Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jani Leskinen, Anni Hartikainen, Sampsa Vaatainen, Mika Ihalainen, Aki Virkkula, Arunas Mesceriakovas, Petri Tiitta, Mirella Miettinen, Heikki Lamberg, Hendryk Czech, Pasi Yli-Pirila, Jarkko Tissari, Gert Jakobi, Ralf Zimmermann, Olli Sippula
Summary: In this study, the particle size dependency of the effective density (peff) was investigated for different types of particles from residential combustion and an aerosol standard burner. It was found that peff significantly increased due to photochemical aging, especially for larger soot agglomerates. The increase can be explained by the collapsing of chain-like agglomerates, filling of voids, and formation of secondary coating.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Provat K. Saha, Albert A. Presto, Steve Hankey, Benjamin N. Murphy, Chris Allen, Wenwen Zhang, Julian D. Marshall, Allen L. Robinson
Summary: This study investigates the development of national empirical models to predict air pollution concentrations at high spatial resolution using limited data. The study uses measurements of cooking organic aerosol (COA) and traffic primary organic aerosol (HOA) across the United States, and develops models that explain about 60% of the spatial variability. The models predict variability in urban and rural areas, emphasizing the importance of controlling commercial cooking emissions for air quality management in the US.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yu Lei, Yanqing Niu, Wen 'an Ma, Guangyao Wang, Liping Wen, Haiyu Huang, Shi 'en Hui
Summary: This study investigated the effect of H2O on the formation of ultrafine particulate matter (PM) in an oxy-combustion atmosphere with different O(2) contents. The results showed that as the H2O content increased, the mass and number yield of ultrafine PM initially decreased and then increased, with an inflection point at 5% H2O content. The yield of ultrafine PM in the oxy-combustion atmosphere was more sensitive to H2O when the O(2) content was low.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sriram Bharath Hariharan, Hamed Farmahini Farahani, Ali S. Rangwala, Elaine S. Oran, Michael J. Gollner
Summary: The study investigated the influence of different air entrainment conditions on the emissions of particulate matter from fire whirls, finding differences between natural entrainment and forced entrainment conditions. By controlling the entrainment conditions effectively, it is possible to reduce the emissions of particulate matter.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
V. Viswamithra, M. Gurunadhan, S. Menon
Summary: The search for carbon-free fuel alternatives has led to the consideration of ammonia as a potential source for power generation. However, ammonia combustion poses challenges due to reduced flame speed and reactivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two strategies, distributed fuel injection and inlet air pre-heating, in widening the stability limits of swirl combustors operating on methane-ammonia mixtures and analyzes their impact on NOx emissions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Paul Koesling, Christopher P. Rueger, Julian Schade, Sven Ehlert, Uwe Etzien, Anton N. Kozhinov, Yury O. Tsybin, Martin Rigler, Thomas Adam, Andreas Walte, Bert Buchholz, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: This study evaluated the field-suitability of a prototype vacuum photoionization Orbitrap mass spectrometer through online on-site investigation of emissions from a ship diesel engine. The mass spectrometer showed high resolution and mass accuracy, allowing for selective and sensitive analysis of aromatic hydrocarbons. The study also found that the emerging fuel VLSFO emitted a substantial amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), indicating the need for further chemical criteria in legislative measures.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Ogrizek, Asta Gregoric, Matic Ivancic, Daniele Contini, Ursa Skube, Kristijan Vidovic, Marjan Bele, Martin Sala, Marta Klanjsek Gunde, Martin Rigler, Eva Menart, Ana Kroflic
Summary: Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a major threat to outdoor cultural heritage. It is expected that organic aerosols will become the dominant form of pollution in the future, changing the main mechanisms of damage to calcareous heritage. Surface deposits on marble and limestone varied in amount and composition throughout the year due to different air pollution sources in different seasons. Primary traffic emissions, secondary formation of acidic inorganic aerosols, and biomass burning emissions were the main contributors to PM2.5. While biomass burning was the major source of organic aerosols, the darkening of surfaces was mainly attributed to the minor fraction of black carbon (BC) in atmospheric aerosols.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hemraj Bhattarai, Lekhendra Tripathee, Shichang Kang, Pengfei Chen, Chhatra Mani Sharma, Kirpa Ram, Junming Guo, Maheswar Rupakheti
