Chemical speciation of Fe and Ni in residual oil fly ash fine particulate matter using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Molecular mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production in air pollution fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-primed macrophages

Exposure to air pollution fine particulate matter (PM2.5) aggravates respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It has been proposed that PM2.5 uptake by alveolar macrophages promotes local inflammation that ignites a systemic response, but precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that PM2.5 phagocytosis leads to NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent release of the pro-inflammatory master cytokine IL-1β. Inflammasome priming and assembly was time- and dose-dependent in inflammasome-reporter THP-1-ASC-GFP cells, and consistent across PM2.5 samples of variable chemical composition. While inflammasome activation was promoted by different PM2.5 surrogates, significant IL-1β release could only be observed after stimulation with transition-metal rich Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA) particles. This effect was confirmed in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), and by confocal imaging of inflammasome-reporter ASC-Citrine BMDMs. IL-1β release by ROFA was dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome, as indicated by lack of IL-1β production in ROFA-exposed NLRP3-deficient (Nlrp3-/-) BMDMs, and by specific NLRP3 inhibition with the pharmacological compound MCC950. In addition, while ROFA promoted the upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokines release, MCC950 reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and CCL2 production. Furthermore, inhibition of TNF-α with a neutralizing antibody decreased IL-1β release in ROFA-exposed BMDMs. Using electron tomography, ROFA particles were observed inside intracellular vesicles and mitochondria, which showed signs of ultrastructural damage. Mechanistically, we identified lysosomal rupture, K+ efflux, and impaired mitochondrial function as important prerequisites for ROFA-mediated IL-1β release. Interestingly, specific inhibition of superoxide anion production (O2•-) from mitochondrial respiratory Complex I, but not III, blunted IL-1β release in ROFA-exposed BMDMs. Our findings unravel the mechanism by which PM2.5 promotes IL-1β release in macrophages and provide a novel link between innate immune response and exposure to air pollution PM2.5.

NADPH oxidase and mitochondria are relevant sources of superoxide anion in the oxinflammatory response of macrophages exposed to airborne particulate matter

Exposure to ambient air particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased cardiorespiratory morbidity and mortality. In this context, alveolar macrophages exhibit proinflammatory and oxidative responses as a result of the clearance of particles, thus contributing to lung injury. However, the mechanisms linking these pathways are not completely clarified. Therefore, the oxinflammation phenomenon was studied in RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA), a PM surrogate rich in transition metals. While cell viability was not compromised under the experimental conditions, a proinflammatory phenotype was observed in cells incubated with ROFA 100 μg/mL, characterized by increased levels of TNF-α and NO production, together with PM uptake. This inflammatory response seems to precede alterations in redox metabolism, characterized by augmented levels of H₂O₂, diminished GSH/GSSG ratio, and increased SOD activity. This scenario resulted in increased oxidative damage to phospholipids. Moreover, alterations in mitochondrial respiration were observed following ROFA incubation, such as diminished coupling efficiency and spare respiratory capacity, together with augmented proton leak. These findings were accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, NADPH oxidase (NOX) and mitochondria were identified as the main sources of superoxide anion () in our model. These results indicate that PM exposure induces direct activation of macrophages, leading to inflammation and increased reactive oxygen species production through NOX and mitochondria, which impairs antioxidant defense and may cause mitochondrial dysfunction.

Trace Metals in Soot and PM2.5 from Heavy-Fuel-Oil Combustion in a Marine Engine

Heavy fuel oil (HFO) particulate matter (PM) emitted by marine engines is known to contain toxic heavy metals, including vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni). The toxicity of such metals will depend on the their chemical state, size distribution, and mixing state. Using online soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SP-AMS), we quantified the mass of five metals (V, Ni, Fe, Na, and Ba) in HFO-PM soot particles produced by a marine diesel research engine. The in-soot metal concentrations were compared to in-PM2.5 measurements by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). We found that <3% of total PM2.5 metals was associated with soot particles, which may still be sufficient to influence in-cylinder soot burnout rates. Since these metals were most likely present as oxides, whereas studies on lower-temperature boilers report a predominance of sulfates, this result implies that the toxicity of HFO PM depends on its combustion conditions. Finally, we observed a 4-to-25-fold enhancement in the ratio V:Ni in soot particles versus PM2.5, indicating an enrichment of V in soot due to its lower nucleation/condensation temperature. As this enrichment mechanism is not dependent on soot formation, V is expected to be generally enriched within smaller HFO-PM particles from marine engines, enhancing its toxicity.

