Journal Published Online: 01 January 1987
Volume 15, Issue 1

Cytotoxicity of Incinerator Fly Ash on Alveolar Macrophages

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Fly ash samples were collected from the electrostatic precipitator of a municipal incinerator in Hong Kong. The physical and chemical properties of fly ash particles of a diameter smaller than 10 μm were studied by a scanning electron microscope incorporated with an X-ray energy dispersive microanalyzer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and X-ray powder diffractometer. The particles were very heterogeneous in size and shape and had high levels of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn).

The cytotoxicity of fly ash particles was assessed using an in vitro culture assay of rat alveolar macrophages. It was found that the particles damaged the surface morphology of the cell, decreased the cell viability and phagocytic activity, and increased the release of cytoplasmic (lactate dehydrogenase) and lysosomal (β-glucuronidase) marker enzymes into the culture medium. No hemolytic effect could be measured on the rat red blood cells, indicating that the plasma membrane is not the target site of the incinerator fly ash.

Author Information

Liu, WK
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
Wong, MH
Hong Kong Baptist College, Hong Kong
Tam, NFY
Hong Kong Polytechnic, Hong Kong
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE11545J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11545J