ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Research Articles

A fast solid-phase microextraction scheme for in vivo monitoring of bio-accumulation and bio-transformation of arbidol in living plants

Large quantity of the antiviral drug arbidol is used for resisting virus infection like the Corona Virus Disease 2019 and influenza, resulting in unanticipated environmental pollution. Herein, to investigate the environmental risks of the unanticipated arbidol contamination, a novel in vivo sampling probe was developed based on a bromo-substituted porous organic polymer (Br-POP) and then adopted for tracking the bio-accumulation and bio-transformation of arbidol in living plants by coupling with a nano-electrospray ionization fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (Nano-ESI-FT-ICR-MS) method. The established method showed good extraction performance towards arbidol with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.48 ng g−1, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of single-and multiple- probe of 2.2 and 14 %. Owing to the interactions between the Br-POP and the target analytes, as well as the fast analysis process of Nano-ESI-FT-ICR-MS, <6 min was cost for total sampling and analysis duration, achieving hourly tracking of arbidol and its metabolites in this work. During 21-d in vivo tracking, the concentration of arbidol in living plant stems increased rapidly within 6 h and peaked at 413.93 ± 47.09 ng g−1. Meanwhile, it was found that dissolved organic matters (DOM) had significant effect on arbidol behaviors in living plants, resulting in a decrease of the maximum concentration of arbidol in plant stems (152.70 ± 42.44 ng g−1) and the change of dominant metabolite of arbidol that the S-oxidation rather than N-demethylation product of arbidol was dominant with DOM participation. Additionally, the plant root secretion was found to be significantly altered by arbidol exposure. To summarized, the combination of in vivo SPME and the FT-ICR-MS analysis provide new and important information regarding arbidol contamination and related alternation of plant root metabolism.

Direct analysis by ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry of lipid A and phospholipids from Acinetobacter baumannii cells

Acinetobacter baumannii, classified as priority number one by the World Health Organization (WHO), is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for infection and is able to develop antibiotic resistance easily. Membranes are bacteria's first line of defense against external aggression, such as antibiotics. A chemical modification of a lipid family or a change in lipid composition can lead to resistance to antibiotics. In this work, we analyzed different A. baumannii strains from various environments with different antibiotic resistance profiles, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FT-ICR MS). This study shows that it is possible to describe the main lipidome (phospholipids and lipid A) from the simple preparation of lysed cells, and that despite the complexity of the mixture. This ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry technique enables the separation of isobaric ion, to report a new class of lipids. Given its performance, this technique can be used to quickly and reliably characterize the lipidome of clinical strains from different environments.

Penetration Profile of Terbinafine Compared to Amorolfine in Mycotic Human Toenails Quantified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Imaging.

Amorolfine 5% lacquer is an established topical treatment for fungal infection of the nails. The success of topical therapy for onychomycosis depends on whether the permeated drug concentration in the deep nail bed is retained above the effective antifungal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). We compared the penetration profile of amorolfine and a new topical formula of terbinafine in human mycotic toenails using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FTICR) imaging. Amorolfine 5% lacquer and terbinafine 7.8% lacquer were applied to mycotic nails (n = 17); nail sections were prepared, and MALDI-FTICR analysis was performed. Based on the MICs of amorolfine and terbinafine needed to kill 90% (MIC90) of Trichophyton rubrum, the fold differences between the MIC90 and the antifungal concentrations in the nails (the multiplicity of the MIC90) were calculated overall and for the keratin-unbound fractions. Both amorolfine and terbinafine penetrated the entire thickness of the nail. The mean concentration across the entire nail section 3h following terbinafine treatment was 1414μg/g of tissue (equivalent to 4.9mM) compared with 780μg/g (2.5mM) following amorolfine treatment (not significantly different; p = 0.878). The median multiplicity of the MIC90 was significantly higher in amorolfine- than terbinafine-treated nails overall (191 vs. 48; p = 0.010) and for the keratin-unbound fractions only (7.4 vs. 0.8; p = 0.002). In this ex vivo study, MALDI-FTICR demonstrated that, although amorolfine 5% and terbinafine 7.8% had similar distribution profiles, both penetrating from the surface to the nail bed, the concentration of amorolfine in the nail was significantly higher than that of terbinafine relative to their respective MIC90 values. Clinical studies are required to determine whether these effects translate to a clinical difference in treatment success.

