Condensate Samples Research Articles

Mixtures modeling identifies chemical inducers versus repressors of toxicity associated with wildfire smoke

Exposure to wildfire smoke continues to be a growing threat to public health, yet the chemical components in wildfire smoke that primarily drive toxicity and associated disease are largely unknown. This study utilized a suite of computational approaches to identify groups of chemicals induced by variable biomass burn conditions that were associated with biological responses in the mouse lung, including pulmonary immune response and injury markers. Smoke condensate samples were collected and characterized, resulting in chemical distribution information for 86 constituents across ten different exposures. Mixtures-relevant statistical methods included (i) a chemical clustering and data-reduction method, weighted chemical co-expression network analysis (WCCNA), (ii) a quantile g-computation approach to address the joint effect of multiple chemicals in different groupings, and (iii) a correlation analysis to compare mixtures modeling results against individual chemical relationships. Seven chemical groups were identified using WCCNA based on co-occurrence showing both positive and negative relationships with biological responses. A group containing methoxyphenols (e.g., coniferyl aldehyde, eugenol, guaiacol, and vanillin) displayed highly significant, negative relationships with several biological responses, including cytokines and lung injury markers. This group was further shown through quantile g-computation methods to associate with reduced biological responses. Specifically, mixtures modeling based on all chemicals excluding those in the methoxyphenol group demonstrated more significant, positive relationships with several biological responses; whereas mixtures modeling based on just those in the methoxyphenol group demonstrated significant negative relationships with several biological responses, suggesting potential protective effects. Mixtures-based analyses also identified other groups consisting of inorganic elements and ionic constituents showing positive relationships with several biological responses, including markers of inflammation. Many of the effects identified through mixtures modeling in this analysis were not captured through individual chemical analyses. Together, this study demonstrates the utility of mixtures-based approaches to identify potential drivers and inhibitors of toxicity relevant to wildfire exposures.

Effects of evaporative fractionation on diamondoid hydrocarbons in condensates from the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin

Evaporative fractionation is a complex phenomenon associated with the separation of gas from oil in the subsurface, generally involving migration fractionation and gas invasion. The concentrations and distributions of diamondoid hydrocarbons in condensate samples with different type and extent of evaporative fractionation from the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin were investigated to determine the effects of evaporative fractionation on diamondoid hydrocarbons. The results suggest that both migration fractionation and gas invasion can affect the concentrations and distributions of diamondoid hydrocarbons. Residual oils after migration fractionation are generally characterized by relatively high concentrations of diamondoid hydrocarbons and low methyladamantanes/methyldiamantanes (MAs/MDs) ratios. However, maturity parameters based on diamondoid hydrocarbon isomers do not vary significantly from other typical maturity parameters, suggesting that they can still be used to assess maturity. Gas invasion causes the concentrations of diamondoid hydrocarbons in oil samples to rise generally, along with methyladamantanes/methyldiamantanes (MAs/MDs) and adamantane/diamantane (A/D) ratios, indicating that the effects of gas invasion on diamondoid hydrocarbons in oils are different from those of migration fractionation. In addition, gas invasion causes some changes in the diamondoid derived maturity parameters. Thus, the effects of gas invasion should be considered when using diamondoid hydrocarbons to evaluate the thermal maturity of crude oil. Diamondoid hydrocarbon concentrations and distributions in petroleum can be affected by evaporative fractionation, suggesting that it is possible to determine evaporative fractionation according to the diamondoid hydrocarbon composition. It can be proposed that the decreasing values of MAs/MDs ratios and increase of diamondoid concentration are indicators of migration fractionation, and increasing values of A/D, MAs/MDs and diamondoid concentration might suggest the introduction of additional gas.

