Effects of particulate matter (PM2.5) on life history traits, oxidative stress, and defensome system in the marine copepod Tigriopus japonicus

Temporal variations and chemical characteristics of marine PM2.5 at Dongsha Islands, South China Sea: Three-year measurement

The study of long-range transport effects on marine fine particles (PM2.5), particularly in remote sites such as the Dongsha Islands, is pivotal for advancing our understanding of air pollution dynamics on a regional scale and for formulating effective environmental policies. PM2.5 concentrations were examined over three consecutive years and grouped based on their transport routes. The backward trajectory simulation revealed that high PM2.5 concentrations were observed in the West Channel, originating from North and Central China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese Islands, opposed to the East Channel. High PM2.5 concentrations, commonly observed in winter and spring, were mainly attributed to the Asian Northeastern Monsoons. Water-soluble inorganic ions constituted the major components, accounting for 37.8-48.7% of PM2.5, and followed by metal elements (15.5-20.0%), carbons (7.5-13.3%), levoglucosan (0.01-0.17%), and organic aerosols (0.2-2.2%). Secondary inorganic aerosols as the dominant source accounted for 8.3-24.7% of PM2.5, while sea salts were the secondary major contributor. High levoglucosan contribution (3.8-7.2%) in winter and spring was attributed to biomass burning, mainly from the Indochina Peninsula. Chemical mass balance receptor modeling resolved that major sources of PM2.5 were secondary sulfate, sea salts, fugitive dust, and industrial boilers. This study concluded that the long-range transport of PM2.5 gradually increased since fall, contributing 52.1-74.3%, highlighting its substantial impact on PM2.5 in all seasons except summer.

Impact of Particulate Pollution on Aquatic Invertebrates

A serious global problem, air pollution poses a risk to both human and environmental health. It contains hazardous material like heavy metals, nanoparticles, and others that can create an impact on both land and marine environments. Particulate pollutants, which can enter water systems through a variety of ways, including precipitation and industrial runoff, can have a particularly adverse influence on aquatic invertebrates. Once in the water, these particles can harm aquatic invertebrates physically, physiologically, and molecularly, resulting in developmental problems and multi-organ toxicity. Further research at the cellular and molecular levels in numerous locations of the world is necessary to completely understand the impacts of particle pollution on aquatic invertebrates. Understanding how particle pollution affects aquatic invertebrates is vital as the significance of ecotoxicological studies on particulate contaminants increases. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how particle pollution affects aquatic invertebrates.