4.7 Article

Airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis and modeling by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray standing wave (XSW)

Journal

TALANTA
Volume 89, Issue -, Pages 99-104

Publisher

ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.11.073

Keywords

TXRF; XSW; Airbone particulate matter (PM) filter; Chemical analysis

Funding

  1. European Union [FOOD-CT-2006-016253]
  2. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences [R01ES019222]

Ask authors/readers for more resources

This work is presented as an improvement of a recently introduced method for airborne particulate matter (PM) filter analysis [1]. X-ray standing wave (XSW) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) were performed with a new dedicated laboratory instrumentation. The main advantage of performing both XSW and TXRF, is the possibility to distinguish the nature of the sample: if it is a small droplet dry residue, a thin film like or a bulk sample. Another advantage is related to the possibility to select the angle of total reflection to make TXRF measurements. Finally, the possibility to switch the X-ray source allows to measure with more accuracy lighter and heavier elements (with a change in X-ray anode, for example from Mo to Cu). The aim of the present study is to lay the theoretical foundation of the new proposed method for airborne PM filters quantitative analysis improving the accuracy and efficiency of quantification by means of an external standard. The theoretical model presented and discussed demonstrated that airborne PM filters can be considered as thin layers. A set of reference samples is prepared in laboratory and used to obtain a calibration curve. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method for quantitative analysis of air PM filters is affordable and reliable without the necessity to digest filters to obtain quantitative chemical analysis, and that the use of XSW improve the accuracy of TXRF analysis. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Phytoremediation and sequestration of soil metals using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to modify plants: a review

Nirjhar Bhattacharyya, Uttpal Anand, Ravi Kumar, Mimosa Ghorai, Tariq Aftab, Niraj Kumar Jha, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Jochen Bundschuh, Elza Bontempi, Abhijit Dey

Summary: The use of CRISPR technology allows for the modification of plants to better remediate soil contaminated with toxic metals. This technique has been successfully applied to various crops and has identified genes related to metal absorption and tolerance. However, the efficacy of CRISPR technology is influenced by multiple factors.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

Are mega-events super spreaders of infectious diseases similar to COVID-19? A look into Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics to improve preparedness of next international events

Tamal Chowdhury, Hemal Chowdhury, Elza Bontempi, Mario Coccia, Hasan Masrur, Sadiq M. Sait, Tomonobu Senjyu

Summary: This study finds that hosting the Tokyo Summer Olympics did not lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Japan. The transmission dynamics were mainly driven by population density, similar to other large cities in Japan. The study provides evidence that hosting mega sporting events is safe during the pandemic if strict non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical infection control measures are maintained. The successful implementation of preventive measures during the Tokyo Summer Olympics will serve as an example for future international events.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH (2023)

Article Engineering, Chemical

Characterization of nebulization generated aerosol particles dispersion and deposition by total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Davide Ciniglia, Paola Cirelli, Fabjola Bilo, Alessandra Zanoletti, Antonella Cornelio, Silvana De Iuliis, Laura Eleonora Depero, Elza Bontempi, Maria Grazia Perrone, Paolo Lopinto, Marco Zonca, Laura Borgese

Summary: To prevent air pollution and achieve air quality regulations, developing analytical techniques for determining metal concentrations in aerosol particles is crucial. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are emerging as complementary techniques for elemental analysis. This study proposes a novel methodology using TXRF to characterize nebulized aerosol particles dispersion and deposition, aiming to assess their potential use as calibration samples for LIBS and TXRF analysis.

AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

Quantification of ternary microplastic mixtures through an ultra-compact near-infrared spectrometer coupled with chemometric tools

Claudio Marchesi, Monika Rani, Stefania Federici, Ivano Alessandri, Irene Vassalini, Serena Ducoli, Laura Borgese, Annalisa Zacco, Avelino Nunez-Delgado, Elza Bontempi, Laura E. Depero

Summary: The widespread distribution of plastics and microplastics and their resistance to decay is having a negative impact on the environment. Microplastics are considered emerging contaminants of concern across all environments. Portable spectrometers coupled with chemometric tools have shown potential for polymer analysis and environmental applications. This study demonstrates the use of a Miniaturized Near-Infrared (MicroNIR) spectrometer for quantitative analysis of microplastic mixtures.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2023)

Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Biotechnological methods to remove microplastics: a review

Uttpal Anand, Satarupa Dey, Elza Bontempi, Serena Ducoli, A. Dick Vethaak, Abhijit Dey, Stefania Federici