Copper nanocluster-based sensor for determination of vancomycin in exhaled breath condensate: A synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy

A synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) nanoprobe is developed for the determination of vancomycin in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples. The synthesized nanoprobe is copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) and its SFS peak is located at 405 nm with Δλ = 80. The affinity of Cu NCs to complex formation with vancomycin results in blocking non-radiative e−/h+ recombination defect sites on the surface of NCs and consequently enhancing the SFS signal intensity. Central composite design and response surface methodology is used for the optimization of reaction conditions. Under the optimized conditions, a linear relationship is found between the SFS intensity and the concentration of vancomycin in the range of 0.1−8 μg/mL. The validated method is applied for the determination of vancomycin in EBC of newborns receiving vancomycin treatment.

District heating driven membrane distillation for advanced flue gas condensate treatment in combined heat and power plants

This investigation involves recent work on developing membrane distillation (MD) as a novel separation technology for flue gas condensate treatment in combined heat and power (CHP) applications. Flue gas condensate samples were obtained from municipal solid waste and bio-fuel fired CHP facilities and were tested in laboratory-scale air gap MD equipment. Separation efficiencies and other water quality parameters were measured, and the outcomes show that high-quality clean condensate can be recovered, i.e., conductivity <5 mS/m; total organic carbon <2 ppm; total hardness <0.15 °dH; pH ∼7.5; and turbidity <1 FNU. Strict discharge limits for cadmium could not be achieved in all trials. This aspect is examined in further detail with respect to potential mechanisms attributed to the non-ideal separation of contaminants below the parts per billion limit. Beyond this, an industrial scale district heating driven membrane distillation system was designed and analyzed. The estimated annual thermal energy demand was 88 GWh for treating 500,000 m 3 of flue gas condensate per year, with an expected clean condensate cost of around 2.6 $/m 3 . • Flue gas condensate cleaning in CHP plants via membrane distillation. • Temperature and pH levels of feed define the separation efficiency of contaminants. • Membrane distillation is well-suited for MSW cogeneration facilities. • District heating driven membrane distillation system is ideal for CHP facilities. • Clean condensate cost can be significantly affected by district heating cost.

Amphiphilic Thiol Polymer Nanogel Removes Environmentally Relevant Mercury Species from Both Produced Water and Hydrocarbons.

Technologies for removal of mercury from produced water and hydrocarbon phases are desired by oil and gas production facilities, oil refineries, and petrochemical plants. Herein, we synthesize and demonstrate the efficacy of an amphiphilic, thiol-abundant (11.8 wt % S, as thiol) polymer nanogel that can remove environmentally relevant mercury species from both produced water and the liquid hydrocarbon. The nanogel disperses in both aqueous and hydrocarbon phases. It has a high sorption affinity for dissolved Hg(II) complexes and Hg-dissolved organic matter complexes found in produced water and elemental (Hg0) and soluble Hg-alkyl thiol species found in hydrocarbons. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis indicates that the sorbed mercury is transformed to a surface-bound Hg(SR)2 species in both water and hydrocarbon regardless of its initial speciation. The nanogel had high affinity to native mercury species present in real produced water (>99.5% removal) and in natural gas condensate (>85% removal) samples, removing majority of the mercury species using only a 50 mg L-1 applied dose. This thiolated amphiphilic polymeric nanogel has significant potential to remove environmentally relevant mercury species from both water and hydrocarbon at low applied doses, outperforming reported sorbents like sulfur-impregnated activated carbons because of the mass of accessible thiol groups in the nanogel.

Study of the effect of formation water during reserves estimation and designing hydrocarbon recovery of oil and gas condensate fields

Currently, exploratory thermodynamic studies of the PVT reservoir fluids properties to assess the effect of condensate water on reserves estimation, design and development of the fields are carried out on Russian National and international oil companies. Such PVT ratios settings allow a wide range of pressures and temperatures to be used to study phase transitions of hydrocarbon systems. Conducted experimental studies of gas condensate systems showed a negative effect of formation water on the amount of condensate extraction during development. The studies were conducted on recombined samples of gas separation, formation water and saturated condensate taken from the wells during the pilot development of the Srednetyungskoe field in Western Yakutia. Wherein, a pattern was found of increasing the loss of high molecular hydrocarbons at the stage of the onset of condensation with increasing water vapor content in the gas condensate system. As a result of studies of the dependence of hydrocarbon losses during the increasing in the water vapor content in the system, certain parameters are the initial ones when calculating the reserves of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components in natural gas, the development of designing and field development. The aim of thermodynamic investigations was to determine the effect of formation and condensation water vapors on the condensate recovery rate during the isothermal condensation process, which manifests itself when the pressure decreases in the oil and gas condensate field.

