Soil Sources Research Articles

SCREENING OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIDES AGAINST POST-HARVEST FUNGAL PATHOGEN COLLETOTRICHUM SPP A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Most common fungal pathogens are found in Colletotrichum genus which cause economically significant anthracnose or blight disease in a variety of tropical and subtropical fruit and vegetables. Despite that, the excessive application of chemical pesticides in agriculture has caused many problems such as poor soil fertility, pollution and risk to human health due to the toxic accumulation of the pesticides in the soil. This study was carried out to isolate potential bacterial colonies from five different soil sources around Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and to the screen isolated bacteria for antagonistic effect against Colletotrichum species. In total, 50 bacterial strains were isolated and subjected to selective screening to distinguish bacterial strains capable of inhibiting Colletotrichum sp. Based on the selective screening, nine bacterial strains with different morphology were selected and tested further in quantitative screening by calculating their percentage of inhibition of radial growth (PIRG). The results showed that S5-H strain demonstrated the highest inhibition effect at (75.67 ±2.86)%, followed by S5-I strain (68.89 ±5.93)%, S5-D strain (66.89 ±6.15)%, S3-C strain (60.33 ±3.19)%, S5-F strain (57.89 ±4.66)%, S5-G strain (53 ±5.79)%, S2-I strain (41.33 ±7.26)%, S4-B strain (40 ±7.07)% and S3-D strain (38.33 ±8.90)%. Based on the results, bacterial isolate S5-H with yellow, round, convex and entire colony from mangrove muddy sediment was shown to have a potential to be utilized as biopesticides against Colletotrichum sp. Nevertheless, this study requires further work in the future focusing on species identification by 16S rRNA phylogeny and mechanism of action exhibited by S5-H strain.

Methane and nitrous oxide emissions and related microbial communities from mangrove stems on Qi'ao Island, Pearl River Estuary in China

Mangrove forests, crucial carbon-rich ecosystems, are increasingly vulnerable to soil carbon loss and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human disturbance. However, the contribution of mangrove trees to GHG emissions remains poorly understood. This study monitored CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes from the stems of two mangrove species, native Kandelia obovata (KO) and exotic Sonneratia apetala (SA), at three heights (0.7 m, 1.2 m, and 1.7 m) during the dry winter period on Qi'ao Island, Pearl River Estuary, China. Heartwood samples were analyzed to identify potential functional groups related to gas fluxes. Our study found that tree stems acted as both sinks and sources for N2O (ranging from −9.49 to 28.35 μg m−2 h−1 for KO and from −6.73 to 28.95 μg m−2 h−1 for SA) and CH4. SA exhibited significantly higher stem CH4 flux (from −26.67 to 97.33 μg m−2 h−1) compared to KO (from −44.13 to 88.0 μg m−2 h−1) (P < 0.05). When upscaled to the community level, both species were net emitters of CH4, contributing approximately 4.68 % (KO) and 0.51 % (SA) to total CH4 emissions. The decrease in stem CH4 flux with increasing height, indicates a soil source. Microbial analysis in the heartwood using the KEGG database indicated aceticlastic methanogenesis as the dominant CH4 pathway. The presence of methanogens, methanotrophs, denitrifiers, and nitrifiers suggests microbial involvement in CH4 and N2O production and consumption. Remarkably, the dominance of Cyanobacteria in the heartwood microbiome (with the relative abundance of 97.5 ± 0.6 % for KO and 99.1 ± 0.2 % for SA) implies roles in carbon and nitrogen fixation for mangroves coping with nitrogen limitation in coastal wetlands, and possibly in CH4 production. Although the present study has limitations in sampling duration and area, it highlights the significant role of tree stems in GHG emissions which is crucial for a holistic evaluation of the global carbon sequestration capability of mangrove ecosystems. Future research should broaden spatial and temporal scales to enhance the accuracy of upscaling tree stem gas fluxes to the mangrove ecosystem level.

Characterization of soil trace metal pollution, source identification, and health risk assessment in the middle reaches of the Guihe River Basin.