Summary: Microplastics pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems and affects both abiotic and biotic components. Microplastics are complex contaminants that can transport other contaminants and microbes. Various methods, including biodegradation, incineration, landfilling, and recycling, are currently used to remove microplastics. This review focuses on the sources, toxicity, and biodegradation of microplastics, as well as discussing the role of algae, fungi, and bacteria in biodegradation and presenting biotechnological methods to enhance degradation, such as gene editing tools and bioinformatics.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

The spread of the omicron variant: Identification of knowledge gaps, virus diffusion modelling, and future research needs

Uttpal Anand, Tarun Pal, Alessandra Zanoletti, Suresh Sundaramurthy, Sunita Varjani, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Damia Barcelo, Elza Bontempi

Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the variant B.1.1.529 of SARS-CoV-2 as a variant of concern, named Omicron, due to its multiple mutations that enhance its ability to spread globally and evade immunity, posing serious threats to public health.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2023)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Accelerated Direct Carbonation of Steel Slag and Cement Kiln Dust: An Industrial Symbiosis Strategy Applied in the Bergamo-Brescia Area

Giada Biava, Annalisa Zacco, Alessandra Zanoletti, Giampiero Pasquale Sorrentino, Claudia Capone, Antonio Princigallo, Laura Eleonora Depero, Elza Bontempi

Summary: The direct aqueous carbonation of steel slag and cement kiln dust was explored in a new pressurized reactor, aiming to identify optimal reaction conditions and promising by-products for reuse in the construction industry. A synergistic strategy for managing industrial waste and reducing the use of virgin raw materials in Lombardy, Italy, particularly Bergamo-Brescia, was proposed. Initial findings showed promising results, with argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) slag and black slag producing the best results in terms of CO2 capture efficiency.

MATERIALS (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

New trajectories of technologies for the removal of pollutants and emerging contaminants in the environment

Mario Coccia, Elza Bontempi

Summary: Modern society faces increasing challenges of environmental pollution caused by various types of pollutants and emerging contaminants. This study focuses on analyzing the evolution and predicting new directions of treatment technologies to remove contaminants, particularly in wastewater treatment. The results show that biochar, reverse osmosis, coagulation, disinfection, and anaerobic processes are the most promising pathways for pollutant removal. Other technologies such as carbon nanotubes and advanced oxidation processes are in the early stages of development and require further advancements to become effective and cost-efficient methods of treatment.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2023)

Article Respiratory System

Association of World Trade Center (WTC) Occupational Exposure Intensity with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma COPD Overlap (ACO)

Rafael E. de la Hoz, Moshe Shapiro, Anna Nolan, Akshay Sood, Roberto G. Lucchini, James E. Cone, Juan C. Celedon

Summary: This study examined the association between World Trade Center occupational exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma COPD overlap (ACO). The results showed that early arrival at the disaster site was associated with COPD and ACO in workers.
Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices

Monika Rani, Serena Ducoli, Laura Eleonora Depero, Miljana Prica, Aleksandra Tubic, Zahida Ademovic, Liam Morrison, Stefania Federici

Summary: This article provides a summary of the developments in microplastics (MPs) extraction methods, including new, old, and proof-of-concept methodologies, and evaluates their potential usefulness in extracting MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices. The paper also discusses the current challenges and outlines future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. Finally, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering specific environmental compartments under investigation, to enhance researchers' understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.

MOLECULES (2023)

Article Electrochemistry

Microwave-Assisted Recovery of Spent LiCoO2 Battery from the Corresponding Black Mass

Matteo Scaglia, Antonella Cornelio, Alessandra Zanoletti, Daniele La Corte, Giada Biava, Ivano Alessandri, Angelo Forestan, Catya Alba, Laura Eleonora Depero, Elza Bontempi

Summary: Using microwave radiation can trigger carbothermic reactions and enhance the recovery of raw materials from spent LCO batteries. However, the rapid heating caused by microwave radiation also poses a fire risk.

BATTERIES-BASEL (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

Early life manganese exposure and reported attention-related behaviors in Italian adolescents

Samantha Schildroth, Julia Anglen Bauer, Alexa Friedman, Christine Austin, Brent A. Coull, Donatella Placidi, Roberta F. White, Donald Smith, Robert O. Wright, Roberto G. Lucchini, Manish Arora, Megan Horton, Birgit Claus Henn

Summary: This study found that early life exposure to manganese has potential effects on attention-related behaviors in adolescents. Protective associations were observed between manganese and attention-related behaviors in the prenatal and postnatal periods, while no beneficial associations were found in childhood.

ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY (2023)

Article Environmental Sciences

Assessing the mediating role of iron status on associations between an industry-relevant metal mixture and verbal learning and memory in Italian adolescents

Samantha Schildroth, Linda Valeri, Katarzyna Kordas, Baoyi Shi, Alexa Friedman, Donald Smith, Donatella Placidi, Robert O. Wright, Roberto G. Lucchini, Roberta F. White, Megan Horton, Birgit Claus Henn

Summary: This study evaluated the association between a mixture of lead, manganese, chromium, and copper with verbal learning and memory in Italian adolescents, and examined iron status as a potential mediator. The results showed that the metal mixture was related to verbal learning outcomes, but there was no evidence of mediation by iron status. Further research is needed in populations with iron deficiency and greater variation in metal exposure.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2024)

Article Environmental Sciences

Bayesian spatiotemporal modelling for disease mapping: an application to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in Florida, United States

Ning Sun, Zoran Bursac, Ian Dryden, Roberto Lucchini, Sophie Dabo-Niang, Boubakari Ibrahimou

Summary: This study utilizes disease mapping models to estimate the spatiotemporal patterns of disease risks and identifies high-risk clusters for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in Florida. It also shows that exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of these diseases, although to a lesser extent compared to previous studies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH (2023)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Enhancing electrochemiluminescence by modifying Fe3CuO4 and CdS@ZnS: A novel ECL sensor for highly sensitive detection of permethrin

Qian Wu, Li Tian, Xiangyu Shan, Huiling Li, Chao Li, Juan Lu

Summary: A novel ECL sensor was developed by modifying Fe3CuO4-Ru(bpy)3+ and GO-CdS@ZnS on the electrode for the detection of permethrin. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity and a wide detection range.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Ag+-stabilized DNA triplex coupled with catalytic hairpin assembly and CRISPR/Cas12a amplifications for sensitive metallothionein assay

Tingting Gong, Lei Liao, Bingying Jiang, Ruo Yuan, Yun Xiang

Summary: In this study, a fluorescent biosensing system for high sensitivity detection of MT was established using a new Ag+-stabilized DNA triplex probe (Ag+-SDTP) combined with catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and CRISPR/Cas12a signal enhancements. The sensing method is able to selectively detect MT from other non-specific molecules and can achieve low level detection of MT in diluted human serums, demonstrating its potential for monitoring disease-specific MT biomarker at trace levels.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Boron quantification using ion chromatography tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Application to retention analysis in boron-treated wood

Estrella Sanz Rodriguez, Kyra Wood, Paul R. Haddad, Brett Paull

Summary: This study presents a simple, rapid, and reliable method for determining boron in aqueous solutions using suppressed ion chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The method achieved a low limit of detection and demonstrated excellent analytical performance.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Innovative SALDI mass spectrometry analysis for Alzheimer's disease synthetic peptides detection

Aline Cournut, Paul Moustiez, Yannick Coffinier, Christine Enjalbal, Claudia Bich

Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of senile dementia and is characterized by the aggregation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain. The A beta 1-42 peptide is considered the primary cause of neurotoxicity due to its insolubility and subsequent aggregation. A beta 1-42 and A beta 1-40 have been identified as relevant biomarkers for AD diagnosis, and SurfaceAssisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (SALDI-MS) was used to monitor the A beta 1-42/A beta 1-40 ratio without prior sample treatment.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Deep eutectic solvents for the determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Dotse Selali Chormey, Buse Tugba Zaman, Tulay Borahan Kustanto, Sezin Erarpat Bodur, Suleyman Bodur, Elif Ozturk Er, Sezgin Bakirdere

Summary: This review provides an overview of the harmful effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health and introduces the methods for analyzing EDCs. Recent research has focused on using green chemicals, such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs), for microextraction to ensure environmental safety.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Nanopore-related cellular death through cytoskeleton depolymerization by drug-induced ROS

Yan Zhang, Renfeng Xu, Jingjing Wu, Zhenghong Zhang, Yuhuang Wang, Hongqin Yang, Sheng Zhang

Summary: This study visualized the pore-like structures in prostate cancer cell membranes after treatment with the anticancer drug paclitaxel, demonstrating its mechanism of action related to oxidative damage.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

CRISPR-empowered electrochemical biosensor for target amplification-free and sensitive detection of miRNA

Chihong Ma, Qin Zhou, Jinjin Shi, Hua Gao, Di Huang, Huimin Xue, Han Wang, Zhenzhong Zhang, Sen Yang, Junli Zhang, Kaixiang Zhang

Summary: We developed a CRISPR-empowered electrochemical biosensor, named PER-E-CRISPR, for amplification-free and sensitive detection of miR-21. The biosensor combines the advantages of CRISPR/Cas13a and primer exchange reaction (PER) for target amplification. Under optimized conditions, the PER-E-CRISPR assay exhibits a linear range from 10-13 to 10-7 M and a limit of detection of 30.2 fM. The biosensor shows excellent performance in actual plasma, indicating promising prospects for miRNA detection in molecular diagnosis.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Application and evaluation of molecular docking for aptamer and small molecular interaction- A case study with tetracycline antibiotics

