Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2269
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2269
28 May 2025
 | 28 May 2025

Vertical and seasonal variations in airborne endotoxins in a coastal megacity of North China: insights from 3-hydroxy fatty acids

Wenxin Zhang, Wei Hu, Mutong Niu, Quanfei Zhu, Na An, Qiang Zhang, Rui Jin, Xiaoli Fu, Jian Hao, Jianbo Yang, Jingle Liu, Jing Shi, Suqin Han, Junjun Deng, Libin Wu, Yuqi Feng, Kimitaka Kawamura, and Pingqing Fu

Abstract. Endotoxins, integral components of Gram-negative bacteria, are released into atmosphere during bacterial fragmentation and pose health risks. This study investigated 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH-FAs, C8 – C18) in inhalable particles (PM10) from urban Tianjin, a coastal megacity in northern China, to estimate endotoxin levels utilizing UPLC-MS. Results revealed seasonal and altitudinal variations in 3-OH-FAs and endotoxin levels. Total endotoxin concentrations averaged 21.5 ng m–3 at near ground (2 m) and 16.1 ng m–3 at a higher altitude (220 m), corresponding to total 3-OH-FAs (C10 – C18) concentrations of 2.75 ng m–3 and 2.01 ng m–3, respectively. Maximum endotoxin level (26.5 ng m–3) occurred near ground during winter, attributed to enhanced near-surface emissions. Bioactive endotoxins peaked at 12.4 ng m–3 near ground in winter, exceeding the exposure threshold, while averaging 8.12 ng m–3 in other seasons. Short-chain 3-OH-FAs (C8 – C13) exhibited significant correlations with meteorological factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, and wind speed) at both altitudes, indicating regulation through microbial growth dynamics and photochemical processes. Long-chain homologues (C14 – C18) were affected by both meteorological conditions and particulate pollutants (e.g., OC, WSOC, K+, Ca2+), reflecting mixed influences from natural sources (e.g., soils) and anthropogenic activities (e.g., combustion). These findings advance understanding of spatiotemporal variations in airborne endotoxins within complex urban environments, providing critical data for assessing health risks associated with particulate pollution and informing urban air quality management strategies.

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Wenxin Zhang, Wei Hu, Mutong Niu, Quanfei Zhu, Na An, Qiang Zhang, Rui Jin, Xiaoli Fu, Jian Hao, Jianbo Yang, Jingle Liu, Jing Shi, Suqin Han, Junjun Deng, Libin Wu, Yuqi Feng, Kimitaka Kawamura, and Pingqing Fu

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2269', Anonymous Referee #1, 18 Jun 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2269', Anonymous Referee #2, 30 Jun 2025
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2269', Anonymous Referee #3, 30 Jun 2025
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-2269', Wei HU, 19 Aug 2025
Wenxin Zhang, Wei Hu, Mutong Niu, Quanfei Zhu, Na An, Qiang Zhang, Rui Jin, Xiaoli Fu, Jian Hao, Jianbo Yang, Jingle Liu, Jing Shi, Suqin Han, Junjun Deng, Libin Wu, Yuqi Feng, Kimitaka Kawamura, and Pingqing Fu
Wenxin Zhang, Wei Hu, Mutong Niu, Quanfei Zhu, Na An, Qiang Zhang, Rui Jin, Xiaoli Fu, Jian Hao, Jianbo Yang, Jingle Liu, Jing Shi, Suqin Han, Junjun Deng, Libin Wu, Yuqi Feng, Kimitaka Kawamura, and Pingqing Fu

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Short summary
This study investigated airborne endotoxins varying with height and season in northern China. By analyzing specific hydroxy fatty acids in aerosols, we estimated endotoxins at ground level and higher altitudes. Higher concentrations were observed near the ground during winter, likely driven by microbial emissions and combustion sources. Our findings suggest that air pollution and meteorological factors can influence endotoxin concentrations, posing potential health risks in urban environments.
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