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of nitrogenous and carbonaceous aerosols in PM2.5 and TSP samples collected in the highly polluted Kathmandu Valley. The results show that coarser mode aerosols dominate, but water-soluble total nitrogen and carbonaceous species are more prominent in fine-mode aerosols. The study also indicates that fossil fuel combustion is the major source of carbonaceous aerosols, with contributions from secondary organic aerosols and transported pollutants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mufang Hu, Bo Zhao, Linbo Qin, Geng Chen, Wangsheng Chen, Jun Han
Summary: The fine particles and trace elements from coal combustion have a severe negative effect on the environment and human health. This study investigated the particle size distribution and trace element release during the combustion of blended coal. The results showed that blending coal can reduce PM formation and lower the emission of As, Se, Pb, and Cd. The reduction efficiency of trace elements varied for different particle sizes. Overall, blending coal combustion can effectively reduce the environmental and health risks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rasa Zalakeviciute, Katiuska Alexandrino, Danilo Mejia, Marco G. Bastidas, Nora H. Oleas, Diana Gabela, Phuong Ngoc Chau, Santiago Bonilla-Bedoya, Valeria Diaz, Yves Rybarczyk
Summary: This study investigates the air quality in Ecuador during the national protest of 2019, finding a significant reduction in particulate pollution in the capital during the protest. However, it also warns that the burning of barricades during protests may release harmful heavy metals into the air.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rachel E. O'Brien, Ying Li, Kristian J. Kiland, Erin F. Katz, Victor W. Or, Emily Legaard, Emma Q. Walhout, Corey Thrasher, Vicki H. Grassian, Peter F. DeCarlo, Allan K. Bertram, Manabu Shiraiwa
Summary: Organic films on indoor surfaces play a crucial role in indoor chemistry, serving as a medium for reactions and partitioning of semi-volatile organic compounds. The chemical composition of these films remains poorly characterized, with studies showing similarities to cooking organic aerosols but with larger and more oxidized molecules. Viscosity measurements of the film material suggest low viscosity, although inclusion of unsaturation can explain discrepancies. Further research is needed to better understand viscosity measurements and parameterizations for modeled viscosity of indoor organic films.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anni H. Hartikainen, Mika Ihalainen, Pasi Yli-Pirila, Liqing Hao, Miika Kortelainen, Simone M. Pieber, Olli Sippula
Summary: Traffic remains a major source of urban air pollution despite reductions in vehicle emissions. This study investigates the photochemical transformation of exhaust emissions from gasoline and diesel vehicles, finding that vehicle operation significantly affects exhaust composition and secondary aerosol formation potential.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Christian Axt, Anna Massmeyer, Stefan Pielsticker, Reinhold Kneer
Summary: The formation of inhalable fine particles is a harmful side effect of solid fuel combustion processes, and understanding this process is crucial for environmental protection. Previous studies focused on simplified laminar combustion conditions, while the behavior of turbulent flame structures in real industrial applications remains poorly understood. This study developed a test rig to investigate particulate matter formation and found that local differences play a significant role in particulate matter formation.
COMBUSTION AND FLAME
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paola Fermo, Simona Masiero, Mario Rosa, Giovanna Labella, Valeria Comite
Summary: This research focuses on the use of Chlorophytum comosum as a bio-indicator for the accumulation of heavy metals in the aerosol particulate matter of Milan. Results show that this plant is effective in tracking the concentration of zinc in the atmospheric PM and differences in heavy metal concentrations were found among different sites.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jack Chapman, Paramvir Singh, Sudarshan Kumar, Bhupendra Khandelwal
Summary: A new experimental technique was used to design cleaner fuel blends, and it was found that aromatic compounds have a significant impact on emissions, particularly on particulate matter emissions. The study also identified a promising aromatic candidate for cleaner fuel production.
