Measurement and evaluation of particulate matter and atmospheric heavy metal pollution in Konya Province, Turkey.

Air pollution has negative effects on human health, visibility, materials, plants, and animal health. Particulate matters are one of the most important air pollutants that may create a risk for human health. Especially particulate matters, which are composed of heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals such as PAH, dioxin, furan, can cause serious reactions in the respiratory tract. Heavy metals are so important because of their capability of accumulation in human tissues. Almost 0.01-3% of heavy metal content may be found in particulate matter. Coarse particulate matters (PM10) which have smaller diameters than 10 microns may enter from the respiratory system and reach the lungs. In this study, PM10 concentrations and heavy metal content (Lead, Nickel, Arsenic, Cadmium) of the samples were measured and evaluated concerning present regulations and limit values for different points in Konya Province, Turkey. The samples were taken at different seasons such as winter, summer, and spring for 16 days. According to the results of this study, in the winter season, PM10 concentration of the measurement point (Directorate Building) located at the settlement area was found the highest. In the summer season, PM10 concentration of the measurement point (Sille Junction) located at crossroads was found the highest. In spring season, maximum PM10 concentration was detected on the measurement point (KOS base station) located in the industrial area. Moreover, daily average nickel (Ni) concentration measured at KOS base station was found the highest and some other station located close to the industrial area and settlement areas were detected higher than average annual limit values in the winter period. Daily average lead (Pb) value was found at least 67% and maximum 98% higher at Sille and Besyol Junctions, but below the annual average limits. Daily average cadmium (Cd) value was mostly calculated in the Directorate Building winter measurement, but it did not exceed the limit value during the measurement periods. Daily average arsenic (As) values at Directorate Building and Karkent measurement points in the winter period were found higher than the annual average limit values. Only daily average nickel concentrations were detected higher than the annual average limits for the summer and spring period at the KOS base station measurement point.

Existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient particulate matter samples: A nationwide study in Turkey.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been affecting the world since the end of 2019. The disease led to significant mortality and morbidity in Turkey, since the first case was reported on March 11th, 2020. Studies suggest a positive association between air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ambient particulate matters (PM), as potential carriers for SARS-CoV-2. Ambient PM samples in various size ranges were collected from 13 sites including urban and urban-background locations and hospital gardens in 10 cities across Turkey between 13th of May and 14th of June 2020 to investigate the possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient PM. A total of 203 daily samples (TSP, n = 80; PM2.5, n = 33; PM2.5-10, n = 23; PM10µm, n = 19; and 6 size segregated PM, n = 48) were collected using various samplers. The N1 gene and RdRP gene expressions were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to real time (RT)-PCR and three-dimensional (3D) digital (d) PCR analysis, dual RdRP and N1 gene positivity were detected in 20 (9.8%) samples. Ambient PM-bound SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed quantitatively and the air concentrations of the virus ranged from 0.1 copies/m3 to 23 copies/m3. The highest percentages of virus detection on PM samples were from hospital gardens in Tekirdag, Zonguldak, and Istanbul, especially in PM2.5 mode. Findings of this study have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may be transported by ambient particles, especially at sites close to the infection hot-spots. However, whether this has an impact on the spread of the virus infection remains to be determined.