Toxicological effects of fresh and aged gasoline exhaust particles in Hong Kong

Yik Sze Lau, Hon Yin Poon, Bruce Organ, Hsiao Chi Chuang, Man Nin Chan, Hai Guo, Steven Sai Hang Ho, Kin Fai Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Exhaust emissions from gasoline vehicles are one of the major contributors to aerosol particles observed in urban areas. It is well-known that these tiny particles are associated with air pollution, climate forcing, and adverse health effects. However, their toxicity and bioreactivity after atmospheric ageing are less constrained. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical and toxicological properties of fresh and aged particulate matter samples derived from gasoline exhaust emissions. Chemical analyses showed that both fresh and aged PM samples were rich in organic carbon, and the dominating chemical species were n-alkane and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Comparisons between fresh and aged samples revealed that the latter contained larger amounts of oxygenated compounds. In most cases, the bioreactivity induced by the aged PM samples was significantly higher than that induced by the fresh samples. Moderate to weak correlations were identified between chemical species and the levels of biomarkers in the fresh and aged PM samples. The results of the stepwise regression analysis suggested that n-alkane and alkenoic acid were major contributors to the increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the fresh samples, while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and monocarboxylic acid were the main factors responsible for such increase in the aged samples.

Original languageEnglish
Article number129846
JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials
Volume441
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 5 2023

Keywords

  • Bioreactivity
  • Gasoline exhaust
  • Organic compounds
  • Potential aerosol mass
  • Secondary organic aerosol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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