{"title":"Characterization of airborne microplastics and exposure assessment in the Mahshahr special economic zone, Northern Persian Gulf","authors":"Faezeh Jahedi , Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi Fard , Morteza Abdullatif Khafaie , Saeed Hesam , Reza Dehbandi , Neda Kaydi","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Atmospheric microplastics (MPs), due to their diminutive size and potential health impacts, have become one of the biggest environmental and health challenges facing humanity. These particles can be easily inhaled, allowing them to bypass the body's initial respiratory defenses and enter the lung alveoli. Once lodged in the alveoli, these particles can cause various negative health effects, potentially leading to respiratory issues and other systemic health problems. This study marks the first quantification of atmospheric microplastics' spatial and temporal distribution in Bandar Mahshahr, Khuzestan, Iran. Measurements were conducted over twelve periods of 24-h sampling across two months of the year at three different sites: residential, high-traffic, and industrial areas. The concentration of MPs in the indoor and outdoor air varied across the three sampling sites: it ranged from 0.16 to 1.11 particles/m<sup>3</sup>, with mean values of 0.47 ± 0.06, 0.78 ± 0.07, and 0.85 ± 0.09 particles/m<sup>3</sup> for residential, high-traffic, and industrial areas, respectively. Industrial areas had the highest MP levels, followed by high-traffic and residential sites. Indoor air also contained significant MP concentrations. Regarding their color, and shape, the majority of MPs were identified as black-gray fibers (69.2–81.6 %) with sizes mostly below 500 μm, though larger particles (>1000 μm) were also present. Moreover, Raman spectroscopic analysis revealed that the most prevalent types of plastics were polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and nylon. The abundance of microplastics in present study can be attributed to the primary production of plastics by petrochemical industries located in the area. Our results can be attributed to the primary production of plastics by petrochemical industries located in the area. The inhalation risk assessment showed a significant disparity in MP inhalation exposure across different age groups, with newborns and infants facing the highest (0.44 MP/kg body weight/day, followed by infants at 0.23 MP/kg body weight/day, and adults at 0.07 MP/kg body weight/day). This study contributes to a better understanding of MP behavior in the atmosphere and emphasizes the need for further research to assess the potential health risks associated with MP exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102585"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zihang Zhou , Chengwei Lu , Ye Deng , Qinwen Tan , Xia Jiang , Bin Zhao , Fei Fang , Hefan Liu , Danlin Song , Xiaoling Zhou , Xuan Liu , Xin Zhang , Yukun Li
{"title":"Research on the path of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gas cooperative control in megacities - A case study of Chengdu","authors":"Zihang Zhou , Chengwei Lu , Ye Deng , Qinwen Tan , Xia Jiang , Bin Zhao , Fei Fang , Hefan Liu , Danlin Song , Xiaoling Zhou , Xuan Liu , Xin Zhang , Yukun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cooperative control of pollution and carbon is essential for building a beautiful China and achieving the carbon peak. The pollution and carbon emission inventories used in existing cooperative control research are usually prepared based on different data, which may cause great uncertainty in the proposed cooperative control measures. In this research, focusing on achieving the air quality standard and carbon peak (hereinafter referred to as dual goals) and taking Chengdu as a case study, an integrated pollution and carbon emission inventory was built based on a unified source emission framework structure; and a pollution and carbon coupling analysis method of economic development-energy consumption-atmospheric pollutant emissions at the urban scale was established combined with the LEAP-Chengdu localization model; in addition, the path of atmospheric pollutant and greenhouse gas cooperative control were proposed based on the improvement effect of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and O<sub>3</sub> concentrations. The results show that the main sources of pollution and carbon emissions in Chengdu are transportation, stationary combustion and industrial process, and transportation contributes 86.8 % of the total NO<sub>x</sub> emissions. Under the carbon peak scenario, Chengdu's greenhouse gas emissions are expected to reach a peak in 2028. New energy alternatives for transportation will become the main driving force. Based on the carbon peak scenario, cooperative control scenarios with more stringent measures may achieve air quality improvement goals. To achieve the dual goals in 2030, all existing process technology and end-of-pipe emission control measures for atmospheric pollutant emission reduction need to be applied.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102587"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gan Liu , Hong Wang , Weitao Zheng , Yong Ma , Yu Huang , Mengyao Jia
