Size-Dependent Elemental Composition in Individual Magnetite Nanoparticles Generated from Coal-Fired Power Plant Regulating Their Pulmonary Cytotoxicity
Shi et al.
Environmental Science and Technology, 2024
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c05570
이 게시물의 환경 과학 및 기술, led by researchers from East China Normal University, employed single-particle ICP-TOFMS using the icpTOF R to analyze magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) from coal fly ashes, revealing their size-dependent toxic metal composition and oxidative stress potential. Fe-sole MNPs were key carriers of toxic metals, inducing greater oxidative stress than fine particulate fractions.
MNPs, a toxic component of PM2.5, can penetrate the respiratory system, induce oxidative stress, and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are a major source of MNPs, which are prevalent in coal fly ashes (CFAs). These MNPs have complex size distributions and elemental compositions, with smaller particles containing higher fractions of Fe and toxic metals like V, Cr, Zn, and Pb. Prior studies have highlighted the size-dependent toxicity of synthetic MNPs, but high-resolution analysis of coal-derived MNPs is limited.
This study used single-particle ICP-TOFMS to characterize the size and multielemental composition of individual MNPs from CFAs at different stages of removal and atmospheric release. It highlights the size-dependent toxic metal composition and pulmonary cytotoxicity of MNPs from coal combustion. Smaller MNPs, especially Fe-sole, Si−Fe, and Al−Fe types, were rich in toxic metals like Cr and Zn, causing elevated oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Emissions from escaped fly ash (EFA) were particularly hazardous. Upgraded dust removal systems and magnetic-field recycling methods are recommended to mitigate risks. Cr in Fe-sole MNPs emerged as a key contributor to cell toxicity, emphasizing the need for stricter pollution control policies and expanded studies across diverse coal-fired power plants.
High-resolution analysis using of coal combustion-derived MNPs using our icpTOF technology, helps reveal size-dependent elemental compositions and oxidative stress potential. Our advanced technology helped identify multi-metal and Fe-rich MNPs as significant carriers of toxic metals, offering critical insights for assessing health risks and improving pollution control strategies.
