Discovery of emerging sulfur-containing PAHs in PM2.5: Contamination profiles and potential health risks

Yanhao Zhang; Yuanyuan Song; Yi-Jie Chen; Yanyan Chen; Yan Lu; Ruijin Li; Chuan Dong; Di Hu; Zongwei Cai

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125795

Discovery of emerging sulfur-containing PAHs in PM_2.5: Contamination profiles and potential health risks

J Hazard Mater. 2021 Aug 15:416:125795. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125795. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Authors

Yanhao Zhang¹, Yuanyuan Song¹, Yi-Jie Chen², Yanyan Chen¹, Yan Lu³, Ruijin Li⁴, Chuan Dong⁴, Di Hu¹, Zongwei Cai⁵

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
² State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
³ Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
⁴ Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
⁵ State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. Electronic address: zwcai@hkbu.edu.hk.

PMID: 33836324
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125795

Abstract

We reported the discovery and identification of emerging sulfur-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, namely polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs), in PM_2.5 collected from two typical regions of China, Taiyuan and Guangzhou. Until now, there is no research on contamination status, sources and potential health risks of this unexpected group of organic contaminants in PM_2.5. High atmospheric concentrations (ngm^-3) and significant time-dependent variations were determined in PM_2.5 of Taiyuan from 2017 to 2018. Coal combustion/secondary formation and traffic emission/secondary formation were apportioned as possible pollution sources for the PM_2.5-bound PASHs in Taiyuan and Guangzhou, respectively. Dithiothreitol and cell viability assays were applied for evaluations of PASH-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell toxicity based on the determined real exposure levels for adults. The results illustrated that PASHs in PM_2.5 possibly caused oxidative stress and inhibition of human bronchial epithelial cells in seriously polluted regions such as Taiyuan, suggesting that the pollutant-induced health concerns may need more investigations. This study provides new insights into PM_2.5 pollution, and is beneficial for the development of effective contamination control strategies and reduction of risks on public health.

Keywords: Contamination profiles; Health risks; PM(2.5); Polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles; Toxicity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Air Pollutants* / analysis
Air Pollutants* / toxicity
China
Environmental Monitoring
Humans
Particulate Matter / analysis
Particulate Matter / toxicity
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / analysis
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / toxicity
Seasons
Sulfur

Substances

Air Pollutants
Particulate Matter
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Sulfur