The natural environment, as well as human production and survival, is intrinsically dependent on soil. This study comprehensively assessed the pollution status, health risks, and sources of trace metals in the middle reaches of the River Gui Basin (MRGB) utilizing the geoaccumulation index, potential ecological risk index (PERI), and human health risk evaluation method. The findings of this study provide the following key insights: (1) only Cu and Pb levels in the MRGB soils did not exceed the background values established for soils in Weifang City (WFC). (2) The geoaccumulation status in most areas of the MRGB ranged from non-polluted to mildly polluted, with the overall ecological risk classification ranging from mild to moderate. (3) The cumulative non-carcinogenic risk for humans in the MRGB remained within acceptable limits, whereas the carcinogenic risk indices fell within tolerable levels. Oral ingestion emerged as the primary exposure pathway for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. (4) Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr concentrations in MRGB soils primarily stemmed from natural sources associated with parent rocks, with Zn exhibiting additional influence from anthropogenic factors. In contrast, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As concentrations were predominantly driven by anthropogenic sources. Although the soils in the MRGB typically exhibited mild-to-moderate contamination levels, the contamination levels of Hg and Cd were notably more severe. As and Cr were significant health hazards. Most soil contamination sources are attributed to anthropogenic factors, warranting heightened attention from the relevant authorities.

An evaluation model for in-situ bioremediation technology of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil

Considering the interference of the complexity of underground environment to the bioremediation scheme, an evaluation model for bioremediation technology in the soil source area of oil contaminated sites was established. On the basis of traditional CDE model, a compartment model was coupled to express the adsorption and degradation process, and the spatial expression of biodegradation was enriched through environment-dependent factors. The visualization of the model was achieved based on COMSOL Multiphysics software platform. Two sets of indoor sandbox experiments on natural attenuation and bioaugmentation were carried out for 120 days to verify the prediction function of the model. The results showed that bioaugmentation greatly improved the remediation effect. Petroleum hydrocarbons with different occurrence states exhibited different spatial distributions under the influence of environmental factors. The prediction accuracy evaluation results of total petroleum hydrocarbons, bio available hydrocarbons and non extractable hydrocarbons showed excellent fitting degree, and the model had a good prediction function for petroleum hydrocarbon in soil under different bioremediation scenarios. This model can be used to screen bioremediation technical schemes, prevent pollution and assess risk of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites.

Effects of climate, soil and water source on determining exchangeable copper concentration in lowland paddy fields in Sri Lanka

Effects of climate, soil and water source on determining exchangeable copper concentration in lowland paddy fields in Sri Lanka

Polluted soil-plant interaction analysis and soil classification based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and machine learning.

A new method is introduced for the swift and precise detection of soil pollution and its effects on crops. Soil quality is essential for human well-being, with heavy metal pollution presenting considerable risks to both the ecological environment and human health. In crops, heavy metal contamination primarily occurs through mediums such as soil and water sources. This study introduces a system combining Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning (ML) to analyze garlic contaminated by soil and the soil used for its cultivation. The simulation conducted in this study focuses on the impact of heavy metal-contaminated soil on garlic. Detection results indicate a significant influence of soil on garlic, resulting in heavy metal accumulation. Further analysis shows that metals from contaminated soil accumulate differently in various garlic plant parts, as per spectral data, underscoring the need for targeted detection methods to assess crop contamination. Conducting LIBS analysis on various soil samples enables the classification of different soil types. This indicates that tracing the origin of contaminated garlic through its residual soil is feasible. These findings imply the feasibility of tracing contaminated garlic's origin through its residual soil.

Comparative analysis of virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli from human and non-human sources in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Traditionally, the presence of virulence features has been thought to be a key factor in differentiating pathogenic from commensal strains. An understanding of the virulence potential of Escherichia coli isolates from various sources is essential to shed light on potential contamination/transmission rates between the various sources. This study was therefore aimed at exploring the occurrence of specific virulence genes and gene profiles associated with E. coli from human and non-human sources in Rivers State, Nigeria. Two hundred samples from human (urine and faeces) and non-human (soil and poultry droppings) sources (50 each) were analysed using standard microbiological procedures. DNA was extracted from isolates presumptively identified as E. coli using the Presto Mini gDNA Bacteria-Kit Quick protocol following the manufacturer's instructions. Isolate identities were confirmed using E. coli-specific 16S rRNA primers, and confirmed isolates were screened for the presence of six virulence genes [afimbriae binding adhesin (afa), type 1 fimbriae (fimH) and P-fimbrial usher protein (papC)], iron acquisition systems: aerobactin (aer), cytotoxic necrotizing factor I (cnf1) and alpha-hemolysin (hly). Results showed that all isolates harboured at least one of the tested virulence genes, with fimH (97%) as the most prevalent virulence gene and papC the least commonly occurring (35%). A higher occurrence of virulence genes was noted in non-human isolates, though hly and cnf were not detected at all in any of the isolates studied (0%). Ten different profiles were observed with the afaCc-aer-fimH profile the most commonly occurring virulence gene profile being in general (33.3%). For non-human isolates, however, aer-afaCc-fimH-papC was the most commonly occurring profile (42.9%). This study shows that the test E. coli from human and non-human sources do not carry distinct virulence gene profiles. Studies on a larger subset of isolates would however be necessary to determine if the virulence genes tested in this study really cannot be used to tell whether an isolate is from a human source or not in the South-South of Nigeria.

