Mass spectrometry analysis of PM2.5 in poultry farms and the cytotoxicity and metabolism perturbation of BEAS-2B cells.

To evaluate the potential risks posed by farm-derived fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), we conducted a comprehensive analysis of PM_2.5 samples collected from chicken farms. Specifically, water-soluble ions, metal and metalloids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were quantitatively determined via ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS), respectively. Furthermore, the microbial composition was elucidated through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) high-throughput sequencing and ribosomal DNA (rDNA)-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) analysis. The study revealed that the water-soluble ion profile of PM_2.5 was dominated by NO₃^-, NH₄⁺, and SO₄^2-, among others. Notably, aluminum, zinc, and manganese emerged as metals with relatively high concentrations. The primary VOCs identified were formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid. Microbiologically, Aspergillus and Faecalibacterium were the predominant genera detected. Upon exposure to PM_2.5, BEAS-2B cells exhibited marked morphological alterations and a decrease in cell viability. Additionally, a dose-dependent increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was observed, accompanied by a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. This oxidative stress was further corroborated by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Our findings suggest that livestock-generated PM_2.5 significantly impacts cellular metabolism, particularly amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Notably, PM_2.5 from these environments can elicit cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which, with prolonged exposure, may lead to adverse health outcomes in both animals and humans. Therefore, the physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics of PM_2.5 in poultry farms cannot be overlooked, emphasizing the critical need to improve the air quality within these facilities.