A New Method for the Assessment of the Oxidative Potential of Both Water-Soluble and Insoluble PM

Water-soluble and insoluble fractions of airborne particulate matter (PM) exhibit different toxicological potentials peculiar mechanisms action in biological systems. However, most the research on oxidative potential (OP) PM is focused exclusively its water-soluble fraction, since experimental criticisms were encountered for detaching whole (soluble species) from field filters. to estimate actual effects human health, it essential assess OP both fractions. In this study, total (TOP), an efficient method detachment intact PM10 filters by using electrical toothbrush was applied 20 order obtain water suspensions be used DCFH, AA DTT assays (OPDCFH, OPAA OPDTT). The contribution TOP evaluated comparing values those obtained applying three fraction equivalent (IOP) calculated as difference between WSOP. Moreover, each sample analyzed 10 elements (Al, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Li, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sn) identified primary elemental tracers main emission sources study area. A principal component analysis (PCA) performed data identify predominant determination TOP, WSOP, IOP. Results showed that released traffic, steel plant, biomass burning mainly responsible generation well This evidence gave strength reliability results only PM. Lastly, IOPDCFH IOPDTT found principally determined mineral dust.