Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.8
4.9
Journals
Toxics
Special Issues
Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks
share announcement

Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Air Pollution and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2027 | Viewed by 2511

Editors

Dr. Xiaotong Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shandong Key Laboratory of Eco-Environmental Science for the Yellow River Delta, Shandong University of Aeronautics, Binzhou 256603, China
Interests: air pollutants; secondary organic aerosol formation; brown carbon; optical properties; atmospheric chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yinxiao Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Flight College, Shandong University of Aeronautics, Binzhou 256603, China
Interests: air pollutants; residential emission; individual particles; aviation emission; biomass burning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Air pollution remains one of the most critical global environmental challenges, significantly impacting public health and ecosystem stability. As urbanization and industrial activities intensify, the complexity of air pollutants—ranging from traditional particulate matter (PM2.5) and trace gases to carbonaceous aerosols and emerging contaminants—continues to evolve. Among these pollutants, ground-level ozone (O3) has emerged as a major secondary pollutant, posing increasing risks to respiratory health and vegetation. Moreover, the synergistic control of PM2.5 and O3 has become a priority in air quality management because of their intertwined formation pathways involving common precursors such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Understanding the intricate links between the chemical characterization of these pollutants and their subsequent toxicological effects is paramount for developing effective mitigation strategies.

This Special Issue, "Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks," aims to collect recent studies that address these challenges. We welcome research that explores the lifecycle of air pollutants, from source identification to their biological impacts. We are also interested in studies that apply advanced data analysis and spatiotemporal frameworks to help elucidate the relationships between environmental exposure and health outcomes,  as well as studies investigating coordinated control strategies for PM2.5 and O3.

Manuscripts submitted to this Special Issue may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Source apportionment and chemical characterization of air pollutants;
  • Impacts of specific emission sources (e.g., biomass burning and traffic) on air quality and public health;
  • Application of data-driven methods in air pollution characterization and health risk assessment;
  • Formation mechanisms, sources, and coordinated control strategies for PM2.5 and O3 pollution;
  • Toxicological studies on the effects of air pollution on human health.

Dr. Xiaotong Jiang
Dr. Yinxiao Zhang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics 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 2600 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

  • air pollution
  • source apportionment
  • air quality
  • PM2.5
  • atmospheric chemistry
  • biomass burning
  • data-driven analysis
  • toxicology
  • human health effects
  • environmental impacts
  • ozone

