A system to assess the stability of airborne nanoparticle agglomerates under aerodynamic shear

Stability of airborne nanoparticle agglomerates is important for occupational exposure and risk assessment in determining particle size distribution of nanomaterials. In this study, we developed an integrated method to test the stability of aerosols created using different types of nanomaterials. An aerosolization method, that resembles an industrial fluidized bed process, was used to aerosolize dry nanopowders. We produced aerosols with stable particle number concentrations and size distributions, which was important for the characterization of the aerosols' properties. Next, in order to test their potential for deagglomeration, a critical orifice was used to apply a range of shear forces to them. The mean particle size of tested aerosols became smaller, whereas the total number of particles generated grew. The fraction of particles in the lower size range increased, and the fraction in the upper size range decreased. The reproducibility and repeatability of the results were good. Transmission electron microscopy imaging showed that most of the nanoparticles were still agglomerated after passing through the orifice. However, primary particle geometry was very different. These results are encouraging for the use of our system for routine tests of the deagglomeration potential of nanomaterials. Furthermore, the particle concentrations and small quantities of raw materials used suggested that our system might also be able to serve as an alternative method to test dustiness in existing processes.

Sensitive photonic system to measure oxidative potential of airborne nanoparticles and ROS levels in exhaled air

A photonic system has been developed that enables sensitive quantitative determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - mainly hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) - in aerosol samples such as airborne nanoparticles and exhaled air from patients. The detection principle relies on the amplification of the absorbance under multiple scattering conditions due to optical path lengthening [1] and [2]. In this study, the presence of cellulose membrane that acts as random medium into the glass optical cell considerably improved the sensitivity of the detection based on colorimetric FOX assay (FeII/orange xylenol). Despite the loss of assay volume (cellulose occupies 75% of cell volume) the limit of detection is enhanced by one order of magnitude reaching the value of 9 nM (H2O2 equivalents). Spectral analysis is performed automatically with a periodicity of 5 to 15 s, giving rise to real-time ROS measurements. Moreover, the elution of air sample into the collection chamber via a micro-diffuser (impinger) enables quantitative determination of ROS contained in or generated from airborne samples. As proof-of-concept the photonic ROS detection system was used in the determination of both ROS generated from traffic pollution and ROS contained in the exhaled breath as lung inflammation biomarkers.

Dustiness and deagglomeration testing: interlaboratory comparison of systems for nanoparticle powders

Different types of aerosolization and deagglomeration testing systems exist for studying the properties of nanomaterial powders and their aerosols. However, results are dependent on the specific methods used. In order to have well-characterized aerosols, we require a better understanding of how system parameters and testing conditions influence the properties of the aerosols generated. In the present study, four experimental setups delivering different aerosolization energies were used to test the resultant aerosols of two distinct nanomaterials (hydrophobic and hydrophilic TiO2). The reproducibility of results within each system was good. However, the number concentrations and size distributions of the aerosols created varied across the four systems; for number concentrations, e.g., from 10(3) to 10(6) #/cm(3). Moreover, distinct differences were also observed between the two materials with different surface coatings. The article discusses how system characteristics and other pertinent conditions modify the test results. We propose using air velocity as a suitable proxy for estimating energy input levels in aerosolization systems. The information derived from this work will be especially useful for establishing standard operating procedures for testing nanopowders, as well as for estimating their release rates under different energy input conditions, which is relevant for occupational exposure.

Determinação dos hidrocarbonetos saturados e policíclicos aromáticos presentes no material particulado da atmosfera amazônica

It was identified and quantified several organic compounds in the atmosphere of a site into Amazon Basin with high impact of biomass burning emission. It was important to know the particulate matter composition with respect to n-alkanes and PAH associated with the particulate matter because they provided indication on the main sources contributing to airborne particles, the contribution of natural vs. man-made emission and the aging of the particles. The main classes of compounds observed were n-alkanes, PAH and nitro-PAH. It was observed the formation of nitro-PAH from photochemical reactions. The aerosol mass concentration is mainly associated with fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene. Environmental and direct emissions samples (flaming and smoldering) were collected and analysed.

Organo-gel de heptano: diagrama de fases e aplicações sintéticas

The phase diagram formation of microemulsion-based gels composed of an anionic surfactant aerosol-OT sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl)-sulphosuccinate), water, gelatin and an organic solvent is presented for heptane. The stability of this organo- gel, when an enzyme is immobilized is discussed in terms of its reutilization in various esters synthesis.

Origem e implicações dos ácidos carboxílicos na atmosfera

A general overview about the ambient levels of low molecular weight carboxylic acids and their possible emission sources, as well as the implication of them in the atmosphere is presented. Carboxylic acids are considered to be one of the dominant classes of organic compounds found in the atmosphere in a variety of phases, such as in rainwater, snow and ice, on aerosol particles and gas phase. They may be originated from biogenic and anthropogenic direct emissions and by photochemical reaction in situ. Emission sources and formation mechanisms of organic acids in the atmosphere are discussed.

Comparação de duas metodologias de amostragem atmosférica com ferramenta estatística não paramétrica

In atmospheric aerosol sampling, it is inevitable that the air that carries particles is in motion, as a result of both externally driven wind and the sucking action of the sampler itself. High or low air flow sampling speeds may lead to significant particle size bias. The objective of this work is the validation of measurements enabling the comparison of species concentration from both air flow sampling techniques. The presence of several outliers and increase of residuals with concentration becomes obvious, requiring non-parametric methods, recommended for the handling of data which may not be normally distributed. This way, conversion factors are obtained for each of the various species under study using Kendall regression.

