Determination of polychlorobiphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the atmospheric aerosol of the Venice Lagoon

An analytical method for simultaneous determination of particle-associated and gaseous-phase concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in atmospheric aerosol samples obtained by high-volume samplers using polyurethane foam adsorbent (PUF) and quartz fibber filters (QFF) has been investigated. Quality control of the analytical procedure was carried out by blank control and by evaluating limits of detection, recoveries, accuracy, and repeatability. The proposed method was subsequently used to determine PAH and PCB in the gaseous and particulate phases of the aerosols that enter the Venice Lagoon atmosphere. The highest concentrations of PCB and PAH were predominantly in the gaseous phase. In both particulate and gaseous phases the penta-CB congeners dominated total PCB concentrations whereas phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene dominated the PAH concentrations. Total (gaseous plus particulate) PCB and PAH concentrations were higher at the site directly influenced by the industrial plants but the concentrations in marine aerosol samples were lower by a factor four only and must be taken into consideration when studying the chemical contamination of the Venice Lagoon.     

Philosophical aspects of chemometrical strategy in Analytical Chemistry

Summary This paper discusses the philosophical aspects of the three main chemometrical strategies in analytical chemistry: statistical data treatment, optimization and modelling, pattern recognition. It is possible by a more general consideration of these approaches to find a proper place of different philosophical categories such as form and content, induction and deduction, concrete and general in analytical chemistry. The philosophical aspect of the considerations allows a deeper penetration into the theoretical basis of chemical analysis.

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Philosophische Betrachtungen zu chemometrischen Strategien in der Analytischen Chemie

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Presented at the First International Symposium on History and Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry, Vienna, November 22–23, 1985     

Determination of total,and bound Se in sera by INAA

In this study we report on the comparison between the total selenium in serum (total Se) with that which is apparently bound to high molecular weight (>12,000 D) species, presumably proteins (bound Se). Nine hundred seventy seven (977) serum samples arising out of a population-based epidemiological study were prepared in duplicate for the determination of total Se by pipeting directly into irradiation vials; and separate duplicate aliquots were dialyzed against DI water for the determination of bound Se. All samples were analyzed by neutron activation analysis via^77mSe (17.4 s). A small dialyzable Se component (6%) (free Se), defined as the difference between the total Se minus the bound Se, was identified.     

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the uncatalyzed bromate oscillator

The characteristics of uncatalyzed bromate oscillator are altered in presence of -irradiation. These alterations could not be accounted for in terms of substrates acting as scavengers for hydrogen atoms. The alteration of the effective activity of the key species in presence of -irradiation can also account for the changes observed in the oscillation characteristics.     

Zur Frage des Einsatzes ionenspezifischer Elektroden in der Automation

Zusammenfassung Es wurden Untersuchungen mit anionenspezifischen Membranelektroden nach Pungor durchgeführt. Dazu werden Reproduzierbarkeit, Eichfunktion, Einstellzeiten bei auf- und absteigender Konzentration und Querempfindlichkeit im Hinblick auf den Einsatz in automatischen Systemen behandelt. Es wird vorgeschlagen, für die Angabe der Selektivität einen p-Sel analog zum pH zu verwenden, die Behandlung eines Analysensensorsystems wird vorgenommen.

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On the use of ion-specific electrodes in automation

Investigations on anion-specific membrane electrodes are described. Problems of reproducibility, calibration, time-response in respect of in- and decreasing concentrations and sensitivity to interfering ions are demonstrated and discussed with regard to automation. It is proposed to define a p-sel for the selectivity constant analogue to pH and a calculation method for an Analysis-Sensor-System is shown.

