Solution Aerosol Research Articles

The topical treatment of allergic and vasomotor rhinitis: the role of beclomethasone dipropionate

Allergic rhinitis is the most frequent allergic disorder, as its prevalence is more than 20% in the general population. Non-allergic rhinitis has similar symptoms, but pathogenic mechanisms are non-IgE-mediated. Anyway, both diseases share a common inflammatory pathway, thus anti-inflammatory drugs represent the optimal therapeutical option. Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is a corticosteroid that is long time available both as intranasal spray and aerosol solution. The present review aims at analysing the most relevant and recent studies concerning the BDP use in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. The research was performed using Medline and Scopus database, key words were: allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, beclomethasone (last access 31st July 2014). BDP is a corticosteroid with proved efficacy in the treatment of rhinitis, both as spray and aerosol. Safety issue has been satisfactory explored, thus BDP is usually safe and well tolerated.

State-of-the-art in liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers (LAMEEs): A comprehensive review

Abstract Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of the global energy consumption. In particular, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings consume significant amounts of energy. Liquid desiccant dehumidification and energy recovery are effective energy conservation technologies in HVAC systems. Direct-contact liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems have the risk of carry-over of aerosol droplets to the supply airstream, which may cause health problems for occupants and corrosion of the ducting system. Liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) is a novel semi-permeable membrane-based liquid desiccant energy exchanger, which transfer heat and moisture simultaneously but can eliminate the desiccant solution aerosol carry-over problem. Two LAMEEs can also be used to constitute a run-around membrane energy exchanger (RAMEE) system to recover heat and moisture from exhaust air in buildings. In the past decade, research and development of LAMEEs has been very active to show that high effectiveness is possible. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the design and performance of LAMEEs.

Nasal Deposition of Ciclesonide Nasal Aerosol and Mometasone Aqueous Nasal Spray in Allergic Rhinitis Patients

Sensory attributes of intranasal corticosteroids, such as rundown to the back of the throat, may influence patient treatment preferences. This study compares the nasal deposition and nasal retention of a radiolabeled solution of ciclesonide nasal aerosol (CIC-hydrofluoroalkane [HFA]) with a radiolabeled suspension of mometasone furoate monohydrate aqueous nasal spray (MFNS) in subjects with either perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) or seasonal AR. In this open-label, single-dose, randomized, crossover scintigraphy study, 14 subjects with symptomatic AR received a single dose of radiolabeled 74-μg CIC-HFA (37 μg/spray, 1 spray/each nostril) via a nasal metered-dose inhaler or a single dose of radiolabeled 200-μg MFNS (50 μg/spray, 2 sprays/each nostril), with a minimum 5-day washout period between treatments. Initial deposition (2 minutes postdose) of radiolabeled CIC-HFA and MFNS in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, and on nasal wipes, and retention of radioactivity in the nasal cavity and nasal run-out on nasal wipes at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes postdose were quantified with scintigraphy. At 2 and 10 minutes postdose, deposition of radiolabeled CIC-HFA was significantly higher in the nasal cavity versus radiolabeled MFNS (99.42% versus 86.50% at 2 minutes, p = 0.0046; and 81.10% versus 54.31% at 10 minutes, p < 0.0001, respectively; p values unadjusted for multiplicity). Deposition of radioactivity on nasal wipes was significantly higher with MFNS versus CIC-HFA at all five time points, and posterior losses of radiolabeled formulation were significantly higher with MFNS at 6, 8, and 10 minutes postdose. In this scintigraphic study, significantly higher nasal deposition and retention of radiolabeled aerosol CIC-HFA were observed versus radiolabeled aqueous MFNS in subjects with AR.