{"title":"Characteristics and health risk assessment of monoaromatic hydrocarbons pollution in air above plastic runways","authors":"Gan Liu , Hong Wang , Weitao Zheng , Yong Ma , Yu Huang , Mengyao Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monoaromatic hydrocarbons (MACHs) emitted from polyurethane (PU) plastic runways can pose health risks to individuals engaging in sports on or near these runways. However, the specific pollution characteristics and associated health risks of MACHs in the air above these runways remain poorly understood. This study investigated 22 newly constructed plastic runways in Hubei Province (aged 30–90 days) between August and September 2023. MACHs concentrations were identified and quantified using canister sampling coupled with preconcentration and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The health risks associated with MACHs exposure were assessed following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) risk assessment framework. Sixteen MACHs compounds were consistently detected in the air above the plastic runways, with a detection rate of 100 %. The mass concentrations of the detected compounds followed this descending order: toluene (8.39 ± 7.76 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) > m-xylene/p-xylene (4.76 ± 4.29 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) > benzene (3.23 ± 1.86 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) > ethylbenzene (3.20 ± 2.78 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) > 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (2.52 ± 3.44 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) > o-xylene (1.61 ± 1.41 μg/m<sup>3</sup>). Non-carcinogenic risks for the major MACHs compounds were ranked as follows: benzene > xylene isomers >1,2,4-trimethylbenzene >1,2,3-trimethylbenzene >1,3,5-trimethylbenzene > ethylbenzene > toluene. The hazard quotient (HQ) values for all detected compounds were below 1. Carcinogenic risk estimates for benzene and ethylbenzene fell within the range of 10<sup>−6</sup> to 10<sup>−4</sup>. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) concentrations above the plastic runways were higher than those typically observed in urban ambient air. However, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were found to be similar to those in urban ambient air due to the lower exposure times and exposure frequency for people on plastic runways. While BTEX levels resembled those found near chemical industrial zones, they were markedly lower than concentrations within chemical industrial parks. Correspondingly, the associated health risks were significantly lower than those in industrial park environments. The findings suggest that the non-carcinogenic risk levels of MACHs were within acceptable thresholds, with benzene, xylene isomers, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene identified as primary contributors to non-carcinogenic effects. Carcinogenic risks posed by benzene and ethylbenzene were notable, suggesting potential health hazards with prolonged exposure, particularly for sensitive populations. BTEX-related health risks above plastic runways were comparable to those in urban environments but markedly lower than risks in underground garages or chemical industrial parks. This study supports the widespread use of plastic runways in public spaces but emphasizes the need for regular BTEX monitoring, public awareness of hea","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102588"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144099359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sophia Le , William Checkley , Lauren Dudley , Joseph Ssuuna , Anthony Ndyanabo , Engineer Bainomugisha , Joel Ssematimba , Richard Sserunjogi , Deo Okedi , Deo Okure , Joseph Kagaayi , Larry Chang , Kirsten Koehler , Laura Nicolaou
