Variability of fine Particulate Matter (PM 1.0  and PM 2.5 ) and its oxidative Potential at different locations in the Northern part of India

Abstract

The particulate matter (PM) is known to cause cardiopulmonary diseases as it is redox-active and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human body. In this study, PM1 and PM2.5 samples were collected at Agra, India, from July to November 2022. These samples were analyzed for their oxidative potential (OP) using the dithiothreitol (DTT) Assay. The data was classified as seasonal (monsoon and post-monsoon) for different environments. The overall average PM1 mass concentrations in ambient air were 17±7, 19±8, and 31±33 μg/m3 at urban, roadside and rural locations, respectively. Similarly, the overall PM2.5 mass concentrations in ambient air were 40±17, 53±26, and 82±104 μg/m3 at urban, roadside, and rural locations, respectively. The results showed that the oxidative potential, OP-DTTv, was higher at urban and roadside for PM2.5. However, OP-DTTm was higher at urban and roadside locations for PM1. At rural sites, both OP-DTTv and OP-DTTm were higher for PM1. This study highlights the importance of understanding the oxidative potential of PM in comprehensively assessing health risks associated with reactive oxygen species in different environments.