Particulate matter-bound organic compounds: levels, mutagenicity, and health risks

Author(s)

Caumo, Sofia ; Yera, Aleinnys B. ; Vicente, Ana ; Alves, Celia ; Roubicek, Deborah A. ; Vasconcellos, Perola de Castro

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research; v. 29, n. 21, p. 18-pg., 2022-01-10.

Abstract

Increased industrialization and consumption of fossil fuels in the Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo (MRSP), Brazil, have caused a growth of the particulate matter emissions to the atmosphere and an increase in population health problems. Particulate and gaseous phase samples were collected in different short campaigns (2015, 2016, and 2017) near an urban-industrial area. Organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and its derivatives (nitro and oxy-PAH), n-alkanes, hopanes, and pesticides were determined. The Salmonella/microsome test confirmed the mutagenic activity of these samples. Among PAH, benzo(a)pyrene was detected as one of the most abundant compounds. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentrations for PAH and nitro-PAH, and the associated risk of lung cancer, showed values above those recommended in the literature. The profile of n-alkanes confirmed the predominance of anthropogenic sources. Pesticide concentrations and estimated risks, such as the daily inhalation exposure and hazard quotient, suggest that exposure to these compounds in this area may be dangerous to human health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/23339-1 - Molecular characterization and occurrence of organic compounds in gaseous and particulate phase in atmospheric particulate matter collected in Petrochemical Industry of Capuava (SP)
• Grantee: Sofia Ellen Caumo Miranda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 13/21728-2 - The use of modern autopsy techniques to investigate human diseases (MODAU)
• Grantee: Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/20826-1 - Pesticides in the atmosphere of cities of the State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Aleinnys Marys Barredo Yera
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)