Levels and Sources of Atmospheric Particle-Bound Mercury in Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) at Several Sites of an Atlantic Coastal European Region

[Abstract] Atmospheric particle-bound mercury (PHg) quantification, at a pg m⁻³ level, has been assessed in particulate matter samples (PM₁₀) at several sites (industrial, urban and sub-urban sites) of Atlantic coastal European region during 13 months by using a direct thermo-desorption method. Analytical method validation was assessed using 1648a and ERM CZ120 reference materials. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.25 pg m⁻³ and 0.43 pg m⁻³, respectively. Repeatability of the method was generally below 12.6%. PHg concentrations varied between 1.5–30.8, 1.5–75.3 and 2.27–33.7 pg m⁻³ at urban, sub-urban and industrial sites, respectively. PHg concentration varied from 7.2 pg m⁻³ (urban site) to 16.3 pg m⁻³ (suburban site) during winter season, while PHg concentrations varied from 9.9 pg m⁻³ (urban site) to 19.3 pg m⁻³ (suburban site) during the summer. Other trace elements, major ions, black carbon (BC) and UV-absorbing particulate matter (UV PM) was also assessed at several sites. Average concentrations for trace metals (Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, V and Zn) ranged from 0.08 ng m⁻³ (Bi) at suburban site to 1.11 µg m⁻³ (Fe) at industrial site. Average concentrations for major ions (including Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) ranged from 200 ng m⁻³ (K⁺) to 5332 ng m⁻³ (SO₄²⁻) at urban site, 166 ng m⁻³ (Mg²⁺) to 4425 ng m⁻³ (SO₄²⁻) at suburban site and 592 ng m⁻³ (K⁺) to 5853 ng m⁻³ (Cl⁻) at industrial site. Results of univariate analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested crustal, marine and anthropogenic sources of PHg in PM₁₀ at several sites studied. Toxicity prediction of PHg, by using hazard quotient, suggested no non-carcinogenic risk for adults.This work was supported by Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020) FEDER-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with Xunta de Galicia and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad ref: RTI2018-101116-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). We are grateful to Alicia Cantarero-Roldán (SAI-University of A Coruña) for ICP-MS technical support. M. Fernández-Amado appreciates the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades support (PTA2017-13607-I). The authors would like to thank P. Esperón (PTA2013-8375-I) for her support.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28-2017-202

Multi-Class Organic Pollutants in Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM2.5) From a Southwestern Europe Industrial Area: Levels, Sources and Human Health Risk

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] The occurrence of 50 multi-class pollutants comprising 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 phthalate esters (PAEs), 12 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 6 synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) and 2 bisphenols was studied in atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) samples collected at an industrial area focused on automotive manufacturing located at the Southwestern Atlantic European region (Vigo city, Spain) during 1-year period. Among all quantitated pollutants in PM2.5 samples, bisphenol A (BPA) was the most predominant with an average concentration of 6180 pg m−3, followed by PAHs comprising benzo(b+j)fluoranthene (BbF + BjF) and benzo(g,h,i)perylene (BghiP), accounting for 546 pg m−3 and 413 pg m−3 respectively. In addition, two OPFRs concerning tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and triphenyl phosphine oxide (TPPO) were the next following the concentration order, accounting for 411 pg m−3 and 367 pg m−3 respectively; being butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) the most profuse PAE (56.1 pg m−3 by average). High relative standard deviations (RSDs) were observed during the whole sampling period, while statistically significant differences were only observed for PAHs concentrations during cold and warm seasons. Furthermore, some water-soluble ions and metal(oid)s were analysed in PM2.5 samples to be used as PM source tracers, whose concentrations were quite below the target levels set in the current legislation. Data obtained from principal component analysis (PCA) and PAHs molecular indices suggested a pyrogenic and petrogenic origin for PAHs, whereas occurrence of the remaining compounds seems to be attributed to resources used in the automotive industrial activity settled in the sampling area. Moreover, although a substantial anthropogenic source to PM2.5 in the area was observed, marine and soil resuspension contributions were also accounted. Finally, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks posed by PM2.5-bound pollutants inhalation were assessed, being both averages within the safe level considering the whole period.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Programa Estatal de I + D + i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00), the Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas, refs: ED431C 2017/28 (2017–2020) and ED431C 2021/56 (2021–2024)) and ERDF-Ministerio de Economía y Empresa (MINECO) (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with the Xunta de Galicia). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). Natalia Novo-Quiza acknowledges the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and the European Union (ESF) for a predoctoral grant (PRE2019-088744). The Laboratorio de Medio Ambiente de Galicia (LMAG) of the Subdirección Xeral de Meteoroloxía e Cambio Climático (Xunta de Galicia) is also acknowledged for providing the samples used in the present research work. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUGXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2021/56Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/16

