Characterisation of the seasonal exposure to air pollutants for a respiratory epidemiological study

In 2006, elementary schools of inner-city Lisbon, Portugal were given questionnaires to identify respiratory problems. In 1,175 children aged 5–10 years, 27.7% reported rhinitis, 2.5% reported hay fever and 25.9% reported asthma symptoms. April and August were the months with higher incidence of rhinitis, with a considerable difference nonetheless (10.5% and 2.3%, respectively.). The former trends are addressed here by using meteorological data, PM_2.5, and its elemental speciation. Mann-Whitney U-tests were applied to the data sets. Significantly higher values were found for humidity, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Sb and Zn in April, and for temperature, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ in August. Commuter and heavy-duty traffic may contribute to rhinitis episodes.     

Mixed-ligand complex formation equilibria of CuII with biguanide in presence of glycine as the auxiliary ligand

Equilibrium study on the mixed ligand complex formation of Cu^II with biguanide(Bg) and glycine (HG), indicated the formation of the complexes: Cu(Bg)²⁺, Cu(Bg) ₂ ²⁺ , Cu(Bg-H)(Bg)+, Cu(Bg-H)₂, Cu(Bg)(OH)⁺, Cu(Bg-H)(OH); Cu(G)⁺, Cu(G)(OH), Cu(G)₂; Cu(G)(Bg)⁺, Cu(G)(Bg-H); (G)Cu(Bg)Cu(G)²⁺, (G)Cu(Bg-H)Cu(G)⁺, and (G)Cu(Bg-2H)Cu(G). From the deprotonation constants of coordinated biguanide (Bg) in the complexes Cu(Bg)(OH)⁺, Cu(Bg-H)(Bg)⁺ and Cu(G)(Bg)⁺, the Lewis basicities of the coordinated ligand species (Bg-H)^-, OH^- and glycinate (G^-) were found to be of the order: (Bg-H)^-≫ OH^- > G^-. Bridging (N¹-N⁴, N²-N⁵) tetradentate mode of coordination by biguanide species Bg, (Bg-H)^- and (Bg2H)^2- was indicated from the occurrence of biguanide-bridged dinuclear mixed ligand complexes (G)Cu(Bg)Cu(G)²⁺, (G)Cu(Bg-H)Cu(G)⁺, (G)Cu(Bg-2H)Cu(G) in the complexation equilibria.     

Antimonypentafluoroorthotellurates: Sb(OTeF5)3, Sb(OTeF5)5 and salts of Sb(OTeF5)6−

Antimony(III)pentafluoroorthotellurate has been synthesized from SbF₃ and B(OTeF₅)₃. Contrary to a previous report it is a low melting, sublimable solid (mp = 28°, bp (0.1 torr) = 68°, ¹⁹F - NMR: AB₄ spinsystem δ (A) = ?42.7, δ (B) = ?38.1, J (AB) = 186 Hz). It reacts with F₂, Cl₂ and Br₂ to give SbF₂(OTeF₅)₃, SbCl₄⁺Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? and SbBr₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? respectively. Interaction of Xe(OTeF₅)₂ and Sb(OTeF₅)₃ yields Sb(OTeF₅)₅, which is unstable at room temperature. Salts containing the new anion Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? have been synthesized either from Sb(OTeF₅)₅ and a corresponding pentafluoroorthotellurate e.g. Sb(OTeF₅)₅ + NMe₄⁺ OTeF₅^? = NMe₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^?, or from SbCl₄ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? and an appropriate chloride SbCl₄⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? + NOCl = SbCl₅ + NO⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^?, or oxidatively, using a mixture of Xe(OTeF₅)₂ and Sb(OTeF₅)₅, e.g. C₆F₆ + $\text{1}\text{2}$ Xe(OTeF₅)₂ + Sb(OTeF₅)₅ = C₆F₆⁺ Sb(OTeF₅)₆^? + $\text{1}\text{2}$ Xe.     

Source apportionment of trace elements in the Eastern Mediterranean atmosphere

Concentrations of elements and ions, measured in aerosol samples collected during 1993 were investigated to identify sources and source composition of aerosols in the Eastern Mediterranean atmosphere. The factor analysis have shown that Eastern Mediterranean aerosol is a four-component system, including a crustal component, long-range transported pollution component, a marine component and a local pollution component. Main anthropogenic component, which reaches to the region by long-range transport accounts for 70%-90% of the concentrations of Zn, Se, NO_3-, nss-SO₄ ^2-, NH₄ ⁺ and smaller fractions of V, Sb, Cr and Mn concentrations. According to the quantitative analysis of local and Saharan dust components, the most promising marker elements to distinguish Saharan dust from local soil were found to be Cr, Nd, Mg and Cs as they have significantly different compositions in the local soil and Saharan dust.     

