Seasonality of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Their Derivatives in PM2.5 from Ljubljana, Combustion Aerosol Source Apportionment, and Cytotoxicity of Selected Nitrated Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (NPAHs)

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (PM) is a vector of many toxic pollutants, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives. Especially harmful is the fine fraction (PM2.5), which penetrates deep into the lungs during inhalation and causes various diseases. Amongst PM2.5 components with toxic potential are nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), knowledge of which is still rudimentary. Three of the measured NPAHs (1-nitropyrene (1-nP), 9-nitroanthracene (9-nA), and 6-nitrochrysene (6-nC)) were detected in ambient PM2.5 from Ljubljana, Slovenia, along with thirteen non-nitrated PAHs. The highest concentrations of pollutants, which are closely linked with incomplete combustion, were observed in the cold part of the year, whereas the concentrations of NPAHs were roughly an order of magnitude lower than those of PAHs throughout the year. Further on, we have evaluated the toxicity of four NPAHs, including 6-nitrobenzo[a]pyrene (6-nBaP), to the human kidney cell line, HEK293T. The most potent was 1-nP (IC50 = 28.7 µM), followed by the other three NPAHs, whose IC50 was above 400 or 800 µM. According to our cytotoxicity assessment, atmospheric 1-nP is the most harmful NPAH among the investigated ones. Despite low airborne concentrations of NPAHs in ambient air, they are generally considered harmful to human health. Therefore, systematic toxicological assessment of NPAHs at different trophic levels, starting with cytotoxicity testing, is necessary in order to accurately evaluate their threat and adopt appropriate abatement strategies.

Spatiotemporal Gradients of PAH Concentrations in Greek Cities and Associated Exposure Impacts

“…The concentrations observed at Thissio classify Athens among the upper tier of major European metropolitan areas reporting BaP concentrations at urban background sites [67]. BaP and Σ 16 PAH levels in winter appear similar to those recorded during the cold period in Southeastern-European capitals like Sofia [68], Zagreb [69], and Ljubljana [70].…”

Exploring the Cellular Impact of Size-Segregated Cigarette Aerosols: Insights into Indoor Particulate Matter Toxicity and Potential Therapeutic Interventions

“…A549 cells, isolated from the lung tissue of a 58 year old white male with lung cancer, have been extensively used in cancer, immuno-oncology, and toxicology research. Recently, this cell line has been employed to investigate PM-induced cytotoxicity, mimicking PM-induced lung toxicity. − Similarly, 293T cells, epithelial-like cells isolated from the kidney of a patient, have been utilized to study PM-induced cytotoxicity as a model for in vitro kidney toxicity . In this study, we used SH-SY5Y cells to investigate CAE’s neurotoxic effects, A549 alveolar epithelial cells to assess the impact on lung tissue, and HEK293T kidney cells to explore the effects on kidney health.…”

“… 57 − 59 Similarly, 293T cells, epithelial-like cells isolated from the kidney of a patient, have been utilized to study PM-induced cytotoxicity as a model for in vitro kidney toxicity. 60 In this study, we used SH-SY5Y cells to investigate CAE’s neurotoxic effects, A549 alveolar epithelial cells to assess the impact on lung tissue, and HEK293T kidney cells to explore the effects on kidney health. These cell lines were chosen to illustrate the CAE’s diverse impacts across critical body systems, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of exposure to cigarette aerosols and the underlying mechanisms involved.…”