Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Analysis of the Ambient Particulate Matter-induced Chromosomal Aberrations Using an In Vitro System
Published on: December 21, 2016
Effects of oil pipeline explosion on ambient particulate matter and their associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Yue Zhao1, Lixin Cao, Qing Zhou
1Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Qingdao, 266100, China. yuezhao@ouc.edu.cn
Abstract:
Effects of the oil pipeline explosion on PM(2.5)-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their substituted (alkylated, nitrated, oxygenated, hydroxyl and chlorinated) derivatives are assessed near the accident scene of Qingdao, China. Compared with those in TSP-PM(2.5), gaseous phase, burn residue and unburned crude oil, eighty-nine PAHs in PM(2.5) are identified and quantified to investigate the composition, temporal and spatial distribution, and sources. The concentrations of PM(2.5)-associated parent PAHs increase approximately seven times from the non-explosion samples to the explosion samples (mean ± standard deviation: 112 ± 2 vs 764 ± 15 ng/m(3)), while some substituted products (nitro- and oxy-) increase by two orders of magnitude (3117 ± 156 pg/m(3) vs 740 ± 37 ng/m(3)). The toxicity evaluation indicates the BaP equivalent concentrations (based on the US EPA's toxicity factors) in PM(2.5) are much higher than those in the other phases, especially for a long duration after the tragic accident.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Compounds: Overview
In 1825, Faraday...
Bioremediation
Combustion Energy: A Measure of Stability in Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Alkanes undergo combustion in the presence of excess oxygen and high-temperature conditions to give carbon dioxide and water. A combustion reaction is the energy source in natural gas, liquified...
Mass Spectrometry: Branched Alkane Fragmentation
Flame Photometry: Overview

