ASSESSMENT OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS) IN FINE PARTICULATE MATTER (PM2.5) AT DIFFERENT SITES IN BEIRUT

Abstract

Shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation are just a few short-term health impacts that can result from exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) (particles’ aerodynamic diameter, <2.5 μm) present in the atmosphere. Long exposure to these particles can impair lung function and cause illnesses like asthma and chronic heart diseases. Along with their direct impact on human health, PM2.5 induce oxidative potential (OP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) presence in ambient air. This can cause a disturbance in the balance of ROS inside the body which is known as “oxidative stress”. To assess PM2.5 and its particle-bound ROS activity in the city of Beirut, an annual study is conducted at different areas. This study includes the measurement of PM2.5 concentrations along with ROS analysis to identify the toxicity of PM2.5. Moreover, a comparison is conducted to show different site contributions with the appointment of potential sources that induce ROS production in these locations. The effects of seasonal variation and different weather conditions on the concentration of ROS in PM2.5 are also evaluated. The levels of PM2.5 were averaging between 13.3 and 18.3 μg/m3 at different sites. And the ROS levels were varying between 0.9 and 1.3 nmol/m3. Results highlight the harmfulness of pollution and present evidence for the great need for mitigation.