{"title":"Calibration of low-cost sensor data for ambient PM2.5 monitoring across urban and rural settings in South Central Uganda","authors":"Sophia Le , William Checkley , Lauren Dudley , Joseph Ssuuna , Anthony Ndyanabo , Engineer Bainomugisha , Joel Ssematimba , Richard Sserunjogi , Deo Okedi , Deo Okure , Joseph Kagaayi , Larry Chang , Kirsten Koehler , Laura Nicolaou","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102580","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102580","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Air pollution is a leading risk factor for the global burden of disease. There are limited data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study addresses significant data gaps in air quality monitoring in South-Central Uganda. Using a near-reference grade monitor and a network of 27 low-cost air quality monitors in the rural Rakai region and urban cities of Masaka and Kampala, we developed a locally tailored calibration model for ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. Using calibrated data across all low-cost monitors, we then examined spatiotemporal trends in ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations. The calibration model, which adjusts for relative humidity, demonstrated robust performance with an R<sup>2</sup> of 0.92, a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 3.83 μg/m<sup>3</sup> and bias of −0.39 μg/m<sup>3</sup> compared to an RMSE of 20.37 μg/m<sup>3</sup> and bias of 15.96 μg/m<sup>3</sup> with the raw data. Mean PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during the dry and wet seasons were 22.1 μg/m<sup>3</sup> and 12.7 μg/m<sup>3</sup> in rural areas, and 37.7 μg/m<sup>3</sup> and 23.2 μg/m<sup>3</sup> in urban areas, respectively. We observed diurnal variations, with PM<sub>2.5</sub> levels peaking in the early morning (6 a.m.–9 a.m.) and late evening (6 p.m.–10 p.m.), correlating with peak traffic hours. Low-cost sensors can enhance air quality research in regions like South-Central Uganda that lack air pollution data. Calibration tailored to local conditions can improve measurement accuracy of ambient PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102580"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of ventilation settings on the in-car PM concentrations and the associated health risks in Kanpur, India","authors":"Harshit Verma, Dipteek Parmar, Rajiv Ganguly","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the seasonal variations in air quality within a car cabin under four different ventilation settings: (1) windows open (WO), (2) windows closed with air conditioning on and recirculation enabled (AC RC on), (3) windows closed with air conditioning on but recirculation disabled (AC RC off), and (4) windows closed with the fan off (Fan off). Additionally, the associated health risks were calculated using the ICRP method. A total of 120 trips were conducted on two different routes across two seasons (winter and summer) to monitor PM<sub>2.5</sub> (fine particulate matter <2.5 μm) and PM<sub>10</sub> (coarse particulate matter <10 μm) concentrations. A portable laser air quality sampler was used to measure PM concentrations and identify factors influencing air quality within the car cabin. The results indicate that the WO setting had the highest PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentration (197.6 μg/m<sup>3</sup>) and deposition dose (1.53 μg/min), followed by the AC RC off setting (124.9 μg/m<sup>3</sup>, 1.04 μg/min), the Fan off setting (114.4 μg/m<sup>3</sup>, 0.88 μg/min), and the AC RC on setting (87.4 μg/m<sup>3</sup>, 0.69 μg/min). PM concentrations in winter were observed to be three to four times higher than in summer under all ventilation settings. Key factors influencing exposure levels include ventilation rates, traffic conditions, meteorological parameters, and surrounding environments. The dominance of PM suggests that conventional car filters are ineffective in removing them, thereby need for improved filtration systems. These findings provide valuable insights for commuters making informed ventilation choices and policymakers for developing strategies to improve in-car air quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102584"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Keun Taek Kim , Horim Kim , Sangjae Jeong , Young Su Lee , Xin Zhao , Jae Young Kim
{"title":"Coincidence effect of a low-cost particulate matter sensor: Observations from environmental chamber tests at diverse particle concentrations","authors":"Keun Taek Kim , Horim Kim , Sangjae Jeong , Young Su Lee , Xin Zhao , Jae Young Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Particulate matter (PM) poses significant environmental and public health concerns, particularly in urban areas, where elevated PM levels are associated with increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study assesses the performance of the PMS7003, a low-cost portable PM sensor (LCS) based on light-scattering technology, under controlled environmental chamber conditions. The PMS7003 measures PM concentrations by detecting the intensity of light scattered by particles passing through a detection zone. Our findings reveal that the LCS provides relatively accurate measurements of PM<sub>1.0</sub>, with an underestimation of only 4%. However, it significantly overestimates