To Total Suspended Particles Research Articles

Size-dependent in vitro inhalation bioaccessibility of PAHs and O/N PAHs - Implications to inhalation risk assessment

Size segregated samples (<0.49, 0.49–0.95, 0.95–1.5, 1.5–3.0, 3.0–7.2 and > 7.2 μm) of atmospheric particulate matter (APM) were collected at a traffic site in the urban agglomeration of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, during the cold and the warm period of 2020. The solvent-extractable organic matter was analyzed for selected organic contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and their nitro- and oxy-derivarives (NPAHs and OPAHs, respectively). Mean concentrations of ∑16PAHs, ∑6NPAHs and ∑10OPAHs associated to total suspended particles (TSP) were 18 ng m−3, 0.2 ng m−3 and 0.9 ng m−3, respectively, in the cold period exhibiting significant decrease (6.4, 0.2 and 0.09 ng m−3, respectively) in the warm period. The major amount of all compounds was found to be associated with the alveolar particle size fraction <0.49 μm. The inhalation bioaccessibility of PAHs and O/N PAHs was measured in vitro using two simulated lung fluids (SLFs), the Gamble's solution (GS) and the artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF). With both SLFs, the derived bioaccessible fractions (BAFs) followed the order PAHs > OPAHs > NPAHs. Although no clear dependence of bioaccessibility on particle size was obtained, increased bioaccessibility of PAHs and PAH derivatives in coarse particles (>7.2 μm) was evident. Bioaccessibility was found to be strongly related to the logKOW and the water solubility of individual compounds hindering limited mobilization of the most hydrophobic and less water-soluble compounds from APM to SLFs. The lifetime cancer risk due to inhalation exposure to bioaccessible PAHs, NPAHs and OPAHs was estimated and compared to those calculated from the particulate concentrations of organic contaminants.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs, oxygenated PAHs, nitrated PAHs, and azaarenes) in air from four climate zones of China: Occurrence, gas/particle partitioning, and health risks

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives [oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), and azaarenes (AZAs)] are toxic and ubiquitous air pollutants. In this study, the concentrations of these PACs were determined in air obtained in spring and autumn of 2012 from urban and rural areas of the Tibetan Plateau, temperate, subtropical, and tropical climate zones in China. Average concentrations (gaseous + particulate) of ∑29PAHs, ∑15OPAHs, ∑11NPAHs, and ∑4AZAs were 928 ± 658, 54 ± 45, 5.3 ± 4.4, 14 ± 11 ng m−3 and 995 ± 635, 67 ± 38, 8.4 ± 6.1, 24 ± 16 ng m−3 in spring and autumn, respectively. Various C fractions and latitude correlated significantly with the concentrations and ratios of PACs. The slopes of the regression of gas-particle partition coefficients (Kp) of PACs on their sub-cooled liquid vapor pressures (PL0), indicated both adsorption and absorption to total suspended particles (TSP) for PAHs, OPAHs, and NPAHs in the four studied climatic zones. This result was further supported by comparing the fractions of PACs in TSP calculated from field data with those predicted by the Junge-Pankow adsorption and KOA absorption models. The concentration ratios of most OPAHs or NPAHs to their parent PAHs and of benzo[e]pyrene/benzo[a]pyrene were higher in autumn than in spring and increased with remoteness from point sources. This suggests enhanced secondary formation of PAH derivatives due to the elevated photochemical activity in autumn and longer ageing of air and associated transformation of PACs during their long-distance transport from source regions (urban sites) to rural sites. Lifetime lung cancer risk estimated from PACs ranged from 0.8 ± 0.6 to 3.1 ± 1.0 (×10−3), exceeding the value (10−5) recommended by the WHO. Gaseous PACs contributed substantially to the estimated cancer risks and their contributions increased with decreasing latitude in China.

Assessment of the health risk related to exposure to ultrafine, fine, and total particulates and metals in a metal finishing plant.

The materials and byproducts of the processes used in the metal finishing industry are released as particle contaminants into the air in the workplace. The present study aimed to determine the concentrations and size distributions of these particles and of elements chromium, nickel, copper, manganese, cobalt, and lead (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Co, and Pb, respectively) in a metal finishing industry and evaluate their potential health risks. Particles that are airborne from the dipping baths in the plant were sampled using a Sioutas cascade impactor at five different size fractions (PM>2.5, PM1.0-2.5, PM0.5-1.0, PM0.25-0.5, PM<0.25) and gravimetric analyses were conducted on the sampled filters. The GF-AAS 600 graphite atomic absorption spectrophotometer (PerkinElmer Corporation, Waltham, MA, USA) was used to analyze the elements and the method of USEPA was used to assess the health risk. The ratio of fine particles (PM2.5) to total suspended particles (TSPs) was 0.6. We observed that 50% of TSPs were composed of PM1.0 and that 68-88% of the metals were found in the fine particle fractions. Pb, Cr, and Mn were significantly positively correlated in the PM1.0 fraction, and the highest linear relationship was found between Pb and Cr (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). The total hazard quotient (HQ) for PM2.5 was 1.43, which is higher than the acceptable limit of 1.0. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) for hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]) in PM2.5 was 6.09 × 10-5 for female workers and 6.54 × 10-5 for male workers, which are higher than the acceptable limit of 1.0 × 10-6, while total ELCRs for female and male workers were 6.21 × 10-5 and 6.21 × 10-5, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk associated with Cr(VI) in Cr electroplating plants should be taken into consideration as a significant health risk for the workers.