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 880 KB  
Article
Characteristics and Carcinogenic Risk of PM2.5-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Charcoal Barbecue (Moo Kratha) Restaurants in Chiang Mai, Thailand
by Thanawat Komonnithiphong, Kotchakorn Khammoon, Sakaewan Ounjaijean, Kongsak Boonyapranai, Hataichanok Chuljerm, Kanokwan Kulprachakarn, Wiritphon Khiaolaongam, Anurak Wongta, Surat Hongsibsong and Sawaeng Kawichai
Toxics 2026, 14(7), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070643 - 22 Jul 2026
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Barbecue (Moo Kratha) restaurants are prevalent in Chiang Mai City, Thailand. However, their PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions, compounded by the region’s severe seasonal smoke haze, remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the chemical composition and carcinogenic risk of PM [...] Read more.
Barbecue (Moo Kratha) restaurants are prevalent in Chiang Mai City, Thailand. However, their PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions, compounded by the region’s severe seasonal smoke haze, remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the chemical composition and carcinogenic risk of PM2.5-bound PAHs in this present environment. Ten PM2.5 samples were collected from ten charcoal Moo Kratha restaurants during peak evening hours in February 2026 (early dry season) using a portable air sampler operated as a fixed-location (area) sampler positioned at the customer dining table (2 L min−1, 180 min) on quartz fiber filters, and the 16 US EPA priority PAHs were analyzed by GC-MS. Carcinogenic risk was assessed using benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent (TEQBaP) concentrations and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for adult and child customers (diners) via the inhalation pathway. The mean concentrations of PM2.5 and total PAHs were 87.64 µg m−3 and 132.74 ng m−3, respectively, with carcinogenic PAHs contributing 52.3%; the mean TEQBaP of 15.34 ng m−3 provides an internal index of the carcinogenic potency of the PAH mixture. The mean inhalation ILCR for a frequent diner was 2.82 × 10−5 for adults and 2.12 × 10−5 for children, rising to 6.16 × 10−5 and 4.62 × 10−5, respectively, at the most contaminated site; even an occasional (monthly) diner exceeded the 10−6 negligible threshold. These findings indicate that charcoal Moo Kratha restaurants are distinct, persistent sources of carcinogenic PAHs that place diners within the upper part of the tolerable cancer-risk range; worker exposure is expected to be higher but was not quantified here, underlining the need for ventilation and occupational-health strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4353 KB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of VOCs in Seoul Ambient Air and Identification of Potential Pollution Sources Using Principal Component Analysis
by Ji-Yun Jung, Shin-Young Park, Ye-Jin Sim, Jong-Cheol Yoon, Hak-Myeong Lim, Kwang-Rae Kim, Seok-Ryul Oh, Yong-Suk Choi and Cheol-Min Lee
Toxics 2026, 14(7), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14070554 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 430
Abstract
This study analyzed the spatial distribution and seasonal variation characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at four sites (GS, GJ, BHS, and JN) representing different emission environments in Seoul and identified potential pollution sources using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that [...] Read more.
This study analyzed the spatial distribution and seasonal variation characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at four sites (GS, GJ, BHS, and JN) representing different emission environments in Seoul and identified potential pollution sources using principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that VOC concentrations were relatively high at the GS site, which is influenced by both industrial and traffic emissions, and at the JN site, characterized by heavy urban traffic, whereas the BHS site, representing a background area, exhibited the lowest concentrations, indicating clear spatial heterogeneity. Alkanes accounted for the largest proportion of VOCs at all sites, and low-molecular-weight alkanes as well as combustion-related compounds showed elevated concentrations during winter. In contrast, aromatic compounds exhibited site-specific seasonal patterns, with relatively higher concentrations observed during summer or autumn at some locations. The diurnal variation patterns displayed a bimodal distribution with concentration peaks during morning and evening rush hours, indicating the direct influence of traffic emissions. Furthermore, the T/B ratio and PCA results suggested that vehicle emissions and combustion sources were the dominant contributing factors (PC1) to ambient VOCs in Seoul, while non-road emission sources such as solvent use and industrial activities, characterized mainly by aromatic compounds, also contributed significantly (PC2). The findings of this study can serve as fundamental data for future quantitative source apportionment studies and the development of risk-based air quality management strategies for VOCs in Seoul. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 17110 KB  
Article
Interpretable Machine Learning and Spatiotemporal Modeling of Meteorological and Environmental Drivers for Tuberculosis Incidence in China
by Zihao Wang, Siyuan Li, Xiaotong Jiang, Kang Hu and Yangzhou Wu
Toxics 2026, 14(6), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14060537 - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health burden in China. Although meteorological and environmental factors are recognized to influence TB transmission, their non-linear effects and spatiotemporal heterogeneity have not been fully elucidated. Based on monthly TB incidence data from 31 provinces in China [...] Read more.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health burden in China. Although meteorological and environmental factors are recognized to influence TB transmission, their non-linear effects and spatiotemporal heterogeneity have not been fully elucidated. Based on monthly TB incidence data from 31 provinces in China during 2005–2020, this study systematically investigated these effects by integrating nine meteorological and air pollution variables within a combined machine learning and spatial statistical modeling framework. The results indicated that the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model effectively captured the complex non-linear relationships between environmental exposure and TB incidence. SHAP interpretability analysis identified surface pressure (SP), vegetation coverage, and PM2.5 as the key drivers and revealed pronounced nonlinear response patterns and threshold effects. In particular, the promoting effect of PM2.5 on TB incidence increased sharply at medium-to-high concentration levels. To further investigate spatial and temporal non-stationarity, Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) was applied. The results demonstrated strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity in driver effects across provinces. The influence of PM2.5 showed a consistently positive association with TB incidence and exhibited a distinct temporal evolution characterized by an initial strengthening before 2015 followed by a weakening thereafter, closely aligning with China’s air pollution control process. These findings provide new insights into the nonlinear and spatiotemporally heterogeneous effects of meteorological and environmental factors on TB incidence and support the development of more targeted, region-specific TB prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1645 KB  
Review
Indoor Environmental Exposures and Dry Eye Disease: Mechanisms, Clinical Impact, and Prevention Strategies
by Yumeng Li, Ji Yang, Tao Xie, Ping Xiang, Lei Kong and Hai Liu
Toxics 2026, 14(8), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14080711 - 12 Aug 2026
Viewed by 406
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, discomfort, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory dysfunction. Since individuals spend a significant amount of time inside buildings, exposure to indoor environments has emerged as a noteworthy and adjustable factor [...] Read more.
Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex ocular surface disorder characterized by tear film instability, discomfort, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and neurosensory dysfunction. Since individuals spend a significant amount of time inside buildings, exposure to indoor environments has emerged as a noteworthy and adjustable factor influencing ocular surface disorders. This analysis consolidates recent findings connecting indoor air contaminants, such as particulate pollutants, volatile organic substances, formaldehyde, and other gaseous irritants, as well as tobacco and cooking fumes, heavy metals, organophosphate flame retardants, and liquid crystal compounds, with the mechanisms and symptoms associated with DED. Research suggests that indoor environmental factors can exacerbate DED by triggering interconnected mechanisms such as oxidative damage, inflammation, lipid degradation, meibomian gland issues, decreased tear production, impairment of goblet cells and the mucin layer, disruption of tight junctions, and damage to the corneal or conjunctival epithelium. The most robust clinical evidence currently pertains to tobacco smoke, particulate matter, indoor air pollution, low humidity, and poor ventilation. In contrast, although biological plausibility exists for heavy metals, flame retardants, and liquid crystal monomers, the supporting data remain relatively sparse, indirect, and less comprehensive. Harmonized exposure assessments, prospective cohort studies, analyses of pollutant mixtures, and experimental intervention trials are needed to better characterize dose–response relationships and to establish effective preventive measures. Assessment of environmental history and improvement of indoor air quality should be regarded as integral and interrelated components in the prevention and management of DED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollutants: Sources, Characteristics, Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop