Chemical composition of PM10 and its effect on in vitro hemolysis of human red blood cells (RBCs): a comparison study during dust storm and inversion

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate chemical composition of PM₁₀ (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm) during dust storm and inversion in Tehran and hemolysis effects.

METHODS

PM₁₀ was sampled in Tehran, Iran, during dust storm and inversion conditions. Water soluble ions (F¯, Cl¯, NO₂¯, NO₃¯, SO₄¯², Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Ca⁺², Mg⁺²) and elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Pt, Rh, Pd, As and Si) were analyzed by ion chromatograph (IC) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), respectively. Hemolysis was examined as in vitro at PM₁₀ concentrations of 50-300 μg/ml.

RESULTS

Daily average of PM₁₀ concentrations in dusty and inversion days were 348.40 and 220.54 μg/m³, respectively. Most prevalence ionic components were NO₃¯, Cl¯, SO₄¯² and Ca⁺² during dust storm and SO₄¯², NO₃¯, Cl¯ and NH₄ ⁺ during inversion. Si, Fe and Al had the maximum values in both conditions. Particles associated with both conditions induced hemolytic responses. PM₁₀ from dusty day showed a higher hemolysis percent (10.24 ± 4.67%) than inversion (9.08 ± 5.47%), but this difference was not significant (p = 0.32). Hemolytic effects were significantly intensified by increased PM concentrations (p < 0.001) in a dose-response manner.

CONCLUSIONS

As the results, chemical composition of sampled particles from inversion days and dust storm was different from each other. Hemolytic effects of particles during dust storm were more than inversion days. However, this difference was not statistically significant.