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Trace element concentration in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their bioavailability in different microenvironments in Agra, India: a case study

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Abstract

Exposure to airborne particulate matter results in the deposition of millions of particle in the lung; consequently, there is need for monitoring them particularly in indoor environments. Case study was conducted in three different microenvironments, i.e., urban, rural and roadside to examine the elemental bioavailability in fine particulate matter and its potential health risk. The samples were collected on polytetrafluoroethylene filter paper with the help of fine particulate sampler during August–September, 2012. The average mass concentration of PM2.5 was 71.23 µg m−3 (rural), 45.33 µg m−3 (urban) and 36.71 µg m−3 (roadside). Elements in PM2.5 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Percentage bioavailability was determined to know the amount of soluble fraction that is actually taken across the cell membrane through inhalation pathway. Cadmium and lead were found to have cancer risk in a risk evaluation using an Integrated Risk Information system.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Department of Chemistry, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra, for providing all necessary facilities required for this work. SAIF, IIT Mumbai, is also acknowledged for analyzing the samples. One of the authors acknowledges the University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi, for funding.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Khandari Campus, Agra, 282002, India

    Poorti Varshney, Renuka Saini & Ajay Taneja

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  1. Poorti Varshney
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  2. Renuka Saini
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  3. Ajay Taneja
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Correspondence to Ajay Taneja.

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Varshney, P., Saini, R. & Taneja, A. Trace element concentration in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and their bioavailability in different microenvironments in Agra, India: a case study. Environ Geochem Health 38, 593–605 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-015-9745-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-015-9745-5

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