Research on chromium and arsenic speciation in atmospheric particulate matter: short review

Abstract

Abstract. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) plays an important role in the distribution of elements in the environment. The PM-bound elements penetrates into the other elements of the environment, in two basic formsthose dissolved in the atmospheric precipitation and those permanently bound to PM particles. Those forms differs greatly in their mobility, thus posing a potential threat to living organisms. They can also be an immediate threat, while being inhaled. Chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) belong to the group of elements whose certain chemical states exhibit toxic properties, that is Cr(VI) and As(III). Thus, recognition of the actual threat posed by Cr and As in the environment, including those present in PM, is possible only through the in depth speciation analysis. Research on the Cr and As speciation in PM, more than the analogous studies of their presence in other compartments of the environment, have been undertaken quite rarely. Hence the knowledge on the speciation of PM-bound As and Cr is still limited. The state of knowledge in the field of PM-bound Cr and As is presented in the paper. The issues related to the characterization and occurrence of Cr and As species in PM, the share of Cr and As species mass in different PM size fractions, and in PM of different origin is also summarized. The analytical techniques used in the speciation analysis of PM-bound Cr and As are also discussed. In the existing literature there is no data on the physical characteristics of Cr and As (bound to a different PM size fractions), and thus it still lack of data needed for a comprehensive assessment of the actual environmental and health threat posed by airborne Cr and As.

Identifying Common Trees and Herbaceous Plants to Mitigate Particulate Matter Pollution in a Semi-Arid Mining Region of South Africa

“…Home gardens and rangelands impacted by more than one of the principal pollution sources in the region (mines and tailings, smelters and transportation routes) were selected randomly at three of the main mining-smelting foci of the region (Figure 1). Since each pollution source emits different proportions of PM of specific size ranges [5], it was decided that the most suitable dust accumulators should be selected on the basis of the higher capacity of plant species to accumulate total dust and various PM sizes thereof.…”

“…The health risks linked with the inhalation of PM depend on particle size and chemistry [2,3]. The respirable PM fraction (≤10 µm) and specifically the finer particles (≤2.5 µm) pose the greatest risk due to the potential entry into the lungs and circulatory system [2,[4][5][6]. Metalliferous dust generated by mining-smelting activities is widely distributed in the air and may carry toxic elements in different oxidation states [2].…”

Dermatologic Toxicities and Biological Activities of Chromium

“…Human hair is naturally exposed to a certain amount of chromium [104] that come from various sources [105][106][107]. Excessive and repeated exposures of chromium in certain environmental condition cause discoloration of blond, dyed-blond, and white hair (to become green) [108][109][110] and cause rapid hair fall [111,112].…”

Soluble Inorganic Arsenic Species in Atmospheric Submicron Particles in Two Polish Urban Background Sites

“…The availability of research concerning speciation analyses of As in PM still remains very limited [20]. Scarcely investigated in particular is PM1-bound As (especially its water-soluble compounds), although there is sufficient evidence that it is rich in toxic elements and can be responsible for negative health effects.…”