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Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter
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Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Quality and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2024 | Viewed by 8280

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hong Geng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Environmental Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030031, China
Interests: aerosol

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The multifaceted health effects of atmospheric particulate matter  (e.g., PM2.5 or PM10) have raised broader, stronger concerns in recent years, calling for comprehensive environmental health-risk assessments to provide new insights into their relations to composition analysis. Atmospheric particulate matter are a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Their major chemical constituents include mineral dust, water-soluble ions (e.g., NO3−, SO42−, Cl-, NH4+, Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), organic carbon (OC),  elemental carbon (EC), and metals. These particles can be directly emitted from sources such as deserts, oceans, and forests, or they can be chemically produced in the air through reactions involving precursor gases, such as NOx, SO2, and NH3, emitted from both anthropogenic and natural sources. Specific components of atmospheric particulate matter or different toxic substances adsorbed in them often lead to the results of epidemiological and toxicological health-risk assessments not agreeing with each other. This raises an urgent necessity to rapidly and accurately determine the components of atmospheric particulate matter and identify their contributions to relevant toxicological effects. Understanding the quantitative contribution of different components is crucial for correctly assessing their toxicities and exposure risks on human health. Based on various monitoring and detection methods, a clear observation of the particle size, shape, mixing state, and element or group constituents, and a specific identification of particulate species such as mineral dust, sea-spray aerosols, different types of organic carbon (particularly microplastics and biogenic aerosols), carbon-rich particles (such as soot, tar balls, and char) and heavy metal-containing particles, can be performed and their corresponding toxicities in vivo and in vitro can be determined and assessed. With the promising development of machine-learning and artificial intelligence techniques, predictive toxicology through the investigation of their quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) using  model calculation has become more and more popular. In this Special Issue, we aim to promote the publication of papers focusing on  the characterization and determination of atmospheric particulate matter and estimating, modeling, and forecasting their toxicities and health effects. These include laboratory studies and measurement protocols, methodological approaches, comparison of acellular and in vitro or in vivo approaches, influence of chemical composition and indoor/outdoor sources on health impacts, correlation of health indicators with source apportionment results, and assessment of health effects related to oxidative stress and population exposure. In particular, whether original research papers or review articles, the Special Issue invites, but it is not limited to, studies with the following topics:

  • Proposing new measurement techniques and analysis  approaches on particulate matter’s components ;
  • Estimating particle toxicities and health impacts using physical, chemical, statistical and artificial intelligence methods;
  • Emphazing the impacts of atmospheric particulate matter in both indoor and outdoor environment on human health;
  • Proposing new tools and indicators for assessing toxicological effects and adverse health impacts of atmospheric particulate matter;
  • Assessing the exposure risk to human health relating to compositions of airborne particulate matter;
  • Modelling the dynamics of the different compositions of particles to predict their toxicities and health effects.

Prof. Dr. Hong Geng
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • atmospheric particulate matter
  • bulk and single-particle analysis
  • chemical composition
  • toxicity
  • predictive toxicology
  • health impacts
  • health-risk assessments

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4666 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Microbials in the Lung Induced by Allergenic Platanus Pollen Protein (Pla a3) and Ambient Fine Particulate Matter
by Jin Liu, Senlin Lu, Guoqing Hou, Wenwen Hu, Jiumei Zhao, Wei Zhang, Xinchun Liu, Enyoh Christian Ebere, Weiqian Wang and Qingyue Wang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040503 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Ambient pollen proteins play key roles in the incidence of allergenic respiratory health, and numerous reports have focused on respiratory diseases caused by air pollutants. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying the involvement of microbiota in [...] Read more.