Nasal versus oral aerosol delivery to the “lungs” in infants and toddlers

The oral route has been considered superior to the nasal route for aerosol delivery to the lower respiratory tract (LRT) in adults and children. However, there are no data comparing aerosol delivery via the oral and nasal routes in infants. The aim of this study was to compare nasal and oral delivery of aerosol in anatomically correct replicas of infants' faces containing both nasal and oral upper airways. Three CT-derived upper respiratory tract ("URT") replicas representing infants/toddlers aged 5, 14 and 20 months were studied and aerosol delivery to the "lower respiratory tract" (LRT) by either the oral or nasal route for each of the replicas was measured at the "tracheal" opening. A radio-labeled (99mDTPA) normal saline solution aerosol was generated by a soft-mist inhaler (SMIRespimat® Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) and aerosol was delivered via a valved holding chamber (Respichamber® TMI, London, Canada) and an air-tight mask (Unomedical, Inc., McAllen, TX). A breath simulator was connected to the replicas and an absolute filter at the "tracheal" opening captured the aerosol representing "LRT" dose. Age-appropriate mask dimensions and breathing patterns were employed for each of the airway replicas. Two different tidal volumes (Vt ) were used for comparing the nasal versus oral routes. Nasal delivery to the LRT exceeded that of oral delivery in the 5- and 14-month models and was equivalent in the 20-month model. Differences between nasal and oral delivery diminished with "age"/size. Similar findings were observed with lower and higher tidal volumes (Vt ). Nasal breathing for aerosol delivery to the "LRT" is similar to, or more efficient than, mouth breathing in infant/toddler models, contrary to what is observed in older children and adults. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:276-283. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bronchial Hyperreactivity Related to Inhalation Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

It is presumed that bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) can occur with any inhaled agent and may be a reason for discontinuation of inhalation therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. On the other hand, inhalation of antibiotics is being increasingly used to eradicate or treat infections. This review focuses on identifying the mechanisms of BHR for a better understanding of its impact on inhalation treatment. BHR in CF is suggested to be secondary to underlying airway disease (associated to poor pulmonary function, chronic inflammation and aerosol distribution) or to be a separate condition occurring more in CF. Furthermore, certain characteristics of the aerosol solution itself, such as the active molecule, chemical additives and particle size, can cause BHR. Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase), hypertonic saline (HS) and the antibiotics tobramycin, colistin and aztreonam lysine for inhalation (AZLI) are frequently used inhalation drugs in the treatment of CF. Prevalence of BHR related to both short and long-term inhalation of these drugs as reported in the literature was investigated. Acute BHR is documented in up to two thirds of CF patients. Despite the widespread use of rhDNase, HS, tobramycin, colistin and AZLI, only one long-term trial looked for, but did not demonstrate, BHR at the end of the trial period.

Comparison of Dry Powder versus Nebulized Beta-Agonist in Patients with COPD Who Have Suboptimal Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate

A peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) of <60 L/min against the internal resistance (resist) of a dry powder inhaler (DPI) may limit the ability of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to achieve bronchodilation. The hypothesis was that lung function would be higher with a beta-agonist inhaled via nebulization compared with dry powder in patients with COPD who exhibit a PIFRresist of <60 L/min against the Diskus(®). This study was randomized, single-blind, and crossover with spirometry and inspiratory capacity (IC) measured at 15, 30, and 120 min post treatment. The efficacy of arformoterol aerosol solution (15 μg/2 mL) via nebulizer was compared with salmeterol dry powder (50 μg) via Diskus. The primary outcome was the change in lung function from baseline at 2 hr as these two inhaled beta-agonists have the similar peak bronchodilator effect as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). Twenty patients (15 females/5 males) with postalbuterol FEV1 of 0.83±0.31 L (38±12% predicted) and PIFRresist of 53±5 L/min completed the study. At 15 min, improvements in FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), and IC were significantly higher with arformoterol than with salmeterol. At 2 hr, changes in FVC and IC, but not FEV1, were significantly higher with arformoterol. At visit 3, patient preference was similar for salmeterol Diskus (n=8) and arformoterol solution (n=7), whereas five patients reported no preference. At peak effect (2 hr), volume responses were greater with arfomoterol via nebulizer compared with dry powder salmeterol in patients with COPD who had a PIFRresist of <60 L/min. Bronchodilator therapy via nebulization should be considered in patients with COPD who have a suboptimal PIFRresist against a particular DPI.

