Suspended fine particulate matter (PM2.5), microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air: Their possible relationships and health implications

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their associated microcontaminants have been linked to increased harmful effects on the human health. In this study, the possible relationships between PM2.5, micro plastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in an urban area of Bushehr port, in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. Presence, sources, and health risks of MPs and PAHs in both normal and dusty days were also investigated. The median of PM2.5 and Sigma PAHs were 52.8 mu g/m(3) and 14.1 ng/m(3), respectively, indicating high pollution levels especially in dusty days. The mean level of MPs in urban suspended PM2.5 was 5.2 items/m(3). Fragments were the most abundant shape of identified MPs and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most plastic types in urban dust of Bushehr port. The results revealed that PM2.5 and MPs may possibly act as a carrier for airborne MPs and PAHs, respectively. In addition, the significant positive relationships between MPs, wind speed and wind direction, confirmed that the MPs transportation were highly controlled by atmospheric condition. Moreover, the source identification methods and trajectory analyses indicated that petrogenic sources from both proximal and distal origins play an important role in the level of PAHs. The results of chronic health risk evaluation via inhalation revealed that PM2.5-bound PAHs had high potential cancer risk in winter, while, the estimated risks for non-carcinogenic PAHs were not considerable. In the case of MPs, the assessment of human intake of MPs via inhalation highlighted the possible risks for habitants.

Automated summary

The study found that in the urban area of Bushehr port, PM2.5 and MPs may act as carriers for airborne MPs and PAHs, respectively, and the transport of MPs is highly controlled by atmospheric conditions. Petrogenic sources from both proximal and distal origins play an important role in the level of PAHs. Chronic health risk evaluation via inhalation revealed a high potential cancer risk for PM2.5-bound PAHs in winter.