Ambient pollen proteins play key roles in the incidence of allergenic respiratory health, and numerous reports have focused on respiratory diseases caused by air pollutants. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying the involvement of microbiota in the respiratory tracts and effects induced by air pollutants. Therefore, an allergenic animal model was established to investigate the characterization of microbials in the lung induced by allergenic Platanus pollen protein (Pla a3) and ambient fine particulate matter. Our data showed that the mice exhibited strong immune and inflammatory responses after being exposed to PMs and Pla a3 protein. This included increased levels of immunoglobulins IgG and IgE, as well as elevated levels of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-13. Furthermore, the amounts of pathogenic bacteria, such as Desulfobacterota, Enterococcus, Ferruginibacter, and Pseudoxanthomonas, in the lung microbiota of the Pla a3 exposure group increased significantly. Correlation analysis revealed a strong association between specific lung bacteria and alterations in cytokines from the lung samples. Probiotic bacteria, Deferribacterota and Bifidobacterium, was associated with changes in the level of IgG and IgE. However, pathogenic bacteria, like Prevotella and Fusobacterium, were linked with the cytokines IL-4 and TNF-α. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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14 pages, 1467 KiB  
Article
Important Contribution to Aerosol Oxidative Potential from Residential Solid Fuel Burning in Central Ireland
by Matteo Rinaldi, Francesco Manarini, Mattia Lucertini, Marco Rapuano, Stefano Decesari, Marco Paglione, Maria Cristina Facchini, Chunshui Lin, Darius Ceburnis, Colin D. O’Dowd, Paul Buckley, Stig Hellebust, John Wenger and Jurgita Ovadnevaite
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040436 - 31 Mar 2024
Viewed by 737
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown negative health effects related to exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM), likely due to induced oxidative stress. In this study, we have examined ambient PM samples from Birr, a small (~5000 inhabitants) town in central Ireland, for their water-soluble [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have shown negative health effects related to exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM), likely due to induced oxidative stress. In this study, we have examined ambient PM samples from Birr, a small (~5000 inhabitants) town in central Ireland, for their water-soluble DTT-based oxidative potential (OP_DTT) with a resolution of 6 h, together with online chemical characterization measurements, to assess the OP of organic aerosols, in particular from residential solid fuel burning. The OP_DTT normalized by the volume of sampled air shows a high variability, ranging from <0.1 to 3.8 nmol min−1 m−3, and a high correlation with PM mass. A lower variability was associated with the mass-normalized OP. Nevertheless, both tended to present higher values during night-time pollution episodes. Simple and multivariate linear regression approaches linked OP_DTT to residential solid fuel burning, and in particular to wood (~87%) and peat (~13%) combustion. The results of the present study show how residential solid fuel burning can have a severe impact on air quality, even in small towns, with potential negative health effects on the exposed population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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16 pages, 2081 KiB  
Article
Considering the Size Distribution of Elements in Particle Matter and Oxidation Potential: Association before and after Respiratory Exposure
by Xing Li, Tingting Xu and Ying Guo
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040411 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
Oxidation potential (OP), reflecting the redox activities of particle matter (PM), is considered an optimal measure to explain the biological effects of PM exposure. However, the size resolution of the relationship between OP and chemical composition in PM, especially how the relationship changes [...] Read more.
Oxidation potential (OP), reflecting the redox activities of particle matter (PM), is considered an optimal measure to explain the biological effects of PM exposure. However, the size resolution of the relationship between OP and chemical composition in PM, especially how the relationship changes after respiratory exposure, has not been well investigated. In this study, size-resolved indoor PM10 samples were collected from a waste recycling plant from November to December 2021 using an Anderson eight-stage cascade impactor. OP, measured by a dithiothreitol (DTT) assay (defined as OPDTT), and elements, determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in size-resolved PM, were determined to check their relationships and the related human exposure risk. The results indicated that compared with PM0.4 and PM0.4–2.1, PM2.1–10 contributed the most to total OPDTT and its bound elements contributed the most to potential health risks, both before and after respiratory exposure. The association between OPDTT and the elements varied with PM size. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the PM0.4- and PM0.4–2.1-bound elements were moderate-to-strongly positively correlated with OPvDTT (r: 0.60–0.90). No significant correlation or dose–response relationship was found in PM2.1–10. After respiratory exposure, several PM0.4- and PM0.4–2.1-bound elements had a moderate-to-strongly positive correlation with deposition fluxes of OP (defined as OPFlux) (0.69–0.90). A generalized linear model analysis showed that the interquartile range (IQR) increase in the PM-bound elements (ng h−1) was associated with a 41.7–58.1% increase in OPFlux. Our study is a special case that enriches the knowledge of the association between OPDTT and the chemical composition of PM of different sizes, especially after respiratory exposure, but the generalizability of the findings to other settings or types of PM may be limited. The associations among OPDTT, other chemical compositions of PM, and human exposure risk merit further research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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17 pages, 3834 KiB  
Article
Allergenic Pollen Monitoring at Sapienza University Campus (Rome, Italy): Patterns of Pollen Dispersal and Implications for Human Health
by Andrea Lancia, Federico Di Rita, Renato Ariano, Nicoletta Vonesch, Maria Concetta D’Ovidio and Donatella Magri
Atmosphere 2024, 15(3), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15030347 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 766
Abstract
The Campus of the Sapienza University of Rome, frequented daily by several thousands of students and workers, collects allergenic airborne pollen from many sources. Here, we report the results of detailed pollen monitoring of 49 pollen types within the University Campus, allowing us [...] Read more.