Penetration Profiles of Four Topical Antifungals in Mycotic Human Toenails Quantified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Imaging.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that can be challenging to treat. Here, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (MALDI-FTICR) imaging was applied to the quantitative analysis of the penetration profile of the antifungal compound, amorolfine, in human mycotic toenails. The amorolfine profile was compared with those of three other antifungals, ciclopirox, naftifine, and tioconazole. Antifungal compounds (amorolfine 5% lacquer, ciclopirox 8% lacquer, naftifine 1% solution, and tioconazole 28% solution) were applied to mycotic nails (n = 42). Nail sections were prepared, and MALDI-FTICR analysis was performed on the sections at a spatial resolution of 70 μm to compare the distribution profiles. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the four test compounds needed to kill 90% (MIC90) of the fungal organism, Trichophyton rubrum, the fold differences between the MIC90 and the antifungal concentrations in the nails (termed the multiplicity of the MIC90) were calculated for each. The penetration profiles indicated higher concentrations of amorolfine and ciclopirox in the deeper layers of the nails 3h after treatment, compared with naftifine and tioconazole. The mean concentrations across the entire nail sections at 3h were significantly different among the four antifungals: amorolfine, 2.46mM; ciclopirox, 0.95mM; naftifine, 0.63mM; and tioconazole, 1.36mM (p = 0.016; n = 8 per compound). The median multiplicity of the MIC90 at 3h was 191-fold for amorolfine, tenfold for ciclopirox, 52-fold for naftifine, and 208-fold for tioconazole. In this study, MALDI-FTICR was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of antifungal distribution in human mycotic nails. The findings suggest that amorolfine penetrates deeper layers of the nail and accumulates at concentrations far exceeding the MIC needed to exert antimycotic activity.

Structure and composition of dissolved organic matters in sludge by ultrasonic treatment

The leaching of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the sludge into the liquid phase is induced by ultrasound. However, there is limited investigation into the structure and molecular composition of sludge DOM in this process. The molecular structure and composition of sludge DOM in ultrasonic treatment were comprehensively elucidated in this study. The sludge dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM) image had most significant change at 15-min ultrasonic time and 1.2 W/mL ultrasonic density, respectively. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that ultrasonic treatment of sludge reduced the macromolecules to small molecules in DOM. Then, electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR-MS) analysis revealed that lignin, tannins, and carbohydrates were the main components of sludge DOMs after ultrasound treatment. analysis revealed that lignin, tannins, and carbohydrates were the main components of sludge DOMs after ultrasound treatment. Furthermore, through the Van Krevelen analysis, the major components were CHO (48.50%) and CHOS (23.20%) in the DOM of ultrasonicated sludge. This research provides the basis for the practical application of ultrasonic treatment of sludge and provides basic information for DOM components.

Photolysis of Dissolved Organic Matter over Hematite Nanoplatelets.

Solar photoexcitation of chromophoric groups in dissolved organic matter (DOM), when coupled to photoreduction of ubiquitous Fe(III)-oxide nanoparticles, can significantly accelerate DOM degradation in near-surface terrestrial systems, but the mechanisms of these reactions remain elusive. We examined the photolysis of chromophoric soil DOM coated onto hematite nanoplatelets featuring (001) exposed facets using a combination of molecular spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT) computations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) probed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed that both singlet oxygen and superoxide are the predominant ROS responsible for DOM degradation. DFT calculations confirmed that Fe(II) on the hematite (001) surface, created by interfacial electron transfer from photoexcited chromophores in DOM, can reduce dioxygen molecules to superoxide radicals (•O2-) through a one-electron transfer process. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS) spectroscopies show that the association of DOM with hematite enhances the cleavage of aromatic groups during photodegradation. The findings point to a pivotal role for organic matter at the interface that guides specific ROS generation and the subsequent photodegradation process, as well as the prospect of using ROS signatures as a forensic tool to help interpret more complicated field-relevant systems.

