Abstract
Atmospheric aerosols play key roles in global climate, air quality and public health issues. In the latter case, it has been shown that aerosols may exacerbate pulmonary and cardiovascular symptoms or diseases, via pathways such as oxidative stress. However, neither the detailed aerosol composition nor how aerosols may generate certain biological responses, including human health risks, is fully understood. This study explores how several important organic aerosol components such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may generate mutagenic effects in Escherichia coli, using a standard mutagenicity assay. Variables such as the PAH type and temperature are tested and preliminary results will be reported. Both standard compounds and aerosol samples are examined for any such effects. The implications of aerosols for a number of environmental as well as evolutional processes will be discussed .
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Song Gao, Dr. Robert Smith
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-12-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-12-2013 5:30 PM
Exploring Mutagenic Effects of Atmospheric Aerosol Components
Alvin Sherman Library
Atmospheric aerosols play key roles in global climate, air quality and public health issues. In the latter case, it has been shown that aerosols may exacerbate pulmonary and cardiovascular symptoms or diseases, via pathways such as oxidative stress. However, neither the detailed aerosol composition nor how aerosols may generate certain biological responses, including human health risks, is fully understood. This study explores how several important organic aerosol components such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may generate mutagenic effects in Escherichia coli, using a standard mutagenicity assay. Variables such as the PAH type and temperature are tested and preliminary results will be reported. Both standard compounds and aerosol samples are examined for any such effects. The implications of aerosols for a number of environmental as well as evolutional processes will be discussed .