larger particles, with an overestimation of 72% for PM<sub>2.5</sub> and 92% for PM<sub>10</sub>. This discrepancy is attributed to the coincidence effect, where multiple smaller particles are misidentified as larger ones when they pass through the detection zone simultaneously. Additionally, the LCS exhibits a saturation limit at high PM concentrations, leading to deviations from reference sensor readings. While prior research has largely focused on environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, this study specifically investigates the impact of the coincidence effect on sensor performance. The results highlight both the advantages and limitations of LCS, emphasizing the need for advanced calibration methods to improve data reliability for public health and environmental monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102581"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144107807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Owais Al-Aqtash , András Sápi , Ferenc Farkas , Haythem S. Basheer , Ákos Kukovecz , Zoltán Kónya
{"title":"Enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness of Pd-based catalysts with Cu, Ni, and Co promoters for CO and NOx conversion in flue gas emission","authors":"Owais Al-Aqtash , András Sápi , Ferenc Farkas , Haythem S. Basheer , Ákos Kukovecz , Zoltán Kónya","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102579","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102579","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cobalt, nickel, and copper as promoters for palladium catalysts supported on pelletized aluminum oxide, aimed to enhance the performance of catalytic converters for flue gas treatment. We explored the outstanding performance and conversion costs of these transition metals and noble metal catalysts. A series of 12 samples with varying metal loadings were synthesized and evaluated under conditions simulating real driving environments from the automotive world. The flue gas conversion results demonstrated significant improvements in catalytic activity across all promoter-enhanced samples. Notably, the 5 wt% Co + 0.1 wt% Pd combination exhibited a remarkable 38 % increase in CO conversion at 0.5 kW operating condition and a 27 % improvement at 1.0 kW while reducing the cost of conversion by 61 %, compared to the 0.1 wt% Pd benchmark. Regarding NOx conversion, Ni/Pd samples showed superior performance, with enhancements of 14 % at 0.5 kW and 36 % at 1.0 kW relative to the pure Pd catalyst. The observed performance enhancements are suggestive of a synergistic effect … Further surface characterization would be needed to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms involved. Our research highlights the potential for developing more efficient and cost-effective catalytic systems for automotive emissions control through strategic metal combinations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102579"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144115013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elsa Dejoie , Marc-André Lemay , Nicole J. Fenton , Annie DesRochers , Joëlle Marion , Martine M. Savard , Trevor J. Porter , Daniel Proulx , Fabio Gennaretti
{"title":"Spatiotemporal assessment of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination in urban tree rings near an industrial smelter: high intraspecific variability but limited spatial differentiation","authors":"Elsa Dejoie , Marc-André Lemay , Nicole J. Fenton , Annie DesRochers , Joëlle Marion , Martine M. Savard , Trevor J. Porter , Daniel Proulx , Fabio Gennaretti","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentration in tree rings may provide historical records of environmental contamination, capturing temporal changes and spatial distribution. This study examined heavy metal (HM) bioaccumulation in tree rings to assess the impact of smelting activities using urban trees. Tree rings from urban conifers were collected within a 5 km radius of the smelter to estimate spatiotemporal trends of Pb and Cd concentrations, evaluating the outcomes of contamination reduction measures and interspecies bioaccumulation patterns. Pb isotopic ratios (<sup>206</sup>Pb/<sup>207</sup>Pb, <sup>208</sup>Pb/<sup>206</sup>Pb) were also measured to evaluate the Pb origin. Results showed no clear spatial pattern in relation to distance to the smelter, which may be due to the small sampling area. However, Cd bioaccumulation in urban pine was 4–7 times higher than in the distant site, 80 km away, indicating a local impact of industrial contamination in the urban area. Temporal analysis for pine showed a decrease of 0.27 mg/kg Cd (47 %) between 1990 and 2020, reflecting the potential influence of contamination-reducing measures, while Pb concentrations in pine were 2.7 times higher (increased