     

Chemical algebra. II: Discriminating pairing products

The algebra of stereogenic pairing equlibria is presented in a very general context. Starting from the notions of fuzzy subgroup and conjugacy link, chemical pairing constants between molecular speciesu andv having a skeletal symmetry groupG are formulated as pairing products on aG-Hilbert space. Discriminating pairing productsK are defined by the conditions: K 1 and K = 1 the representative vectors of the paired species areG-equivalent. WhenG has only two elements, the pairing product is always discriminating. For several skeletal symmetries, if the vectors are enantiomorphic (v = u, ² =e, G), thenK is greater than 1 and reaches 1 only ifu is achiral: chirality indexes and general permutational indexes are then defined fromK(u u). The general model is illustrated by some examples.     

Similarity and dissimilarity in posets

The relevance of partially ordered sets (or posets) in a wide diversity of contexts in chemistry is emphasized, and the utility of distance functions (or metrics) on such posets is noted. First a notion of scale similarity is introduced to make comparisons within certain so-called scaled posets, for which there is formulated natural comparators, which in turn lead to associated distance functions. Beyond taking note of several chemically relevant examples of these scaled posets and their consequent associated similarity measures, a second chemically relevant class of so-called shifted posets is similarly developed, with examples. Even further extension of some aspects of the current approach is indicated, and finally the multi-posetic character of chemical periodic law is suggested.     

Meeting the need for reference measurements

Summary Reference materials do fulfil a very useful function in that they provide means to check, verify and calibrate measurement procedures and instrumentation. However, the material is often idealized compared to real life samples: it is either (very) pure or does not correspond in concentration level or matrix to the real life case. It is shown how this situation could be remedied if real life samples with carefully assessed reference values could be made available regularly as unknowns to measurement laboratories. Comparison of the latter's measurements with the reference values then would provide a picture of the real performance of the particular measurement community in general and of each participating laboratory in particular. The opinion is expressed that isotope-specific methods have now matured to the stage that, if they are correctly applied under rigorous control and based on highly skilled expertise, they can provide such reference values against which laboratories can then evaluate their routine performance in regular Interlaboratory Measurement Evaluation Programmes (IMEPs).

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Wie der Notwendigkeit von Referenzmessungen entsprochen werden kann

     

Structural Transformations in Polydisperse Ferrofluids

Real polydisperse ferrofluid is modeled by a bidispersed magnetic colloid composed of large and small particles. It is assumed that the energy of magnetodipole interaction for small particles is much lower and that of large particles is substantially higher than their thermal energy. Therefore, large particles can combine into the chain and droplet aggregates that are present in a sea of small particles. The influence of small particles on the structurization in the ensemble of large particles is studied. It is shown that small particles can either prevent or stimulate these structural transformations depending on the parameters of a medium.     

Plutonium in soils, bottom sediments and lichen near peaceful nuclear explosion sites in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

During the 1974–1987 period 12 paceful nuclear explosions were conducted in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). For the first time^239,240Pu and²³⁸Pu concentrations were determined in samples of soils, bottom sediments and lichen taken at the Craton-3 and Crystal nuclear explosion sites. At the Craton-3^239,240Pu concentrations in the range 6.2 mBq/g to 5.9 Bq/g samples of soil and^239,240Pu concentrations up to 7.4 Bq/g in samples of lichen were observed.^239,240Pu concentration measurements in bottom sediments of a stream washing out the banking around the borehole of Craton-3 show that plutonium migrates in the direction of the Markha river. At the Crystal site local plutonium concentrations up to 35 Bq/g in soil and 1.8 Bq/g in lichen were observed.     

Understanding the properties of isospectral points and pairs in graphs: The concept of orthogonal relation

The mathematical property orthogonal relationship is used in proving the fact that isospectrality, isocodality and isocoefficiency of vertices within a graph are all equivalent. The same is true for isospectrality, strict isocodality and strict isocoefficiency of pairs (including edges) within a graph, whereas the weak versions of the latter properties are necessary but not sufficient for isospectrality of pairs. Similarly, necessary and sufficient conditions for isospectrality of vertices and pairs in different graphs are derived. In all these proofs, the concept of orthogonal relation plays a major role in that it allows the use of tools of elementary linear algebra.     