Indoor exposure to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds in dwellings and workplaces and respiratory health in French farmers

IntroductionFew investigations have related objective assessments of indoor air pollutants to respiratory health in farmers, in spite of the many rural environmental hazards to which they are exposed. Chemical air pollution has been particularly neglected.ObjectiveWe investigated the relationships of indoor exposure to particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to respiratory health in farmers.MethodsNineteen VOCs (5 families) and PM (from ultrafine to total suspended particles (TSP)) were objectively assessed in dwellings and workplaces in 109 French farmers during a week. To take into account multiple exposures, scores of exposure were computed for total VOCs and VOCs families. Individuals filled a standardized questionnaire and underwent spirometry with bronchodilation test.ResultsOn average, VOCs concentrations were higher in dwellings than in workplaces. The reverse was observed for PM. When considering the mean concentrations of air pollutants for the whole farm (dwellings + workplaces), asthma (9.3%) was positively associated with elevated exposure to benzene (adjusted odds-ratio (ORa) = 6.64, 95%CI: 1.56–28.27), trichloroethylene (4.80, 1.00–23.30) and halogenated hydrocarbons score (2.9, 95% 1.3–6.8). Early airway obstruction (FEF25–75 < 80%, with normal FEV1 and FVC and FEV/FVC ≥ 70%) (29.8%) was related to elevated exposure to 2-butoxyetylacetate (11.49, 1.55–85.37) and glycol ethers score (2.0; 1.0–4.1) in the whole farm and to PM2.5 (ORa = 5.26, 95% CI: 1.09–25.28) in the granary/stable. The risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (FEV/FVC < 70%) (COPD) (4.26%) was found to be larger with elevated exposure to aldehydes (OR = 3.95, 1.09–14.26).ConclusionIndoor chemical air pollution is detrimental to farmers’ respiratory health. More epidemiological investigations with detailed exposure assessments and clinical measures of respiratory effects are needed in rural settings to corroborate these findings.

Indoor exposure to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds in dwellings and workplaces and respiratory health in French farmers

Introduction: Few investigations have related objective assessments of indoor air pollutants to respiratory health in farmers, in spite of the many rural environmental hazards to which they are exposed. Chemical air pollution has been particularly neglected. Objective: We investigated the relationships of indoor exposure to particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to respiratory health in farmers. Methods: Nineteen VOCs (5 families) and PM (from ultrafine to total suspended particles (TSP)) were objectively assessed in dwellings and workplaces in 109 French farmers during a week. To take into account multiple exposures, scores of exposure were computed for total VOCs and VOCs families. Individuals filled a standardized questionnaire and underwent spirometry with bronchodilation test. Results: On average, VOCs concentrations were higher in dwellings than in workplaces. The reverse was observed for PM. When considering the mean concentrations of air pollutants for the whole farm (dwellings + workplaces), asthma (9.3%) was positively associated with elevated exposure to benzene (adjusted odds-ratio (ORa) = 6.64, 95%CI: 1.56–28.27), trichloroethylene (4.80, 1.00–23.30) and halogenated hydrocarbons score (2.9, 95% 1.3–6.8). Early airway obstruction (FEF25–75 &lt; 80%, with normal FEV1 and FVC and FEV/FVC ≥ 70%) (29.8%) was related to elevated exposure to 2-butoxyetylacetate (11.49, 1.55–85.37) and glycol ethers score (2.0; 1.0–4.1) in the whole farm and to PM2.5 (ORa = 5.26, 95% CI: 1.09–25.28) in the granary/stable. The risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (FEV/FVC &lt; 70%) (COPD) (4.26%) was found to be larger with elevated exposure to aldehydes (OR = 3.95, 1.09–14.26). Conclusion: Indoor chemical air pollution is detrimental to farmers’ respiratory health. More epidemiological investigations with detailed exposure assessments and clinical measures of respiratory effects are needed in rural settings to corroborate these findings.