by 0.06 mg/kg) for the same period. Pine bioaccumulated more Cd than spruce, while spruce accumulated higher levels of Pb compared to pine. Isotope measurement confirmed that the copper smelter is the primary source of Pb. These findings underscore the complex nature of HM uptake in urban trees and suggest that further research is needed to understand the spatiotemporal effects on HM bioaccumulation patterns and which species are best suited for phytoremediation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102582"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144070255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The impact of stone quarries on the anatomy, morphology, and biochemistry of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) in two natural protected areas in southwestern Romania","authors":"Daniela Nicoleta Pop , Adriana Petruş-Vancea , Felicia-Nicoleta Sucea , Amalia-Raluca Dumbravă , Simona Ioana Vicas , Traian Octavian Costea","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant species react differently to pollution, having some ability to adapt through compensation. This study presents the case of <em>Urtica dioica</em> L. (nettle), a plant with overgrowing features in contemporary landscapes. We studied the morphological, anatomical, and biochemical changes in nettle leaves. Four samples were collected: two from natural protected sites in southwestern Romania, from sites without air pollution, and two from stone quarries situated in the same natural protected areas as the unpolluted sites: the Meri quarry (in the Jiu Gorge National Park - JGNP) and the Eşelnița quarry (in the Iron Gates Natural Park - IGNP). We identified necrosis, lesions, insects, and insect bites on the leaves collected from the polluted sites in the morphological and micromorphological study of leaves. These changes were also observed in the leaf structure. From a biochemical perspective, we observed a quantitative increase in assimilating pigments, which can be interpreted as a compensatory response to dust pollution. On the other hand, we did not record an increase in phenols, flavonoids, or antioxidant activity in these leaves. However, we found a drastic decrease in the samples from the polluted sites compared to those without dust pollution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102578"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144072299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yu-Chieh Wang , Bo-Yu Chen , Yen-Hsien Li , Tzu-Hsien Tseng , Chon-Lin Lee , Wei-Min Ching
{"title":"Causes, emission characteristics, and health risks of persistent free radicals and reactive oxygen species in PM2.5 produced by smoldering incense","authors":"Yu-Chieh Wang , Bo-Yu Chen , Yen-Hsien Li , Tzu-Hsien Tseng , Chon-Lin Lee , Wei-Min Ching","doi":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apr.2025.102583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated persistent free radicals (PFRs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using electron paramagnetic resonance in PM2.5 produced by smoldering incense. The Raman spectroscopy was used to define the structure of carbon on PM2.5. The predominant type of PFRs detected was carbon-oxygen radicals, and their 1/e lifetimes range from 1,164 to 4,932 days. One identified source of PFRs was graphite structural defects, which contribute to catalytic reactivity and the subsequent production of hydroxyl radicals. Incense-generated PM2.5 produces ROS, including hydroxyl and alkyl radicals. Among the eight types of incense PM2.5 examined, PFR emission rates were found to range from 3.2E16 ± 9.0E15 to 8.8E16 ± 5.0E16 spins/g, and ROS emission rates ranged from 1.6E18 to 7.6E18 spins/g. The high chemical reactivity of both PFRs and ROS may pose significant health risks. The health risk of PFRs content in PM2.5 is often assessed using a cigarette tar-based method. It has been estimated that the amount of PM-bound PFRs generated from burning a single incense stick is approximately equivalent to that produced by the cigarette tar amount from one to two cigarettes. Non-thermal plasma intervention reduced the amount of PM2.5 but increased the concentration of PFRs and ROS. The results of real samples indicate that the concentration of PFRs in PM2.5 from indoor incense burning in suburban areas is higher than that in busy urban traffic areas. The intervention will increase the concentration of PFRs. Given the lifestyle of spending extended periods indoors, studying the incense PM2.5-bound radicals is important.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8604,"journal":{"name":"Atmospheric Pollution Research","volume":"16 9","pages":"Article 102583"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144069706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}