Mechanistic Insights into the Biodegradation of Carbon Dots by Fungal Laccase.

While carbon dots (CDs) have the potential to support the agricultural revolution, it remains obscure about their environmental fate and bioavailability by plants. Fungal laccase-mediated biotransformation of carbon nanomaterials has received little attention despite its known capacity to eliminate recalcitrant contaminants. Herein, we presented the initial investigation into the transformation of CDs by fungal laccase. The degradation rates of CDs were determined to be first-order in both substrate and enzyme. Computational docking studies showed that CDs preferentially bonded to the pocket of laccase on the basal plane rather than the edge through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR MS) and other characterizations revealed that the phenolic/amino lignins and tannins portions in CDs are susceptible to laccase transformation, resulting in graphitic structure damage and smaller-sized fragments. By using the 13C stable isotope labeling technique, we quantified the uptake and translocation of 13C-CDs by mung bean plants. 13C-CDs (10 mg L-1) accumulated in the root, stem, and leaf were estimated to be 291, 239, and 152 μg g-1 at day 5. We also evidenced that laccase treatment alters the particle size and surface chemistry of CDs, which could facilitate the uptake of CDs by plants and reduce their nanotoxicity to plants.

Phytochemical profile of petals from black Dahlia pinnata by flow injection analysis-electrospray ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Dahlia pinnata Cav. is a flower native to Mexico that has many applications; in particular, its petals have been used for ornamental, food, and medicinal purposes, for example to treat skin rashes and skin cracks. It has been reported that the medicinal properties of plants are generally related to the phytochemical constituents they possess. However, there are few studies on black D. pinnata. The present study was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively determining the phytochemical profile of petals from black D. pinnata. Phytochemicals from Dahlia petals were extracted by consecutive maceration (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol); then, the extracts were analyzed through colorimetric assays and UV-Vis spectroscopy for qualitative identification and quantification of phytochemical compounds, respectively. The methanolic extract was analyzed by flow injection analysis-electrospray ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI-FTICR-MS) in negative and positive mode. Quantitative phytochemical profiling of the methanolic extract by UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated high contents of phenolic compounds (34.35 ±3.59 mg EQ/g plant) and sugars (23.91 ±1.99 mg EQ/g plant), while the qualitative profiling by FIA-ESI-FTICR-MS allowed the tentative identification of several flavonoids and phenolic acids. Kaempferol-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-(6″-malonylglucoside)-5-glucoside, rutin, kaempferol-3-(2″,3″-diacetyl-4″-p-coumaroylrhamnoside), and myricetin-3-(2‴-galloylrhamnoside) were the main compounds detected. The results expand our knowledge of the phytochemical constituents of petals from black D. pinnata.

Molecular insights into the impacts of acid mine drainage on dissolved organic matter dynamics in pit lakes