The Campus of the Sapienza University of Rome, frequented daily by several thousands of students and workers, collects allergenic airborne pollen from many sources. Here, we report the results of detailed pollen monitoring of 49 pollen types within the University Campus, allowing us to trace the main local and regional sources of airborne pollen throughout the year. The amount of allergenic pollen has been calculated for each daily record to evaluate the risk of exposure for students and workers on Campus in relation to academic activities and to suggest possible mitigation measures. Our results show that the maximum pollen concentrations are recorded from March to May, and the highest floristic richness occurs in April–June. We distinguish massive local pollen producers from pollen of regional origin and local ornamental and invasive taxa. Pollen with extreme allergenicity is dominant from mid-January to mid-March and in May with Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Corylus and Olea; high allergenicity from late March to late April with Platanus, Ostrya, Ginkgo and Moraceae; and medium allergenicity from late April to the beginning of May with Quercus and Pinus. In August–December, pollen concentration is relatively low. Diversified mitigation actions are suggested in relation to the provenance, allergenicity and emission period of pollen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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21 pages, 7267 KiB  
Article
Exposure to PM2.5 on Public Transport: Guidance for Field Measurements with Low-Cost Sensors
by Kyriaki-Maria Fameli, Konstantinos Moustris, Georgios Spyropoulos and Dimitrios-Michael Rodanas
Atmosphere 2024, 15(3), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15030330 - 7 Mar 2024
Viewed by 707
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the most important problems in big cities, resulting in adverse health effects. The aim of the present study was to characterize the personal exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution in the Greater Athens Area in Greece by taking [...] Read more.
Air pollution is one of the most important problems in big cities, resulting in adverse health effects. The aim of the present study was to characterize the personal exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution in the Greater Athens Area in Greece by taking measurements during a journey from suburban to mixed industrial–urban areas, encompassing walking, waiting, bus travel, and metro travel at various depths. For this reason, low-cost (LC) sensors were used, and the inhaled dose of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in different age groups of passengers was calculated. Specific bus routes and the Athens metro network were monitored throughout different hours of the day. Then, the average particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure for a metro passenger was calculated and evaluated. By considering the ventilation rate of a passenger, an estimation of the total PM2.5 inhaled dose for males and females as well as for different age groups was made. The results showed that the highest PM2.5 concentrations were observed inside the wagons with significant increases during rush hours or after rush hours. Furthermore, there should be a concern regarding older individuals using the subway network in Athens during rush hours and in general for sensitive groups (people with asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, etc.). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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13 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Exposure to PM10 Air Pollution Exaggerates Progression of Coronary Artery Disease
by Tomasz Urbanowicz, Krzysztof Skotak, Anna Olasińska-Wiśniewska, Krzysztof J. Filipiak, Jakub Bratkowski, Michał Wyrwa, Jędrzej Sikora, Piotr Tyburski, Beata Krasińska, Zbigniew Krasiński, Andrzej Tykarski and Marek Jemielity
Atmosphere 2024, 15(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020216 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925
Abstract
(1) Background: The increase in cardiovascular risk related to air pollution has been a matter of interest in recent years. The role of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been postulated as a possible factor for premature death, including cardiovascular death. The role of [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The increase in cardiovascular risk related to air pollution has been a matter of interest in recent years. The role of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been postulated as a possible factor for premature death, including cardiovascular death. The role of long-term exposure to PM10 is less known. The aim of the study was to assess the individual relationship between air pollution in habitation and the development of coronary artery disease. (2) Methods: Out of 227 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 63 (38 men and 25 women) with a mean age of 69 (63–74) years, with nonsignificant atherosclerotic changes at the initial examination, were included in the study. The baseline and repeated coronary angiography were compared to reveal patients with atherosclerotic progression and its relation to demographic and clinical factors and exposure to air pollution in the habitation place. (3) Results: In the performed analysis, we found a significant correlation between Syntax score in de novo lesions and BMI (Spearman’s rho −0.334, p = 0.008). The significant and strong correlation between median annual PM10 values of 20 µg/m3 and at least 25 µg/m3 in air pollution and the risk of de novo coronary disease was noticed (Spearman’s rho = 0.319, p = 0.011 and Spearman’s rho = 0.809, p < 0.001, respectively). (4) Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between long-term exposure to PM10 air pollution and coronary artery disease progression, demonstrated by the increase in Syntax score. The presented analysis revealed increased morbidity at lower PM10 concentrations than generally recommended thresholds. Therefore, further investigations concerning air pollution’s influence on cardiovascular risk should be accompanied by promoting lifestyle changes in the population and revisiting the needs for environmental guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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20 pages, 6496 KiB  
Article
Particle Size, Effects of Distance and Height from Source, Carbon Components, and Source of Dust in Nanchang, Central China
by Hong Huang, Zihan Huang, Changwei Zou, Yuan Tang, Jianlong Li, Chenglong Yu and Fangxu Zhu
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010133 - 21 Jan 2024
Viewed by 874
Abstract
Regional air quality and major sources can be reflected by dust. 87 dust samples in Nanchang (four residential areas and three roadside points) were collected, with particle size and carbon components determined to discuss the distribution characteristics and the sources. The distribution of [...] Read more.
