Trace element concentration in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their bioavailability in different
Poorti Varshney1, Renuka Saini1, Ajay Taneja2
1Department of Chemistry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra, 282002, India.
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|July 11, 2015
Summary
Indoor air quality monitoring is crucial. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in rural, urban, and roadside environments showed varying concentrations, with cadmium and lead posing cancer risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Airborne particulate matter (PM) deposition in lungs necessitates indoor monitoring.
- Microenvironments like urban, rural, and roadside settings present unique exposure scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate elemental bioavailability in fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
- To assess potential health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure in different microenvironments.
Main Methods:
- PM2.5 samples collected using fine particulate samplers on polytetrafluoroethylene filters.
- Elemental analysis performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.
- Bioavailability determined by calculating the soluble fraction of elements.
Main Results:
- Average PM2.5 concentrations: 71.23 µg m⁻³ (rural), 45.33 µg m⁻³ (urban), 36.71 µg m⁻³ (roadside).
- Cadmium and lead identified as elements posing cancer risks based on Integrated Risk Information System evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Elemental composition and bioavailability of PM2.5 vary across different microenvironments.
- Exposure to specific elements like cadmium and lead in PM2.5 presents significant health concerns, including cancer risk.