Compound-specific δ2H and δ13C values of n-alkanes as a tool to unravel complex petroleum mixtures in the South Viking Graben, Norway

In order to resolve oil mixtures and for oil-source correlation purposes, both hydrogen (δ2H) and carbon isotope compositions (δ13C) of n-alkanes and acyclic isoprenoid alkanes have been determined in petroleum mixtures and extracts from Jurassic source rocks of distinct organic matter type, depositional setting and lithology in the South Viking Graben, Norway. δ2H values vary from −80 to −140‰ for n-alkanes and from −130 to −165‰ for pristane (Pr) and phytane (Ph) in oil and condensate samples. At the same maturity level, in the main oil generative window, individual n-alkanes from most oils and condensates show a 2H-enrichment with n-alkane chain length by 15 to 50‰. With the increase in the estimated input of hydrocarbons from terrigenous source material to petroleum mixtures, the n-alkanes (>C20) exhibit a higher 2H-enrichment while n-alkanes (C10-C14) show a higher 13C-enrichment. δ2H values of n-alkanes (>C20) are useful to discriminate mixed oils that were not well differentiated by δ13C data. δ2H values of individual n-alkanes from oils suggest a possible exchange of C-bound H with other hydrogen during their generation from precursor molecules. We find that δ2H values of n-alkanes from Jurassic source rock extracts, at the onset of oil generation, were mainly controlled by the isotopic composition of biosynthetic precursors and varied from −100 to −150‰. Combination of carbon and hydrogen isotope compositions of n-alkanes proved to be a useful tool to discriminate Jurassic petroleum mixtures from distinct sources in the Norwegian South Viking Graben.

Molecularly imprinted polymer based-solid phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using new deep eutectic solvent; selective extraction of valproic acid from exhaled breath condensate samples

A solid phase extraction method has been reported based on a molecularly imprinted polymer combined with deep eutectic solvents-dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the extraction and quantification of valproic acid from exhaled breath condensate samples. First, the molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized using a precipitation polymerization method with valproic acid as a template and then it was used as a sorbent for the analyte extraction. Next, the adsorbed analyte was eluted from the sorbent using a water-miscible deep eutectic solvent prepared from N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride: propionic acid. After collecting the eluant, it was mixed with 8-hydroxyquinolin: dichloroacetic acid: pivalic acid deep eutectic solvent as an extraction solvent with the mixture applied in the sequential microextraction method. The method provided low limits of detection and quantification of 0.04 and 0.13 ng mL−1 as well as 0.08 and 0.26 ng mL−1 in deionized water and the exhaled breath condensate, respectively. The method had proper repeatability, accuracy, and stability expressed as relative standard deviations less than 4.9, 13, and 18%, respectively. The validated method was successfully performed on different exhaled breath condensate samples obtained from the patients who were under treatment with valproic acid.

Modified Peng-Robinson equation of state for CO2/hydrocarbon systems within nanopores

Phase behavior of confined fluid demonstrates significant deviation from that of bulk fluid because of the strong molecule-wall interaction and geometric constraint in confined space, resulting in the inapplicability of the classical cubic equation of state (EOS). The objective of this work is to modify the Peng-Robinson EOS (PR EOS) with respect to both the attractive parameter and the covolume term to reflect the impact of molecule-wall interaction and geometric constraint, respectively. The modified PR EOS is applied to compute the phase diagrams of CO2+n-C4H10 and CO2+n-C10H22 binary mixtures, CO2+n-C4H10+n-C10H22 ternary mixture, and CO2+Eagle Ford condensate in nanopores. In this work, correlations of both critical temperature and critical pressure shift with nanopore sizes are proposed to compute the confined attractive parameter and the confined covolume in the modified PR EOS. The proposed EOS model is validated by both the critical temperature and the critical pressure shift data collected from literature. Results demonstrate that confinement effect in nanopores impose an overall shrinkage to the two-phase diagrams of all the CO2-hydrocarbon systems. The upper dew-point pressure of the Eagle Ford condensate sample is calculated to be 2972.6 psi, with a suppression of 27.56% compared to the bulk value of 4103.6 psi. Moreover, the size of the two-phase region in the ternary diagram and the minimum miscibility pressure also decrease in confined space, which is in favor of the miscible gas injection enhanced oil recovery with a higher possibility of achieving first contact miscibility.

