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Separation and characterization of biologically significant chemical classes in airborne particulate organic matter

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5026716
Studies were conducted to characterize airborne particulate extractable organic matter (EOM) with respect to chemical composition and biological activity. Specifically, an integrated chemical class/biological screening system to characterize the most active chemical species in EOM was developed. In addition, the bacterial mutagenicity of the ambient aerosol from cities which differ in the nature of their combustion sources was determined. Particulate matter was collected with high volume samplers at the following sites: New York City, Mexico City, Beijing, China, Philadelphia, Caldecott (CA) Tunnel, Elizabeth, Newark, and Camden, New Jersey. Extract composites were tested for mutagenic activity in the Ames Salmonella plate incorporation assay (+/-S9). Results indicated that interurban variations in concentrations of EOM do not necessarily reflect the relative biological activities of the urban aerosols, as measured by the Ames assay. In addition to mutagenic activity, interurban variations were also seen in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylating agents.
Research Organization:
New York Univ., NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
5026716
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English