Deposition modeling of hygroscopic saline aerosols in the human respiratory tract: Comparison between air and helium–oxygen as carrier gases

When hygroscopic aerosols are inspired, the size and temperature of the dispersed droplets, as well as the temperature and moisture content of the carrier gas may change due to heat and mass transfer between the dispersed phase and the gas, and also between the gas and the airway walls. This two-way coupled problem is numerically analyzed, with the focus on the effect of using helium–oxygen instead of air as the carrier gas on hygroscopic size changes and deposition of aqueous solution aerosols. Coefficients of heat and mass transfer in each generation of an idealized respiratory tract are specified based on realistic assumptions. Aerosols of initially isotonic droplets are considered. Differential equations of heat and mass transfer for both the continuous and dispersed phases are numerically solved to simulate the evaporation and condensation. Once the droplet sizes are determined in each respiratory tract generation, deposition is estimated based on existing correlations for stable particles. The results include regional deposition, in percentage of inhaled NaCl, for both helium–oxygen and air for a variety of size distributions: MMD between 2.5and8.5μm and GSD of 1.7. Moreover, the size and temperature variations of the droplets as well as the temperature and humidity variations of the carrier gas are reported. To investigate the impact on deposition caused by hygroscopic size changes, the hygroscopic effectiveness is defined, which specifies the differences in He–O2 and air deposition caused by hygroscopic size changes. The results, in general, suggest that the lowest deposition fraction in the extra-thoracic region and the highest deposition fraction in the alveolar region correspond to droplets with low mass fraction, inspired with helium–oxygen.

Nanoparticle generation by intensified solution crystallization using cold plasma

In this study, atmospheric pressure cold plasma (surface dielectric barrier discharge) was used as an alternative energy form to intensify solution crystallization and produce nano-sized organic crystals. Nano-sized particles can have beneficial product properties such as improved internal quality and dissolution rate, compared to conventionally sized crystalline products. In cold plasma intensified crystallization a nebulizer system sprays the solution aerosol into the plasma with the help of a carrier gas. The plasma simultaneously heats and charges the droplets causing fast solvent evaporation and Coulomb-fission to occur, after which nucleation and crystal growth commence within the small, confined volume offered by the small droplets. In this manner, nano-sized crystals of the energetic material RDX and the pharmaceutical niflumic acid were produced.

Control over hygroscopic growth of saline aqueous aerosol using Pluronic polymer additives

The hygroscopic properties of an aerosol originating from a nebulizer solution can affect the extent of peripheral deposition within the respiratory tract, which in turn affects drug efficacy of drugs delivered to the lungs. Thus, the ability to tailor the degree and rate of hygroscopic growth of an aerosol produced by a nebulizer through modification of the formulation would serve to improve drug efficacy through targeted lung deposition. In this study, the kinetic and thermodynamic hygroscopic properties of sodium chloride aerosol mixed with commercially available Pluronic polymers, specifically F77 and F127, are reported using three complementary single aerosol analysis techniques, specifically aerosol optical tweezers, a double ring electrodynamic balance and a concentric cylinder electrodynamic balance. The F77 polymer is shown to have a predictable effect on the hygroscopic properties of the aerosol: the ability of the droplet to uptake water from the air depends on the solute weight percent of sodium chloride present in a linear dose dependant manner. Unlike the smaller F77, a non-linear relationship was observed for the larger molecular weight F127 polymer, with significant suppression of hygroscopic growth (>50% by mass) for solution aerosol containing even only 1 wt% of the polymer and 99 wt% sodium chloride. The suppression of growth is shown to be consistent with the formation of mixed phase aerosol particles containing hydrophilic inorganic rich domains and hydrophobic polymer rich domains that sequester some of the inorganic component, with the two phases responding to changes in relative humidity independently. This independence of coupling with the gas phase is apparent in both the equilibrium state and the kinetics of water evaporation/condensation. By starting with a saline nebulizer solution with a concentration of F127 ∼10(-2)mM, a 12% reduction in the radius of all aerosol produced at a relative humidity (RH) of 84% is possible. The difference in diameter is RH dependent, and may be much greater at higher humidities. These findings suggest that the addition of μM concentrations of larger Pluronic polymers to nebulizer formulations may greatly reduce the size of aerosols produced.