The molecular and sulfur isotope distribution of volatile compounds in natural gases and condensates from Alberta, Canada

Compound-specific S isotope analysis (CSSIA) of volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSC) in petroleum gases was applied for the first time to two natural gas samples from the Triassic section of the Alberta Basin in Canada. For comparison, CSSIA was conducted for five condensate samples from adjacent wells.The analysis of VOSC in the gas samples revealed similarity in the sulfur isotope composition for thiols, sulfides, and H2S suggesting an isotopic equilibrium during the reaction between H2S and hydrocarbons in the reservoir. In contrast, one of the gas samples contained alkyl thiophenes with distinct δ34S values that suggest a different source, probably from oil or bitumen. The molecular and isotopic analysis of condensates revealed several phases of thiol interaction with H2S bearing similar δ34S value as the H2S in Gas A and B. Thermally stable OSC such as alkyl-, benzo- and dibenzo- thiophenes of all condensate samples kept their previous δ34S values and not the ones expected in isotopic equilibrium, indicating a recent migration of H2S to the reservoirs.The δ34S value of the H2S reacting with the gas and condensate samples is isotopically similar to H2S which could have generated during complete microbial or thermochemical sulfate reduction of the Charlie Lake anhydrite in the Triassic section, therefore making this process the likely source of the H2S.This study demonstrates the potential of sulfur isotope analysis of VOSC to interpret origin, migration pathways and provide a relative time frame for in-reservoir processes impacting present day natural gas properties.

Methodology for studying the quality of steam condensate and cooling water of a steam turbine condenser

Monitoring the suction of cooling water into steam with measurements of , H and pH of condensate is simultaneously a characteristic of the water-chemical regime of the main loop and the system of circulating (or direct-flow) cooling and has attracted increased attention in recent years. This is due both to the signif-icant suction of cooling water into the condensing steam at the power units of TPPs and NPPs, and to the appearance on the market of new reagents – deposit and corrosion inhibitors. Investigation of the behavior of such substances under conditions of a recirculating cooling system is a complex task, the solution of which depends on many factors. The purpose of the scientific research was to develop a methodology for instrumental (automated) control based on measurements of electrical conductivity ( and H) and pH, which makes it possible to reduce the number of controlled parameters of circulating water, to increase the information content of the measurement results in terms of the amount of suction of circulating water into condensing steam.The implementation of the task in laboratory conditions was carried out using the experi-mental stand «Installation of reverse osmosis and chemical desalination», which provides the ability to measure the specific electrical conductivity of direct () and H-cationized (H) samples of steam condensate and calculate a number of normalized parameters according to the author's algorithm. A large volume of chemical quality control of the make-up and circulating water in the recirculating cooling system limits the efficiency of research and requires large labor costs. In this case, the method of indirect (calculated) deter-mination of the concentrations of ionic impurities can be used by calculating them according to the author's algorithm using the measured values of electrical conductivity and pH.Two laboratory units are presented: reverse osmosis and chemical desalination; modeling the water regime of recirculating cooling systems. A method is proposed for studying the state of the water-chemical regime of a steam turbine condenser both from the side of steam and from the side of cooling water. Examples of using the methodology for calculating the characteristics of steam condensate and cooling water are given. It is shown that the use of instrumental measurements of specific electrical conductivity and pH makes it possible to reduce the volume of laboratory chemical control of aqueous media, to increase the efficiency and information content of the measurement results.A patent for an invention of the Russian Federation No. 2658020 was obtained for a laboratory installation of reverse osmosis and chemical desalination. A distinctive feature of the installation is the ability to obtain deeply demineralized water with a specific electrical conductivity of less than 0,2 μS / cm with the subsequent preparation of extremely dilute solutions. The second laboratory unit simulates the water regime of recirculating cooling systems and can be used in the operating conditions of the power plant. The scientific novelty of the method for the chemical quality control of steam condensate and circulating water consists in the use of an original author's algorithm, which provides the calculation of a number of standardized indicators based on the measured values of electrical conductivity and pH.

