Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40596723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-09037-4
Oxidative potential of PM 1, PM 2.5, and PM 10 collected in car and tram tunnels to analyse their impact on public health.
Sci Rep 15(1):21773
Authors: Rakshit Jakhar, Katarzyna Styszko, Lucyna Samek, Katarzyna Szramowiat-Sala
Affiliations
- Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
- Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland.
Abstract
Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental health risk, partly due to its oxidative potential (OP), which reflects its ability to generate reactive oxygen species. This study evaluates the OP of PM 10, PM 2.5, and PM 1 fractions collected in car and tram tunnels in Krakow, Poland, using ascorbic acid (AA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion assays. PM samples were collected during 2016 and analysed for organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), inorganic ions (Na +, K +, Mg 2+, Ca 2+, NH 4 +, NO 3 -, NO 2 -, Cl -, and SO 4 2-), and metals (Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Rb, Pb). PM concentrations ranged from 8 to 298 µg/m 3 in the car tunnel and 31 to 127 µg/m 3 in the tram tunnel. The depletion rates of AA and GSH varied by PM size fraction and tunnel type. Significant positive correlations were observed between OP indicators and redox-active metals, bromine, OC, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the tram tunnel. In the car tunnel, stronger associations were found with inorganic ions. The strength of correlations was classified as strong, moderate, or weak to aid interpretation. Our findings highlight differences in the chemical drivers of OP between traffic and tram-related environments, suggesting that PM from combustion processes exerts greater oxidative stress potential than PM influenced by secondary inorganic aerosols. Even short exposure to PM 10, PM 2.5, and PM 1 caused substantial antioxidant depletion, indicating potential respiratory health impacts. This study emphasises the importance of considering PM chemical composition, beyond mass concentration alone, when evaluating its health effects.
MeSH
Public Health