Pit lakes are artificial hydrological features created by mining operations that typically suffer from acid mine drainage (AMD), which not only endangers water quality but also exacerbates carbon loss. However, the impacts of AMD on the fate and role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in pit lakes remain unclear. This study employed negative electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) combined with biogeochemical analysis to examine DOM molecular variations and environmental controls across the AMD-induced acidic and metalliferous gradients in five pit lakes. The results demonstrated distinct DOM pools in pit lakes characterized by the prevalence of smaller aliphatic compounds compared to other waterbodies. AMD-induced geochemical gradients promoted DOM heterogeneity among pit lakes, with acidic pit lakes containing more lipid-like compounds. Acidity and metals enhanced DOM photodegradation, reducing the content, chemo-diversity and aromaticity. Organic sulfur was detected in high abundance, potentially from sulfate photo-esterification and mineral flotation agent. Furthermore, microbial involvements in carbon cycling were revealed by DOM-microbe correlation network, but microbial contributions to the DOM pools decreased under acidic and metal stresses. These findings highlight abnormal carbon dynamics caused by AMD pollution and integrate DOM fate into pit lake biogeochemistry, thereby contributing to management and remediation.

Presence of aromatic-rich organic matter and its characterization in grout materials: Implications for radionuclide immobilization

Grout materials are commonly used to immobilize low-level radioactive waste. Organic moieties can be unintentionally present in common ingredients used to make these grout waste forms, which may result in the formation of organo-radionuclide species. These species can positively or negatively affect the immobilization efficiency. However, the presence of organic carbon compounds is rarely considered in models or characterized chemically. Here, we quantify the organic pool of grout formulations with and without slag, as well as the individual dry ingredients used to make the grout samples (ordinary Portland cement (OPC), slag and fly ash), including total organic carbon (TOC) and black carbon, followed by aromaticity evaluation and molecular characterization via Electro Spray Ionization Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FTICRMS). All dry grout ingredients contained significant amounts of organic carbon, ranging from 550 mg/kg to 6250 mg/kg for the TOC pool, with an averaged abundance of 2933 ± 2537 mg/kg, of which 60 ± 29% was composed of black carbon. The significant abundance of a black carbon pool implies the presence of the aromatic-like compounds, which was further identified by both phosphate buffer-assisted aromaticity evaluation (e.g., >1000 mg-C/kg as aromatic-like carbon in the OPC) and dichloromethane (DCM) extraction with ESI-FTICRMS analysis. Besides aromatic-like compounds, other organic moieties were also detected in the OPC, such as carboxyl-containing aliphatic molecules. While the organic compound only consists of minor fractions of the grout materials investigated, our observations of the presence of various radionuclide-binding organic moieties suggests the potential formation of organo-radionuclides, such as radioiodine, which might be present at lower molar concentrations than TOC. Evaluating the role of organic carbon complexation in controlling the disposed radionuclides, especially for those radionuclides with strong association with organic carbon, has important implications for the long-term immobilization of radioactive waste in grout systems.

In Vivo Profiling and Quantification of Chlorinated Paraffin Homologues in Living Fish.

Herein, we demonstrate the ability of a dual-purpose periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) probe to track the complex chlorinated paraffin (CP) composition in living animals by assembling it as an adsorbent-assisted atmospheric pressure chemical ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (APCI-FT-ICR-MS) platform and synchronously performing it as the in vivo sampling device. First, synchronous solvent-free ionization and in-source thermal desorption of CP homologues were achieved by the introduction of the PMO adsorbent-assisted APCI module, generating exclusive adduct ions ([M - H]-) of individual CP homologues (CnClm) with enhanced ionization efficiency. Improved detection limits of short- and medium-chain CPs (0.10-24 and 0.48-5.0 pg/μL) were achieved versus those of the chloride-anion attachment APCI-MS methods. Second, the dual-purpose PMO probe was applied to extract the complex CP compositions in living animals, following APCI-FT-ICR-MS analysis. A modified pattern-deconvolution algorithm coupled with the sampling-rate calibration method was used for the quantification of CPs in living fish. In vivo quantification of a tilapia exposed to technical CPs for 7 days was successfully achieved, with ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs of the sampled fish calculated to be 1108 ± 289 and 831 ± 266 μg/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, 58 potential CP metabolites were identified in living fish for the first time during in vivo sampling of CPs, a capacity that could provide an important tool for future study regarding its expected risks to humans and its environmental fate.

