Comparative assessment of ecotoxicity of urban aerosol

Abstract

In addition to its mass concentration, the health effects of urban particulate matter may depend on its particle size distribution and chemical composition. Yet air pollution regulations rely on exclusively bulk PM<sub>10</sub> concentration measurements, without regard to their potentially different health effects under different conditions. Aerosols from various sources are well known to contain a plethora of toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic constituents such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In spite of the fact that tremendous efforts have been put to establish links between aerosol pollution and human health or mortality, the potential acute effects of PM<sub>2.5</sub>/PM<sub>10</sub> have never been assessed for lack of adequate methodology. Here we present the application of a simple and sensitive method for the direct assessment of the overall ecotoxicity of various PM<sub>2.5</sub>/PM<sub>10</sub> samples collected on filters. The method is based on the <i>Vibrio fischeri</i> bioluminescence inhibition bioassay that has been standardized for solid samples, representing a relevant biological exposure route. Direct emission samples proved to be significantly more ecotoxic than photochemically processed aerosol, thus marked differences were observed between the ecotoxicities of urban PM<sub>10</sub> in summer and winter. The previously overlooked acute effects of urban PM<sub>10</sub> may add to the established effects of gaseous primary pollutants aggravating health problems during severe air pollution episodes

Comparison of the in vitro toxicological activity of various particulate matter

“…Other factors besides particle size and composition may affect the results. Cytotoxicity of DEP may vary depending on type of engine; therefore, it may be lower than that of biomass combustion particles (Turóczi et al, 2012). In previous studies, contents of PAHs in biomass combustion particles were higher than those in DEP, but biomass combustion particles did not generate the electron spin resonance signal that is characteristic of hydroxyl radicals (Danielsen et al, 2011).…”

Bioluminescence‐based assays for assessing eco‐ and genotoxicity of airborne emissions

“…The protocol has been successfully applied to assess ecotoxicity of urban aerosol, with special regard to seasonal differences , and ecotoxicity of the emission of diesel‐powered light‐duty and heavy‐duty vehicles . In both studies, emission of individual vehicles could be characterized.…”