PAHs and Trace Elements in PM_2.5 at the Venice Lagoon

Abstract

The results of an experimental analysis carried out to investigate PM(2.5) concentration levels and the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as inorganic trace elements in the atmospheric particles are presented. Measurements were taken with a micrometeorological station equipped with an optical PM(2.5) detector, and simultaneously, particles were collected on filters for subsequent chemical analyses. The average value of daily PM(2.5) concentration is 21.5 ug/m3 and real-time measurements indicate that the average concentration during the day (8 am to 8 pm) is about 25% lower than the nocturnal average. Short-time averages of PM2.5 decrease when the wind speed increases as consequence of the more efficient mixing. Meteorological measurements indicate the presence of a local daily (breeze) circulation with wind blowing from the Alps or the Adriatic Sea and, during this circulation, larger concentrations were observed, with wind coming from the Alps. Days of high PM(2.5) concentration with dominant anthropic or with prevalent crustal contributions were identified. Regarding trace metals, their average concentrations are comparable to those found in others urban areas, except for Cd (3 ng m(-3)), probably due to the presence of glass-works in Murano. The highest concentrations are observed for K (99 ng m(-3)) and Na (73 ng m(-3)), which are the main constituents of marine spray, while the lowest concentrations are observed for elements such as Cs and Co (respectively 0.01 and 0.02 ng m(-3)). Also the concentrations of PAH are comparable with those of other industrial areas, as their sum ranges from 0.16 ng m(-3) to 3.73 ng m(-3), but if considered as B(a)P toxicity equivalent, they are largely lower (0.036 +/- 0.026 ng m(-3)). From the analyses of discriminating ratios, it has been found that the main origin of PAH in PM(2.5) samples may be petrogenic, probably related to the presence of refinery and petrochemical plants on the mainland, although the contribution of combustion processes cannot be excluded.

Distribution and seasonal variability of trace elements in atmospheric particulate in the Venice Lagoon

“…However, the data reported are in line with those obtained by different studies conducted in the Venice Lagoon (Mantovan et al, 2004;Gambaro et al, 2007;Rampazzo et al, 2008).…”

Induction of apoptosis in mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis gills by model cytotoxic agents

“…For the last decade, coastal ecosystems have been subjected to increase hydrocarbon contamination from compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As an example, PAHs concentration in the Adriatic Sea reaches 100 lg/l (Gambaro et al 2007;Bihari et al 2007). PAH, lipophilic molecules, are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 monoxygenase family (CYP1) in highly reactive metabolites that induce the formation of DNA adducts (Pelkonen and Nebert 1982).…”

MAP kinase cell signaling pathway as biomarker of environmental pollution in the sponge Suberites domuncula

“…As a consequence, highly reactive metabolites which form DNA adducts are generated (Pelkonen and Nebert 1982). The Adriatic sea is highly contaminated with this class of pollutant, with concentrations reaching 100 lg/L (Gambaro et al 2007;Bihari et al 2007). Exposure of the sponges to WAF of diesel oil enhanced ERK and p38 activation.…”