Multivariate statistical study of simultaneously monitored cloud water, aerosol and rainwater data from different elevation levels in an Alpine valley (Achenkirch, Tyrol, Austria)

The present paper deals with data interpretation of monitoring of various atmospheric events (cloud water, aerosol and rainwater) at three different elevation levels at Achenkirch profile in an Alpine valley, Tyrol, Austria (Christlumkopf-1758 m, Christlumalm-1280 m and Talboden-930 m a.s.l.) by the use of principal components analysis. From October 1995 to September 1996 sampling sessions for all sites from the profile and for all events were performed for the major ions NH₄⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻-44 cases with eight variables for rainwater; 117 cases with eight variables for cloud water samples and 50 cases with seven variables for aerosol (the major ions as in rain- and cloud water but without magnesium) at any of the elevations. The aim of the multivariate statistical treatment was to extract information about latent factors determining the data structure in all of the cases in order to compare and interpret similarities and dissimilarities with respect to the elevation or the type of the atmospheric event. Four latent factors seem to explain over 85% of the total variance for almost all sites and events but the factors have different identification for the different events or sites (e.g. ‘anthropogenic’, ‘crustal’, ‘neutralization’, ‘salt’). Thus, a comparison between sites and between events becomes possible. It was found that cloud water and aerosol events are much more similar with respect to data structure (relevant to emission sources or processes of formation) than the same events and rainwater. Further, the upper sites of the profile (Christlumkopf and Christlumalm) also reveal data structure similarity differing from that of the lowest site Talboden.     

The determination of trace levels of aluminium by differential pulse polarography

The direct determination of aluminium in aqueous solutions by differential pulse polarography is described. If the pH is carefully controlled to 4.00 ± 0.01, there is a linear relationship between the peak height of the polarographic wave and the aluminium concentration up to 2.5 × 10^-5 mol dm^-3. The coefficient of variation is about 4% at the 10^-5 mol dm^-3 level. With increasing aluminium concentrations, the relationship ceases to be linear, and above 9 × 10^-5 mol dm^-3, the peak splits, probably because of hydrolysis and polymerisation. Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ interfere at levels 100 times greater than that of the aluminium whereas Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, NO₃^-, ClO₄^-, Cl^- and SO₄^2- do not interfere.     

Further improvements in the 2,4-xylenol spectrophotometric method for nitrate

Improvements are described for the 2,4-xylenol spectrophotometric method for nitrate that reduce the elapsed and working time. Diluted (22 + 3) sulfuric acid is added quickly to the sample solution while the flask is immersed in tap water. 2,4-xylenol solution is added, the 6-nitro-2,4-xylenol formed is steam-distilled into a composite ammonia—isopropanol reagent, and the absorbance of the ammonium salt of 6-nitro-2,4-xylenol is measured. Further possible interferences are described. Br₂, I₂, ClO^-, CIO₃^-, BrO₃^-, and I0₄^-, cause low results by deactivating or destroying the 2,4-xylenol. Azide, hydrazine, and elemental carbon cause low results by reducing the nitrate in the strong sulfuric acid solution. Se⁺ causes low results because 2,4-xylenol is consumed in reducing Se⁴⁺ to the element. Pt⁴⁺ and Os⁸⁺ cause high results. Interferences from Br₂, I₂, ClO^-, ClO₃^- lO₃^-, and I0₄^- can be eliminated by reduction to the halide with sulfurous acid and precipitation with silver sulfate. Sulfurous acid reduction also eliminates interferences from V⁵⁺. Mn⁷⁺, Cr⁶⁺, S₂O₈^2-, and H₂0₂. Interferences from N₃^-, Br₂, I₂, and S₂0₈^2- are eliminated merely by boiling a 0.5% sulfuric acid solution for 30 min (and precipitating any residual halide with silver sulfate).     

Solvent Extraction of Selenate and Chromate Using a Diaminocalix[4]arene

The extraction of Se(VI) and Cr(VI) using a diammoniumcalix[4]arene was investigated. A study of parameters such as ligand concentration, pH or diluent was carried out and allowed to specify the stoichiometry of the extracted species. It was shown that Se(VI) is extracted into CHCl₃ as (LH₂ ²⁺, Cl^-, HSeO₄ ^-) and ((LH₂ ²⁺)₂, 2Cl^-, SeO₄ ^2-)species at pH 2.6. An increase of pH or an addition of 5% or 10% decanol in CHCl₃ favors the extraction of SeO₄ ^2- over HSeO₄ ^- but leads to a drastic decrease of seleniumextraction. Cr(VI) was shown to be extracted as(LH₂ ²⁺, Cl^-, HCrO₄ ^-) at pH 2.6 and probably as (LH⁺, HCrO₄ ^-) for higher pH.     