Aerossóis atmosféricos: perspectiva histórica, fontes, processos químicos de formação e composição orgânica

This work starts with a historical perspective of the social and scientific progress related to the understanding of the atmospheric aerosol. Its origin, physical, chemical and optical characteristics, as well as its environmental behaviour are described, retracing the evolution of the concepts related to this subject over the last centuries. The main sources that contribute to atmospheric particulate matter and the modern understanding of its formation processes and constitution, focusing on the chemical pathways leading to it and on its organic components are presented. This discussion is complemented with recent evaluations of the quantities emitted by primary, secondary, biogenic and anthropogenic sources and the effects due to accumulation or dispersion of aerosols, justifying the chemical and environmental interest they engender.

Size distribution of atmospheric particulate ionic species at a coastal site in Portugal

A Berner impactor was used to collect size-differentiated aerosol samples from March to August 2003 in the city of Aveiro, on the Portuguese west coast. The samples were analysed for the main water-soluble ion species. The average concentration of sulphate, nitrate, chloride and ammonium was 6.38, 3.09, 1.67 and 1.27 µg m-3, respectively. The results show that SO4(2-) and NH4+ were consistently present in the fine fraction < 1 µm, which represents, on average, 72 and 89% of their total atmospheric concentrations, respectively. The NO3-particles were concentrated in the coarse size. Chloride presented the characteristic coarse mode for marine aerosols. During some spring/summer events, an ammonium surplus was observed (NH4+/SO4(2-) molar ratios > 2), possibly due to greater availability of ammonia coming from agricultural activities or from the neighbouring chemical industrial complex. During the remaining periods, the aerosol was found to be somewhat acidic and predominantly in the form of ammonium bisulphate (NH4+/SO4(2-) molar ratios = 0.5-1.25). Samples collected under a major or exclusive influence of maritime air masses were essentially constituted by coarse particles with enrichment in sea salt, while for air masses of continental origin the contribution of water-soluble ionic species in the fine mode was more pronounced.

Estudi de la influència del lubricant en operacions de mecanització

Els processos de mecanitzat amb arrencament de ferritja consisteixen en arrencar contínuament petits fragments de material de la peça a la que es vol donar forma mitjançant les eines de tall. En treballar amb metalls, aquestes forces de tall són importants, i provoquen el desgast de les eines així com un escalfament important de l’eina i la peça. Per aquest motiu s’introdueixen els olis de tall, amb les principals funcions de refrigerar i lubricar. Tradicionalment, aquests olis de tall s’han subministrat a raig, quedant la zona de treball inundada. Els últims anys, degut a les millores tecnològiques i per intentar estalviar amb olis de tall, s’ha ideat un nou sistema anomenat mínima quantitat de lubricant, el qual subministra petites gotes d’oli, no soluble en aigua, dins un flux d’aire a pressió. Aquest sistema, a més, s’injecta prop de la zona de treball, on és estricament necessari. Aquest sistema redueix considerablement el consum d’oli de tall, i a més, augmenta l’eficiència de lalubricació. A part, elimina els posteriors tractaments per reciclar l’oli de tall un cop perd les seves propietats. Per aquest motiu, es pretén estudiar la utilització d’un mètode semblant al de la mínima quantitat de lubricant, subministrant el mateix oli de tall que s’utilitza convencionalment però polvoritzar per tal de convertir-lo en un aerosol

Elementos traço em material particulado atmosférico de uma região agroindustrial do sudeste do Brasil

Trace element concentrations were measured in atmospheric particulate matter collected in 2009 and 2010, in a Brazilian region influenced by pre-harvest burning of sugar cane crops. For coarse particles, high concentrations of Al, Fe, K and Ca suggested that re-suspended soil dust was the main source of aerosol trace elements, subsequently confirmed by XRD analysis. High levels of K, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were found in fine particles, confirming the contribution of biomass burning and vehicle emissions, whereas Na, Al, K, Fe and Zn were the representative elements in ultrafine particles, influenced by a diversity of sources.

Composição elementar do aerossol atmosférico na região central da Bacia Amazônica

The processes and sources that regulate the elemental composition of aerosol particles were investigated in both fine and coarse modes during the dry and wet seasons. One hundred and nine samples were collected from the biological reserve Cuieiras - Manaus from February to October 2008, and analyzed together with 668 samples that were previously collected at Balbina from 1998 to 2002. Particle induced X-ray emission technique was used to determine the elemental composition, while the concentration of black carbon was obtained from the measurement of optical reflectance. Absolute principal factor analysis and positive matrix factorization were performed for source apportionment, which was complemented with back trajectory analysis. A regional identity for the natural biogenic aerosol was found for the Central Amazon Basin and can be used in dynamical chemical region models.

Química entre a microcamada superficial oceânica e os aerossóis marinhos

The sea surface microlayer (SML), although poorly understood, is important in biogeochemical cycling and sea - air exchanges; it is a source or a sink for a range of pollutants. In this paper, an overview of sampling techniques and the role of SML in biogeochemical cycles and climate is presented. The chemical and biological nature of the ocean surface film and its interaction with atmospheric aerosols are discussed. Special attention is given to organic constituents, gel-like compounds, surfactants, halogenated compounds, and metals. Estimates of air - sea exchange fluxes-with focus on organic carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls-are compiled. In addition, research gaps in the chemical composition of marine aerosols and their relationship with SML are described.