Cold plasma synthesis of high quality organic nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure cold surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma was used for the first time to produce nano-sized organic crystals. Nano-sized particles can have beneficial product properties, such as improved internal quality and dissolution rate, compared to conventionally sized crystalline products. In cold plasma crystallization a nebulizer system sprays the solution aerosol into the plasma with the help of a carrier gas. The plasma heats and charges the droplets causing solvent evaporation and coulomb fission to occur, after which nucleation and crystal growth commence within the small, confined volume offered by the small droplets. As a result nano-sized crystals are produced. The operation conditions of SDBD plasma to produce nano-sized crystals of the energetic material RDX were determined by scanning electron microscopy, and the product was investigated with X-ray powder diffraction and sensitivity tests. The sensitivity tests indicated that the nano-sized product had reduced sensitivity for friction, indicating a higher internal quality of the crystalline product.

A Post-Hoc Responder Analysis of Improvement in Symptoms Following Treatment with Ciclesonide Hydrofluoroalkane Nasal Aerosol in Patients with Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

A hydrofluoroalkane nasal aerosol solution formulation of ciclesonide (CIC-HFA) has been approved for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. This post-hoc, responder analysis evaluated improvement in nasal and ocular symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and nasal symptoms in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) following treatment with CIC-HFA.

Modeling secondary organic aerosol in an urban area: application to Paris, France

Abstract. A secondary organic aerosol (SOA) model, H2O (Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Organic), is evaluated over the Paris area. This model treats the formation of SOA with two kinds of surrogate species: hydrophilic species (which condense preferentially on an aqueous phase) and hydrophobic species (which condense only on an organic phase). These surrogates species are formed from the oxidation in the atmosphere of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by radicals (HO and NO3) and ozone. These VOC are either biogenic (isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) or anthropogenic (mainly aromatic compounds). This model includes the formation of aerosols from different precursors (biogenic precursors, aromatics), and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC) from traffic. The H2O aerosol model was incorporated into the Polyphemus air quality modeling platform and applied to the Paris area and evaluated by comparison to measurements performed during the Megapoli campaign in July 2009. The comparison to measurements in the suburbs and in the city center of Paris shows that the model gives satisfactory results for both elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC). However, the model gives a peak of OC concentrations in the morning due to high emissions from traffic, which does not appear in measurements. Uncertainties in the modeled temperature, which can affect the gas-particle partitioning, in the partitioning of primary SVOC or underestimation of primary organic aerosol (POA) evaporation by the model could explain the differences between model and measurements. Moreover, using a theoretical mechanism for the oxidation of primary SVOC and intermediate volatility organic compounds (IVOC), POA concentrations were found to be likely overestimated by models due to the use of simple partitioning constants (which do not take into account the affinity of a compound with the liquid aerosol solution) or due to the assumption that the organic aerosol solution is a one-phase ideal solution. The organic aerosol in the city center of Paris was found to be originating mostly from distant sources with only 30 to 38% due to local sources.

Effect of annealing on the loss kinetics of charge carriers in CdS films

The influence of the annealing treatment on the kinetics of the electron trapping processes in CdS thin films has been investigated using the contactless time-resolved microwave photoconductivity technique (TRMC) in 9 GHz band. The thin (&amp;lt;200 nm) CdS films were synthesized using two techniques: by the chemical deposition from the solution (CBD method) and by the pyrolysis of the aerosols of the aqueous solutions of the thiourea coordination compounds of cadmium (Cd(thio)2Cl2) on a heated substrate. Annealing in both the air and the nitrogen atmospheres resulted in an increase of the amplitude and characteristic decay time of the photoresponse. Two particular effects caused by the annealing treatments were observed: the structural improvement and the energy redistribution of the electron traps.

Glassy aerosols with a range of compositions nucleate ice heterogeneously at cirrus temperatures