Background aerosol over the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau: observed characteristics of aerosol mass loading

Abstract. To investigate the atmospheric aerosols of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau (HTP), an observation network was established within the region's various ecosystems, including at the Ngari, Qomolangma (QOMS), Nam Co, and Southeastern Tibetan (SET) stations. In this paper we illustrate aerosol mass loadings by integrating in situ measurements with satellite and ground-based remote sensing datasets for the 2011–2013 period, on both local and large scales. Mass concentrations of these surface atmospheric aerosols were relatively low and varied with land cover, showing a general tendency of Ngari and QOMS (barren sites) &gt; Nam Co (grassland site) &gt; SET (forest site). Daily averages of online PM2.5 (particulates with aerodynamic diameters below 2.5 µm) at these sites were sequentially 18.2 ± 8.9, 14.5 ± 7.4, 11.9 ± 4.9 and 11.7 ± 4.7 µg m−3. Correspondingly, the ratios of PM2.5 to total suspended particles (TSP) were 27.4 ± 6.65, 22.3 ± 10.9, 37.3 ± 11.1 and 54.4 ± 6.72 %. Bimodal mass distributions of size-segregated particles were found at all sites, with a relatively small peak in accumulation mode and a more notable peak in coarse mode. Diurnal variations in fine-aerosol masses generally displayed a bi-peak pattern at the QOMS, Nam Co and SET stations and a single-peak pattern at the Ngari station, controlled by the effects of local geomorphology, mountain-valley breeze circulation and aerosol emissions. Dust aerosol content in PM2.1 samples gave fractions of 26 % at the Ngari station and 29 % at the QOMS station, or ∼ 2–3 times that of reported results at human-influenced sites. Furthermore, observed evidence confirmed the existence of the aerodynamic conditions necessary for the uplift of fine particles from a barren land surface. Combining surface aerosol data and atmospheric-column aerosol optical properties, the TSP mass and aerosol optical depth (AOD) of the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) generally decreased as land cover changed from barren to forest, in inverse relation to the PM2.5 ratios. The seasonality of aerosol mass parameters was land-cover dependent. Over forest and grassland areas, TSP mass, PM2.5 mass, MISR-AOD and fine-mode AOD were higher in spring and summer, followed by relatively lower values in autumn and winter. At the barren site (the QOMS station), there were inconsistent seasonal patterns between surface TSP mass (PM2.5 mass) and atmospheric column AOD (fine-mode AOD). Our findings implicate that HTP aerosol masses (especially their regional characteristics and fine-particle emissions) need to be treated sensitively in relation to assessments of their climatic effect and potential role as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei.

Pollution of airborne metallic species in Seoul, Korea from 1998 to 2010

Abstract A comprehensive analysis was made to characterize the long-term changes in concentration of seven key heavy metal species (iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd)) bound to total suspended particles (TSP) in Seoul, Korea, from 1998 to 2010. Their mean values over this period were: 1579 ± 652, 174 ± 54.3, 63.6 ± 8.60, 46.0 ± 15.2, 11.7 ± 9.58, 9.34 ± 8.87, and 1.78 ± 0.64 ng m−3, respectively. Most of the metals exhibited a strong seasonality with maxima in spring (Mn, Fe, and Ni), winter (Pb and Cd), or fall (Cr and Cu) but minima in summer. The most prominent reductions of 71.5% (Pb) and 91.1% (Cu) were seen from early in the study period (1999–2002) to the most recent year (2010). Despite many advances in air quality, these latest concentration values were still higher than in many Western cities. It is thus still desirable to reduce their levels even further to ensure air quality improvement in the coming years.

Speciated PM10 Emission Inventory for Delhi, India

Emission inventories can serve as a basis for air quality management programs. The focus has been mainly on building inventories for criteria pollutants including particulate matter (PM). Control efforts in developing countries are mostly limited to total suspended particles (TSP) and/or PM10. Since the adverse effects of PM10 depend on its chemical composition, it is important to control emissions of toxic species. The first step is to identify key pollution sources and estimate quantities of various chemical species in emissions. This paper presents a speciated PM10 emission inventory for Delhi, the capital and one of the most polluted cities in India. An established PM10 inventory for Delhi in conjunction with source profiles was used to estimate emissions of major PM10 components including organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC, respectively), sulphates (SO42–), and nitrates (NO3–), as well as selected toxic trace metals (i.e., Pb, Ni, V, As, and Hg), some of which are subject to India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). For the base year of 2007, emission estimates for PM10 mass, OC, EC, SO42–, and NO3– are 140, 22, 6.4, 2.8, and 2.1 tonnes/day (TPD; 1 tonne = 1000 kg), respectively. Emissions of Pb, Ni, V, As, and Hg are estimated to be 203, 43, 37, 26, and 9.4 kg/day, respectively. This inventory underestimated Pb and Hg emissions because sources of PM10 from unorganized secondary lead smelters are not specifically identified and gas-to-particle conversion of Hg is not accounted for.