Synthesis and structure of bismuth-containing complexes [(Ph4BiO)2{2,5-(CH3)2C6H3S(O)}] 2 + [Ph2Bi2I6]2−,[(Ph4Bi]+[PhBi(C5H5N)I3]−, [Ph4Sb] 4 + [Bi4I16]4−⋅2(CH3)2 C=O, and [Ph4Sb] 3 + [Bi5I18]3−

The reactions of tetraphenylbismuthonium and -stibonium salts Ph₄EX (E = Bi, Sb; X = I, OSO₂ (C₆H₃(CH₃)₂-2,5), OSO₂C₆H₃(OH-4)(COOH-3)) with bismuth triiodide in acetone afford complexes [Ph₄Bi]⁺[PhBi(C₅H₅N)I₃]^-, [(Ph₄BiO)₂S(O){2,5-(CH₃)₂C₆H₃S(O)} [Ph₂Bi₂I₆]^2–, [Ph₄Sb [Bi₄I₁₆]^4-·2(CH₃)²C=O, and [Ph₄Sb] ₃₊ ⁺ [Bi₅I₁₈]^3-, whose structural units, according to the X-ray diffraction data, are tetraphenylbismuthonium (-stibonium) cations and mono-, di-, tetra-, and pentanuclear anions, respectively.     

钙钛矿结构荧光材料MZrO3:Eu3+,A (M=Ca2+, Ba2+; A=Li+, Na+, K+)的制备及其发光性质

Calcium and barium zirconate powders based upon CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,A and BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,A (A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) were prepared by combustion synthesis method and heating to ~1000℃ to improve crystallinity.The structure and morphology of materials were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanningelectron microscopy (SEM). XRD results showed that CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,A and BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,A (A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) perovskites possessed orthorhombic and cubic structures, respectively. The morphologies of all powderswere very similar consisting of small, coagulated, cubical particles with narrow size distributions andsmooth and regular surfaces. The characteristic luminescences of Eu³⁺ ions in CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,A (A=Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) lattices were present with strong emissions at 614 and 625 nm for ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions with other weakeremissions observed at 575, 592, 655, and 701 nm corresponding to ⁵D₀→⁷F_n transitions (where n=0, 1, 3, 4 respectively). In BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ both the ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions at 595 and 613 nm were strong.Photoluminescence intensities of CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ samples were higher than those of BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ lattices. Thisremarkable increase of photoluminescence intensity (corresponding to ⁵D₀→⁷F_n transitions) was observedin CaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ and BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺ if co-doped with Li⁺ ions. An additional broad band composed of manypeaks between 440 to 575 nm was observed in BaZrO₃:Eu³⁺,,A samples. The intensity of this band wasgreatest in Li⁺ co-doped samples and lowest for K⁺ doped samples.     

Enhanced photoluminescence of Ba2GdNbO6: Eu/Dy phosphors by Li doping

The Ba₂GdNbO₆: Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ and Li⁺-doped Ba₂GdNbO₆: Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) as well as lifetimes, was utilized to characterize the resulting phosphors. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light, the Ba₂GdNbO₆: Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ and Li⁺-doped Ba₂GdNbO₆: Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ show the characteristic emissions of Eu³⁺ (⁵D₀-⁷F_1,2,3 transitions dominated by ⁵D₀-⁷F₁ at 593 nm) and Dy³⁺ (⁴F_9/2-⁶H_15/2,_13/2 transitions dominated by ⁴F_9/2-⁶H_15/2 at 494 nm), respectively. The incorporation of Li⁺ ions into the Ba₂GdNbO₆: Eu³⁺/Dy³⁺ phosphors has enhanced the PL intensities depending on the doping concentration of Li⁺, and the highest emission was obtained in Ba₂Gd_0.9NbO₆: 0.10Eu³⁺, 0.01Li⁺ and Ba₂Gd_0.95NbO₆: 0.05Dy³⁺, 0.07Li⁺, respectively. An energy level diagram was proposed to explain the luminescence process in the phosphors.     

Solvent extraction of strontium into nitrobenzene using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of 12-crown-4

Extraction of microamounts of strontium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^-) in the presence of 12-crown-4 (12C4,L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes HL⁺, HL₂ ⁺, SrL²⁺ and SrL₂ ^+2- are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined.     