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Analysis in Tea Infusions and Tea Beverages Using Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE) was applied as an extraction and enrichment technique of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from tea infusions and fruit/herbal-tea beverages. PAHs have been separated and detected by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). Variables affecting MASE comprising extraction temperature and time, stirring rate, acceptor solvent (hexane) volume, organic modifier in the donor phase (methanol) volume, aqueous donor phase pH and ionic strength were simultaneously studied by applying a Plackett–Burman design (PBD) as screening method. Results showed statistical significance for acceptor solvent volume, extraction time and stirring rate, which were optimised by an orthogonal 23 + star central composite design (CCD). Quantitative recoveries for all PAHs (within 78–116%) were obtained by using the optimized extraction conditions: 350 µL of hexane, extraction time of 70 min and stirring rate of 175 rpm. Extraction temperature, ionic strength and donor phase pH were statistically non-significant, which simplify the procedure. The MASE method has been found sensitive (LOQs < 43 ng L−1) and precise (RSDs of < 13%). Finally, the method has been applied to assess PAHs levels in several tea infusions and fruit/herbal-tea beverages in the presence of surrogate standards. The total mean Σ16PAHs in tea infusions were from 1.2 ng L−1 (white tea) to 151.7 ng L−1 (black tea), while total mean Σ16PAHs was lower than 11.5 ng L−1 regarding tea fruit/herbal beverages. Furthermore, benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentrations were from < 1.5 ng L−1 (white tea) to 4.6 ng L−1 (green tea). Nevertheless, BaP concentrations obtained as well as the summation of BaA, Chry, BbF and BaP concentrations (4.6 ng L−1 for tea beverages to 7.5 ng L−1 for green tea infusions) did not exceeded the maximum levels according with European Union (EU) standards. Finally, BaP carcinogenic equivalent concentration (BaPeq) and BaP mutagenic equivalent concentration (BaPMeq) were estimated, ranging from 0.01 ng L−1 to 19.8 ng L−1 and 0.23 ng L−1 to 6.9 ng L−1, respectively.This work was supported by Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020) and FEDER-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with Xunta de Galicia. Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164)Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/16

Inhalation Bioaccessibility of Multi-Class Organic Pollutants Associated to Atmospheric PM2.5: Correlation with PM2.5 Properties and Health Risk Assessment

[Abstract] Inhalation exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) represents a global concern due to the adverse effects in human health. In the last years, scientific community has been adopted the assessment of the PM2.5-bound pollutant fraction that could be released (bioaccessible fraction) in simulated lung fluids (SLFs) to achieve a better understanding of PM risk assessment and toxicological studies. Thus, bioaccessibility of 49 organic pollutants, including 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 phthalate esters (PAEs), 11 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 6 synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) and 2 bisphenols in PM2.5 samples was evaluated. The proposed method consists of a physiologically based extraction test (PBET) by using artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) to obtain bioaccessible fractions, followed by a vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VALLME) and a final analysis by programmed temperature vaporization-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PTV-GC-MS/MS). The highest inhalation bioaccessibility ratio was found for bisphenol A (BPA) with an average of 83%, followed by OPFRs, PAEs and PAHs (with average bioaccessibilities of 68%, 41% and 34%, respectively). Correlations between PM2.5 composition (major ions, trace metals, equivalent black carbon (eBC) and UV-absorbing particulate matter (UVPM)) and bioaccessibility ratios were also assessed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggested that PAHs, PAES and OPFRs bioaccessibility ratios could be positively correlated with PM2.5 carbonaceous content. Furthermore, both inverse and positive correlations on PAHs, PAEs and OPFRs bioaccessibilites could be accounted for some major ions and metal (oid)s associated to PM2.5, whereas no correlations comprising considered PM2.5 major ions and metal (oid)s contents and BPA bioaccessibility was observed. In addition, health risk assessment of target PM2.5-associated PAHs via inhalation was assessed in the study area considering both total and bioaccessible concentrations, being averaged human health risks within the safe carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic levels.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)501100008530 (Programa Estatal de I + D + i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00), the Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas, refs: ED431C 2017/28 (2017–2020) and ED431C 2021/56 (2021–2024)) and FEDER501100008530-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with the Xunta de Galicia). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). Natalia Novo-Quiza acknowledges the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) for a predoctoral grant (PRE 2019-088744). The Laboratorio de Medio Ambiente de Galicia (LMAG) of the Subdirección Xeral de Meteoroloxía e Cambio Climático (Xunta de Galicia) is also acknowledged for providing the samples used in the present research workXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2021/56Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/16