Gang Liang, Jie Zhao, Yufei Gao, Tao Xie, Jianhui Zhen, Ligang Pan, Wenwen Gong

Summary: Molecular docking (MD) analysis is widely used for studying the interaction between aptamers and small molecules. This study established steady-state aptamers of tertiary structures (SATS) using specific aptamers of tetracycline antibiotics as docking models. Molecular docking results revealed multiple binding sites in the SATS of aptamers, with significant variations in binding free energy (BFE) and docking score (DS). The study also proposed a method for MD analysis based on SATS, providing insights into binding mode and predicting binding sites.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Highly bright stable organic radicals encapsulated by amphiphilic polypeptide for efficient near-infrared phototheranostics

Yixuan Xu, Changchang Teng, Huiping Dang, Dalong Yin, Lifeng Yan

Summary: Stable organic radical molecules with high NIR fluorescence quantum efficiency have been synthesized and encapsulated into nanoparticles, which show great potential for both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

The construction of highly selective surface molecularly imprinted polymers based on Cu(II) coordination for the detection of bisphenol A

Yu Su, Dandan Yang, Yanjie Wang, Jie Ding, Lan Ding, Daqian Song

Summary: In this study, a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer Cu-MIPs@CS was designed and synthesized for bisphenol A (BPA). Cu-MIPs@CS showed significantly enhanced imprinting factor and selective factor towards BPA compared to MIPs@CS. It also exhibited superior discrimination ability between BPA and its structural analogue. Additionally, Cu-MIPs@CS were successfully applied as a solid phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of BPA in drinking water samples.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

A simple joint detection platform for high-throughput single-cell heterogeneity screening

Yi Qiao, Qiongdan Zhang, Yukun He, Tianguang Cheng, Jing Tu

Summary: Single cell heterogeneity plays an important role in many biological phenomena, and distinguishing cells with specific mutations is beneficial for clinical diagnosis and drug screening. This study introduces a gel plate platform that can distinguish cell types based on their phenotypes, with low equipment requirement. The gel platform has potential in point-of-care circumstances and single-cell stimulation responses that prioritize efficiency and simplicity.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Nanotechnology-based analytical techniques for the detection of contaminants in aquatic products

Chengke Wang, Shuyang Sun, Ping Wang, Huawei Zhao, Wenling Li

Summary: The food safety of aquatic products is a global concern. Nanotechnology-based analyses have advantages in the detection of bacteria, metal ions, and small molecule contaminants. This review summarizes the recent advances in biosensing strategies for aquatic products and highlights the application of nanomaterials, lateral flow-based biosensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, microfluidic chips, and molecular imprinting technologies.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

A sensitive off-on electrochemiluminescence DNA sensor based on signal cascade amplification circuit and distance-dependent energy transfer

Liping Zhu, Zeng Tang, Xuemei Zhang, Li Zhu, Tian Meng, Linying Yu, Ting Xiao, Shasha Lu, Xiaoli Xiong, Xiurong Yang

Summary: A sensitive off-on electrochemiluminescence DNA sensor was developed using Exo III-assisted cascade amplification system. The sensor achieved high selectivity and ultra-high sensitivity in detecting target DNA by utilizing ECL and SPR effects. This study provides a new perspective for designing highly sensitive and programmable ECL biosensors.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

A binary system based DNA tetrahedron and fluorogenic RNA aptamers for highly specific and label-free mRNA imaging in living cells

Tong Li, Mengxu Sun, Suping Xia, Ting Huang, Rong-Tian Li, Chunrong Li, Zong Dai, Jin-Xiang Chen, Jun Chen, Nuan Jia

Summary: Here, we developed a binary system based on DNA tetrahedron and fluorogenic RNA aptamers for highly specific and label-free mRNA imaging in living cells. This system achieved high specificity label-free detection of nucleic acids with a detection limit of 1.34 nM. The method has potential applications in early disease diagnosis and new drug development.

TALANTA (2024)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Design and synthesis of hierarchical MnO-Fe3O4@C/expanded graphite composite for sensitive electrochemical detection of bisphenol A

Yao Zhao, Shu Zhang, Wang Yao, Yuxuan Zhu, Jing Qian, Juan Yang, Nianjun Yang

Summary: A new hierarchical nanostructured composite with high conductivity and catalytic activity is synthesized. The sensor exhibits significant catalytic effect and high sensitivity for monitoring the environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).

TALANTA (2024)