes for Mg2+/Li+ separation

Random forest insights in prioritizing factors and risk areas of soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an urban agglomeration area

Changes in the soil environment due to urbanization pose a challenge to predict the health risks from soil PAHs on a regional scale. The sources and distributions of PAHs in the soil of the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan Urban Agglomeration in China were analyzed using positive matrix factorization (PMF), GIS mapping, and the Random Forest (RF) model to estimate the spatiotemporal variations in health risks. The measured concentration of PAHs in the soil ranged from 20.1 to 15,233.1μg/kg with a mean of 493.2μg/kg. PMF and diagnostic ratios identified the primary sources of soil PAHs as transportation and coal combustion (59.1%), soil-air exchange processes (20.5%), and petroleum products (20.4%). Transportation and industrial coal combustion contributed to 81.9% and 81.7% of the total health risks to children and adults, respectively. Locations of major point sources were identified by PMF and GIS mapping and were distributed at the congestive overpasses in urban areas and industrial enterprises carrying out large-scale coal combustion. The RF model suggested an increase, by 33.2%, of areas with ILCRs exceeding the risk threshold if the population increases by 50.0% in 2035. Areas with a PD>500 p/km2, RD>2km/km2, and DNS<15km pose a high probability of health risks on local residents. The integrated approach enhanced the reliability of apportioning sources and risk assessment, serving as a reference for early warnings and a basis for soil surveys in urban areas.

Regional and seasonal drivers of metals and PAHs concentrations in road dust and their health implications in the Czech Republic

Regional and seasonal drivers of metals and PAHs concentrations in road dust and their health implications in the Czech Republic

Effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil, saffron infusion, and fat content on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organoleptic score, and toxic potency of Kebab Koobideh

Effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil, saffron infusion, and fat content on the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, organoleptic score, and toxic potency of Kebab Koobideh

Impact of Anthropogenic Factors on the Diversity of Microbial Communities of PM10 Air and PM100 of Tilia L. Phylloplane in an Urban Ecosystem.

Identifying the relationship between the microbiomes of urban dust particles from different biotopes is important because the state of microorganisms can be used to assess the quality of the environment. The aim of this work was to determine the distribution and interaction patterns of microorganisms of dust particles in the air and on leaf surfaces. Metabarcoding of bacterial and fungal communities, PAH, and metal content analyses and electron microscopy were used in this work. The results obtained allowed us to characterise the biological and chemical components of the dust particles. Some bacterial and fungal genera were correlated with benzanthracene, fluoranthene, and Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and Mn contents. Bacterial communities were found to be more sensitive to all the pollutants studied. PM10 microbial communities circulated between biotopes and study areas due to air flows, as evidenced by the presence of similar ASVs in fungi and bacteria. The results could help to understand the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Co-pyrolysis of rubber seed oil and industrial hemp stem: Asym2sig deconvolution, thermal behavior, synergistic reaction and kinetic

Co-pyrolysis of rubber seed oil and industrial hemp stem: Asym2sig deconvolution, thermal behavior, synergistic reaction and kinetic

Air emissions contribution to complete environmental assessment of multi-recycled road materials incorporating reclaimed bituminous pavement for a better resource management

Air emissions contribution to complete environmental assessment of multi-recycled road materials incorporating reclaimed bituminous pavement for a better resource management

Origin of biomarkers (PAH, n-alkane, hopane, estrane) in different colors of plastic resin pellets and surface sediments from coastal area of the Makuran-Oman Sea

Origin of biomarkers (PAH, n-alkane, hopane, estrane) in different colors of plastic resin pellets and surface sediments from coastal area of the Makuran-Oman Sea

Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Soils

Soil organic pollution (such as heavy metals, PAHs, etc.) has caused serious environmental problems, which have resulted in unexpected effects on contaminated soil ecosystems. However, knowledge of the interactions between environmental PAHs and bacterial and fungal communities is still limited. In this study, soil samples from different PAH-contaminated areas including non-contaminated areas (NC), low-contaminated areas (LC), and high-contaminated areas (HC) were selected. Results of toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) indicated that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBahA) constituted the main TEQs of ∑16PAHs. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed that the main pathway of exposure to soil PAHs was dermal contact in adults and children. Furthermore, adults faced a higher total cancer risk (including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation) from soil PAHs than children. The microbial community composition analysis demonstrated that soil PAHs could decrease the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. The relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Fimicutes, Bacteroidota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota exhibited varying degrees of changes under different concentrations of PAHs. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and Chrysene (Chr) drove the bacterial community composition, while BaP and DBahA drove the fungal community compositions. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the high contamination levels of PAHs that could change the relationships among different microorganisms and reduce the complexity and stability of fungal and bacterial networks. Overall, these findings provide comprehensive insight into the responses of bacterial and fungal communities to PAHs.