Geoecological and geochemical assessment of the impact of NMMC mining enterprises on the environment

Study of the dynamics of natural and man-made processes and their impact on the environment in the hills of Uzbekistan; study of ecological and geochemical processes occurring in technogenic and natural landscapes of mining enterprises of the NMMC; Conducting geochemical and analytical studies to identify the contents and distribution of toxic and other associated elements in technogenic waste from NMMC mining enterprises, soils, and plants in connection with their impact on the ecology of the environment. Study of geochemical features of the productive valuable and toxic element`s behavior in space and time in industrial waste area Geological and geochemical mapping of soil, plants and water sources. Study of the chemical composition, behavior and forms of occurrence of toxic elements (in soils, water streams, dust, gases, smoke) in the water area and in the vicinity of the Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine - geochemical ecology. As a result of investigations of initial samples by using mass spectrometric analysis, the limits of fluctuations and average contents of not only toxic elements, but also other associated elements were revealed.

Evaluation of the performance of bituminous geomembranes (BGMs) as vapour barriers

Vapour barriers (VBs) are essential in maintaining the indoor air quality of home basements or industrial facilities, especially when subsurface contamination poses a risk to human health. It is of utmost importance that the material installed as VB has the capacity to prevent contaminant migration into the indoor air space and reduce its concentration to an acceptable limit. Bituminous geomembranes (BGMs) have been used as contaminant barriers in spite of the gap in research regarding the permeation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through BGMs. This study examines the performance of a 4.1mm thick elastomeric BGM as a diffusive barrier to four commonly found VOCs; benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), utilizing computer modelling of contaminant migration from a contaminated soil source to a hypothetical warehouse building constructed on a brownfield site. The effectiveness of BGM in preventing vapour intrusion is evaluated based on its capacity to keep the indoor air concentration of the contaminant below the recommended exposure limits (RELs). Based on the modelling results, the BGM can be expected to perform as a very efficient VB for the simulated warehouse if quality control can be ensured during installation. This modelling approach can be adopted to investigate BGMs’ performance in different remediated site scenarios to make scope for a robust decision-making process regarding the construction and the engineering control requirements.

Comparison of Stabilized Shear Strength of Blangjerango Clay and Some Quarry Soils With Tripe Jaya Gayo Lues Limestone Ash

Soil stabilization is a way that is most considered to be cheaper than replacing old, less good soil with better ones with the aim of improving the properties of the original soil which has low bearing capacity, high plasticity index, high swelling and poor gradation, especially for areas that requires soil improvement. One of the stabilizing materials that can be used is lime as an additive which is useful for increasing soil stiffness and strength. The lime used in this research came from Tripe Jaya District, Gayo Lues Regency. This research was carried out by taking soil samples in a quarry which was then added with lime as a stabilizing agent. This soil was tested for physical properties, compaction, and a shear strength test (direct shear). Research was conducted to see the results of soil stabilization with lime on changes in soil strength when receiving the effects of both natural and artificial (remolded) factors. The results of the research can be used to mitigate cases of road or building collapse on the subgrade or infrastructure built on the land. The primary data required in this research was taken from the results of examinations and tests in the laboratory. The tests and inspections carried out are in the form of measuring the physical properties of the soil such as water content, specific gravity, plastic limit, liquid limit, and PSA (Particle Size Analyzer), as well as measuring mechanical properties in the form of soil compaction parameters with a standard proctor on the original soil and soil shear strength using direct shear test to obtain friction angle (ϕ) and cohesion (c). In this research, a comparison of the stabilized shear strength of clay soil with Gayo Lues limestone has been carried out with several other soil sources for landslide analysis. The analysis results show that Gayo Lues limestone has a good ability to increase the strength and stability of clay soil. It is hoped that this research will provide useful information in selecting the right soil stabilization material.

