Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2022
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Courtney Roper
Second Advisor
Kristine Willett
Third Advisor
Robert Brian Doctor
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a complex mixture of particles and sorbed chemicals that poses serious, adverse effects on human health such as increasing cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality. There is ongoing research into the impacts of PM2.5 of differing chemical compositions, sampling location, and the mechanisms for the observed health effects. To conduct these analytical and toxicology studies of PM2.5, researchers often split filters into sections. This process allows multiple, often destructive, assays to be performed. Our previous research showed chemical composition differences across PM2.5 filters. The goal of our study was to determine the validity of splitting filters for use in multiple analyses, analyze differences between an urban and rural sampling location, and examine trends between PM2.5 components and toxicology by assessing differences in chemical composition and oxidative potential within the same filter. Six PM2.5 filter samples collected from urban and rural locations were used. Each filter was split into quadrants, resulting in a total of 24 pieces; laboratory and blank filters were also prepared in the same manner. Each filter piece was extracted, concentrated, and then analyzed with dithiothreitol (DTT) assay run in triplicate to determine oxidative potential. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was run on all samples and controls to compare chemical composition of the filter quadrants (n=30). Stark differences in total elemental content and oxidative potential were observed between quadrants of the same filter. Correlation analysis between oxidative potential and elements yielded significant, positive correlations between oxidative potential normalized by PM2.5 mass and the elements Ag, Ba, Cr, and Ga at the rural location and a significant, negative correlation between oxidative potential normalized by PM2.5 mass and the element Cs at the urban location. This work will provide information about the feasibility of splitting PM2.5 filters for multiple analyses on the same sample and well as insight into the different sources and toxicology of PM2.5 components.
Recommended Citation
Sidwell, Allie Michelle, "Determining the Distribution of Elemental Compounds and Oxidative Potential across Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Filters" (2022). Honors Theses. 2633.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2633
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