Exposure to particulate matter induces health and developmental abnormalities in the Drosophila model

Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM), poses significant environmental and health risks to humans. This study examines the toxicological effects of atmospheric PM collected over Rourkela, an industrial city in eastern India, using Drosophila melanogaster as an in-vivo model. The PM samples, evaluated using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy, revealed a complex composition of heavy metals and rare-earth elements, suggesting potential contributions from industrial and other anthropogenic sources. Food consumption exposed flies in the larval stage to varying PM exposure volumes. Histochemical staining, locomotor tests, and adult phenotypic screening were used to evaluate the effects. The results indicated volume-based PM genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, membrane damage, altered lipid metabolism, reduced climbing behaviour, and morphological abnormalities, particularly in the compound eyes. These results offer experimental evidence of the biological impacts of atmospheric PM exposure in a Drosophila model, shedding light on potential mechanisms relevant to human health.