Abstract. Atmospheric secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is likely to exist in a semi-solid or glassy state, particularly at low temperatures and humidities. Previously, it has been shown that glassy aqueous citric acid aerosol is able to nucleate ice heterogeneously under conditions relevant to cirrus in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). In this study we test if glassy aerosol distributions with a range of chemical compositions heterogeneously nucleate ice under cirrus conditions. Three single component aqueous solution aerosols (raffinose, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-DL-mandelic acid (HMMA) and levoglucosan) and one multi component aqueous solution aerosol (raffinose mixed with five dicarboxylic acids and ammonium sulphate) were studied in both the liquid and glassy states at a large cloud simulation chamber. The investigated organic compounds have similar functionality to oxidised organic material found in atmospheric aerosol and have estimated temperature/humidity induced glass transition thresholds that fall within the range predicted for atmospheric SOA. A small fraction of aerosol particles of all compositions were found to nucleate ice heterogeneously in the deposition mode at temperatures relevant to the TTL (&lt;200 K). Raffinose and HMMA, which form glasses at higher temperatures, nucleated ice heterogeneously at temperatures as high as 214.6 and 218.5 K respectively. We present the calculated ice active surface site density, ns, of the aerosols tested here and also of glassy citric acid aerosol as a function of relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi). We also propose a parameterisation which can be used to estimate heterogeneous ice nucleation by glassy aerosol for use in cirrus cloud models up to ~220 K. Finally, we show that heterogeneous nucleation by glassy aerosol may compete with ice nucleation on mineral dust particles in mid-latitudes cirrus.

Cells (MC3T3-E1)-Laden Alginate Scaffolds Fabricated by a Modified Solid-Freeform Fabrication Process Supplemented with an Aerosol Spraying

In this study, we propose a new cell encapsulation method consisting of a dispensing method and an aerosol-spraying method. The aerosol spray using a cross-linking agent, calcium chloride (CaCl(2)), was used to control the surface gelation of dispensed alginate struts during dispensing. To show the feasibility of the method, we used preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. By changing the relationship between the various dispensing/aerosol-spraying conditions and cell viability, we could determine the optimal cell-dispensing process: a nozzle size (240 μm) and an aerosol spray flow rate (0.93 ± 0.12 mL min(-1)), 10 mm s(-1) nozzle moving speed, a 10 wt % concentration of CaCl(2) in the aerosol solution, and 2 wt % concentration of CaCl(2) in the second cross-linking process. Based on these optimized process conditions, we successfully fabricated a three-dimensional, pore-structured, cell-laden alginate scaffold of 20 × 20 × 4.6 mm(3) and 84% cell viability. During long cell culture periods (16, 25, 33, and 45 days), the preosteoblasts in the alginate scaffold survived and proliferated well.

A 26-week Tolerability Study of Ciclesonide Nasal Aerosol in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

A new, hydrofluoroalkane nasal aerosol solution formulation of ciclesonide (CIC-HFA) delivered via a metered dose inhaler is currently in clinical development for treatment of allergic rhinitis. To study tolerability and quality of life following administration of CIC-HFA 74- or 148-μg doses once-daily compared with placebo in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) over 26 weeks. Patients ≥12 years of age with a ≥2 year history of PAR were randomized in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicenter study to CIC-HFA 74 μg, 148 μg, or placebo QD AM for 26 weeks. Safety was assessed by monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Quality of life was assessed by using a rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire with standardized activities (RQLQ[S]) in patients with baseline RQLQ ≥3.00. Reflective total nasal symptom scores (rTNSS) and instantaneous total nasal symptom scores (iTNSS) over 26 weeks were also evaluated. In this study, 1111 patients were randomized. The overall incidence of TEAEs was comparable between the treatment groups. Treatment with CIC-HFA 74- or 148-μg doses showed improvements in RQLQ[S] [least squares (LS) mean change 0.40 and 0.37, respectively from baseline, p < 0.01 versus placebo for both], rTNSS (LS mean change 0.65 and 0.52, respectively from baseline; p ≤ 0.01 versus placebo for both), and iTNSS (LS mean change 0.51 and 0.42, respectively from baseline; p < 0.05 versus placebo for both) from baseline. In this study, once-daily treatment with CIC-HFA 74- or 148-μg doses over 26 weeks was well tolerated with comparable incidence of TEAEs between the treatment groups.

Raman and infrared spectroscopic study of synthetic ungemachite, K3Na8Fe(SO4)6(NO3)2·6H2O

Iron is an important element usually found in atmospheric particulate matter, and its occurrence can be attributed to both natural and anthropogenic sources. It is an accepted fact that the atmospheric particles interact with water and other atmospheric components, therefore dissolution–crystallization processes can be expected. In this work, considering specially that low pH values are characteristic of aerosol solutions, we postulate that the rare mineral ungemachite, K3Na8Fe(SO4)6(NO3)2·6H2O can crystallize in atmosphere. The Raman and infrared spectra of synthetic ungemachite are presented and the band assignments are proposed and discussed. This is the first time that a synthetic method for ungemachite is reported.

