Assessment of genotoxicity of air pollution in urban areas using an integrated model of passive biomonitoring

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 355; p. 124219
• Main Authors: Campos, Carlos Fernando, Santos, Vanessa Santana Vieira, Campos Júnior, Edimar Olegário de, da Costa Estrela, Diéferson, Pires, Luís Paulo, Meza Bravo, João Vitor, Pereira, Boscolli Barbosa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15.08.2024
• Subjects: Bioaccumulation; Ecotoxicology; Environmental health; Heavy metals; Micronucleus; Ecotoxicology; Bioaccumulation; Heavy metals; Environmental health; Micronucleus
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124219

Atmospheric pollution is a major public health issue and has become increasingly critical for human health. Urban atmospheric pollution is typically assessed through physicochemical indicators aligned with environmental legislation parameters, providing data on air quality levels. While the effects of pollution on sensitive organisms serve as a warning for public health decision-makers, there remains a need to explore the interpretation of environmental data on pollutants. The use of species adapted to urban environments as sentinels enables continuous and integrated monitoring of environmental pollution implications on biological systems. In this study, we investigated the use of the plant species Tradescantia pallida as a biomonitor to evaluate the genotoxic effects of atmospheric pollution under diverse vehicular traffic conditions. T. pallida was strategically planted at the leading urban intersections in Uberlândia, Brazil. During COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, we compared indicators such as physical, biological, and traffic data at different intersections in residential and commercial zones. The reduction in vehicular traffic highlighted the sensitivity of plant species to changes in air and soil pollutants. T. pallida showed bioaccumulation of heavy metals Cd and Cr in monitored areas with higher traffic levels. Additionally, we established a multiple linear regression model to estimate genotoxicity using the micronucleus test, with chromium concentration in the soil (X1) and particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere (X2) identified as the primary independent variables. Our findings provide a comprehensive portrait of the impact of vehicular traffic changes on PM and offer valuable insights for refining parameters and models of Environmental Health Surveillance. [Display omitted] •Concentrations of Cd and Cr were higher in soil from sites of commercial activity.•T. pallida was sensitive to environmental changes in air and soil pollutants.•T. pallida bioaccumulated heavy metals, indicating vehicular traffic influence.•Genotoxicity was correlated with Cr in soil and PM in the atmosphere.•PM2.5 was the primary variable responsible for the increase in micronuclei frequency.