JOURNAL OF THE ENERGY INSTITUTE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lukas Schwalb, Ole Tiemann, Uwe Kaefer, Thomas Groeger, Christopher Paul Rueger, Guido Gayko, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: This study presents a chemical description of sodium bituminosulfonate (SBS) and its process intermediates using online derivatization with tetramethylammonium hydroxide combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to an electron ionization high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC x GC-HR-ToF-MS). The application of GC x GC allowed for the comprehensive characterization of the chemical components in the API and process intermediates, and classification of peaks based on accurate mass information, elution behavior, and mass fragmentation pattern. This work demonstrates the applicability, advantages, and limitations of GC x GC for characterizing APIs in complex drugs.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seongho Jeong, Jan Bendl, Mohammad Saraji-Bozorgzad, Uwe Kaefer, Uwe Etzien, Julian Schade, Martin Bauer, Gert Jakobi, Juergen Orasche, Kathrin Fisch, Paul P. Cwierz, Christopher P. Rueger, Hendryk Czech, Erwin Karg, Gesa Heyen, Max Krausnick, Andreas Geissler, Christian Geipel, Thorsten Streibel, Juergen Schnelle-Kreis, Martin Sklorz, Detlef E. Schulz-Bull, Bert Buchholz, Thomas Adam, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The emissions of marine diesel engines have significant impact on human health and climate change. The use of wet scrubbers can effectively reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, but it has limited effect on the concentration of respirable particulate matter. Therefore, additional abatement systems need to be used to reduce particle emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiansheng Liu, Hadiatullah Hadiatullah, Juergen Schnelle-Kreis, Yanning Xu, Mingqi Yue, Xun Zhang, Xavier Querol, Xin Cao, Jan Bendl, Josef Cyrys, Gert Jakobi, Andreas Philipp, Christoph Muenkel, Ralf Zimmermann, Thomas Adam
Summary: This study evaluated the levels and phenomenology of equivalent black carbon (eBC) in Augsburg, Germany, and assessed its potential health risk based on equivalent numbers of passively smoked cigarettes (PSC), with a focus on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures. The study found that peak concentrations of eBC occurred during morning and night rush hours, influenced by traffic and meteorological factors. The eBC concentration decreased by an average of 35% on weekends due to lower traffic flow. During the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a significant reduction in eBC concentration due to reduced traffic flow.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Julien Maillard, Nathalie Carrasco, Christopher P. Ruger, Audrey Chatain, Isabelle Schmitz-Afonso, Chad R. Weisbrod, Laetitia Bailly, Emilie Petit, Thomas Gautier, Amy M. McKenna, Carlos Afonso
Summary: Photochemical hazes could form and affect the chemical and radiative balance of exoplanets in the habitable zone, serving as cloud condensation nuclei in the presence of humidity. This study explores the interaction between photochemical hazes and humidity on the organic composition and the generation of prebiotic organic molecules.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Oscar Lacroix-Andrivet, Julie Guillemant, Anna Luiza Mendes Siqueira, Marie Hubert-Roux, Corinne Loutelier-Bourhis, Brice Bouyssiere, Pierre Giusti, Carlos Afonso
Summary: Long-term aging of bitumen leads to the formation of oxidation products, affecting its properties. Aggregations of polar molecules and aliphatic compounds are observed in asphaltene and wax fractions respectively, which can be studied using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) was used to characterize oxidative aging and ionization sources were used to differentiate between LMW and HMW fractions. Results show that oxidation products are found in LMW fraction, while aggregate molecules in HMW fraction are protected from oxidation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jani Leskinen, Anni Hartikainen, Sampsa Vaatainen, Mika Ihalainen, Aki Virkkula, Arunas Mesceriakovas, Petri Tiitta, Mirella Miettinen, Heikki Lamberg, Hendryk Czech, Pasi Yli-Pirila, Jarkko Tissari, Gert Jakobi, Ralf Zimmermann, Olli Sippula
Summary: In this study, the particle size dependency of the effective density (peff) was investigated for different types of particles from residential combustion and an aerosol standard burner. It was found that peff significantly increased due to photochemical aging, especially for larger soot agglomerates. The increase can be explained by the collapsing of chain-like agglomerates, filling of voids, and formation of secondary coating.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Patrick Martens, Hendryk Czech, Juergen Orasche, Guelcin Abbaszade, Martin Sklorz, Bernhard Michalke, Jarkko Tissari, Tine Bizjak, Mika Ihalainen, Heikki Suhonen, Pasi Yli-Pirila, Jorma Jokiniemi, Olli Sippula, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: Residential heating with solid fuels, especially coal, contributes to poor air quality in Central and Eastern Europe. This study analyzed emissions from a single-room heater burning brown coal briquettes and spruce logs, focusing on the presence of inorganic, aromatic, and organic constituents. It was found that emissions from brown coal briquettes combustion were a significant source of levoglucosan, a biomass burning marker, and exhibited defunctionalization and desubstitution characteristics in the emitted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study also used the concept of island and archipelago structural motifs to describe the fraction of low-volatile organic compounds in particulate emissions, revealing different patterns between brown coal briquette and spruce logwood combustion.