Similar Mass Concentrations Research Articles

Cooling from aerosol–radiation interaction of anthropogenic coarse particles in China

Climate assessments have largely overlooked the radiative effect of anthropogenic coarse particulate matter (PMcoarse, with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 µm) in China. Despite its similar mass concentration to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), anthropogenic sources of PMcoarse in China have been much less studied and typically underrepresented in models. Here, we present a new model simulation for PMcoarse in China that incorporates various anthropogenic sources. The model successfully captures the magnitude and distribution of observed PMcoarse and recently available aerosol optical depth measurements at near-infrared wavelengths, which are substantially underestimated if anthropogenic PMcoarse is not included. We find that anthropogenic PMcoarse exerts a cooling effect of -0.11 Wm−2 (-0.03 to -0.42 Wm−2) in China by aerosol–radiation interaction, capable of completely offsetting the warming effect from black carbon by 2060 under Dynamic Projection model for Emissions in China (DPEC) 1.1 scenario. We conclude that the radiative effect due to anthropogenic PMcoarse will likely dampen the warming penalty caused by the emission reduction of other aerosols in China and should be incorporated into climate models.

Light scattering study of algal floc growth and structure: alum vs. polymeric plant-derived flocculant.

The flocculation dynamics of Microcystis aeruginosa algal cultures using alum and aqueous Moringa oleifera seed extracts as flocculants were analyzed through light scattering and fractal analysis. Floc growth in continuously stirred M. aeruginosa suspensions, with cell densities ranging from 200 to 800 μg L-1 chlorophyll a (Chl a), exhibited distinct patterns in fractal dimension (dF) evolution relative to floc size: a smooth, monotonic increase; stochastic increase; and stabilization or leveling off. dF values ranged from 1.3 to 2.6, with floc diameters (D4,3 volume-weighted mean) spanning 30 to 300 μm. Alum (0.1 to 0.4 g L-1) induced fast diffusion-limited flocculation, initially producing lower dF values, which progressively increased due to structural rearrangement at a slower rate. In contrast, at sufficiently high concentrations (0.1 to 0.2 g L-1 BSA equivalent), M. oleifera seed proteins facilitated stable, high dF ≈ 2.0 early on, evidently through patch charge interactions. Flocs formed with alum were prone to shear-induced breakage, limiting both their size and stability, whereas M. oleifera extract produced larger, more stable flocs with greater resilience to shear due to robust particle network formation by the polymer. Both flocculants effectively treated 800 μg L-1 Chl a M. aeruginosa suspensions, but M. oleifera extract demonstrated better performance in terms of floc size at similar mass concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of Moringa seed extract as a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional flocculants like alum, offering insights into their mechanisms and performance in flocculation processes.

Long and Covalently Conjugated Branched DNA Structures for in Situ Gelation in Vivo

Long and Covalently Conjugated Branched DNA Structures for in Situ Gelation in Vivo

Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Hyaluronan in Biolubrication.

Aqueous solution of strongly hydrophilic biopolymers is known to exhibit excellent lubrication properties in biological systems, such as the synovial fluid in human joints. Several mechanisms have been proposed on the biolubrication of joints, such as the boundary lubrication and the fluid exudation lubrication. In these models, mechanical properties of synovial fluid containing biopolymers are essential. To examine the role of such biopolymers in lubrication, a series of molecular dynamics simulations with an all-atom classical force field model were conducted for aqueous solutions of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid, HA) under constant shear. After equilibrating the system, the Lees-Edwards boundary condition was imposed, with which a steady state of uniform shear flow was realized. Comparison of HA systems with hydrocarbon (pentadecane, PD) solutions of similar mass concentration indicates that the viscosity of HA solutions is slightly larger in general than that of PDs, due to the strong hydration of HA molecules. Effects of added electrolyte (NaCl) were also discussed in terms of hydration. These findings suggest the role of HA in biolubirication as a load-supporting component, with its flexible character and strong hydration structure.