Molecular characterization of humic-like substances (HULIS) in atmospheric particles (PM2.5) in offshore Eastern China Sea (OECS) using solid-phase extraction coupled with ESI FT-ICR MS

Humic-like substances (HULIS) are organic macromolecular compounds (water-soluble brown carbon) that have an important effect on climate change due to their strong light absorption. However, the molecular composition of HULIS in atmospheric particles in the offshore Eastern China Sea (OECS) has scarcely been investigated. In this study, solid-phase extraction (SPE) was performed to collect HULIS from water extracts. The molecular compositions of samples were characterized by negative-ion electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). A total of 1197–1828 molecular formulas of HULIS were identified in collected samples, and three of them with higher intensities near Shanghai city, Zhejiang province, and Fujian province were discussed in detail. The identified molecular formulas were classified into four major subgroups, including CHO, CHNO, CHOS, and CHNOS compounds. S-containing formulas (CHOS and CHNOS) represented the dominant components (21.0–76.7% relative abundance), followed by CHO (16.5–64.3%), while CHNO compounds constituted 6.1–18.1% of the identified formulas. High fractions of CHO formulas were found in the list of α-pinene ozonolysis yields and S-containing formulas with olefinic structures were abundant in atmospheric particles, suggesting enhanced SOA formation. The samples had a relative abundance-weighted average O/C of 0.25–0.67 and a double bond equivalent of 3.49–4.96. Most identified formulas (>89%) were assigned to aliphatic and olefinic species. The CHNO and S-containing formulas identified in the samples were primarily contributed by –ONO2 functional groups and organosulfates. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (α-pinene or monoterpene) were the dominant precursors of HULIS in the samples. Lignin-like species (41–46%) and protein/amino sugars (28–30%) were the major species among substance classes. The results provide an improved understanding of the molecular composition of HULIS in the Eastern China Sea.

High-performance micro/nanoplastics characterization by MALDI-FTICR mass spectrometry

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread environmental pollutants that cause high health risks. However, high heterogeneity in particle sizes and chemical compositions of MNPs make their accurate characterization extremely challenging. Herein, we established a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS) strategy for the unambiguous characterization of different types of MNPs with high performance, including polystyrene, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, and polycarbonate. The MNP sample preparation and detection conditions were systematically optimized by using response surface methodology, and the MS detection signal-to-noise ratios were improved 1.5 times on average. The ultrahigh mass resolution of FTICR MS is crucial to the unambiguous elucidation of MNP structures. We demonstrate that this MS strategy is highly efficient in the characterization of polymer constitutions of environmental MNPs derived from foam, bottles, cable ties, and compact discs, providing a promising tool for MNP detection and safety evaluation.

Brown carbon from biomass burning imposes strong circum-Arctic warming

Brown carbon from biomass burning imposes strong circum-Arctic warming

Unsupervised Structural Classification of Dissolved Organic Matter Based on Fragmentation Pathways.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is considered an essential component of the Earth's ecological and biogeochemical processes. Structural information of DOM components at the molecular level remains one of the most extraordinary analytical challenges. Advances in determination of chemical formulas from the molecular studies of DOM have provided limited indications on structural signatures and potential reaction pathways. In this work, we extend the structural characterization of a wetland DOM sample using precursor and fragment molecular ions obtained by a sequential electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR CASI-CID MS/MS) approach. The DOM chemical complexity resulted in near 900 precursors (P) and 24 000 fragment (F) molecular ions over a small m/z 261-477 range. The DOM structural content was dissected into families of structurally connected precursors based on neutral mass loss patterns (Pn-1 + F1:n + C) across the two-dimensional (2D) MS/MS space. This workflow identified over 1900 structural families of DOM compounds based on a precursor and neutral loss (H2O, CH4O, and CO2). The inspection of structural families showed a high degree of isomeric content (numerous identical fragmentation pathways), not discriminable with sole precursor ion analysis. The connectivity map of structural families allows for the visualization of potential biogeochemical processes that DOM undergoes throughout its lifetime. This study illustrates that integrating effective computational tools on a comprehensive high-resolution mass fragmentation strategy further enables the DOM structural characterization.