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jana Pantzke, Arne Koch, Elias J. Zimmermann, Narges Rastak, Svenja Offer, Christoph Bisig, Stefanie Bauer, Sebastian Oeder, Juergen Orasche, Petra Fiala, Michael Stintz, Christopher P. Rueger, Thorsten Streibel, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: Particles released during dry-cutting of construction materials can cause environmental and health hazards. A study was conducted to analyze the physicochemical and toxicological properties of carbon rods, carbon concrete composite, and thermally treated carbon concrete composite. The study found that the released particles induced an acute inflammatory response and DNA damage, and the toxicity mechanisms varied between different particles.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Elias Josef Zimmermann, Joana Candeias, Nadine Gawlitta, Christoph Bisig, Stephanie Binder, Jana Pantzke, Svenja Offer, Narges Rastak, Stefanie Bauer, Anja Huber, Evelyn Kuhn, Jeroen Buters, Thomas Groeger, Mathilde N. Delaval, Sebastian Oeder, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing, and the role of anthropogenic ultrafine particles (UFPs) and allergenic aerosols in this increase is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of subsequent exposures to allergenic and biogenic aerosols on cellular mechanisms. Bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to UFP-rich combustion aerosols with or without allergen pre-exposure. Genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and gene expression profiling were evaluated. The results showed that single exposures to UFP, allergens, and UFP with allergen pre-exposure caused genotoxicity. UFP exposure induced pro-inflammatory pathways and xenobiotic-related responses, which were amplified with allergen pre-exposure. The activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling was found to be an important feature of UFP toxicity, especially with pre-exposure. Overall, this study highlights the importance of subsequent exposure studies for understanding realistic exposure situations and identifying molecular mechanisms underlying allergic effects.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jason Devaux, Melanie Mignot, Florent Rouviere, Isabelle Francois, Carlos Afonso, Sabine Heinisch
Summary: Bio-oils obtained from biomass conversion are a promising source of energy. However, they require additional treatments before they can be used as biofuels. The characterization of bio-oils is difficult due to their complex compositions. By combining reversed-phase liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography, the characterization of bio-oils can be improved. The optimized setup was used to analyze microalgae bio-oils and showed good results with high reproducibility and complementarity between the two chromatographic techniques.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maxime Sueur, Julien F. Maillard, Oscar Lacroix-Andrivet, Christopher P. Rueger, Pierre Giusti, Helene Lavanant, Carlos Afonso
Summary: Complex molecular mixtures are common in various research fields, and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry is widely used for their characterization. However, the large amounts of data acquired in this technique require tedious data treatment and visualization. To address this challenge, we developed an open-source software called PyC2MC, which allows for efficient data processing and visualization of complex molecular composition.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Estelle Deschamps, Valentina Calabrese, Isabelle Schmitz, Marie Hubert-Roux, Denis Castagnos, Carlos Afonso
Summary: Pharmaceutical analysis is a complex science that involves various disciplines and covers drug development to its impact on health and the environment. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, requiring powerful analytical instrumentation and efficient methods. Mass spectrometry, especially ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry with Fourier transform instruments, has been increasingly used in pharmaceutical analysis for research and routine quality controls. This review summarizes the principles and applications of Fourier transform mass spectrometers in pharmaceutical analysis.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Martha L. Chacon-Patino, Charlotte Mase, Julien Florent Maillard, Caroline Barrere-Mangote, David C. Dayton, Carlos Afonso, Pierre Giusti, Ryan P. Rodgers
Summary: This study characterized the molecular features of loblolly pine bio-oil and its hydrotreated effluents using mass spectrometry techniques. The molecular data revealed compositional changes over time and highlighted the impacts of catalyst fouling or deactivation. The study also identified specific reaction pathways during hydrotreatment and provided important molecular formula information for future bio-oil upgrading research.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Julien Florent Maillard, Julien Demeaux, Charlotte Mase, Antonin Gajan, Cecile Tessier, Patrick Bernard, Carlos Afonso, Pierre Giusti
Summary: This article presents a method of molecular imaging of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) in lithium-ion batteries using laser desorption ionization (LDI) coupled with Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The method allows for the identification and exclusion of suspected molecules in the SEI and the observation of thousands of unknown species, which could contribute to a better understanding of the surface composition.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Charlotte Mase, Julien F. F. Maillard, Simon Marcuz, Marie Hubert-Roux, Carlos Afonso, Pierre Giusti
Summary: Various alternatives to fossil fuels have been developed in recent years, including the production of bio-oils from lignocellulosic-based biomass through pyrolysis. However, bio-oils contain heteroatoms, especially oxygen atoms, which need to be removed by upgrading. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of laser desorption ionization (LDI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) techniques on lignocellulosic biomass-based bio-oils. The results showed that MALDI provides more information than LDI, and certain matrices can selectively ionize different compound families.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)