scholarly journals Seasonal Variability in the Composition of Particulate Matter and the Microclimate in Cultural Heritage Areas

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radulescu ◽  
Stihi ◽  
Ion ◽  
Dulama ◽  
Stanescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Museum Exhibits ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Chemical Measurements ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

This study is the first attempt to decipher the effect of particulate matter (PM) composition on people’s health and on historic sites, in correlation with the daily and seasonal microclimate monitoring of the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice museum (the maritime port of Constanta, Romania). More specifically, the increase of metal concentrations in particulate matter during the summer of 2018 and spring of 2019 in the museum under investigation could possibly be associated with the microclimates of both seasons, with coastal factors, as well as with the anthropic activities specific to the port of Constanta. FTIR and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) techniques, used for the investigation of PM2.5–10 samples, revealed high concentrations of Fe, Al-rich, and soluble particles inside the investigated museum area. In this respect, the chemical measurements of the PM2.5–10 masses highlighted high concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) and low concentrations of trace metals (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, and Cd). Statistical analysis showed that the chemical compositions of the particulate matter in the indoor and outdoor areas of the Roman Mosaic Edifice were influenced by microclimatic conditions, mainly temperature and relative humidity (RH). A potential health risk for tourists is the thermal and humid conditions, alongside the toxic components of the particulate matter. This research seeks to provide solutions for improving the environmental conditions inside the Roman Mosaic Edifice and to offer useful suggestions concerning health promotion and the protection of museum exhibits against possible future deterioration.

Resistance Improvement of Aluminum Surface to Corrosion Through Reactions With Fluoride Ions

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Magal Saphier ◽  
Oron Zamir ◽  
Polina Berzansky ◽  
Oshra Saphier ◽  
Dan Meyerstein
Keyword(s):  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
Potassium Fluoride ◽  
Aluminum Surface ◽  
Fluoride Ions ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Aluminum Ions ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations

The reaction of fluoride ions with alumina was found to strongly depend on the concentration of fluoride ions in the aqueous solution. At low concentrations ([fluoride ions] < 0.1 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), the aqueous concentration of aluminum ions is relatively high as measured by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and the aluminum oxide dissolves as a fluoride complex. At high concentrations of fluoride ([fluoride ions] > 0.5 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), a new structure is formed on the alumina surface involving fluoride, aluminum, potassium, and oxygen (in the case of potassium fluoride). The structure was characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The resulting structure improved the passivation of alumina, the solubility of aluminum ions decreasing compared to the untreated alumina. Aluminum surfaces that were fluoride-treated showed a better resistance to dissolution in both acidic and basic media.

scholarly journals Physicochemical Properties of Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter 2.5 in Selected Residential Areas near a Ferromanganese Smelter

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8900
Author(s):  
Setlamorago Jackson Mbazima ◽  
Masilu Daniel Masekameni ◽  
Gill Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Polycarbonate Membrane ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Particulate Matter 2.5 ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Particulate matter (PM) of different sizes and elemental composition is a leading contributor to indoor and outdoor air pollution in residential areas. We sought to investigate similarities between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 in three residential areas near a ferromanganese smelter in Meyerton to apportion the emission source(s). Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 samples were collected concurrently, using GilAir300 plus samplers, at a flow rate of 2.75 L/min. PM2.5 was collected on polycarbonate membrane filters housed in 37 mm cassettes coupled with PM2.5 cyclones. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy was used to study the morphology, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy was used to analyse the elemental composition of the PM2.5. Mean indoor and outdoor PM2.5 mass concentrations were 10.99 and 24.95 µg/m3, respectively. Mean outdoor mass concentration was 2.27-fold higher than the indoor concentration. Indoor samples consisted of irregular and agglomerated particles, ranging from 0.09 to 1.06 µm, whereas outdoor samples consisted of irregular and spherical particles, ranging from 0.10 to 0.70 µm. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 were dominated by manganese, silicon, and iron, however, outdoor PM2.5 had the highest concentration of all elements. The ferromanganese smelter was identified as the potential main contributing source of PM2.5 of different physicochemical properties.