Multi-route transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare facilities

Understanding the transmission mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 is a prerequisite to effective control measures. To investigate the potential modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, 21 COVID-19 patients from 12–47 days after symptom onset were recruited. We monitored the release of SARS-CoV-2 from the patients’ exhaled breath and systematically investigated environmental contamination of air, public surfaces, personal necessities, and the drainage system. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 0 of 9 exhaled breath samples, 2 of 8 exhaled breath condensate samples, 1 of 12 bedside air samples, 4 of 132 samples from private surfaces, 0 of 70 samples from frequently touched public surfaces in isolation rooms, and 7 of 23 feces-related air/surface/water samples. The maximum viral RNA concentrations were 1857 copies/m3 in the air, 38 copies/cm2 in sampled surfaces and 3092 copies/mL in sewage/wastewater samples. Our results suggest that nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur via multiple routes. However, the low detection frequency and limited quantity of viral RNA from the breath and environmental specimens may be related to the reduced viral load of the COVID-19 patients on later days after symptom onset. These findings suggest that the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 differ from those of SARS-CoV in healthcare settings.

Derivatization and deep eutectic solvent-based air–assisted liquid–liquid microextraction of salbutamol in exhaled breath condensate samples followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A microwave-induced air–assisted liquid–liquid microextraction method has been proposed for the pretreatment/quantization of salbutamol in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In this procedure, 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and N,N-diethylethanolammonium chloride: dichloroacetic acid: octanoic acid deep eutectic solvent were exploited as derivatization reagent and extraction solvent, respectively. A mixture of the sample solution and pyridine was transferred into a test tube. Then, a mixture of extraction solvent and derivatization agent was placed at the bottom of the tube. After performing the predetermined extraction cycles in the microextraction method, the mixture was exposed to microwave irradiations to enhance derivatization and extraction efficiencies. The obtained turbid solution was centrifuged and a portion of the sedimented phase was used for quantification of salbutamol. The validated method showed low limits of detection (0.074 and 0.370 μg/L in deionized water and EBC, respectively), quantification (0.246 in deionized water and 1.23 μg/L in EBC), and lower limit of quantification (0.123 and 0.615 μg/L in deionized water and EBC, respectively). The method had appropriate repeatability, accuracy, and stability (expressed as relative standard deviation less than 9%). The developed method was used in quantification of salbutamol in the real samples collected from donors receiving salbutamol spray.

Trace Extraction of Metoprolol from Plasma, Urine and EBC Samples Using Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles Followed by Spectrofluorimetric Determination for Drug Monitoring Purposes

Background: Metoprolol is a selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist (β-blockers). It is widely used for the treatment of hypertension and other related diseases. Metoprolol can be used as a doping agent in sports, thus has been included in the list of forbidden drugs. In Iran, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of β-blockers is an applied procedure in some cases. A therapeutic regimen could be easily managed by the determination of drug levels in biological fluids which is a relatively costly process and requires highly skilled technical staff. Using a simple and low-cost analytical procedure may help to use TDM in routine clinical practice. Methods: A real biological sample was prepared and its pH was adjusted to 3-4, then metoprolol was quickly extracted using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and determined by applying spectrofluorimetry at 340 ± 3 nm after excitation at 283 ± 3 nm. Results: The extraction and determination conditions including, the amount of MIONPs and SDS, pH of the solution, standing time, desorption solvent type and volume were investigated and adjusted. Calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 6–100 ng/mL for plasma and 5–100 ng/mL for water, urine and exhaled breath condensate samples, respectively. Intra and inter-day precision values for determination of metoprolol in different samples were less than 5.6 % and 6 %, respectively, and accuracy (as a relative error) was better than 5 %. Moreover, standard addition recovery tests were carried out, and the analytical recoveries ranged from 86 % to 113 %. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) of metoprolol were found to be in the range of 2.1-3.4 ng/mL and 6.3- 10.2 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The developed method was successfully applied to biological samples taken from a volunteer who was given an oral tablet of 50 mg metoprolol.