Regional air quality and major sources can be reflected by dust. 87 dust samples in Nanchang (four residential areas and three roadside points) were collected, with particle size and carbon components determined to discuss the distribution characteristics and the sources. The distribution of dust particle size in different sampling areas was similar, composed mainly of particles larger than 10 μm (over 69.8%). Dust particle size showed a decreasing trend with increasing horizontal distance from the main road and vertical height from the ground. EC in road dust was higher than that in residential dust. EC outdoors was higher than EC indoors in the same area. OC in indoor dust was higher than that in atmospheric dust when there were obvious indoor OC emission sources. The main carbon fractions in residential dust were OC3 and EC1, and in road dust were EC2 and OC3. The distribution of carbon fractions showed that OC3 and EC2 were mainly affected by human activities and motor vehicle emissions, respectively. The ratio of OC/EC and SOC in dust decreased from autumn to winter. SOC in the dust of Nanchang was at a medium level compared to other cities/regions around world. Clustering analysis and principal component analysis indicated that combustion sources (coal and biomass combustion, etc.), motor vehicle exhaust sources (gasoline and diesel vehicles), and human sources (cooking fumes, cigarette smoking, etc.) were the main contributors to the carbon components in dust. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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21 pages, 7110 KiB  
Article
Causes Investigation of PM2.5 and O3 Complex Pollution in a Typical Coastal City in the Bohai Bay Region of China in Autumn: Based on One-Month Continuous Intensive Observation and Model Simulation
by Yuanyuan Ji, Cong An, Jinghao Tang, Jialin Li, Xiaoyu Yan, Xiaoshuai Gao, Wanghui Chu, Xuelian Zhong, Fanyi Shang, Jidong Li, Luyao Tan, Rui Gao, Fang Bi and Hong Li
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010073 - 7 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 810
Abstract
In order to investigate the causes of complex air pollution in coastal cities in the Bohai Rim of China, a one-month intensive field observation combined with model simulation was carried out in a typical city named Dongying in September 2022. The results showed [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the causes of complex air pollution in coastal cities in the Bohai Rim of China, a one-month intensive field observation combined with model simulation was carried out in a typical city named Dongying in September 2022. The results showed that two PM2.5 and O3 complex pollution episodes occurred in Dongying in the observation period, with the primary pollutant being O3. Atmospheric photochemical reactions occurring under unfavorable meteorological conditions led to the production of O3 while at the same time facilitating the generation of nitrate, sulfate, and other secondary components of PM2.5 by enhancing the atmospheric oxidizing capacity, which promoted the formation of complex air pollution. It was worth noting that in the context of high pollutants emission, the occurrence of complex air pollution was more sensitive to the variation in meteorological conditions than to the change in pollutants emission. To continuously improve air quality and protect human health in Dongying, it is recommended that an effective regional joint air pollution prevention and control mechanism with neighboring cities should be established in the premise of effective local pollutants reduction, and special attention should be paid to the adverse effect of the air mass transportation from Bohai Bay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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24 pages, 3300 KiB  
Article
Pollution Characteristics of Different Components of PM2.5 in Taiyuan during 2017–2020 Wintertime and Their Toxicity Effects on HepG2 Cells
by Lirong Bai, Mei Zhang, Shanshan Chen, Wenqi Chen, Zhiping Li, Jianwei Yue, Chuan Dong and Ruijin Li
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010032 - 27 Dec 2023
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a common pollutant, and its health risk has attracted much attention. Studies have shown that PM2.5 exposure is associated with liver disease. The composition of PM2.5 is complex, and its hepatotoxic effects and lipid [...] Read more.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a common pollutant, and its health risk has attracted much attention. Studies have shown that PM2.5 exposure is associated with liver disease. The composition of PM2.5 is complex, and its hepatotoxic effects and lipid metabolism process are not well understood. In this study, we detected the concentrations of PM2.5 and its components (metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs)) in the winter in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, from 2017 to 2020 and then assessed the health risks. We also investigated the effects of different components (whole particles (WP), water-soluble particles (WSP), organic particles (OP)) of PM2.5 on the cytotoxicity and lipid metabolism in human liver cell line (HepG2) after 24 h of treatment. The changes in cytotoxicity indexes (LDH, IL-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS)) and lipids (triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA)) were measured after 24 h. The mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related factors (SREBP1, CD36, MTTP) was determined by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR. Finally, the correlation between metals and PAHs with higher PM2.5 content in 4 years and biomarkers was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) The PM2.5 pollution was severe in Taiyuan during winter in 2017 and the subsequent four years. The calculation results of the metal enrichment factor (EF) value and PAHs characteristic ratio of PM2.5 showed that PM2.5 pollution sources differed in different years. (2) Exposure to metals and PAHs in PM2.5 did not cause a non-carcinogenic risk. Metals had no cancer risk, while PAHs inhaled in PM2.5 in 2017 and 2018 had a potential cancer risk. The atmospheric PM2.5 pollution in Taiyuan has had a downward trend, but the PAHs in the PM2.5 of 2017–18, when the pollution is relatively serious, have a potential carcinogenic risk. (3) WP, OP and WSP inhibited cell survival rate from 2017 to 2020, and OP had higher cytotoxicity at the same concentration. (4) WP, OP and WSP increased the levels of LDH, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS, MDA, TG and FFA, and inhibited SOD activity in a dose-effect relationship. The organic components in PM2.5 are more toxic to HepG2 cells and affect the expression of lipid metabolism-related factors at the transcriptional level. (5) The mRNA expressions of factors related to lipid synthesis, uptake, oxidation and output were up-regulated after treatment with PM2.5 and its components, suggesting a lipid metabolism disorder. (6) The biomarkers were associated with certain metals (Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr) and PAHs in PM2.5. These suggested that PM2.5- and PM2.5-bound organic matter caused HepG2 cytotoxicity and affected lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 9447 KiB  
Review
Salt Lake Aerosol Overview: Emissions, Chemical Composition and Health Impacts under the Changing Climate
by Muhammad Subtain Abbas, Yajuan Yang, Quanxi Zhang, Donggang Guo, Ana Flavia Locateli Godoi, Ricardo Henrique Moreton Godoi and Hong Geng
Atmosphere 2024, 15(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020212 - 8 Feb 2024
Viewed by 959
Abstract
Salt Lakes, having a salt concentration higher than that of seawater and hosting unique extremophiles, are predominantly located in drought-prone zones worldwide, accumulating diverse salts and continuously emitting salt dust or aerosols. However, knowledge on emission, chemical composition, and health impacts of Salt [...] Read more.
Salt Lakes, having a salt concentration higher than that of seawater and hosting unique extremophiles, are predominantly located in drought-prone zones worldwide, accumulating diverse salts and continuously emitting salt dust or aerosols. However, knowledge on emission, chemical composition, and health impacts of Salt Lake aerosols under climate change is scarce. This review delves into the intricate dynamics of Salt Lake aerosols in the context of climate change, pointing out that, as global warming develops and weather patterns shift, Salt Lakes undergo notable changes in water levels, salinity, and overall hydrological balance, leading to a significant alteration of Salt Lake aerosols in generation and emission patterns, physicochemical characteristics, and transportation. Linked to rising temperatures and intensified evaporation, a marked increase will occur in aerosol emissions from breaking waves on the Salt Lake surface and in saline dust emission from dry lakebeds. The hygroscopic nature of these aerosols, coupled with the emission of sulfate aerosols, will impart light-scattering properties and a cooling effect. The rising temperature and wind speed; increase in extreme weather in regard to the number of events; and blooms of aquatic microorganisms, phytoplankton, and artemia salina in and around Salt Lakes, will lead to the release of more organic substances or biogenic compounds, which contribute to the alteration of saline aerosols in regard to their quantitative and chemical composition. Although the inhalation of saline aerosols from Salt Lakes and fine salt particles suspended in the air due to salt dust storms raises potential health concerns, particularly causing respiratory and cardiovascular disease and leading to eye and skin discomfort, rock salt aerosol therapy is proved to be a good treatment and rehabilitation method for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is implied that the Salt Lake aerosols, at a certain exposure concentration, likely can delay the pathogenesis of silicosis by regulating oxidative stress and reducing interstitial fibrosis of the lungs. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of climate changes, chemical composition, and health aspects, advocating for a comprehensive and practical approach to address the challenges faced by Salt Lake aerosols in an ever-changing global climate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition Analysis and Health Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter)
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