The Aerosol Research Observation Station (AEROS)

Abstract. Information on atmospheric particles' concentration and sizes is important for environmental and human health reasons. Air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) for measuring particulate matter (PM) concentrations are found across the United States, but only three AQMSs measure PM2.5 concentrations (mass of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of < 2.5 µm) in the Southern High Plains of West Texas (area ≥ 1.8 × 105 km2). This area is prone to many dust events (∼ 21 yr−1), yet no information is available on other PM sizes, total particle number concentration, or size distribution during these events. The Aerosol Research Observation Station (AEROS) was designed to continuously measure these particles' mass concentrations (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10) and number concentrations (0.25–35.15 µm) using three optical particle sensors (Grimm 11-D, OPS, and DustTrak) to better understand the impact of dust events on local air quality. The AEROS aerosol measurement unit features a temperature-controlled shed with a dedicated inlet and custom-built dryer for each of the three aerosol instruments used. This article provides a description of AEROS as well as an intercomparison of the different instruments using laboratory and atmospheric particles. Instruments used in AEROS measured a similar number concentration with an average difference of 2 ± 3 cm−1 (OPS and Grimm 11-D using similar particle size ranges) and a similar mass concentration, with an average difference of 8 ± 3.6 µg m−3 for different PM sizes between the three instruments. Grimm 11-D and OPS had a similar number concentration and size distribution, using a similar particle size range and similar PM10 concentrations (mass of particles with an aerodynamic diameter of < 10 µm). Overall, Grimm 11-D and DustTrak had good agreement in mass concentration, and comparison using laboratory particles was better than that with atmospheric particles. Overall, DustTrak measured lower mass concentrations compared to Grimm 11-D for larger particle sizes and higher mass concentrations for lower PM sizes. Measurement with AEROS can distinguish between various pollution events (natural vs. anthropogenic) based on their mass concentration and size distribution, which will help to improve knowledge of the air quality in this region.

Single-atom doping in carbon black nanomaterials for photothermal antibacterial applications

The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance has become a serious threat to human health. Loading single atoms onto carbon-based materials is a new strategy to develop environmentally friendly and stable photothermal antibacterial nanomaterials. We report the successful synthesis of carbon black nanomaterials doped with copper single atoms, nickel single atoms, and gold single atoms of similar mass concentration guided by theoretical calculations. The introduction of metal single atoms fundamentally changed the electronic structure of the original carbon black and resulted in high photothermal properties and antibacterial activity. Among these antimicrobial materials, the copper-doped material is more active than the other two, which is consistent with our theoretical calculations. Also, the combination of theoretical calculations and experimental validation suggests an intrinsic mechanism of bactericidal activity. This strategy has the potential to be extended to other single-atom doped systems with improved photothermal properties. • Demonstration that metal single atoms can improve photothermal antibacterial properties • Design of metal-single-atom-loaded materials is guided by theoretical calculations • Synthetic carbon-based materials are low cost, biocompatible, and NIR responsible Yang et al. develop low-cost carbon black nanomaterials loaded with metal single atoms for photothermal antimicrobial applications. Guided by theoretical calculations, metal single atoms are employed to modulate the electronic structure of carbon black. As predicted, the photothermal performance is substantially improved and highly dependent on the metal element.

Cluster Analysis of Submicron Particle Number Size Distributions at the SORPES Station in the Yangtze River Delta of East China

AbstractSubmicron particles in polluted regions have received much attention because of their influences on human health and climate. A k‐means clustering technique was performed on a data set of particle number size distributions (PNSD) that was obtained over more than 3 years in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region of East China. With simultaneous measurements of meteorological conditions, trace gases and aerosol compositions, seven clusters were categorized and interpreted. Cluster 1 and cluster 2, which accounted for 9.9% of the total PNSD data, were attributed to new particle formation (NPF) and vehicle exhaust emissions with different intensities; Cluster 3 and Cluster 4, which accounted for 10.5% of the total PNSD data, were related to the growth of nucleation mode particles; Cluster 5, which accounted for 37.9% of the total data, was attributed to the humid YRD background; and Cluster 6 and Cluster 7, which accounted for 41.6% of the total data set, were both pollution‐related clusters with similar mass concentrations but completely different PNSD. Although the PM2.5 mass concentrations were somewhat similar, the particle number concentrations of the accumulation mode particles could vary by more than one order of magnitude from the urban background cluster to the pollution‐related clusters. The cluster proximity diagram and conversion flow chart of clusters clearly show the influence of NPF and growth on haze, as well as the conversion between background and polluted conditions. This study highlights the importance of PNSD for understanding urban air quality and recommends the clustering technique for analyzing complex PNSD datasets.

