Bioaccessibility of selected trace metals in urban PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> and PM<Subscript>10</Subscript> samples: a model study

Bioaccessibility of trace metals originating from urban particulate matter was assessed in a worst case scenario to evaluate the uptake and thus the hazardous potential of these metals via gastric juice. Sampling was performed over a period of about two months at the Getreidemarkt in downtown Vienna. Concentrations of the assayed trace metals (Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Tl and Pb) were determined in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ samples by ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in sampled air were in the low picogram to high nanogram per cubic metre range. The concentrations in PM_2.5 samples were generally lower than those in PM₁₀ samples. The average daily intake of these metals by inhalation for a healthy adult was estimated to be in the range of <1 ng (Tl) to >1,000 ng (Zn). To estimate the accessibility of the inhaled and subsequently ingested metals (i.e. after lung clearance had taken place) in the size range from 2.5- to 10-μm aerodynamic equivalent diameter, a batch-extraction with synthetic gastric juice was performed. The data were used to calculate the bioaccessibility of the investigated trace metals. Extractable fractions ranged from 2.10% (Ti in PM_2.5) to 91.0% (Cd in PM_2.5), thus yielding bioaccessible fractions (PM_2.5–10) from 0.16 ng (Ag) to 178 ng (Cu).     

Analysis of urban dust (PM<Subscript>2</Subscript>/PM<Subscript>10-2</Subscript>) in Daejeon city by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Summary As part of an air pollution monitoring study, airborne particulate matter (PM₂/PM_10-2) samples were collected from 2000 to 2003 at two sampling sites in an urban region, Daejeon, the middle of Korea. Mass concentrations of both fine and coarse fractions and that of the black carbon in the fine particles were measured using the Gent stacked filter unit sampler and the smoke stain reflectometer, respectively. In the collected samples the concentrations of 24 elements were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Monitored data were investigated for their temporal trends under different environmental conditions and their seasonal correlation patterns. Crustal enrichment factors were also estimated to establish the contribution between anthropogenic and crustal origin. Patterns for airborne particle matter (APM) and elemental concentrations, seasonal variation of some marker elements were investigated. The results can be applied for the investigation of further air pollution sources and for the evaluation of air quality.     

Source identification and long-term monitoring of airborne particulate matter (PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript>/PM<Subscript>10</Subscript>) in an urban region of Korea

Summary For the identification of air pollution sources, about 500 airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5and PM₁₀) samples were collected by using a Gent air sampler and a polycarbonate filter in an urban region in the middle of Korea from 2000 to 2003. The concentrations of 25 elements in the samples were measured by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Receptor modeling was performed on the air monitoring data by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF2) method. According to this analysis, the existence of 6 to 10PMF factors, such as metal-alloy, oil combustion, diesel exhaust, coal combustion, gasoline exhaust, incinerator, Cu-smelter, biomass burning, sea-salt, and soil dust were identified.     

Synthesis and structure of the polymeric complex [Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Ph<Subscript>3</Subscript>P)<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>

A method for the synthesis of the silver(I) complex with the closo-decaborate anion and triphenylphosphine [Ag₂(Ph₃P)₂B₁₀H₁₀] _n was developed and the structure of this complex was studied. The polymeric chain of the complex is formed with participation of Ag(I) atoms, which coordinate the B₁₀H₁₀²⁻ anions through the apical (B(1)–B(2), B(9)–B(10)) and equatorial (B(3)–B(6), B(5)–B(8)) edges, the metalligand bonding occurring through three-center two-electron bonds (MHB). The P atoms of two triphenylphosphine molecules are also incorporated in the inner coordination sphere of the metal: the CN of the silver atom is 4 + 1.     

Mass spectrometric determination of the electron affinity of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>10</Subscript> and C<Subscript>60</Subscript>(CF<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>12</Subscript> molecules

Knudsen cell mass spectrometry was used to study ion-molecular electron exchange reactions between some trifluoromethyl derivatives of C₆₀ fullerene. Electron affinity values were experimentally determined for C₆₀(CF₃)₁₀ and the S ₆ isomer of C₆₀(CF₃)₁₂ and compared with the results of calculations and the data in the literature.     

[1-B<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>9</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript> and [1-CB<Subscript>9</Subscript>H<Subscript>10</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript> anions: an attempt of quantum chemical calculations

Comparative quantum chemical calculations of structural parameters, chemical shifts of ¹¹B NMR spectra, and atomic charges in 10-vertex boron hydride anions [1-CB₉H₁₀]⁻ and [1-B₁₀H₉N₂]⁻ were performed using the restricted Hartree-Fock method with the 6-31++G(D,P) basis set. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1853–1855, September, 2007.     

Phase relations in the CoO–V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>–Fe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> system in subsolidus area

Thermal properties of Co₂FeV₃O₁₁ have been reinvestigated. It has been proved that this compound does not exhibit polymorphism. It melts incongruently at the temperature of 770±5°C and the phase with lyonsite type structure is the solid product of this melting. Phase relations in the whole subsolidus area of the CoO–V₂O₅–Fe₂O₃ system have been determined. The solidus area projection onto the component concentration triangle plane of this system has been constructed using the DTA and XRD methods. 15 subsidiary subsystems can be distinguished in this system.     

Selective solid-phase extraction of trace thallium with nano-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> from environmental samples

A novel sorbent, nano-Al₂O₃ was employed for the separation and preconcentration of thallium from aqueous solution in batch equilibrium experiments. It was found that the adsorption percentage of thallium ions was close to 100% at pH 4.5, and the desorption by 1.0 mL of 0.25 M HCl reached 99%. The adsorption equilibrium was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 5.78 mg/g (20 ± 0.1°C). The enrichment factor values of Tl(III) was 25 for 25 mL sample. Detection limit of thallium (3σ, n = 11) equal to 0.8 μg/mL and relative standard deviation (2.4%) were obtained. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of trace thallium in some environmental samples and the certified reference material polymetallic nodule (GBW07296) with satisfactory results.     

Kinetics of processes occurring at a H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PW<Subscript>12</Subscript>O<Subscript>40</Subscript>/Pt,H<Subscript>2</Subscript> interface depending on the platinum content on the electrode

Kinetics of processes occurring at H⁺/solid electrolyte/Pt, H₂ three-phase interface are studied subject to the platinum content on the electrode. The study was performed with model electrochemical cells PbO₂/H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/Pt with different platinum content at the working electrode that consisted of platinum deposited onto the E-Tek LT1200-N carbon-nanotubes paper. On the basis of the obtained results, the occurring processes were practically fully separated. It is shown by the analyzing of relaxation curves that there exist at least two processes in the system: the faster one corresponds to the hydrogen reaction; the slower, to the oxygen one. The rates of both processes depend on the platinum content at the working electrode; they have an extreme at the platinum concentration of 0.5 mg/cm². Impedance data allowed revealing the processes’ limiting stages. The experimental data allowed suggesting that at low platinum content the relaxation time is determined by the electrochemical reaction rate; at higher content, by gas diffusion through the platinum dense layer.     

Thermal stability of layered perovskite-like oxides NaNdTiO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nd<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript>

Thermal stabilities of layered perovskite-like oxides NaNdTiO₄ and Na₂Nd₂Ti₃O₁₀ were studied in the temperature ranges from 780 to 1100°C and from 1100 to 1400°C, respectively. Chemical mechanism of their thermal decomposition was proposed. Higher thermal stability of Na₂Nd₂Ti₃O₁₀ was rationalized on the basis of crystallochemical data.     

Thermodynamics of Zr<Subscript>52.5</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>17.9</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>14.6</Subscript>Al<Subscript>10</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>5</Subscript> bulk metallic glass forming alloy

Recently, multicomponent glass forming alloys have been found which exhibit extraordinary glass forming ability and cooling rates of less than 100 K/s are sufficient to suppress nucleation of crystalline phases and consequently bulk metallic glass (BMG) is formed. The undercooled melts of BMG systems have high thermal stability in the undercooled region. Therefore, it is interesting to study the thermodynamics of such materials. This article investigates the thermodynamic behavior of a BMG system namely Zr_52.5Cu_17.9Ni_14.6Al₁₀Ti₅ by estimating the Gibbs free energy difference ΔG, entropy difference ΔS, enthalpy difference ΔH between the undercooled liquid and corresponding equilibrium crystalline solid phase, in the entire temperature range from T _m to T _K. Glass forming ability (GFA) of this system has been investigated through various GFA parameters indicating the degree of ease of glass formation.     

Structure and electrical conductivity of cobalt-doped Bi<Subscript>26</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>10</Subscript>O<Subscript>69</Subscript>

The existence boundaries, structures, and transport parameters of Bi_{1 ? x} Co _x [Bi₁₂O₁₄]Mo₅O_{20 ± δ} and Bi[Bi₁₂O₁₄]Mo_{5 ? y} Co _y O_{20 ± δ} solid solutions, which have a unique columnar structure, were studied. Electrical conductivity in these solid solutions was studied by impedance spectroscopy.     

Crystal structure of a new ternary molybdate in the Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Eu<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Hf(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> system

A ternary salt system Rb₂MoO₄-Eu₂(MoO₄)₃-Hf(MoO₄)₂ was studied in the subsolidus area by X-ray phase analysis. A novel ternary molybdate, Rb_4.98Eu_0.86Hf_1.11(MoO₄)₆, formed in the system. The Rb_4.98Eu_0.86Hf_1.11(MoO₄)₆ rubidium-europium-hafnium molybdate crystals were grown by solution-melt crystallization under the spontaneous nucleation conditions. The structure and composition of this compound were refined by single crystal X-ray diffraction (X8 APEX automated diffractometer, MoK _α radiation, 1753 F(hkl), R = 0.0183). The crystals are trigonal, a = b = 10.7264(1) Å, c = 38.6130(8) Å, V = 3847.44(9) ų, Z = 6, space group R \(\bar 3\) c. The three-dimensional mixed framework of the structure comprises Mo tetrahedra and two types of octahedra, (Eu,Hf)O₆ and HfO₆. The large cavities of the framework include two types of the rubidium atom. The distribution of the Eu³⁺ and Hf⁴⁺ cations over two crystallographic positions was refined.     

Films of certain oxides of rare-earth elements as the activators of platinum electrode on ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> + 10 mol % Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> electrolyte

The characteristics of porous Pt/YSZ (ZrO₂ + 10 mol % Y₂O₃) electrodes activated with small amounts of either oxides of rare-earth elements (REE) of the cerium subgroup (CeO₂, PrO _x , TbO _x ) or a mixed oxide with the Сe₂Tb₄O₁₁ composition by the procedure of impregnating the electrodes with ethanol solutions of REE nitrates and subsequent heating at 850°С are studied by the impedance method. The studies are carried out for those cases where the REE oxides after thermal treatment form a film on the electrolyte and also where no activator film is formed. The characteristics of films and activated electrodes are compared. Film-activated Pt/YSZ electrodes are discussed within the framework of the model of compact oxide electrodes.     

Phase formation in the Ag<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MgMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> system

The subsolidus region of the Ag₂MoO₄-MgMoO₄-Al₂(MoO₄)₃ ternary salt system has been studied by X-ray phase analysis. The formation of new compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ has been determined. The Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ variable-composition phase is related to the NASICON type structure (space group R \(\bar 3\) c). AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ is isostructural to sodium magnesium indium molybdate of the same formula unit and crystallizes in triclinic system (space group P \(\bar 1\), Z = 2) with the following unit cell parameters: a = 9.295(7) Å, b = 17.619(2) Å, c = 6.8570(7) Å, α = 87.420(9)°, β = 101.109(9)°, γ = 91.847(9)°. The compounds Ag_{1 ? x} Mg_{1 ? x} Al_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ and AgMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ are thermally stable up to 790 and 820°C, respectively.     

Photochemical properties of mixed-ligand europium compounds of Eu(C<Subscript>10</Subscript>H<Subscript>11</Subscript>F<Subscript>7</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>D composition

The intensively luminescing mixed-ligand europium compounds were synthesized of the composition Eu(C₁₀H₁₁F₇O₂)₃D, where C₁₀H₁₁F₇O₂ is heptafluorodimethyloctanedione, D is either 1,10-phenanthroline (C₁₂H₈N₂), triphenylphosphine oxide (C₁₈H₁₅PO), hexamethylphosphoramide (C₆H₁₈N₃PO), benzotriazole (C₆H₅N₃), or phenylguanidine [(C₆H₅NH)₂ =NH]. The luminescent properties of europium compounds in the crystalline state and in a polymer matrix of high-pressure polyethylene (HPPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and kinetics of the luminescence intensity decay under UV radiation were studied. The most photo-resistant in HDPE and PVC was found to be Eu(C₁₀H₁₁F₇O₂)₃Ph₃PO.     

Electrochemical oxidation and reduction of La<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript> in alkaline media

In this work we used electrochemical polarization for oxidizing and reducing, in a controlled way, the Ruddlesden-Popper phase La₄Ni₃O₁₀. With a careful choice of electrochemical parameters, we were able to obtain samples of La₄Ni₃O_10± never obtained before. The oxygen stoichiometry can range between 9.78 (=–0.22) and 10.12 (=0.12). The oxidized phase, La₄Ni₃O_10.12, was obtained using a galvanostatic mode (I=20 A) and the reduced phase, La₄Ni₃O_9.78, using potentiostatic conditions (E=0.46 V). The evolution of the electrical conductivity has been studied as a function of .     

Enthalpy of formation of talc Mg<Subscript>3</Subscript>[Si<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript>](OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> according to dissolution calorimetry

A thermochemical study of natural talc was performed by high-temperature melt dissolution calorimetry on a Tian-Calvet calorimeter. Based on the total values of the increment in enthalpy upon heating the sample from room temperature to 973 K, and of the dissolution enthalpy at 973 K measured in this work for talc and gibbsite (along with those determined for tremolite, brucite, and their corresponding oxides), the enthalpy of formation was calculated for talc composed of elements, Mg₃[Si₄O₁₀](OH)₂, at 298.15 K: Δ_f H _el^o(298.15 K) = −5900.6 ± 4.7 kJ/mol.     

Source tracing of chromium-, manganese-, nickel- and zinc-containing particles (PM<Subscript>10</Subscript>) by micro-PIXE spectrum

Due to the interesting anti-proliferative properties of gallium-thiosemicarbazone complexes, the production of [⁶⁷Ga]labeled 2-acetylpyridine 4,4-dimethyl thiosemicarbazone (APTSM₂) was investigated. The freshly prepared [⁶⁷Ga]GaCl₃ was mixed with 2-acetylpyridine 4,4-dimethyl thiosemicarbazone for 60 minutes at 90 °C to yield [⁶⁷Ga]APTSM₂ with a radiochemical yield of more than 98%. Radio-thin-layer-chromatography (RTLC) showed a radiochemical purity of more than 99%. A specific activity of about 370–740 MBq/mmol (10–20 Ci/mmol) was obtained. The stability of the final product was checked in the absence and presence of human serum at 37 °C. The partition coefficient of the final complex was also determined. The biodistribution of the labeled compound in normal rats was compared with that of free Ga³⁺ cation up to 22 hours.