Assessing the Effects of Oxidative Potential and Metal Toxicity in PM2.5 on Human Health During Smoke Haze Episode in Northern Thailand
Part Of
Environmental Science and Engineering
Start Page
391
End Page
402
ISSN
18635520
ISBN (of the container)
9789819666560
ISBN
9789819666560
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Shakeel, Sharjeel
Wiriya, Wan
Kantarawilawan, Natthanit
Kraisitnitikul, Pavidarin
Chantara, Somporn
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the oxidative potential (OP) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and investigate the role of their metal component in contributing to OP during the biomass burning (BB) period in Northern Thailand. The study further assesses the associated health risks using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) method for various age groups. The oxidative potential of PM2.5 samples (n = 30) collected on daily basis (24 h) in Jan–Feb 2021, indicative of its toxicity, was measured using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay, and metals were extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES. The HQ approach was applied to assess non-carcinogenic health risks among exposed populations. The mean PM2.5 concentration during the peak biomass burning season was 61.75 ± 14.9 µg/m3, with a volume-normalized oxidative potential (OPv) of 0.1 ± 0.03 nmol/min/m3. Significant positive correlations were observed between OP and Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations (r = 0.70, 0.70, and 0.65, respectively), indicating their contribution to ROS generation. Higher concentrations of OP and PM2.5 were observed during peak burning months Jan–Feb highlighting the impact of anthropogenic activities. The health risk assessment revealed an average HQ value of 4.0, exceeding the safety threshold of 1.0 for all age groups, with children aged 2–3 years identified as the most vulnerable due to their developing immune systems. This study highlights the significant role of redox-active metals in enhancing the oxidative potential of PM2.5, emphasizing the health risks posed by exposure during biomass burning seasons. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and the need to incorporate OP metrics in air quality assessments to better protect public health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children.
Event(s)
9th Asia Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development, ACESD 2024, Osaka, 9 November 2024 - 11 November 2024
Subjects
Air pollution
Biomass burning
Chiang Mai
Oxidative potential
PM2.5
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Type
conference paper