The influence that different urban development models has on PM2.5 elemental and bioaccessible profiles

Limited studies have reported on in-vitro analysis of PM2.5 but as far as the authors are aware, bioaccessibility of PM2.5 in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF) has not been linked to urban development models before. The Brazilian cities Manaus (Amazon) and Curitiba (South region) have different geographical locations, climates, and urban development strategies. Manaus drives its industrialization using the free trade zone policy and Curitiba adopted a services centered economy driven by sustainability. Therefore, these two cities were used to illustrate the influence that these different models have on PM2.5in vitro profile. We compared PM2.5 mass concentrations and the average total elemental and bioaccessible profiles for Cu, Cr, Mn, and Pb. The total average elemental concentrations followed Mn > Pb > Cu > Cr in Manaus and Pb > Mn > Cu > Cr in Curitiba. Mn had the lowest solubility while Cu showed the highest bioaccessibility (100%) and was significantly higher in Curitiba than Manaus. Cr and Pb had higher bioaccessibility in Manaus than Curitiba. Despite similar mass concentrations, the public health risk in Manaus was higher than in Curitiba indicating that the free trade zone had a profound effect on the emission levels and sources of airborne PM. These findings illustrate the importance of adopting sustainable air quality strategies in urban planning.

Characterization of size resolved atmospheric particles in the vicinity of iron and steelmaking industries in China

China currently faces environmental challenges of lower air quality, partly as a result of industrial activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of iron and steelmaking facilities to regional air quality in four selected industry dominated urban centres in China. Nine different particle size ranges present in atmospheric particles collected from four sites in Kunming (KM), Wuhan (WH), Nanjing (NJ) and Ningbo (NB) were analysed and compared with particles collected at one background site at the Ningbo Nottingham University (UN) with very little industrial influence in China. Similar mass concentration levels of particulate matter PM2.1 and PM1.1 were found at the three sites near older iron and steelmaking plants (KM, WH and NJ). Significantly lower levels of PM2.1 and PM1.1 were collected at the fourth site (NB), which is near to a modern and coastal iron and steelmaking plant. The particles collected had the highest mass concentration in the aerodynamic diameter range of 3.3–9.0 μm for all sites, except for the background site (UN). Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma were used to determine the surface morphology and particle chemistry. Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na and Zn were found as the most abundant elements in all samples. The enrichment factors show that elements As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were significantly enriched in particles, especially in fine particles, posing an adverse impact on human health. This study can be used to assist the development of particle monitoring programmes in the vicinity of industrial areas and also help to establish an elemental modality dataset on the exposure and risk assessments of atmospheric particles.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity of polysaccharide in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) during overwintering

To determine the effect of different harvesting time on antioxidant capacity in Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharides (inulin), the Jerusalem artichoke before and after overwintering were collected from the same region, and then evaluate their antioxidant capacity in vitro by reducing power assay, DPPH radical-scavenging assay and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assay. Ascorbic acid at similar mass concentration was served as positive control. The results showed no significant difference were observed in reducing power when the absorbance values were about 0.3. When the mass concentrations before and after overwintering were 0.9 mg/mL and 1.7 mg/mL, the DPPH radical-scavenging rate both reached at 50%. And when the mass concentrations were both 10 mg/mL, the hydroxyl radical-scavengings were 35.8% and 27.9%, respectively. Thus, it could be concluded that the antioxidant capacity in Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharides before overwintering was higher than that after overwintering, and showed a good dose-dependent manner with its mass concentration.

Experimental Measurement of Dissociation Condition for Carbon Dioxide Hydrates in the Presence of Methanol/Ethylene Glycol and CaCl2 Aqueous Solutions

In this study, hydrate dissociation conditions of carbon dioxide in the presence of methanol/ethylene glycol + CaCl2 at the temperature range of 262.2–276.8 K and the pressure range of 1.49–3.36 MPa, not found in the related literature, were measured and reported. The equilibrium data were conducted by isochoric pressure search method. The experimental findings showed that methanol inhibition power was superior to that of ethylene glycol at similar mass concentrations. An available thermodynamic model was used to predict and compare the results with the measured experimental data. In addition, in order to investigate the inhibitory effect of various inhibitors as well as their synergy to one another, the suppressed temperature of hydrate formation in the presence of various inhibitory solutions used in this work and also in the similar studies in the literature was examined. This measurement indicated no effect of pressure on the reduction amount of suppressed temperature for each solution, so that it can...

