Mineralogical, chemical and toxicological characterization of urban air particles

• Published in: Environment international Vol. 54; pp. 26 - 34
• Main Authors: CUPR, Pavel, FLEGROVA, Zuzana, FRANCU, Juraj, LANDLOVA, Linda, KLANOVA, Jana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: aerosols; Aerosols - chemistry; Aerosols - toxicity; Air; Air - analysis; Air Pollutants - chemistry; Air Pollutants - toxicity; Air Pollution - statistics & numerical data; Atmospheric particles; Biological and medical sciences; Bound chemicals; breathing; carcinogenicity; Cascade impactor; chemical composition; Environment. Living conditions; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental pollutants toxicology; Genotoxicity; human health; Humans; inhalation exposure; Inhalation Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Medical sciences; Models, Chemical; Morphological and mineralogical analysis; PAHs; Particle Size; Particulate Matter - chemistry; Particulate Matter - toxicity; particulates; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - analysis; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - chemistry; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - toxicity; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; risk; Risk Assessment; Toxicity Tests; Toxicology; Czech Republic; Europe; Atmospheric particles; PAHs; Morphological and mineralogical analysis; Cascade impactor; Bound chemicals; Genotoxicity; Urban environment; Toxicity; Urban area; Polycyclic aromatic compound; Atmospheric dust; Characterization; Particle; Mineralogical analysis; Air pollution; Chemical composition
• ISSN: 0160-4120; 1873-6750; 1873-6750
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.12.012

Systematic characterization of morphological, mineralogical, chemical and toxicological properties of various size fractions of the atmospheric particulate matter was a main focus of this study together with an assessment of the human health risks they pose. Even though near-ground atmospheric aerosols have been a subject of intensive research in recent years, data integrating chemical composition of particles and health risks are still scarce and the particle size aspect has not been properly addressed yet. Filling this gap, however, is necessary for reliable risk assessment. A high volume ambient air sampler equipped with a multi-stage cascade impactor was used for size specific particle collection, and all 6 fractions were a subject of detailed characterization of chemical (PAHs) and mineralogical composition of the particles, their mass size distribution and genotoxic potential of organic extracts. Finally, the risk level for inhalation exposure associated to the carcinogenic character of the studied PAHs has been assessed. The finest fraction (<0.45μm) exhibited the highest mass, highest active surface, highest amount of associated PAHs and also highest direct and indirect genotoxic potentials in our model air sample. Risk assessment of inhalation scenario indicates the significant cancer risk values in PM 1.5 size fraction. This presented new approach proved to be a useful tool for human health risk assessment in the areas with significant levels of air dust concentration. ► We analyzed 6 size-fractions of air particles (PM). ► The new combination of methods was used to describe the air quality and health risks. ► The morphological, mineralogical, chemical and toxicological properties was assessed. ► The finest fraction exhibited the highest mass, surface, PAHs and genotoxic effects.