Flood-Irrigated Rice Response to Fertilizer-Phosphorus Sources in a Phosphorus-Deficient Silt-Loam Soil

Flood-Irrigated Rice Response to Fertilizer-Phosphorus Sources in a Phosphorus-Deficient Silt-Loam Soil

Intracellular iron accumulation facilitates mycobacterial infection in old mouse macrophages

Aging has a significant impact on the immune system, leading to a gradual decline in immune function and changes in the body’s ability to respond to bacterial infections. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), also known as atypical mycobacteria or environmental mycobacteria, are commonly found in soil, water, and various environmental sources. While many NTM species are considered opportunistic pathogens, some can cause significant infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as older individuals. When mycobacteria enter the body, macrophages are among the first immune cells to encounter them and attempt to engulf mycobacteria through a process called phagocytosis. Some NTM species, including Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) can survive and replicate within macrophages. However, little is known about the interaction between NTM and macrophages in older individuals. In this study, we investigated the response of bone marrow–derived macrophage (BMMs) isolated from young (5 months) and old (25 months) mice to M. avium serotype 4, one of the main NTM species in patients with pulmonary NTM diseases. Our results demonstrated that BMMs from old mice have an increased level of intracellular iron and are more susceptible to M. avium serotype 4 infection compared to BMMs from young mice. The whole-cell proteomic analysis indicated a dysregulated expression of iron homeostasis–associated proteins in old BMMs regardless of mycobacterial infection. Deferoxamine, an iron chelator, significantly rescued mycobacterial killing and phagolysosome maturation in BMMs from old mice. Therefore, our data for the first time indicate that an intracellular iron accumulation improves NTM survival within macrophages from old mice and suggest a potential application of iron-chelating drugs as a host-directed therapy for pulmonary NTM infection in older individuals.

Militarized environment in narratives and practices of Russian medical personnel of the First World War

Based on the analysis of individual narratives and expert materials created by Russian doctors and nurses of mercy during the occupation of Galicia in the First World War, the article intends to reconstruct the models of perception of the hostile environment and the practice of its mastering by medical personnel. The appeal to ego-documents allows revealing little-studied aspects of the interaction between man and nature in the conditions of the first industrial war. On the one hand, natural conditions were the most important factor in the activities of doctors and nurses of mercy: the peculiarities of climate, soil and water determined the activities on medical support of the front, occupied regions and frontline territory. On the other hand, epidemiological practices based on the construction of negative images of alien nature had a direct impact on the state of the environment: disinfection of water, soil and air sources, and the spread of sanitary and hygienic infrastructure. In this regard, the perception of belligerent landscapes and their construction, the use of environmental images in the communication of medical professionals fit into a wide range of motifs and forms: nature as a victim of industrial warfare and an object of compassion, nature and the living beings inhabiting it as a space of epidemiological danger, nature as an object of potential control by means of disinfection.

Distribution of Exchangeable Magnesium in Lowland Rice-Cultivated Soils of Sri Lanka as Affected by the Differences in Climate, Soil, and Water Source

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macronutrient for plants. Even though Sri Lankans consume rice as the staple food, the Mg status in Sri Lankan paddy soils as affected by its climate, soils, and water sources used are not well understood. This study was conducted to (i) determine the distribution of exchangeable Mg (ex-Mg) concentration, and (ii) examine the interactive effects of agro-climatic zones (ACZs), soil order, and water source in determining the ex-Mg concentra-tion in lowland paddy fields of Sri Lanka. A total of 9,038 soil samples representing six ACZs, six soil orders, and three water sources were collected using a stratified random sampling approach. The ex-Mg concentration was determined after extracting in 0.01 M CaCl2 and detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The range of ex-Mg was within 0.01-1,610 mg kg-1, with a mean of 210.4 mg kg-1. From the tested soil samples, 66% were Mg-deficient (&lt;240 mg kg-1), 32% were Mg-optimal (240-730 mg kg-1) and 2% were Mg-excessive (&gt;730 mg kg-1). Among the ACZ, the Dry zone Low country had the highest ex-Mg concentration (p&lt;0.05). Among the soil orders tested, Vertisols had the highest and Histosols had the lowest ex-Mg concentration (p&lt;0.05). Irrigated rice fields had higher ex-Mg than the rainfed systems (p&lt;0.05). Soil ex-Mg concentration was positively correlated with soil pH (p&lt;0.05) and crop productivity (p&lt;0.05). As most rice-growing soils of Sri Lanka are Mg-deficient, it is important to implement strategies specific to ACZs, soil orders, and water sources to improve the soil-Mg status.

