Differentiation and characterization of isotopically modified silver nanoparticles in aqueous media using asymmetric-flow field flow fractionation coupled to optical detection and mass spectrometry

The principal objective of this work was to develop and demonstrate a new methodology for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) detection and characterization based on asymmetric-flow field flow fractionation (A4F) coupled on-line to multiple detectors and using stable isotopes of Ag. This analytical approach opens the door to address many relevant scientific challenges concerning the transport and fate of nanomaterials in natural systems. We show that A4F must be optimized in order to effectively fractionate AgNPs and larger colloidal Ag particles. With the optimized method one can accurately determine the size, stability and optical properties of AgNPs and their agglomerates under variable conditions. In this investigation, we couple A4F to optical absorbance (UV–vis spectrometer) and scattering detectors (static and dynamic) and to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. With this combination of detection modes it is possible to determine the mass isotopic signature of AgNPs as a function of their size and optical properties, providing specificity necessary for tracing and differentiating labeled AgNPs from their naturally occurring or anthropogenic analogs. The methodology was then applied to standard estuarine sediment by doping the suspension with a known quantity of isotopically enriched ¹⁰⁹AgNPs stabilized by natural organic matter (standard humic and fulvic acids). The mass signature of the isotopically enriched AgNPs was recorded as a function of the measured particle size. We observed that AgNPs interact with different particulate components of the sediment, and also self-associate to form agglomerates in this model estuarine system. This work should have substantial ramifications for research concerning the environmental and biological fate of AgNPs.     

Membrane introduction mass spectrometry

An overview of membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) is presented and comparisons are made with other direct sample introduction techniques. Special attention is given to the unique advantages and the limitations of newer variants on the MIMS technique, including affinity MIMS, reverse-phase and trap MIMS. The salient features of the interfaces used in MIMS are summarized and the various membrane materials commonly used are delineated. The applicability of MIMS is illustrated via discussion of

1. (i) bioreactor monitoring (represented by yeast fermentation),

2. (ii) environmental monitoring (illustrated by analysis of contaminated ground water samples) and

3. (iii) on-line chemical reaction monitoring (exemplified by the photolysis of aryl esters).

The applicability of MIMS to the analysis of environmental samples, including complex mixtures in water, air and soil, is noted.     

Routine determination of major anions in atmospheric aerosols by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with indirect UV detection utilizing a pyromellitate-based electrolyte was used for the routine analysis of major anions in atmospheric aerosols collected on filters with high-volume (Hi-Vol) samplers. The long-term reliability of the CE system was checked over an 8-month period during which over 2900 samples were analyzed. In addition, approximately 1100 samples were analyzed in parallel by ion chromatography (IC). It has been shown that acceptable analytical performance can be routinely obtained. The agreement between the CE and IC results is good, generally better than 20% at concentrations larger than 1 mg l⁻¹.     

Environmental effects on fibre reinforced polymeric composites: Evolving reasons and remarks on interfacial strength and stability

The interface between fibre and matrix of fibrous polymeric composites is most critical and decisive in maintaining sustainability, durability and also reliability of this potential material, but unfortunately a comprehensive conclusion is yet to meet the label of confidence for the engineering viability. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being accepted and also utilized as better and reliable alternative materials for repairing and/or replacing conventional materials, starting from tiny objects to mega structure in various engineering applications. The promise and potential of these materials are sometimes threatened in speedy replacement of conventional materials because of their inhomogeneities and inherent susceptibility to degradation due to moist and thermal environments. Environmental conditioning is traditionally believed to be a physical phenomenon but present literature has revealed that the interdiffusion between fiber and polymer matrix resin comprises of physical, chemical, mechanical, physico-chemical and mechano-chemical phenomena. The failure and fracture behavior at ambient conditions itself is a complex phenomenon till at present. The service conditions which are mostly hygrothermal in nature, along with a variation of applied loads make the mechanical behavior nearly unpredictable, far off from conclusions in evaluating the short term as well as long term durability and reliability of FRPs. It is essential to accurately simulate the initial and subsequent evolution process of this kind of damage phenomena, in order to explore the full potential of the mechanical properties of composite laminates. The present review has emphasized the need of complying scattered as well as limited literature on this front, and has focused on creating the urgency to highlight the importance of judicious uses of these materials with minimum safety factors with an aim to achieving lighter weight in enhancing specific properties.     

