Environmental impact and risk to human health due to exposure to atmospheric substances (PAHs, PCBs and BDEs) in the city of Sorocaba/SP

• Grant number: 23/15847-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: André Henrique Rosa
• Grantee: André Henrique Rosa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Air quality in the outdoor environment has been increasingly compromised by contamination by anthropogenic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These compounds have high toxicity/carcinogenicity, persistence and environmental mobility, in addition to high potential for bioaccumulation. Thus, contamination from a wide range of chemical products has been reported in different locations around the planet, particularly in industrial regions and with high population density. Recent data on the presence of these contaminants in Brazil are still scarce and suggest that high concentrations of these airborne compounds may be present in populated populations, with intense industrial activity and urban vehicle traffic. Thus, the present study aims to verify the presence and concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and PAHs in the outdoor air in the region of the city of Sorocaba/SP, one of the largest industrial cities in Brazil, as well as evaluate possible sources, profiles and impacts of exposure to human health. Air sampling will be carried out using a passive sampler containing polyurethane foam (PAS-PUF) in a transect of ~50 km in the city of Sorocaba. Daily monitoring of climatic parameters (wind speed, wind direction, temperature and variations) will be carried out throughout the sampling period. After the air samples, the contaminants will be specifically extracted and detailed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS), with quality control of the results, using certified recovery and reference standards. The results will be processed using statistical, mathematical and exposure risk models, to better understand the sources of airborne chemicals and the implications of risks to human health. In general, this study will provide information on the presence of contaminants in the air (PCBs, PAHs and PBDEs), possible sources, impacts and risks to the environment and human health. The information will also bring benefits to the adequate planning of the city of Sorocaba and government administration at different levels, being able to serve as a model for other industries with similar characteristics and contributing to meeting the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 3 (Good health and well-being), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production). (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

AKINRINADE, OLUMIDE EMMANUEL; ROSA, ANDRE HENRIQUE. Current levels, sources, and risks of human exposure to PAHs, PBDEs and PCBs in South American outdoor air: A critical review. Environmental Research, v. 270, p. 11-pg., 2025-04-01. (23/09923-6, 23/15847-0, 23/14685-7)