In-Vitro Inhalation Bioavailability Estimation of Metal(Oid)S in Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Using Simulated Alveolar Lysosomal Fluid: A Dialyzability Approach

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] A novel in-vitro method, by using synthetic body fluids, human physiological conditions and a simulated air-blood barrier (by using a dialysis membrane) has been developed and applied to assess in-vitro inhalation bioavailability of metal(oid)s associated to particulate matter (PM2,5) samples collected from an industrial site of the Northwest of Spain. A validated analytical methodology based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse metal(oid)s concentrations in bioavailable fractions. This approach would be a more realistic human health risk assessment since considering processes that occur in human body in contrast the overestimation derived from current models (which consider environmental concentrations). Metal(oid)s such as Cu and Mo seemed to be the most bioavailable (mean in-vitro bioavailability ratios higher than 70%); Ba, Cd, Mn, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, V and Zn shown mean ratios between 20 and 60%, while low in-vitro bioavailability ratios (less than 20%) were observed for metal(oid)s such as Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Ti, and Tl. Health risk assessment via inhalation based on hazard carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic indexes (HIc and HInc, respectively) were performed considering three exposure scenarios using both inhalation bioavailable and total metal(oid)s concentrations in PM2.5 samples, suggesting no risk to human health. The influence of chemical composition on in-vitro bioavailability ratios was obtained, pointing out that inhalation ratios of Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and V seem to be affected by sea salt and/or crustal and/or biogenic and/or anthropogenic content of PM2.5.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento, en el marco del Programa Estatal para Impulsar la Investigación Científico-Técnica y su Transferencia, del Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica, Técnica y de Innovación 2021–2023, ref: PID2021-125201OB-I00); the Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas, refs: ED431C 2021/56 (2021–2024) and ERDF-Ministerio de Economía y Empresa (MINECO) (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with the Xunta de Galicia). Natalia Novo-Quiza acknowledges the MCIN and the European Union (European Social Fund, ESF) for a predoctoral grant (PRE2019-088744). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia (Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria) and the European Union (ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164) and the Xunta de Galicia (Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Universidade) for a posdoctoral grant (ED481B-2022-002). The Laboratorio de Medio Ambiente de Galicia (LMAG) of the Subdirección Xeral de Meteoroloxía e Cambio Climático (Xunta de Galicia) is also acknowledged for providing the samples used in the present research work. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUGXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2021/56Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/164Xunta de Galicia; ED481B-2022-00

Oral Bioavailability Reveals an Overestimation of the Toxicity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Particulate Matter

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in atmospheric particulate matter have adverse effects on human health, yet total PAH concentrations should overestimate the toxicity compared to the bioavailable amount of PAHs. To explore this hypothesis, we measured PAHs oral bioavailability in vitro in particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter lower than 10 µm (PM₁₀) using a test that mimics the human digestive system. This assay combines the use of simulated gastrointestinal fluids and a dialysis membrane to simulate intestinal absorption. Results show that oral PAH bioavailability was below 5%, with fluorene, anthracene, acenaphthene and phenanthrene as the most bioavailable PAHs. Data suggest no carcinogenic risk of oral bioavailable PM₁₀-bound PAHs following a health risk assessment via inhalation-ingestion by using benzo(a)pyrene-equivalent carcinogenic concentration and hazard indexes. To our best knowledge, this is the first research study of in vitro oral bioavailability estimation of PM₁₀-associated PAHs.This work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00) and Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund—ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). The council of A Coruña is acknowledged for its assistance (collaboration agreement between the City of A Coruña and the University Institute of Environment (IUMA) of the University of A Coruña (UDC) for the measurement of PM10 particle levels in the area of Os Castros, A Coruña). The authors would like to thank EXPRELA group (UDC) for their support. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUGXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/16

Evolution of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants in the Air: What Changed after Five Lockdown Weeks at a Southwest Atlantic European Region (Northwest of Spain) Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic?

