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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Composition and Distribution Analysis of Bioaerosols Under Different Environmental Conditions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Seasonal variations in chemical composition and in vitro biological effects of fine PM from Milan
Maria Grazia Perrone1, Maurizio Gualtieri, Luca Ferrero
1POLARIS Research Center, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, DISAT, Piazza della Scienza 1, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Fine particulate matter (PM1 and PM2.5) was collected in Milan over the summer (August-September) and winter (January-March) seasons of 2007/2008. Particles were analyzed for their chemical composition (inorganic ions, elements and PAHs) and the effects produced on the human lung carcinoma epithelial cell line A549. In vitro tests were performed to assess cell viability with MTT assay, cytokine release (IL-6 and IL-8) with ELISA, and DNA damage with COMET assay. Results were investigated by bivariate analysis and multivariate data analysis (Principal Component Analysis, PCA) to investigate the relationship between PM chemical composition and the biological effects produced by cell exposure to 12 microg cm(-2). The different seasonal chemical composition of PM showed to influence some biological properties. Summer PM samples had a high mass contribution of SO(4)(=) (13+/-2%) and were enriched in some elements, like Al, As, Cr, Cu, and Zn, compared to winter PM samples. Cell viability reduction was two times higher for summer PM samples in comparison with winter ones (27+/-5% and 14+/-5%, respectively), and the highest correlation coefficients between cell viability reduction and single chemical components were with As (R(2)=0.57) and SO(4)(=) (R(2)=0.47). PM1 affected cell viability reduction and induced IL-8 release, and these events were interrelated (R(2)=0.95), and apparently connected with the same chemical compounds. PM2.5 fraction, which was enriched in Ca(++) and Mg(++) (from soil dust), and Al, Fe, Zn, Ba Mn, produced cell viability reduction and DNA damage (R(2)=0.73).
Insights
Summer fine particulate matter (PM) in Milan showed higher toxicity, causing greater cell viability reduction and DNA damage due to distinct chemical compositions, including arsenic and sulfate.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) air pollution poses significant health risks.
- Seasonal variations in PM chemical composition can alter its biological effects.
- Understanding PM's impact on human lung cells is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the chemical composition of fine particulate matter (PM1 and PM2.5) collected in Milan during summer and winter.
- To evaluate the in vitro biological effects of PM on human lung carcinoma cells (A549).
- To investigate the relationship between PM chemical components and observed toxicological effects.
Main Methods:
- Collection of PM1 and PM2.5 samples during summer and winter seasons.
- Chemical analysis of PM for inorganic ions, elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- In vitro assays including MTT for cell viability, ELISA for cytokine release (IL-6, IL-8), and COMET assay for DNA damage.
Main Results:
- Summer PM exhibited higher concentrations of SO(4)(=) and elements like As, Cr, Cu, and Zn compared to winter PM.
- Summer PM caused a two-fold greater reduction in A549 cell viability than winter PM.
- PM1 exposure correlated with cell viability reduction and IL-8 release, while PM2.5 exposure induced cell viability reduction and DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal differences in PM chemical composition significantly influence its toxicity to lung cells.
- Arsenic (As) and sulfate (SO(4)(=)) were strongly associated with reduced cell viability.
- PM1 and PM2.5 fractions exhibit distinct biological effects, highlighting the importance of size-specific PM analysis in air pollution studies.
