Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of urban aerosols in Krakow (Poland) and their potential health impact

Abstract

Eight aerosol samples were collected in Krakow using a low-volume sampler in February and March 2019 during variable meteorological conditions and times of the day, to study their single particles’ properties (size, morphology and chemical composition analyzed using a scanning electron microscope fitted with an energy-dispersive spectrometer) and microbiological characteristics. The content of particles of different chemical compositions larger than 2.5 μm was low. Considering the number of the particles, submicron particles strongly dominated with a high content of ultrafine particles (nanoparticles). Tar ball-type particles were relatively common in the studied samples, while soot was the dominant component. Soot was present as small agglomerates composed of few particles, but also as bigger agglomerates. Metal-containing particles of various chemical characteristics were abundant, with transition metals commonly occurring in these particles. The physicochemical characteristics of aerosols indicate that despite a relatively low mass concentration, their adverse health impact could be very strong because of the high content of nanoparticles, the abundance of soot and other fuel combustion-related particles, and the high incidence of transition metal-rich particles. Microbiological analysis was based on cultures on both solid and liquid agar. The MALDI-TOF method was used for species identification—for bacteria and fungi. Twelve different species of bacteria were isolated from the collected samples of aerosols. The most frequently isolated species was Gram-positive sporulating Bacillus licheniformis. The isolated mold fungi were of the genus Aspergillus.

The Origin of Dust Particles in Atmospheric Air in Krakow (Poland) (Atmospheric Background)

“…People living in urban areas are at a greater risk of harmful effects resulting from air pollution. Epidemiological studies have shown adverse associations between exposure to high particulate matter concentration and human health [1][2][3] as well as they have revealed that there exists a link between the mortality rate increase and presence of smog [4][5][6]. Although between 2000 and 2010 the PM10 concentration generally decreased in Central Europe due to changes in meteorological conditions such as higher wind speeds or warmer winters, the PM10 concentration in Poland STILL exceeds the standards set by the European Union and World Health Organization (WHO).…”

Airborne Microplastic in the Atmospheric Deposition, How to Identify and Quantify the Threat? Novel Semi-quantitative Approach based on Kraków Case Study

“…The main airborne aluminum source is human industrial activity [59], and also, even though rarely in a temperate climate, wind-transported soil particles. Aluminum salts detected in the samples are rarely present among air pollutants in Krakow [60]. Aluminum salts, among others, were previously detected as present in the form of particulate matter in the so-called 'personal cloud' [61].…”

Characteristics of Anthropogenic Pollution in the Atmospheric Air of South-Western Svalbard (Hornsund, Spring 2019)

“…The identification of soot (in various aggregates) also relies upon the morphology of particles. Tar balls are often identified using their morphology determined in SEM studies (without verification of their internal structure using a transmission electron microscope, TEM) [43][44][45][46]. We include soot and tar balls among anthropogenic particles since significant emissions of these particles originate from fuel combustion processes (while we are aware they may also originate from wildfires).…”