Oxidative Potential and Composition of Fine Particulate Matter at Two Locations in Mississippi

Air pollution exposure has negative health effects on individuals across the globe. Negative impacts on human health have been documented in studies following both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution, and these adverse effects have been seen even at the lowest levels of exposure. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has specifically been linked to these negative health effects. These effects come from many sources, but one large contribution to the negative health effects comes from oxidative stress. In this study, samples were collected from Hernando, MS and Gulfport, MS in September 2013 and November 2013. Black carbon (BC) analysis was performed on these samples to determine black carbon concentrations. PM2.5 was extracted from filters in methanol by sonication. The samples were then divided into their methanol soluble and hexanes soluble fractions. The oxidative potential was measured for both fractions using a diothiothreitol (DTT) assay. Statistical analysis was done to measure statistical significance of data collected. There were significant differences observed between sampling dates and soluble fractions for oxidative potential. There were trends observed for PM2.5 concentrations, black carbon concentrations, and oxidative potentials. The results of this study show that sampling date and location should be considered when studying PM2.5.