A non-hierarchical syncretic framework to assess environmental contaminants by interdisciplinary integration of geoscience methods and culturally-centred Indigenous knowledge exchange approaches

Different soil and water pollution sources around an undisclosed First Nation (The FN) in Northern Ontario (Canada) are linked by community health documents and oral histories to a cluster of blood cancer. The site's environmental hydrogeochemical records available are difficult to follow, whereas geophysical data reveals possible pathways of contaminants displayed as 3D maps of subsoil contrasting geoelectrical properties. Through an Indigenous Integrated Knowledge Translation (IIKT) strategy, we have co-constructed with The FN an interdisciplinary framework of non-hierarchical syncretic exchange between geoscience-based environmental engineering praxes and Indigenous Knowledge. The IIKT is articulated through Talking Circles of flexible multidirectional exchanges between The FN and the research team, to address community-identified needs and maintain qualitative and contextual value in the investigative agenda. The Talking Circles have guided our efforts to collect, handle, integrate, and understand hydrogeochemical and geophysical data. Thus, we build a culturally-appropriate knowledge base for self-sufficient environmental monitoring capacities with the community to ensure informed decisions about the land. The sustainability of the proposed framework relies on the non-invasiveness and low cost of the environmental/engineering tools used, the transparency of the community-driven results obtained, and its scalability to other Indigenous communities.

Impacts of local soil and vehicle NOx emissions on ground-level NO2 concentrations on a university campus in the city of Shenyang, China.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a ubiquitous atmospheric pollutant, and fossil fuel combustion is generally considered its predominant source in and around urban areas. As the total nitrogen deposition is high over here, soil NOx emissions from urban green space might also be an important local source of ground-level NO2. In this study, Willems badge samplers were employed to monitor the spatial and seasonal variations of 2-week mean atmospheric NO2 concentrations at a height of 1.7 m on an urban campus in Northeast China from November 2020 to December 2021. We found considerable small-scale spatial variations of ground-level NO2 concentrations on the campus during the growing season, with local soil NOx emissions as the main driver. According to its linear correlation with green space coverage, the increment in ground-level NO2 concentration was partitioned into two components, with one ascribed to the local soil source (referred to as NO2-Isoil) and the other the local vehicle source (NO2-Ivehicle). NO2-Isoil generally reached a maximum (as high as 25.6 μg/m3) during early spring, while its ratio to the background value generally reached a maximum (could be >1) during late spring and could reach 0.52 to 0.92 during summer. Therefore, soil NOx emissions were an important source of ground-level NO2 on the campus, with the contribution even higher than those of other anthropogenic sources during late spring. Even with light traffic on the campus, NO2-Ivehicle could reach 0.48 times the background value at a site with high frequencies of warm starts.

A Review on Measurement of Radon Gas Concentration in Drinking Water

Radon is a noble gas that has a high risk to the human body, and existence at various rates in soil, air and different source of water. Moreover, radon has a short lifetime but it can produce more risk to public health. Humans are good users of water by food, drinking water, vegetable, shower and dishwashing, however, we do have not good knowledge about the risk of radon, and we need to do more research because it’s one of the main factors to various types of cancer such as lung and stomach cancer. This review used different data in some research in different countries (Romania, Chania, Brazil, Sudan, India, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen) in (2012-2020) with the help of the RAD7 detector because it has higher resolution and is faster in measurement. In current review, higher average reading of radon was found in Nigeria, its reading was (36.1 Bq/L) which was more than the standard value in the world for drinking water (11.1 Bq/L). In any country there are so many factors to high and low concentration of radon in drinking water which are discussed and explained in this review.