Fire suppression by low-volatile chemically active fire suppressants using aerosol technology

Minimum extinguishing concentrations of mixtures of organophosphorus and iodine-containing compounds and inert diluents were measured using the cup-burner and cylinder techniques. The results of these measurements were used to develop and test new effective fire-suppression compositions whose components exhibit a synergetic effect and to estimate the lower temperature limit of their application. The results of laboratory experiments were verified by full-scale tests in which two types of model fire sources were extinguished by salt solution aerosols. The tests demonstrated that short-term action of an aerosol cloud of an aqueous solution of potassium ferrocyanide K3[Fe(CN)6] on the flame front of a surface forest fire led to suppression of gas-phase combustion, and in the case of wood burning, to complete flame extinction. The minimum extinguishing mass concentration of K3[Fe(CN)6] in these experiments was 4.5g/m3, which is close to that measured in laboratory experiments. In fire suppression by the aerosol, the volumetric flow rate of this fire suppressant was found to be 30 times lower than the standard flow rate of pure water from a fire hose.

Formation of Indium-Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films Using Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis: The Importance of the Water Content in the Aerosol Solution and the Substrate Temperature for Enhancing Electrical Transport.

Indium doped zinc oxide [ZnO:In] thin films have been deposited at 430°C on soda-lime glass substrates by the chemical spray technique, starting from zinc acetate and indium acetate. Pulverization of the solution was done by ultrasonic excitation. The variations in the electrical, structural, optical, and morphological characteristics of ZnO:In thin films, as a function of both the water content in the starting solution and the substrate temperature, were studied. The electrical resistivity of ZnO:In thin films is not significantly affected with the increase in the water content, up to 200 mL/L; further increase in water content causes an increase in the resistivity of the films. All films show a polycrystalline character, fitting well with the hexagonal ZnO wurtzite-type structure. No preferential growth in samples deposited with the lowest water content was observed, whereas an increase in water content gave rise to a (002) growth. The surface morphology of the films shows a consistency with structure results, as non-geometrical shaped round grains were observed in the case of films deposited with the lowest water content, whereas hexagonal slices, with a wide size distribution were observed in the other cases. In addition, films deposited with the highest water content show a narrow size distribution.

Effects of soil water content and organic matter addition on the speciation and bioavailability of heavy metals

The mobility and bioavailability of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc were evaluated in three soils amended with different organic materials for two moisture regimes. Agricultural and reclamation activities impose fresh inputs of organic matter on soil while intensive irrigation and rainstorm increase soil waterlogging incidence. Moreover, scarcity of irrigation water has prompted the use of greywater, which contain variable concentrations of organic compounds such as anionic surfactants.Soils added with hay, maize straw or peat at 1% w/w were irrigated, at field capacity (FC) or saturated (S), with an aqueous solution of the anionic surfactant Aerosol 22 (A22), corresponding to an addition of 200mgC/kgsoil/day. Soil solution was extracted after one month and analysed for total soluble metals, dissolved soil organic matter and UV absorbance at 254nm. Speciation analyses were performed with WHAM VI for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. For selected scenarios, metal uptake by barley was determined.Metal mobility increased for all treatments and soils (Pb>Cu>Cd≥Zn) compared to control assays. The increase was significantly correlated (p<0.05) with soil organic matter solubilisation for Cd (R=0.68), Cu (R=0.73) and Zn (R=0.86). Otherwise, Pb release was related to aluminium solubilisation (R=0.75), which suggests that Pb was originally co-precipitated with Al–DOC complexes in the solid phase. The effect of A22 in metal bioavailability, determined as free ion activities (FIA), was mainly controlled by soil moisture regime. For soil 3, metal bioavailability was up to 20 times lower for soil amended with hay, peat or maize compared to soil treated only with A22. When soil was treated with A22 at FC barley yield significantly decreased (p<0.05) for the increase of Pb (R=0.71) and Zn (R=0.79) concentrations in shoot, while for saturated conditions such uptake was up to 3 times lower.Overall, metal bioavailability was controlled by solubilisation of soil organic matter and formation of metal-organo complexes.