Effects of Airborne Particulate Matter in Biomass Treatment Plants on the Expression of DNA Repair and IL-8 Genes
Source abstract
Abstract
Biogas plants for sewage and organic waste treatment are rapidly expanding. While these facilities provide valuable benefits, such as renewable energy production and the promotion of circular economy practices, they also emit airborne particles of biological origin, which may pose potential health risks. This study aims to evaluate, by in vitro assay, the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of PM10 sub-fractions (0.49–10 µm and <0.49 µm) generated in eight different plants, also assessing the endotoxin component using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) were exposed to organic extracts of particulate matter (PM). Cytotoxic effects (XTT assay) were analyzed, along with the modulation of gene expression involved in DNA repair (ERCC1, XRCC1, XPA, and XPF) and IL-8 production as a marker of inflammatory response. PM10 and endotoxin concentrations varied significantly among the plants (ANOVA, p < 0.01), with PM10 levels ranging from 14 to 18,000 µg/m3 and endotoxin content from 1 to 138 EU/m3. Exposure significantly increased ERCC1 and IL-8 expression by 25% and 53%, respectively (paired t-test, p < 0.01). IL-8 expression correlated with endotoxin exposure (Spearman’s rho = 0.35; p < 0.01). A deeper understanding of the biological component of airborne PM10 can enhance risk assessments for occupational and nearby resident communities’ safety.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Energy and Environment Impacts · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of the Study of Turin, Hygiene Section, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
Funding
University of turin
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