Toilets dominate environmental detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in a hospital

Respiratory and fecal aerosols play confirmed and suspected roles, respectively, in transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). An extensive environmental sampling campaign of both toilet and non-toilet environments was performed in a dedicated hospital building for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the associated environmental factors were analyzed. In total, 107 surface samples, 46 air samples, two exhaled condensate samples, and two expired air samples were collected within and beyond four three-bed isolation rooms. The data of the COVID-19 patients were collected. The building environmental design and the cleaning routines were reviewed. Field measurements of airflow and CO2 concentrations were conducted. The 107 surface samples comprised 37 from toilets, 34 from other surfaces in isolation rooms, and 36 from other surfaces outside the isolation rooms in the hospital. Four of these samples were positive, namely two ward door handles, one bathroom toilet seat cover, and one bathroom door handle. Three were weakly positive, namely one bathroom toilet seat, one bathroom washbasin tap lever, and one bathroom ceiling exhaust louver. Of the 46 air samples, one collected from a corridor was weakly positive. The two exhaled condensate samples and the two expired air samples were negative. The fecal-derived aerosols in patients' toilets contained most of the detected SARS-CoV-2 in the hospital, highlighting the importance of surface and hand hygiene for intervention.

Humidity prevents the exercise-induced formation of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite in exhaled breath condensate in recreational cyclists.

The aerobic exercise affects the respiratory redox-state. The influence of different relative humidity (RH) levels on the formation of respiratory reactive chemical species associated with redox-state altered by exercise has been poorly explored. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of two different RH conditions (40% vs. 90%) on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite in exhaled breath condensate ([H2O2]EBC and [NO2-]EBC) and spirometry parameters in recreational cyclists. Sixteen men and women (12/4) (mean age ± SD: 23.5 ± 2.2years) completed 60-min of cycling at 166.3 ± 26.9watts (70% of maximum load of [Formula: see text]-max. test, 49.3 ± 7.6mL·min-1·kg-1) at random 40%-RH and 90%-RH conditions separated by 7days. The two-way RM-ANOVA test was applied to compare [H2O2]EBC, [NO2-]EBC, [NO2-]EBC/[NO2-]Plasma at rest and 80-min post-exercise (80-post); and spirometry parameters at rest, 20-post and 80-post. The interaction of factors (humidity×time) was significant in [H2O2]EBC, [NO2-]EBC, [NO2-]EBC/[NO2-]Plasma (p = 0.005, p = 0.030, p = 0.043, respectively). At 40%-RH conditions, the same parameters were higher in 80-post than at rest (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.014, respectively). At the same time, the [H2O2]EBC and [NO2-]EBC/[NO2-]Plasma were higher in 40%-RH than 90%-RH (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, respectively). The interaction was significant in FEV1 (p = 0.013) and FEF25-75% (p = 0.023), but not in FEV1/FVC (p = 0.362). At 80-post, the changes are kept in 90%-RH (p < 0.001), diminishing in 40%-RH being similar to rest. In recreational cyclists, 90%-RH prevents the increase of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite in exhaled breath condensate samples observed at 40%-RH and prolonging the bronchodilation until 80-post cycling exercise.