scholarly journals Comparative Cytotoxicity Study of PM2.5 and TSP Collected from Urban Areas

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Ilseob Shim ◽  
Woong Kim ◽  
Haewon Kim ◽  
Yeon-Mi Lim ◽  
Hyejung Shin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Airborne Pollutants ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry ◽  
High Concentrations

Ambient particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and total suspended particles (TSPs) are common airborne pollutants that cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the differences of cytotoxicity and mechanism between PM2.5 and TSP activity in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Atmospheric samples from the central district of Seoul were collected and their chemical compositions were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography. PM2.5 and TSP contained high concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Pb). The most abundant ions in PM2.5 were SO42−, NH4+, and NO3−. A549 cells were exposed to PM2.5 and TSP (25–200 µg/mL) for 24 h. TSP was more cytotoxic than PM2.5 per unit mass. PM2.5 induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased levels of a glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier, whereas low-concentration TSP increased hemeoxygenase-1 levels. PM2.5 and TSP did not affect c-Jun N-terminal kinase expression. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in PM2.5- and TSP-treated cells decreased significantly in the cytosol and increased in the nucleus. Thus, Nrf2 may be a key transcription factor for detoxifying environmental airborne particles in A549 cells. TSP and PM2.5 could activate the protective Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/Nrf2 pathway in A549 cells.

scholarly journals Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils and Bulbs of Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) Grown in Valdichiana, a Traditional Cultivation Area of Tuscany, Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 7023
Author(s):  
Vannini Andrea ◽  
Martina Grattacaso ◽  
Giulia Canali ◽  
Francesco Nannoni ◽  
Luigi Antonello Di Lella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Allium Ampeloprasum ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Risk Indices ◽  
High Concentrations

The aim of this study was to provide, for the first time, data on the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils and bulbs of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) cultivated in Valdichiana, a traditional agricultural area of Tuscany, Italy. Bulbs of elephant garlic and soil samples were collected in four cultivation fields and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, V, Zn. The concentrations of these PTEs in bulbs and cultivation soils were used to calculate geochemical, ecological and health risk indices. The results of this study suggest that, although bulbs of elephant garlic from the Valdichiana area may present slightly high concentrations of Cd, Ni and Pb, the associated health risk based on the daily intake is absolutely negligible. Cultivation soils had somewhat high Cu concentrations probably due to the diffuse use of Cu-based products in agriculture, but showed overall a very low ecological risk.

scholarly journals DETERMINATION OF TRACE METALS DUE TO THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF DIESEL THROUGH THE AIR QUALITY MONITORING OF IMPACTED AREAS

2009 ◽  
Vol 06 (12) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Josiane LOYOLA ◽  
Simone Lorena QUITERIO ◽  
Viviane ESCALEIRA ◽  
Graciela ARBILLA
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Metal Content ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Total Particulate Matter ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Light Duty Vehicles

The petroleum industry has difficulties to assess the trace metal content in liquid fuels. In this work, it is proposed to solve this problem determining these metals by collecting particulate matter atmospheric samples and analysing their metal content. Samples of total particulate matter and of inhalable particles (PM10) were collected in a bus station in the period August 2006-February 2007. The only significant emission source in that location are the buses, fueled by diesel, since light duty vehicles account for about 1-2% of the total vehicular flux and no other activities are developed in the area. Metal levels were determined by ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy). Ca, Mg, Fe and Al were the most abundant compounds, and account for about 50.1%, 24.2%, 6.5% and 18.7%, respectively, of the metal contain. Co, Ni, Cd, Cr and Pb were under their detection limits, except for a few samples. Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu were determined in higher ratios that those currently find in crustal materials indicating that these elements may have important combustion sources and are enriched in the soil.

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