[Abstract] Due to the exponential growth of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain (2020), the Spanish Government adopted lockdown measures as mitigating strategies to reduce the spread of the pandemic from 14 March. In this paper, we report the results of the change in air quality at two Atlantic Coastal European cities (Northwest Spain) during five lockdown weeks. The temporal evolution of gaseous (nitrogen oxides, comprising NOₓ, NO, and NO₂; sulfur dioxide, SO₂; carbon monoxide, CO; and ozone, O₃) and particulate matter (PM₁₀; PM₂․₅; and equivalent black carbon, eBC) pollutants were recorded before (7 February to 13 March 2020) and during the first five lockdown weeks (14 March to 20 April 2020) at seven air quality monitoring stations (urban background, traffic, and industrial) in the cities of A Coruña and Vigo. The influences of the backward trajectories and meteorological parameters on air pollutant concentrations were considered during the studied period. The temporal trends indicate that the concentrations of almost all species steadily decreased during the lockdown period with statistical significance, with respect to the pre-lockdown period. In this context, great reductions were observed for pollutants related mainly to fossil fuel combustion, road traffic, and shipping emissions (−38 to −78% for NO, −22 to −69% for NO₂, −26 to −75% for NOₓ, −3 to −77% for SO₂, −21% for CO, −25 to −49% for PM₁₀, −10 to −38% for PM₂․₅, and −29 to −51% for eBC). Conversely, O₃ concentrations increased from +5 to +16%. Finally, pollutant concentration data for 14 March to 20 April of 2020 were compared with those of the previous two years. The results show that the overall air pollutants levels were higher during 2018–2019 than during the lockdown period.This work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00), Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020) and FEDER-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with Xunta de Galicia). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund-ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). María Fernández-Amado acknowledges the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PTA2017-13607-I)

Development and Validation of a Multi-Pollutant Method for the Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Synthetic Musk Compounds and Plasticizers in Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅)

[Abstract] Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) associated pollutants is a global concern due to the risk posed in human health after inhalation. In this study, a simple and sensitive multi-residue method is developed for the analysis of 50 organic pollutants, comprising 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 phthalate esters (PAEs), 12 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 6 synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) and 2 bisphenols in PM₂.₅ samples. The method consists of three cycles of ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction and vortex (UASE + vortex), followed by a vortex-assisted dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) clean-up and a final determination step by using programmed temperature vaporization-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (PTV-GC-MS/MS). Experimental conditions concerning clean-up adsorbents (alumina, silica gel and Florisil®) and filters (glass fibre, PTFE and nylon), as well as PTV-GC-MS/MS conditions were studied. In addition, the use of SRM (selected reaction monitoring) mode in MS-MS, as well as matrix-matched calibration together with labelled subrogate standards, resulted in successfully validation results for most of the compounds due to the high sensitivity, minimization of matrix effects and recovering losses compensation. The proposed method was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification (LODs and LOQs), analytical recoveries by analysing a spiked composite sample (PM₂.₅) at three spiking levels and intra-day and inter-day precision. Moreover, an urban particulate matter standard reference material (SRM 1648a) was analysed to assess PAHs determination accuracy. Furthermore, applicability of the method was proved by analysing 12 PM₂.₅ samples from an industrial area. Among all studied pollutants, bisphenol A (BPA) was the most predominant with an average concentration of 5000 pg m⁻³, followed by bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisobutyl phthtalate (DiBP) with 1990 pg m⁻³ and 632 pg m⁻³, respectively. Concerning OPFRs, average concentrations between 345 – 253 pg m⁻³ were found for triphenyl phosphine oxide (TPPO), tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP), tri-iso-butyl phosphate (TiBP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP). Finally, the highest PAHs levels were found for 5-6 ring-number PAHs (Σ5-6 rings PAHs) with an average concentration of 2680 pg m⁻³, while only 2 SMCs were quantitated accounting for 17.5 pg m⁻³ by average.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00) and the Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). The Laboratorio de Medio Ambiente de Galicia (LMAG) of the Subdirección Xeral de Meteoroloxía e Cambio Climático (Xunta de Galicia) is also acknowledged for providing the samples used in the present research workXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2018/16

The occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bisphenol A and organophosphate flame retardants in indoor dust and soils from public open spaces: Implications for human exposure

Global concern exists regarding human exposure to organic pollutants derived from public open spaces and indoor dust. This study has evaluated the occurrence of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 11 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) and bisphenol A (BPA). To achieve this, a new simple, efficient and fast multi-residue analytical method based on a fully automated pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) and subsequent quantification by gas chromatography coupled to electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode was developed. The developed method was applied to indoor dust (12 sampling households) and soil derived from two public open spaces (POSs). Among all compounds studied, PAHs were the most ubiquitous contaminants detected in POS soils and indoor dust although some OPFRs and BPA were detected in lower concentrations. An assessment of the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was done and indicated a high potential cancer risk from the POS sites and some of the indoor dust sampled sites. However, key variables, such as the actual exposure duration, frequency of contact and indoor cleaning protocols will significantly reduce the potential risk. Finally, the ingestion of soils and indoor dust contaminated with OPFRs and BPA was investigated and noted in almost all cases to be below the USEPA reference doses

Source Apportionment of PM10 and Health Risk Assessment Related in a Narrow Tropical Valley. Study Case: Metropolitan Area of Aburrá Valley (Colombia)

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] This study investigates spatio-temporal variations of PM10 mass concentrations and associated metal(oid)s, δ13C carbon isotope ratios, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total organic carbon (TOC) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations over a half year period (from March 2017 to October 2017) in two residential areas of Medellín (MED-1 and MED-2) and Itagüí municipality (ITA-1 and ITA-2) at a tropical narrow valley (Aburrá Valley, Colombia), where few data are available. A total of 104 samples were analysed by using validated analytical methodologies, providing valuable data for PM10 chemical characterisation. Metal(oid)s concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid digestion, and PAHs concentrations were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) after Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE). Mean PM10 mass concentration ranged from 37.0 µg m−3 to 45.7 µg m−3 in ITA-2 and MED-2 sites, respectively. Al, Ca, Mg and Na (from 6249 ng m−3 for Mg at MED-1 site to 10,506 ng m−3 for Ca at MED-2 site) were the major elements in PM10 samples, whilst As, Be, Bi, Co, Cs, Li, Ni, Sb, Se, Tl and V were found at trace levels (< 5.4 ng m−3). Benzo[g,h,i] perylene (BghiP), benzo[b + j]fluoranthene (BbjF) and indene(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (IcdP) were the most profuse PAHs in PM10 samples, with average concentrations of 0.82–0.86, 0.60–0.78 and 0.47–0.58 ng m−3, respectively. Results observed in the four sampling sites showed a similar dispersion pattern of pollutants, with temporal fluctuations which seems to be associated to the meteorology of the valley. A PM source apportionment study were carried out by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, pointing to re-suspended dust, combustion processes, quarry activity and secondary aerosols as PM10 sources in the study area. Among them, combustion was the major PM10 contribution (accounting from 32.1 to 32.9% in ITA-1 and ITA-2, respectively), followed by secondary aerosols (accounting for 13.2% and 23.3% ITA-1 and MED-1, respectively). Finally, a moderate carcinogenic risk was observed for PM10-bound PAHs exposure via inhalation, whereas significant carcinogenic risk was estimated for carcinogenic metal(oid)s exposure in the area during the sampling period.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. The authors thank FEDER-MINECO (Spain), ref: UNLC15-DE-3097 together with Xunta de Galicia (80/20%), Xunta de Galicia (Spain), ref: ED431C 2021/56 and the Colombian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation for its funding through call 744 of 2016 744/2016, project No. 111574454999 CTO 770/2016, Estimate of cancer risk due to exposure to recognised carcinogens associated with Respirable particulate material in the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (AMVA) Antioquia. Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia (Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Universidade) for a posdoctoral grant (ED481B-2022–002). The authors would like to thank María Fernández-Amado (IUMA-UDC) (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PTA2017-13607-I)) for her technical support and partnership during the laboratory work. Funding for open access charge: Universidade da Coruña/CISUGXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2021/56Colombia. Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación; 111574454999 CTO 770/2016Xunta de Galicia; ED481B-2022–00