Zur Literaturdokumentation in der Analytischen Chemie

Zusammenfassung Anhand von 298 Referaten aus Fresenius Z. Anal. Chem. werden systematisch geordnete Listen von Indexbegriffen für die Bereiche Methoden und Anwendungen erstellt und auf diese Referate angewendet. Diese vorläufige Systematik umfaßt 63 und 32 Hauptindexwörter. Den dokumentierten Referaten wurden 815 Schlüsselwörter (Hauptindexwörter) zugeordnet (116 Referate mit 2, 134 Referate mit 3 Hauptindexwörtern, Minimum: 1, Maximum: 5). Für zwei Indexabschnitte, Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie und Geologisches Material, wird die vorgeschlagene Indexierung vorgestellt und mit der bisherigen in Fresenius Z. Anal. Chem. verglichen. Die überschaubare Zahl von 95 Hauptindexwörtern, die erkennbare, einfache Systematik und die Wahlmöglichkeiten von zusätzlichen Nebenindexwörtern sollen zu einer benutzerfreundlichen Dokumentation beitragen, welche hiermit zur Diskussion gestellt wird.

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Literature documentation in analytical chemistryIV. Development of a systematic, easily usable index and documentation system

Summary By means of 298 abstracts from Fresenius Z. Anal. Chem. systematically arranged lists of index terms for the fields methods and applications were compiled and used for these abstracts. This preliminary system contains 63 and 32 first index terms. 815 Key words were allocated to the abstracts (= first index terms): 116 abstracts with 2, 134 abstracts with 3 first index terms, minimum: 1, maximum: 5. For two index sections, l.e. atomic absorption spectrometry and geological materials, the proposed indexing system is presented and compared with the system hitherto used in Fresenius Z. Anal. Chem.. The favourable number of 95 first index words, the obviously simple system and the possibility of selecting additional second index terms should contribute to an easily usable documentation, which is herewith presented for discussion.

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Teil III: Fresenius Z Anal Chem (1982) 312:448–454     

Nest Defect as the Site of Stabilization of Transition Element Ions Implanted in High-Silica Zeolites. Cluster Calculation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) Ions Entrapped by the Zeolite Matrix

Cluster calculations of the structure of the nest defect in zeolites were carried out by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The hydroxyl groups of the defect form an ordered structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Immobilization of Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions by the nest defect from iron chlorides is discussed for the two limiting cases of rigid and labile lattices, and the resulting structures are compared. The implanted Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions are considered as the precursors of the selective oxidation centers formed by N₂O decomposition; the difference between the stabilization energies of oxygen on these centers is evaluated.     

New Cyclic Dimers of Cholic Acid

Summary. Two new cyclic dimers of cholic acid were obtained in the reaction of 3-O-acetyl methyl cholate with oxalyl chloride. The oxalates bound the cholate subunits side-to-side as a result of acylation of 7 and 12 OH groups in the substrate. The selective deprotection of hydroxy groups at C-3 and C-24 proved to be rather difficult and led to various products depending on the reaction conditions.     

Critical and statistically based evaluation,testing, comparison and optimization of capillary chromatography systems,the “ABT-concept” in capillary GC

Summary Capillary chromatography is important owing to its separating power, but much of this power is theoretical only because in current practice the separation efficiency theoretically possible, expressed in peaks separated per time unit or per chromatographic unit (i.e. k-units) is not yet even partially realized. A dramatic improvement would be possible, if we could learn to master the most important and basic parameter b_o, the starting peak width, which is a time value. b_o, the slope a (of peak width which increases with time) and the dead time t_m are the three basic chromatographic parameters, independent of the substances being chromatographed. They build a complete practically oriented theory. Application of this theory ensures full optimization of the separation capillary, improvement of the instrument and technique used and the data handling. The theoretical background, experimental results, and the statistically based data handling for testing a capillary and independently, for testing an instrument, are given. Everything discussed here is based on the critical evaluation of the chromatogram and the use of small programmed pocket computers. It is shown that the theoretical or the effective plate number or the plate height data basically and principally cannot describe the separation efficiency in capillary chromatography because of incomplete correlation. Therefore three basic quantities, independent of the substances used and independent of each other are necessary to develop and describe critical quality data for testing and optimization of capillary chromatography. An improved plate height concept is useful but it is better to develop a best possible capillary and describe its true quality. This real plate height unit which is free from instrumental influences when measured experimentally, is defined and introduced in capillary chromatography. Dramatic improvements should be possible depending on how we can reach the theoretical limit of b_o.     