超声辅助萃取-分散液液微萃取/气相色谱法测定环境水样中六氯苯、林丹及硫丹

建立了超声辅助萃取(UAE)-分散液液微萃取(DLLME)/气相色谱法测定环境水样中六氯苯、林丹和硫丹,并对影响萃取和富集效率的因素进行了优化。在最优条件下,六氯苯、林丹及α-硫丹的线性范围为1.0~1 000μg/L,检出限分别为0.47、0.39及0.63μg/L;β-硫丹线性范围为5.0~1 000μg/L,检出限为2.44μg/L;相对标准偏差(RSDs)为8.3%~11.7%(n=7)。用该方法对环境水样中的六氯苯、林丹及硫丹进行了分析,自来水、灌溉水、湖水样的平加标回收率分别为94.2%~100.4%、89.4%~99.4%和69.6%~96.3%。     

离子液体自聚集磁性多壁碳纳米管固相萃取环境水样中的磺胺类药物

将1-己基-3-甲基咪唑六氟磷酸([C6MIM] [PF6])离子液体自聚集于磁性多壁碳纳米管(Fe3O4@MWCNTs)表面,并将其作为磁性固相吸附剂,建立了同时测定环境水样中磺胺二甲嘧啶、磺胺对甲氧嘧啶、磺胺邻二甲氧嘧啶和磺胺二甲异噁唑4种磺胺类药物的涡旋辅助磁性固相萃取-高效液相色谱法.优化条件为:将20.0 mg [C6MIM] [PF6]包覆的Fe3 O4@MWCNTs分散于200 mL水样中,涡旋萃取15 min,磁性分离获取磁性吸附剂,3.5 mL 1.0％乙酸铵-甲醇溶液洗脱,洗脱液氮吹至干,300 μL甲醇溶解后待下一步高效液相色谱/二极管阵列检测器(HPLC-PDA)分析.4种磺胺类药物在0.375 ～ 75.0 μg/L范围内与峰面积呈良好的线性关系,其相关系数为0.9985 ～0.9996,检出限(S/N=3)为0.079 ～0.099 μg/L,3个加标浓度水平的回收率为80.60％ ～99.99％,日内、日间测定的相对标准偏差分别为1.3％ ～6.9％和1.2％～2.9％(n=3).结果表明,本方法简单方便,易于操作,适用于环境水样中痕量磺胺类药物的检测.     

Analysis of chloroacetanilide herbicides in water samples by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method has been developed for the determination of 3 chloroacetanilide herbicides in both fresh and seawater samples. The extracted sample was analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS), and parameters affecting SPME operation including fibre type, sample pH, sample temperature, mixing speed and extraction time have been evaluated and optimized. The amount of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the salt content both affected SPME extraction efficiency, but the presence of other competitive extractants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the matrix showed no insignificance interference. The limit of detection (LOD) for acetochlor, metolachlor and butachlor were 1.2, 1.6 and 2.7 ng L⁻¹, respectively. The recoveries for the herbicides ranged from 79 to 102%, and the linear dynamic range was from 10 to 1000 ng L⁻¹. The developed method has been used to monitor herbicides contaminations in coastal water samples collected around Laizhou bay and Jiaozhou bay in Shandong peninsula, China. The concentrations of acetochlor and metolachlor ranged from undetectable to 78.5 ng L⁻¹ and undetectable to 35.6 ng L⁻¹, respectively. Butachlor was not observed but in only one sample and the concentration is lower than the limit of quantification (LOQ). The concentrations of the three herbicides in this study are low compared to most of the other places reported.     

The role of various binding materials for trace elemental analysis of powder samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Study of various binding materials like potassium bromide, poly(vinyl alcohol), starch, silver and aluminum has been carried out using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The role of matrix effects using these five binders on LIBS signal intensity was investigated for better performance of LIBS technique as a quantitative analytical tool. For comparative study of different binders, the signal intensity of different Mg lines at 518.3, 517.2, 383.8 and 279.5 nm wavelengths were recorded for pellets prepared with known concentrations of Mg in these binders. The influence of laser energy on ablated mass under different binding materials and its correlation with LIBS signal intensity has been explored. Optical scanning microscopy images of the ablated crater were studied to understand the laser ablation process. The study revealed that the binding material plays an important role in the generation of LIBS signal. The relative signal intensity measured for a standard Mg line (at 518.3 nm) were 735, 538, 387, 227 and 130 for potassium bromide, starch, poly(vinyl alcohol), silver and aluminum as binders, respectively. This indicates clearly that potassium bromide is better as a binder for LIBS studies of powder samples.     

分散液相微萃取-气相色谱/质谱快速分析水中的硝基苯类化合物

建立了分散液相微萃取.气相色谱,质谱快速分析水中硝基苯、对硝基苯、1,3一二硝基苯和2,4-二硝基氯苯的新方法.将含有18μL氯苯(萃取荆)的0.25 mL丙酮(分散剂)作为萃取体系,快速注入到5.0 mL水溶液中.在4000r/min下离心2.0 min后,得到(10.0±0.5)μL沉积相(氯苯),取底部沉积相1.0μL进行气相色谱,质谱分析.方法线性范围0.5～50μg/L(r2=0.9986～0.9994),检出限0.2～0.5μg/L,相对标准偏差4.2%～7.3%(n=5).将该方法用于环境水样的测定,加标回收率72.9%～89.6%.