Direct Imaging of Plant Metabolites in the Rhizosphere Using Laser Desorption Ionization Ultra-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

The interplay of rhizosphere components such as root exudates, microbes, and minerals results in small-scale gradients of organic molecules in the soil around roots. The current methods for the direct chemical imaging of plant metabolites in the rhizosphere often lack molecular information or require labeling with fluorescent tags or isotopes. Here, we present a novel workflow using laser desorption ionization (LDI) combined with mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) to directly analyze plant metabolites in a complex soil matrix. Undisturbed samples of the roots and the surrounding soil of Zea mays L. plants from either field- or laboratory-scale experiments were embedded and cryosectioned to 100 μm thin sections. The target metabolites were detected with a spatial resolution of 25 μm in the root and the surrounding soil based on accurate masses using ultra-high mass resolution laser desorption ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LDI-FT-ICR-MS). Using this workflow, we could determine the rhizosphere gradients of a dihexose (e.g., sucrose) and other plant metabolites (e.g., coumaric acid, vanillic acid). The molecular gradients for the dihexose showed a high abundance of this metabolite in the root and a strong depletion of the signal intensity within 150 μm from the root surface. Analyzing several sections from the same undisturbed soil sample allowed us to follow molecular gradients along the root axis. Benefiting from the ultra-high mass resolution, isotopologues of the dihexose could be readily resolved to enable the detection of stable isotope labels on the compound level. Overall, the direct molecular imaging via LDI-FT-ICR-MS allows for the first time a non-targeted or targeted analysis of plant metabolites in undisturbed soil samples, paving the way to study the turnover of root-derived organic carbon in the rhizosphere with high chemical and spatial resolution.

Molecular Characterization of NSO Compounds and Paleoenvironment Implication for Saline Lacustrine Oil Sands by Positive-Ion Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry.

NSO compounds mainly exist in geological bodies in the form of nonhydrocarbons and asphaltenes with abundant geological and geochemical information. Combined with the gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technology, positive-ion electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance MS (FT-ICR MS) was used to understand the composition and distribution characteristics of NSO compounds in the oil sands of the Dongpu Depression and to explore their paleoenvironmental significance. The results show that n-alkanes are characterized by an even carbon number and phytane dominance, suggesting a saline lacustrine environment. Certain abundance of nC37 and β-carotane, high gammacerane content, and low diasterane content are detected in the analyzed samples, reflecting the saline-reducing paleoenvironment for the organic matter. Nine types of heteroatom compounds are detected: N1, N1O1, N1S1, O1, O1S1, O2, O2S1, S1, and S2. The main compounds are S1 and N1 compounds, followed by O1S1 compounds. The double-bond equivalent (DBE) value of S1 compounds is mainly distributed between 3 and 12, and the carbon number is mainly distributed between 18 and 35. The DBE value of N1 compounds is mainly distributed between 4 and 14, and the carbon number is mainly distributed in the range 15–35. Among the S1 compounds, DBE3 compounds (thiophenes) have relatively more sulfur-containing carotenoids (C40). The abundance of C40 S1 and the ratio of pyridine and its homologue DBE4–8/DBE9–12 N1 compounds show a good contrast with the paleoenvironment indicators of gammacerane/C30 hopane and diasterane/regular sterane. They can be used as a reference for the paleoenvironment index. Maturity is another factor affecting the distribution of NSO heteroatoms in the oil sands. NSO compounds are enriched in the DBE area with higher condensation, and the main peak carbon shifts forward. As the maturity increases, the relative abundance of N1 compounds increases, the aromatization intensifies, and carbon is broken into short chains. The research results shed light on the potential application of NSO compounds in petroleum exploration based on FT-ICR MS.