Theoretical am1 studies of inclusion complexes of α- and β-cyclodextrins with methylated benzoic acids and phenol,and γ-cyclodextrin with buckminsterfullerene

Semiempirical AM1 calculations have been performed on the inclusion complexes of - and -cyclodextrin with benzoic acid and phenol and -cyclodextrin with methylated benzoic acids in the head first and tail first positions. The results show that -cyclodextrin complexes with phenol and benzoic acid guests in the head first position are more stable than in the tail first position, while -cyclodextrin complexes with the same guests prefer the tail first position. The preferred orientation for -cyclodextrin with methylated benzoic acids is determined by the position of the methyl substituent(s). In general, para-methyl benzoic acid derivatives prefer the tail first position. -cyclodextrin forms a slightly unstable 1:1 complex with C₆₀ (3.4 kcal/mol), but two -cyclodextrins provide enough stabilization by about 10 kcal/mol to cage-in the C₆₀.     

The use of a modified Westcott-formalism in thek o-standardization of NAA: The state of affairs

Recently, the introduction was proposed of the Westcott-formalism in the k_o-standardization method, in order to enable the handling of analytically important non-1/v (n, ) reactions. In the present paper some elucidations are given to the Westcott-basedk _o-method: the black box of Westcott's g+rs formalism is opened; procedures and formulas are given for the experimental determination of the flux parameters and a survey is presented of the status of the nuclear data.     

An investigation of micro-brownian motions in polydimethylsiloxane by complementary incoherent-neutron-scattering and nuclear-magnetic-resonance experiments below room temperature

Two different experimental methods, neutron scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance are used to investigate the random methyl group and segmental rotational jump motions in polydimethylsiloxane. It is shown that nuclear magnetic relaxation and line width experiments are complementary to incoherent neutron scattering fixed-window experiments, the principle of the fixed-window experiments being discussed in somewhat detail. Satisfactory agreement of these experimental techniques is achieved as to the determination of the two model parameters of the motional processes in question, i. e. the activation energy and the preexponential factor of the Arrhenius ansatz made for the correlation time or jump time, respectively.Contribution partly presented during the meeting of the Macromolecular Club, June 8–10, 1983 in Uppsala, the spring conference of the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft, March 12–17, 1984 in Münster and the Fourth International Seminar on Polymer Physics, October 22–26, 1984 in Eyba (GDR).     

Preliminary phantom measurements for in vivo activation analysis of calcium in the human forearm

Preliminary phantom measurements were carried out for regional determination of calcium in the human forearm. Two paraffine phantoms /large and small/ were activated, either in the free space or surrounded by paraffine plates, by a²⁵²Cf neutron source. Differences between neutron flux densities in positions of the ulna and radius are discussed.     

Designed synthesis for some transition metal clusters involving bridging-sulfido ligand

Designed synthesis for some transition metal clusters involving bridging-sulfido ligands is reviewed. The basic concept with the use of reactive fragments as building blocks is described. It is shown that the sulfido ligands with lone-pair electrons and the unsaturated coordination sites play important roles in this rational synthesis. The relationship between the metallic coordination types of the sulfido ligands and their assembling activity in the compounds is summarized. Examples of the six kinds of unit construction with reactive fragments as building blocks are shown, indicating clearly that the unit construction is a reasonable way in the synthesis of transition metal clusters involving bridging sulfido ligands. Finally, the potential application of the unit construction schemes in the synthesis of transition metal clusters involving other bridging ligands is presented.