Trace Metals in Airborne Particulate Matter and Genomic Characterization of Associated Microorganisms: Insights into Health Effects from an Industrialized, Near-Roadway Site in Houston
This project focuses on PM₁₀ prevalent at an air monitoring site adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel and Interstate Highway 610; Clinton Drive. The main goal of this study is to simultaneously measure major/trace metals and microorganism diversity in airborne coarse particulate matter. We will quantify vehicular contributions to PM₁₀ by analyzing aerosols’ elemental composition. Additionally, state-of-the-art next generation sequencing tools and 16S rRNA gene sequencing will be implemented to evaluate airborne microorganism diversity and prevalence in PM₁₀ in the proximity of roadways. Nine PM₁₀ samples were collected from August 10 – August 18, 2018 for analysis. Elemental analysis will be performed using high temperature microwave assisted acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Next, source apportionment via the chemical mass balance model will be performed to determine the extent to which tailpipe and non-tailpipe emissions including resuspended road dust contribute to ambient PM concentrations. These experiments and modeling will be conducted by Mr. Sourav Das, a doctoral student in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Separately, Dr. Jothikumar at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will implement novel whole genome sequencing to evaluate microorganism diversity. Note that PM₁₀ is targeted to capture fungi. Finally, undergraduate students will review health effects literature relevant to our measurements stressing knowledge gaps. At the successful completion of this project, a novel, high-impact, high quality, “hard science” dataset on exposure of low-income underrepresented minority families to vehicular trace metals and biological aerosols proximal to a busy roadway will be generated.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Completed
- Funding: $105249
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Contract Numbers:
69A3551747128
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station
Texas A&M University System
3135 TAMU
College Station, TX United States 77843-3135 -
Performing Organizations:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station
Texas A&M University System
3135 TAMU
College Station, TX United States 77843-3135 -
Principal Investigators:
Chellam, Shankararaman
- Start Date: 20200901
- Expected Completion Date: 20210831
- Actual Completion Date: 20221231
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
- Source Data: 03-25-TTI
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Aerosols; Air pollution; Environmental impacts; Environmental monitoring; Exhaust gases; Health; Highway traffic; Industrial areas; Low income groups; Metals; Minorities; Particulates; Quality of specific environments; Spectroscopy; Trace elements; Urban areas
- Geographic Terms: Houston (Texas)
- Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Society;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01745610
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health
- Contract Numbers: 69A3551747128
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Jul 21 2020 2:49PM