Monitoring Method of Total Particulate Matter in Ultra-low-emission and High-humidity Exhaust Gas from Stationary Sources and an Actual Test in a Gas Power Plant

With the implementation of ultra-low-emission transformation in coal-fired power plants and other related industries in China, the concentrations of filterable particulate matter (FPM) and gaseous pollutants in exhaust gas from stationary sources have reduced significantly, while the emission of condensable particulate matter (CPM) remains a concern. In this study, the monitoring methods of FPM and CPM at a relatively low FPM concentration in exhaust gas from stationary sources in China and abroad were comprehensively analyzed. On the basis of existing research and experimental exploration, the monitoring methods of FPM and CPM were further studied. A direct condensation sampling and monitoring method for total particulate matter (TPM) in ultra-low-emission and high-humidity exhaust gas from stationary sources, which is suitable for the actual situation in China, was developed and established before being used to measure TPM in exhaust gas from a gas power plant in Beijing. The results showed that the emission concentration of TPM in the exhaust gas from the gas power plant was between 1.98 mg·m-3 and 3.77 mg·m-3 (average of 2.81 mg·m-3), whereas the average emission concentration of FPM was only 0.10 mg·m-3. The emission type of particulate matter in exhaust gas from the gas power plant was mainly CPM, which accounted for 93.8% to 99.2% of the TPM (average of 97.0%). The proportion of FPM to TPM ranged from 0.7% to 6.2% (average of 3.0%). The emission concentration of filterable CPM was slightly higher than that of FPM.

Macromolecular biomarkers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in exhaled breath condensate.

Biomarkers provide important diagnostic and prognostic information on heterogeneous diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, finding a suitable specimen for clinical analysis of biomarkers for COPD is challenging. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) sampling is noninvasive, rapid, cost-effective and easily repeatable. EBC sampling has also provided recent progress in the identification of biological macromolecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA in EBC samples, which has increased its utility for clinical scientists. In this article, we review applications involving EBC sampling for the analysis of COPD biomarkers and discuss its future potential.

The Determination of Volcanic Characteristics Based on Deuterium and Oxygen-18 Isotope Compositions: A Case Study at Dieng Plateau, Central Java

DOI:10.17014/ijog.7.2.201-213To find out volcanic characteristics, a geochemical approach can be used, one of which is through the measurement of deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopes from condensate and crater water samples. In this study, Dieng Plateau in Central Java was chosen, because it has a wide spread of fumarole fields and crater water. In addition, research in the Dieng Plateau is very useful in the management of geological-based tourism and geopark development in the future. Results of isotope analysis in Candradimuka Crater show the average number of isotope deuterium is δD – 500/00 and isotope oxygen-18 is δ18O –30/00 which produce the value of the mixing fraction of f 18O = 47.11%. This figure is the highest isotope number compared to other craters on the Dieng Plateau. The high value of the isotope-18 mixing fraction is supported by a strong plume from three vents in Candradimuka. Meanwhile, the results of crater water isotope tests obtained the highest results in Sikidang Crater with the value of the deuterium isotope is δD = – 10.300/00 and the isotope oxygen-18 is δ18O = 6.570/00 which are in the metamorphic water area from the mixing of magmatic processes with surface meteoric water. Based on the deuterium isotope approach with oxygen-18 crater water and fumarole condensate supported by subsurface temperature data, most of the Dieng Plateau has magmatic-hydrothermal characteristics, except Candradimuka Crater which belongs to the magmatic group.

A fast technique to measure the dewpoint pressure of a retrograde condensate gas using a microfluidic volume.

A new method to determine the dewpoint pressure of a retrograde condensate from a fast, non-equilibrium measurement performed in a microfluidic optical cell is presented. The inflection point of the optical transmission recorded during depressurization agrees well with the dewpoint pressure of the sample, determined by conventional laboratory techniques. With this new technique, a measurement can be performed in less than 5 min and requires far less than a milliliter of the sample. Benchmarking of this technique is presented using four retrograde condensate samples, which were created in the laboratory using multi-component compositions that are based on oilfield samples. Each sample was characterized at three different temperatures, and their maximum relative liquid volumes (maximum liquid volume/total system volume at the dewpoint pressure) ranged from 1.3% to 13.5% for these temperatures. The dewpoint pressure measured by this technique differs by no more than 100 psi from that measured in a conventional laboratory for samples of a richness of 4% or higher, while leaner samples display a difference of ∼200 psi.