부산대학교 도서관

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and their associated microcontaminants have been linked to increased harmful effects on the human health. In this study, the possible relationships between PM 2.5 , microplastics (MPs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in an urban area of Bushehr port, in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. Presence, sources, and health risks of MPs and PAHs in both normal and dusty days were also investigated. The median of PM 2.5 and ƩPAHs were 52.8 μg/m3 and 14.1 ng/m3, respectively, indicating high pollution levels especially in dusty days. The mean level of MPs in urban suspended PM 2.5 was 5.2 items/m3. Fragments were the most abundant shape of identified MPs and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most plastic types in urban dust of Bushehr port. The results revealed that PM 2.5 and MPs may possibly act as a carrier for airborne MPs and PAHs, respectively. In addition, the significant positive relationships between MPs, wind speed and wind direction, confirmed that the MPs transportation were highly controlled by atmospheric condition. Moreover, the source identification methods and trajectory analyses indicated that petrogenic sources from both proximal and distal origins play an important role in the level of PAHs. The results of chronic health risk evaluation via inhalation revealed that PM 2.5 -bound PAHs had high potential cancer risk in winter, while, the estimated risks for non-carcinogenic PAHs were not considerable. In the case of MPs, the assessment of human intake of MPs via inhalation highlighted the possible risks for habitants. Image 1 • PM 2.5 -bound MPs and PAHs was measured in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. • Regional (distal) sources play an important role in PM 2.5 , MPs, and PAHs levels. • PM 2.5 may act as a carrier for airborne MPs, and MPs could act as a vector for PAHs. • MPs inhalation for adults in normal and dusty days were 32.5 and 161.24 items/day. • People are at risk due to exposure to PAHs during winter in Bushehr port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]