Formation, features and controlling strategies of severe haze-fog pollutions in China

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, China is facing a great challenge with regard to severe fog-haze pollutions, which were characterized by high fine particulate concentration level and visibility impairment. The control strategies for atmosphere pollutions in China were not only cutting-edge topics of atmospheric research, but also an urgent issue to be addressed by the Chinese government and the public. Focused on the core scientific issues of the haze and fog pollution, this paper reviews the main studies conducted in China, especially after 2010, including formation mechanisms, evolution features, and factors contributing to the fog-haze pollutions. Present policy and control strategies were synoptically discussed. The major challenges ahead will be stated and recommendations for future research directions are proposed at the end of this Review.

Airborne particulate matter pollution in urban China: a chemical mixture perspective from sources to impacts

Rapid urban and industrial development has resulted in severe air-pollution problems in developing countries such as China, especially in highly industrialized and populous urban clusters. Dissecting the complex mixtures of airborne particulate matter (PM) has been a key scientific focus in the last two decades, leading to significant advances in understanding physicochemical compositions for comprehensive source apportionment. However, identifying causative components with an attributable link to population-based health outcomes remains a huge challenge. The microbiome, an integral dimension of the PM mixture, is an unexplored frontier in terms of identities and functions in atmospheric processes and human health. In this review, we identify the major gaps in addressing these issues, and recommend a holistic framework for evaluating the sources, processes and impacts of atmospheric PM pollution. Such an approach and the knowledge generated will facilitate the formulation of regulatory measures to control PM pollution in China and elsewhere.

The variability in iron speciation in size fractionated residual oil fly ash particulate matter (ROFA PM)

Ambient particulate matter (PM) containing iron can catalyze Fenton reaction leading to the production of reactive oxygen species in cells. It can also catalyze atmospheric redox reaction. These reactions are governed by the physicochemical characteristics of iron in ambient PM. As a surrogate for ambient PM, we prepared residual oil fly ash PM (ROFA PM) in a practical fire tube boiler firing residual oils with varying sulfur and ash contents. The ROFA particles were resolved into fine PM or PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter (AD)<2.5μm) and coarse PM or PM2.5+ (AD between 2.5μm and 50μm). The iron speciation in PM2.5+ was ascertained using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and leaching method while that in PM2.5 was reported earlier. The results of both studies are compared to get an insight into the variability in the iron speciation in different size fractions. The results show the predominance of ferric sulfate, with a minor spinal ferrite in both PM (i.e. ZnxNi1-xFe2O4 in PM2.5, ZnFe2O4 in PM2.5+). The iron solubility in ROFA PM depends on its speciation, mode of incorporation of iron into particle's carbonaceous matrix, the grade and composition of oils, and pH of the medium. The soluble fraction of iron in PM is critical in assessing its interaction with the biological systems and its toxic potential.

Acute exposure to air pollution particulate matter aggravates experimental myocardial infarction in mice by potentiating cytokine secretion from lung macrophages

Clinical, but not experimental evidence has suggested that air pollution particulate matter (PM) aggravates myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we aimed to describe mechanisms and consequences of PM exposure in an experimental model of MI. C57BL/6J mice were challenged with a PM surrogate (Residual Oil Fly Ash, ROFA) by intranasal installation before MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Histological analysis of the myocardium 7 days after MI demonstrated an increase in infarct area and enhanced inflammatory cell recruitment in ROFA-exposed mice. Mechanistically, ROFA exposure increased the levels of the circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, activated myeloid and endothelial cells, and enhanced leukocyte recruitment to the peritoneal cavity and the vascular endothelium. Notably, these effects on endothelial cells and circulating leukocytes could be reversed by neutralizing anti-TNF-α treatment. We identified alveolar macrophages as the primary source of elevated cytokine production after PM exposure. Accordingly, in vivo depletion of alveolar macrophages by intranasal clodronate attenuated inflammation and cell recruitment to infarcted tissue of ROFA-exposed mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate that exposure to environmental PM induces the release of inflammatory cytokines from alveolar macrophages which directly worsens the course of MI in mice. These findings uncover a novel link between air pollution PM exposure and inflammatory pathways, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of nickel speciation in workplace aerosol samples using sequential extraction analysis and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy

There is a pressing need to further develop speciation knowledge of Ni workplace aerosols as the Zatka sequential extraction method used until now to speciate workplace Ni exposures has limitations. Here we compare the Zatka and XANES methods and evaluate XANES spectroscopy as a more appropriate and accurate technique for identifying nickel species in workplace aerosols. XANES spectroscopy is capable of identifying unique Ni species in the unaltered samples. Our findings indicate some significant departures in speciation assignment between the Zatka and XANES methods. In particular, the Zatka method can overestimate the soluble Ni fraction and it may underestimate the sulphidic and metallic fractions in some samples. Of particular importance, XANES is able to identify component sulphidic species. This information can lead to more accurate exposure matrices and more refined epidemiological analysis of respiratory cancer causation in sulphidic Ni processing.

Identification of the typical metal particles among haze, fog, and clear episodes in the Beijing atmosphere

For a better understanding of metal particle morphology and behaviors in China, atmospheric aerosols were sampled in the summer of 2012 in Beijing. The single-particle analysis shows various metal-bearing speciations, dominated by oxides, sulfates and nitrates. A large fraction of particles is soluble. Sources of Fe-bearing particles are mainly steel industries and oil fuel combustion, whereas Zn- and Pb-bearing particles are primarily contributed by waste incineration, besides industrial combustion. Other trace metal particles play a minor rule, and may come from diverse origins. Mineral dust and anthropogenic source like vehicles and construction activities are of less importance to metal-rich particles. Statistics of 1173 analyzed particles show that Fe-rich particles (48.5%) dominate the metal particles, followed by Zn-rich particles (34.9%) and Pb-rich particles (15.6%). Compared with the abundances among clear, haze and fog conditions, a severe metal pollution is identified in haze and fog episodes. Particle composition and elemental correlation suggest that the haze episodes are affected by the biomass burning in the southern regions, and the fog episodes by the local emission with manifold particle speciation. Our results show the heterogeneous reaction accelerated in the fog and haze episodes indicated by more zinc nitrate or zinc sulfate instead of zinc oxide or carbonate. Such information is useful in improving our knowledge of fine airborne metal particles on their morphology, speciation, and solubility, all of which will help the government introduce certain control to alleviate metal pollution.

Fractional iron solubility of aerosol particles enhanced by biomass burning and ship emission in Shanghai, East China

In terms of understanding Fe mobilization from aerosol particles in East China, the PM2.5 particles were collected in spring at Shanghai. Combined with the backtrajectory analysis, the PM2.5/PM10 and Ca/Al ratios, a serious dust-storm episode (DSE) during the sampling was identified. The single-particle analysis showed that the major iron-bearing class is the aluminosilicate dust during DSE, while the Fe-bearing aerosols are dominated by coal fly ash, followed by a minority of iron oxides during the non-dust storm days (NDS). Chemical analyses of samples showed that the fractional Fe solubility (%FeS) is much higher during NDS than that during DSE, and a strong inverse relationship of R(2)=0.967 between %FeS and total atmospheric iron loading were found, suggested that total Fe (FeT) is not controlling soluble Fe (FeS) during the sampling. Furthermore, no relationship between FeS and any of acidic species was established, suggesting that acidic process on aerosol surfaces are not involved in the trend of iron solubility. It was thus proposed that the source-dependent composition of aerosol particles is a primary determinant for %FeS. Specially, the Al/Fe ratio is poorly correlated (R(2)=0.113) with %FeS, while the apparent relationship between %FeS and the calculated KBB(+)/Fe ratio (R(2)=0.888) and the V/Fe ratio (R(2)=0.736) were observed, reflecting that %FeS could be controlled by both biomass burning and oil ash from ship emission, rather than mineral particles and coal fly ash, although the latter two are the main contributors to the atmospheric Fe loading during the sampling. Such information can be useful improving our understanding on iron solubility on East China, which may further correlate with iron bioavailability to the ocean, as well as human health effects associated with exposure to fine Fe-rich particles in densely populated metropolis in China.