Evaluation of ·OH Production Potential of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Collected on TiO2-Supporting Quartz Filters

Abstract

Oxidative stress induced by fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a potential cause of adverse health effects owing to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Air filtration is a key technology for preventing exposure to particulate contaminations; however, particulate matter trapped by filters has the potential risk of human contact with condensed PM2.5. Thus, this study aims to reduce the hydroxyl radical (·OH) production potential of PM2.5 collected on such TiO2-supporting quartz filters. The ·OH production potential was evaluated for PM2.5, which was collected in Kanagawa, Japan, using a terephthalate assay coupled with flow injection analysis. Although the PM2.5 levels at the sampling site were not severe, the PM2.5 samples exhibited ·OH production potential, which was mostly attributed to organic aerosols. The effect was verified using a TiO2-supporting quartz filter for the collection and subsequent degradation of PM2.5. The ·OH production potential was significantly reduced from 0.58 ± 0.40 pmol/(min m3) to 0.22 ± 0.13 pmol/(min m3) through ultraviolet irradiation for 24 h. This suggests that the photocatalytic reaction of the TiO2 filter is effective in reducing the ·OH production potential of PM2.5.