Annual and seasonal variability of ambient aerosols over an urban region in western India

Annual and seasonal variabilities in source contribution to total suspended particles (TSP) measured over an urban location in western India, Ahmedabad between May 2000 and January 2003 are examined in this study. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) resolved six factors including airborne regional dust, calcium carbonate rich dust, biomass burning/vehicular emissions, secondary nitrate/sulfate, marine aerosol, and smelter. In this study, non-parametric statistical tests including the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (K–W ANOVA) and Spearman rank correlation ( ρ) test were used to assess the annual and seasonal variations in factor contributions, and the influence of meteorology on these contributions, respectively. None of the factor contributions exhibited annual variations except airborne regional dust, and biomass burning/vehicular emissions factors. All of the factors exhibited seasonal variations. Several factor monsoon (July–September) median concentrations were significantly different from one or more of the other season medians. In general, it appeared that meteorological factors played a role in establishing the seasonal behavior of factor contributions. Factor contributions exhibited low to moderate correlations with meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, and wind speed. Amongst all of the relationships, marine aerosol factor was reasonably well correlated with relative humidity ( ρ = 0.73) and wind direction ( ρ = 0.73) during the pre-monsoon season (March–May). This observation suggests that the aerosol transported by moisture laden winds from the Arabian sea contribute to this factor. The airborne regional dust factor was also moderately correlated with wind speed ( ρ = 0.70) during the post-monsoon season. This relationship indicates that high regional dust concentrations are favored by high wind speeds and the resultant increase in dispersion.

Elemental composition of airborne aerosols at a traffic site and a suburban site in Hong Kong

Forty elemental concentrations in different size particles were measured at a roadside site and a suburban site of Hong Kong using a ten-stage MOUDI impactor (Mode 110). Some elements (Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, As and Ba) have clear spatial variability, with ∼100% higher concentrations in roadside atmosphere than in suburban atmosphere, showing obviously vehicle-related sources for those elements. However, it is contrary for three typical sea salt elements (Na, Cl and Br), showing more than 100% higher concentrations in suburban environment than in roadside environment, which is due to the influence of marine aerosols. The size distributions of elements are generally similar between roadside and suburban site. The elements Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, Ca, Ti, Mn and Fe mainly present in coarse mode (10 µm > diameter > 1 µm). The mass concentrations of K, V and Ni are distributed in both fine (diameter > 1 µm) and coarse mode. The size distributions of S, Pb, As, Se, Zn, Cu, Cd and Ba show a single peak at around 1 µm or less. The contributions of mineral dust to Total Suspended Particles (TSP) are similar for the traffic and suburban site, ∼13.8% and ∼14.2%, respectively. Sea salts account for ∼1.6% of TSP for the traffic site, and ∼6.0% for the suburban site.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in ambient air of NW Greece and in particulate emissions

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) bound to total suspended particles (TSP) were determined in the area of Eordea basin, NW Greece, where intensive coal burning for electricity production takes place. The concentrations of PCBs exhibited high variability although within the range reported for urban industrialized areas. The presence of PCBs in fly ash generated from coal burning as well as in particulate emissions from vehicles, domestic heating, burning of refuses and biomass was also examined. The particles emitted from vehicles and central heating exhibited the higher content of PCBs, whereas fly ash the lower. The pattern of PCBs in TSP as well as in particulate emissions was discussed.

Determining the sources of atmospheric particles in Shanghai, China, from magnetic and geochemical properties

The study describes an investigation into the sources of atmospheric particles collected at 11 sites across Shanghai, China, during one week in November 1998. Source ascription is based on mineral magnetic and geochemical properties, and a chemical mass balance (CMB) model. The CMB model shows that the main contributions to total suspended particles (TSPs) are products of coal combustion, with lesser contributions from construction sites, vehicle emissions, windblown soil and steel-making furnaces. The spatial variability of concentration-dependent magnetic parameters and heavy metal concentrations support the findings from the CMB model. In general, the variability of magnetic quotient parameters is lower than for concentration parameters. This suggests that there are relatively constant proportions of low coercivity ‘magnetite’ and high coercivity ‘haematite’ mineral phases in dust samples at all sites, with a dominance of superparamagnetic (SP) and multidomain (MD)+pseudo-single domain (PSD) ‘magnetite’ grains. MD+PSD grains are produced to a large extent by fossil-fuel combustion emissions, particularly from the main iron and steel manufacturing and power generation industrial complex. Linear multiple regression analyses show that some non-destructive and rapid magnetic measurements may be used to estimate the concentrations of common heavy metals in TSPs.