The study of the atmospheric particulate matter (PM) oxidative potential (OP), a general indicator of human health risks associated with PM exposure, has become a focal point in research. In Italy, the number of studies concerning OP is limited, especially for the fine fraction of PM. This study aims to compare the impact of different natural and anthropogenic sources on fine PM (PM2.5) and its OP on three areas of Southern Italy. A study of PM2.5 sources sampled at a rural site was carried out. The PM2.5 sources were identified and characterized with the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF5.0) model, while the contribution of each source to the OP estimated with the multi-linear regression (MLR) analysis. Results were compared with those obtained from two similar studies, related to different typology sites in south Italy. The PMF5.0 identified similar sources for the three sites, with different contributions to PM2.5 and OP. The MLR analysis highlights that combustion sources are the main contributors to the OP activity of PM2.5. The relative contributions to OP and PM2.5 are not comparable for all sources. Results of this study represent a contribution to a better understanding of the potential health impact caused by PM2.5; of its spatial variability; and role of different sources.
Characterization of PM2.5 and its oxidative potential in three areas of Southern Italy
Chirizzi D.;Pennetta A.;De Benedetto G. E.;
2025-01-01
Abstract
The study of the atmospheric particulate matter (PM) oxidative potential (OP), a general indicator of human health risks associated with PM exposure, has become a focal point in research. In Italy, the number of studies concerning OP is limited, especially for the fine fraction of PM. This study aims to compare the impact of different natural and anthropogenic sources on fine PM (PM2.5) and its OP on three areas of Southern Italy. A study of PM2.5 sources sampled at a rural site was carried out. The PM2.5 sources were identified and characterized with the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF5.0) model, while the contribution of each source to the OP estimated with the multi-linear regression (MLR) analysis. Results were compared with those obtained from two similar studies, related to different typology sites in south Italy. The PMF5.0 identified similar sources for the three sites, with different contributions to PM2.5 and OP. The MLR analysis highlights that combustion sources are the main contributors to the OP activity of PM2.5. The relative contributions to OP and PM2.5 are not comparable for all sources. Results of this study represent a contribution to a better understanding of the potential health impact caused by PM2.5; of its spatial variability; and role of different sources.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