Molecular Level Characterization of Diatom and Coccolithophore-Associated Biopolymers That Are Binding 210Pb and 210Po in Seawater

Through a combination of selective extractions and molecular characterization techniques including Isoelectric Focusing Chromatography and Electrospray Ionization Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass spectrometry, molecular structures of diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) and coccolithophore (Emiliania huxleyi)-associated biopolymers that are responsible for the distinct partitioning behavior between 210Pb and 210Po were determined. Our results show that diatom-derived biopolymers have distinctive elemental grouping distributions as compared to those excreted by the coccolithophore, with the former consisting of more heterogeneous elements (i.e., nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus-containing organic compounds). For the coccolithophore culture, two 210Pb-enriched biopolymers (non-attached exopolymeric substances and coccosphere shell-associated biopolymers) have a higher abundance of CHO-type compounds, suggesting CHO-only-type compounds as the main binding moieties for 210Pb. In contrast, such association was not evident in the diatom culture. Different with 210Pb, 210Po enrichment in coccolithophore-derived attached exopolymeric substances and Fe-Mn-associated metabolites coincided with the higher abundance of nitrogen/sulfur-containing organic compounds in these two biopolymer fractions, suggesting the strong parallel of Po with the production of nitrogen-rich organic matter as well as sulfur-containing amino acids. These different associations between 210Pb/210Po and organic functional groups were further explored by separating 210Pb or 210Po-labeled coccolithophore-derived biopolymers via isoelectric focusing. This technique suggests that phosphate group-containing molecules but not the other molecules that contain heterogeneous elements (e.g., CHONS, CHON, and CHOS) as the strongest binding agents for 210Pb, while the more hydrophobic (high protein to carbohydrate ratio) nitrogen/sulfur-enriched organic moieties acted as the main 210Po-binding ligands. It is concluded that the deficiency of 210Po with respect to 210Pb can be influenced by the relative abundance of nitrogen/sulfur-enriched organic moieties to the nitrogen/sulfur-depleted organic compounds in the water column. This behavior constrains the application of 210Po-210Pb approach to quantify the particulate organic carbon (POC) export flux in the ocean. It also explains that differences in chemical binding of the 210Po as compared to those of other radionuclides (e.g., thorium-234) as the main factor. That suggests that differences in decay half-lives or physical factors are less important when these nuclides are applied to estimate the POC flux in the ocean.

Direct analysis of fulvic acids adsorbed onto capped gold nanoparticles by laser desorption ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Laser desorption ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry for direct molecular characterization of nanoparticle coronas.

Dissolved Organic Matter in Continental Hydro-Geothermal Systems: Insights from Two Hot Springs of the East African Rift Valley

Little is known about the quantity and quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in waters from continental geothermal systems, with only a few reports available from the Yellowstone US National Park. In this study, we explored the chemodiversity of DOM in water samples collected from two geothermal hot springs from the Kenyan East African Rift Valley, a region extremely rich in fumaroles, geysers, and spouting springs, located in close proximity to volcanic lakes. The DOM characterization included in-depth assessments performed by negative electrospray ionization Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). Reduced, saturated and little aromatic DOM compounds were dominant in the hot spring waters collected from either the Ol Njorowa gorge (ON) or the south shore of the soda-saline Lake Elementaita (ELM). Oxygen-poor and sulfur-bearing DOM molecules prevailed in ON, probably reflecting abiotic sulfurization from sulfide-rich geofluids. Nitrogen-bearing aliphatic and protein-like molecules were abundant in ELM, possibly perfusing through the organic-rich sediments of the adjacent Lake Elementaita. Notably, the heat-altered DOM of ancient autochthonous derivation could represent an overlooked source of aliphatic organic carbon for connected lentic environments, with a potential direct impact on nutrient cycling in lakes that receive geothermal water inputs.