Potential of biochar amendment as phosphorus source in tropical paddy soil

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for crop production but its non-renewable natural sources are on the verge of depletion. The few remaining P sources may be depleted in the next 30–50 years. This calls for P recycling strategies with biochar application being an appealing approach. However, very limited information is available on the use of biochar as a P source and how it affects the various P fractions in tropical paddy soils. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish whether biochar could potentially be used as a P source. A sample tropical paddy soil was treated with 1% biochar (derived from maize straw) and/or potassium dihydrogen phosphate, waterlogged and then incubated in airtight amber glass containers at 25 ℃, to mimic tropical paddy soil conditions. Soil aliquots were sampled periodically, followed by extraction and analysis of P fractions. The generated data was subjected to correlation analysis to explore the relationships among the P fractions. The study established that under anaerobic conditions, biochar amendment and P fertilization had no effect on aluminium bound P, calcium bound P, occluded P, moderately labile P and non-labile P. Additional P increased loosely sorbed P but biochar reduced it, even when combined with supplementary P fertilization. It was established that biochar increased iron bound P and to a greater extent with P fertilization. Additional P increased labile P while it was not affected by biochar. Apart from the effect on loosely sorbed P, biochar performed as well as the P fertilizer—or better in case of Fe-bound P. There is therefore promising potential for utilization of biochar as an alternative renewable P source.

Effects of climate, soil and water source on the distribution of bioavailable iron in low-land paddy soils of Sri Lanka

Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral element of plants. However, the current status of bioavailable Fe in lowland paddy fields in Sri Lanka is not known. This study was conducted to examine the (i) spatial distribution of bioavailable Fe concentration, and (ii) interactive effects of agro-climatic zone (ACZ), soil order, and water source in determining the bioavailable Fe concentration in lowland paddy fields in Sri Lanka. A total of 6003 soil samples representing six ACZs, six soil orders, and three water sources were collected using a stratified random sampling approach. Bioavailable Fe was extracted using 0.01 M CaCl2 and measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry. Bioavailable Fe concentration ranged between 0.0003 and 339 mg kg−1 with a mean of 49.4 mg kg−1. Samples collected from the Wet zone, particularly the Wet zone Low country, had higher Fe concentrations than those reported in other ACZs (p < 0.05). Among the soil orders, Histosols, Inceptisols and Ultisols had higher Fe concentrations while Entisols, Alfisols and Vertisols reported lower values (p < 0.05). Paddy fields receiving water from major irrigation systems in Wet zone Low country had more Fe. Moreover, Fe concentration was not correlated with rice crop productivity (p > 0.05). The spatial maps of bioavailable Fe generated in this study could be useful for making area-specific agronomic and administrative decisions based on ACZs, soil orders and water sources used in paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka.

Analysis of PM2.5 inorganic and organic constituents to resolve contributing sources in Seoul, South Korea and Beijing, China and their possible associations with cytokine IL-8

China and South Korea are the most polluted countries in East Asia due to significant urbanization and extensive industrial activities. As neighboring countries, collaborative management plans to maximize public health in both countries can be helpful in reducing transboundary air pollution. To support such planning, PM2.5 inorganic and organic species were determined in simultaneously collected PM2.5 integrated filters. The resulting data were used as inputs to positive matrix factorization, which identified nine sources at the ambient air monitoring sites in both sites. Secondary nitrate, secondary sulfate/oil combustion, soil, mobile, incinerator, biomass burning, and secondary organic carbon (SOC) were found to be sources at both sampling sites. Industry I and II were only identified in Seoul, whereas combustion and road dust sources were only identified in Beijing. A subset of samples was selected for exposure assessment. The expression levels of IL-8 were significantly higher in Beijing (167.7 pg/mL) than in Seoul (72.7 pg/mL). The associations between the PM2.5 chemical constituents and its contributing sources with PM2.5-induced inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-8, IL-8) levels in human bronchial epithelial cells were investigated. For Seoul, the soil followed by the secondary nitrate and the biomass burning showed increase with IL-8 production. However, for the Beijing, the secondary nitrate exhibited the highest association with IL-8 production and SOC and biomass burning showed modest increase with IL-8. As one of the highest contributing sources in both cities, secondary nitrate showed an association with IL-8 production. The soil source having the strongest association with IL-8 production was found only for Seoul, whereas SOC showed a modest association only for Beijing. This study can provide the scientific basis for identifying the sources to be prioritized for control to provide effective mitigation of particulate air pollution in each city and thereby improve public health.