Assessment of heterogeneity of metal composition of fine particulate matter collected from eight U.S. counties using principal component analysis

The main objectives of this study are to (1) characterize chemical constituents of particulate matter (PM) and (2) compare overall differences in PM collected from eight U.S. counties. This project was undertaken as a part of a larger research program conducted by the Johns Hopkins Particulate Matter Research Center (JHPMRC). The goal of the JHPMRC is to explore the relationship between health effects and exposure to ambient PM of differing composition. The JHPMRC collected weekly filter-based ambient fine particle samples from eight U.S. counties between January 2008 and January 2010. Each sampling effort consisted of a 5–6-week sampling period. Filters were analyzed for 25 metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Overall compositional differences were ranked by principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that weekly concentrations of each element varied 3–40 times between the eight counties. PCA showed that the first five principal components explained 85% of the total variance. The authors found significant overall compositional differences in PM as the average of standardized principal component scores differed between the counties. These findings demonstrate PCA is a useful tool to identify the differences in PM compositional mixtures by county. These differences will be helpful for epidemiological and toxicological studies to help explain why health risks associated with PM exposure are different in locations with similar mass concentrations of PM. Implications: Previous studies have demonstrated associations between health effects and particulate matter (PM) using a single component or a combination of few components. Other studies have shown constituents of PM can vary greatly by location and that these differences may explain why the health effects associated with PM exposure are different by location. However, a single or a combination of a few components cannot represent PM as a whole. To address the need for evaluating PM as a complex mixture, the authors demonstrated the utility of principal component analysis to assess heterogeneity of PM.

Oxidative Potential of Logwood and Pellet Burning Particles Assessed by a Novel Profluorescent Nitroxide Probe

This study reports the potential toxicological impact of particles produced during biomass combustion by an automatic pellet boiler and a traditional logwood stove under various combustion conditions using a novel profluorescent nitroxide probe, BPEAnit. This probe is weakly fluorescent but yields strong fluorescence emission upon radical trapping or redox activity. Samples were collected by bubbling aerosol through an impinger containing BPEAnit solution, followed by fluorescence measurement. The fluorescence of BPEAnit was measured for particles produced during various combustion phases: at the beginning of burning (cold start), stable combustion after refilling with the fuel (warm start), and poor burning conditions. For particles produced by the logwood stove under cold-start conditions, significantly higher amounts of reactive species per unit of particulate mass were observed compared to emissions produced during a warm start. In addition, sampling of logwood burning emissions after passing through a thermodenuder at 250 degrees C resulted in an 80-100% reduction of the fluorescence signal of the BPEAnit probe, indicating that the majority of reactive species were semivolatile. Moreover, the amount of reactive species showed a strong correlation with the amount of particulate organic material. This indicates the importance of semivolatile organics in particle-related toxicity. Particle emissions from the pellet boiler, although of similar mass concentration, were not observed to lead to an increase in fluorescence signal during any of the combustion phases.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Aerosol Particles Generated During the Milling of Beryllium Silicate Ores: Implications for Risk Assessment

Inhalation of beryllium dusts generated during milling of ores and cutting of beryl-containing gemstones is associated with development of beryllium sensitization and low prevalence of chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Inhalation of beryllium aerosols generated during primary beryllium production and machining of the metal, alloys, and ceramics are associated with sensitization and high rates of CBD, despite similar airborne beryllium mass concentrations among these industries. Understanding the physicochemical properties of exposure aerosols may help to understand the differential immunopathologic mechanisms of sensitization and CBD and lead to more biologically relevant exposure standards. Properties of aerosols generated during the industrial milling of bertrandite and beryl ores were evaluated. Airborne beryllium mass concentrations among work areas ranged from 0.001 μg/m3 (beryl ore grinding) to 2.1 μg/m3 (beryl ore crushing). Respirable mass fractions of airborne beryllium-containing particles were < 20% in low-energy input operation areas (ore crushing, hydroxide product drumming) and > 80% in high-energy input areas (beryl melting, beryl grinding). Particle specific surface area decreased with processing from feedstock ores to drumming final product beryllium hydroxide. Among work areas, beryllium was identified in three crystalline forms: beryl, poorly crystalline beryllium oxide, and beryllium hydroxide. In comparison to aerosols generated by high-CBD risk primary production processes, aerosol particles encountered during milling had similar mass concentrations, generally lower number concentrations and surface area, and contained no identifiable highly crystalline beryllium oxide. One possible explanation for the apparent low prevalence of CBD among workers exposed to beryllium mineral dusts may be that characteristics of the exposure material do not contribute to the development of lung burdens sufficient for progression from sensitization to CBD. In comparison to high-CBD risk exposures where the chemical nature of aerosol particles may confer higher bioavailability, respirable ore dusts likely confer considerably less. While finished product beryllium hydroxide particles may confer bioavailability similar to that of high-CBD risk aerosols, physical exposure factors (i.e., large particle sizes) may limit development of alveolar lung burdens.