Bis(trifluoromethyl)fluorsulfonium(IV)-metallate(V) [1] (CF3)2SF+MF6- (M = As,Sb)

The preparation of (CF₃)₂SF⁺MF₆^- (M = As, Sb) is reported. New salts have been synthesized from the reaction of (CF₃)₂SF₂ with strong Lewis acids and CF₃SCF₃ with XeF⁺MF₆^- (M = As, Sb). They are characterised by Raman- and NMR - spectroscopy.     

Potentiometric titration of free acid in salt solutions after addition of potassium oxalate as a complexing agent

An intersect method was used to determine free acid in the presence of Al³⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe³⁺, VO₃^- and Zr⁴⁺. Hydrolysis at higher pH values can be overcome by titrating solutions containing Bi(III), Ce(IV), Sb(III), Sn(II), UO₂²⁺ and VO₂²⁺ to a predetermined pH of 6.05 in potassium oxalate media, if phosphate is absent. The presence of sodium salts requires the use of sodium oxalate.     

Opposite effect of Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> codoping on the upconversion emissions of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> powders

The Er³⁺-Li⁺ codoped TiO₂ powders have been prepared by the non-aqueous sol–gel method. The green and red upconversion emissions centered at about 526, 550 and 663 nm were observed by the ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, respectively. Li⁺ codoping has opposite effect on the upconversion emissions intensities for Er³⁺-doped TiO₂ at sintering temperatures of 1,073 and 1,273 K. At 1,073 K, the Er³⁺-doped TiO₂ phase transition from anatase to rutile was accelerated with increasing Li⁺ codoping concentration, leading to the increase of crystal field symmetry of Er³⁺, thus the upconversion emissions intensities decreased. At 1,273 K, Li⁺ codoping had no effect on the phase structure of Er³⁺-doped TiO₂ and only increased the Er–O bond length, it indicated that the upconversion emissions intensities greatly enhanced because of the decrease of crystal field symmetry of Er³⁺.     

Halbquantitative analyse durch messung der entfärbungs-zeit von tüpfelflecken

A rapid semiquantitative method is described based on measurement of the time required for decolorization of spotreactions on filter paper strips by suitable reagents, This very simple method yields results which are accurate to ± 10%. The method has been verified for several ions (Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, JO₃^-,Cu²⁺, CrO₄^2-). The utility of this method for the characterization and differentiation of filter papers is indicated.     

The stability constants of some bivalent metal complexes of α-hydroxyisobutyrate and lactate

The stability constants of the lactate and α-hydroxyisobutyrate complexes of Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and UO₂²⁺ were determined by potentiometric titration. The average ligand number exceeds 2, indicating the formation of ML⁺, ML₂ and ML₃^- complexes. The existence of ML₃^- complexes was confirmed by electrophoretic experiments; no polynuclear complexes were formed. α-Hydroxyisobutyrate forms stronger complexes than lactate.     

Extraction of microamounts of yttrium from water into nitrobenzene using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of 15-crown-5

Summary Extraction of microamounts of yttrium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^-) in the presence of 15-crown-5 (15C5,L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes HL⁺, HL_2,⁺, YL³⁺, YL_2,³⁺and YH_-1L_2,²⁺are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined.     

Extraction of calcium into nitrobenzene by using hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of 12-crown-4

Extraction of microamounts of calcium by a nitrobenzene solution of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^-) in the presence of 12-crown-4 (12C4,L) has been investigated. The equilibrium data have been explained assuming that the complexes HL⁺, HL₂ ⁺, CaL²⁺ and CaL₂ ²⁺ are extracted into the organic phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the species in nitrobenzene saturated with water have been determined.     

Determination of soluble ions and elements in ambient air suspended particulate matter: Inter-technique comparison of XRF, IC and ICP for sample-by-sample quality control

In this paper, we describe a validation procedure for chemical fractionation analysis of elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Si, Sr, Ti and V) and soluble ions (Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) in suspended particulate matter (PM). The procedure applies three distinct measurement techniques (XRF, IC and ICP-OES) to the analysis of individual samples. The techniques used generate different outputs at different stages in the procedure. This makes it possible to identify the contributions of specific parameters to measurement uncertainty. On this basis, we propose a scheme for controlling the analytical quality of data from individual samples in which inter-technique comparisons is used in the same way many analytical methods use surrogates. We apply this scheme to about 310 samples of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 identifying and assessing the main factors contributing to measurement uncertainty. This procedure successfully resolved a number of difficulties frequently encountered during the analysis of PM, including lack of appropriate reference materials and the low reliability of alternative techniques of quality control. The results demonstrate the critical importance of sample treatment prior to destructive analysis by IC and ICP.