Uptake selectivity of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) on fine particles over polynya regions of the Ross Sea, Antarctica

The uptake of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) on existing particles is a major route of the particulate MSA formation, however, MSA uptake on different particles is still lacking in knowledge. Characteristics of MSA uptake on different aerosol particles were investigated in polynya (an area of open sea water surrounded by ice) regions of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Particulate MSA mass concentrations, as well as aerosol population and size distribution, were observed simultaneously for the first time to access the uptake of MSA on different particles. The results show that MSA mass concentration does not always reflect MSA particle population in the marine atmosphere. MSA uptake on aerosol particle increases the particle size and changes aerosol chemical composition, but it does not increase the particle population. The uptake rate of MSA on particles is significantly influenced by aerosol chemical properties. Sea salt particles are beneficial for MSA uptake, as MSA-Na and MSA-Mg particles are abundant in the Na and Mg particles, accounting for 0.43 +/- 0.21 and 0.41 +/- 0.20 of the total Na and Mg particles, respectively. However, acidic and hydrophobic particles suppress the uptake of MSA, as MSA-EC (elemental carbon) and MSA-SO42- particles account for only 0.24 +/- 0.68 and 0.26 +/- 0.47 of the total EC and SO42- particles, respectively. The results extend the knowledge of the formation and environmental behavior of MSA in the marine atmosphere.Peer reviewe

Seasonal variations in aerosol compositions at Great Wall Station in Antarctica

High volume aerosol samplers at Great Wall Station in Antarctica were used to collect 73 aerosol samples between January 2012 and November 2013. The main ions in these aerosol samples, Cl−, NO3−, SO4 2−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+, as well as methane sulfonic acid, were analyzed using ion chromatography. Trace metals in these samples, including Pb, Cu, Cd, V, Zn, Fe, and Al, were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that sea salt was the main component in aerosols at Great Wall Station. Most ions exhibited significant seasonal variations, with higher concentrations in summer and autumn than in winter and spring. Variations in ions and trace metals were related to several processes (or sources), including sea salt emission, secondary aerosol formation, and anthropogenic pollution from both local and distant sources. The sources of ions and trace metals were identified using enrichment factor, correlation, and factor analyses. Clearly, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were from marine sources, while Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd were from anthropogenic pollution, and Al and V were mainly from crustal sources

DMS sea-to-air fluxes and their influence on sulfate aerosols over the Southern Ocean, south-east Indian Ocean and north-west Pacific Ocean

Environmental context The ocean-produced dimethyl sulfide (DMS) molecule is thought to affect cloud formation and the solar radiation budget at the Earth's surface, hence playing an important role in regulating climate. In this study, we calculated the DMS sea-to-air flux across the Southern Ocean, south-east Indian Ocean and north-west Pacific Ocean, and analysed the influence of DMS fluxes on sulfate aerosols. These results improved our understanding of the effects of DMS emissions on sulfate compounds in the atmosphere over the global ocean. Oceanic dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is the most abundant biogenic sulfur compound emitted into the atmosphere and could indirectly regulate the global climate by impacting end product sulfate aerosols. DMS emissions and their influence on sulfate aerosols, i.e. methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO42-), were investigated over the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean sectors of the Southern Ocean (SO), the south-east Indian Ocean, and the north-west Pacific Ocean from February to April 2014 during the 30th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. We found a strong large-scale DMS source in the marginal sea ice zone from 34 degrees W to 14 degrees E of the SO (south of 60 degrees S), in which the mean flux was 49.0 +/- 65.6 mu mol m(-2) d(-1) (0.6-308.3 mu mol m(-2) d(-1), n = 424). We also found a second large-scale DMS source in the South Subtropical Front (similar to 40 degrees S, up to 50.8 mu mol m(-2) d(-1)). An inconsistency between concentrations of atmospheric sulfate compounds and DMS emissions along the cruise track was observed. The horizontal advection of air masses was likely the main reason for this discrepancy. Finally, the biological exposure calculation results also indicated that it is very difficult to observe a straightforward relationship between oceanic biomass and atmospheric MSA

Paeoniflorin Attenuated Oxidative Stress in Rat COPD Model Induced by Cigarette Smoke

Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glucoside, might have an effect on the oxidative stress. However, the mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we made the COPD model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by exposing them to the smoke of 20 cigarettes for 1 hour/day and 6 days/week, for 12 weeks, 24 weeks, or 36 weeks. Our findings suggested that smoke inhalation can trigger the oxidative stress from the very beginning. A 24-week treatment of PF especially in the dosage of 40 mg/kg·d can attenuate oxygen stress by partially quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulating antioxidant enzymes via an Nrf2-dependent mechanism

Structural and Magnetic Studies of Cr3+ Substituted Nickel Ferrite Nanomaterials Prepared by Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion

The present study envisages the preparation of chromium substituted Nickel ferrite NiCrxFe2−xO4 (x = 0~1.0) powders by a sol-gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed that the specimens with x > 0.2 exhibited a single-phase spinel structure, and that more content of Cr within a specimen is favorable for the synthesis of pure Ni-Cr ferrites. The lattice parameter decreased with an increase in the Cr concentration. The sample without calcining exhibited a good crystallinity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the formation of ferrite powders nano-particles, and that the substitution of Cr weakened the agglomeration between the particles. Mössbauer spectra of NiCrxFe2−xO4 showed two normal Zeeman-split sextets that displayed a ferrimagnetic behavior. Furthermore, the spectra indicated that iron was in the Fe3+ state, and the magnetic hyperfine field at the tetrahedral tended to decrease with an increase in the Cr substitution. The saturation magnetization decreased by the Cr3+ ions, and reached a minimum value (Ms = 4.46 emu/g). With an increase in the annealing temperature, the coercivity increased initially, which later decreased

Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Structural and Magnetic Studies of Zn2+ Substituted Magnesium Ferrite Nanomaterials Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

Zinc substituted magnesium ferrite nanomaterials Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) powders have been prepared by a sol-gel autocombustion method. The lattice parameter increases with increase in Zn concentration, but average crystallite size tends to decrease by increasing the zinc content. SEM results indicate the distribution of grains and morphology of the samples. Some particles are agglomerated due to the presence of magnetic interactions among particles. Room temperature Mössbauer spectra of Mg1-xZnxFe2O4 shows that the A Mössbauer absorption area decreases and the B Mössbauer absorption area increases with zinc concentration increasing. The change of the saturation magnetization can be explained with Néel’s theory. It was confirmed that the transition from ferrimagnetic to superparamagnetic behaviour depends on increase in zinc concentration by Mössbauer spectra at room temperature. Saturation magnetization increases and coercivity decreases with Zn content increasing

The Structural and Magnetic Properties of Gadolinium Doped CoFe2O4 Nanoferrites

Gadolinium substituted cobalt ferrite CoGdxFe2−xO4 (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08) powders have been prepared by a sol-gel autocombustion method. XRD results indicate the production of a single cubic phase of ferrites. The lattice parameter increases and the average crystallite size decreases with the substitution of Gd3+ ions. SEM shows that the ferrite powers are nanoparticles. Room temperature Mössbauer spectra of CoGdxFe22−xO4 are two normal Zeeman-split sextets, which display ferrimagnetic behavior. The saturation magnetization decreases and the coercivity increases by the Gd3+ ions

Application of Microfluidic Chips in the Detection of Airborne Microorganisms

The spread of microorganisms in the air, especially pathogenic microorganisms, seriously affects people’s normal life. Therefore, the analysis and detection of airborne microorganisms is of great importance in environmental detection, disease prevention and biosafety. As an emerging technology with the advantages of integration, miniaturization and high efficiency, microfluidic chips are widely used in the detection of microorganisms in the environment, bringing development vitality to the detection of airborne microorganisms, and they have become a research highlight in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Microfluidic chips can be used for the detection and analysis of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the air, mainly for the detection of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, H1N1 virus, SARS-CoV-2 virus, Aspergillus niger, etc. The high sensitivity has great potential in practical detection. Here, we summarize the advances in the collection and detection of airborne microorganisms by microfluidic chips. The challenges and trends for the detection of airborne microorganisms by microfluidic chips was also discussed. These will support the role of microfluidic chips in the prevention and control of air pollution and major outbreaks

Structural and Magnetic Studies of Cr3+ Substituted Nickel Ferrite Nanomaterials Prepared by Sol-Gel Auto-Combustion

The present study envisages the preparation of chromium substituted Nickel ferrite NiCrxFe2−xO4 (x = 0~1.0) powders by a sol-gel auto-combustion method. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showed that the specimens with x > 0.2 exhibited a single-phase spinel structure, and that more content of Cr within a specimen is favorable for the synthesis of pure Ni-Cr ferrites. The lattice parameter decreased with an increase in the Cr concentration. The sample without calcining exhibited a good crystallinity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed the formation of ferrite powders nano-particles, and that the substitution of Cr weakened the agglomeration between the particles. Mössbauer spectra of NiCrxFe2−xO4 showed two normal Zeeman-split sextets that displayed a ferrimagnetic behavior. Furthermore, the spectra indicated that iron was in the Fe3+ state, and the magnetic hyperfine field at the tetrahedral tended to decrease with an increase in the Cr substitution. The saturation magnetization decreased by the Cr3+ ions, and reached a minimum value (Ms = 4.46 emu/g). With an increase in the annealing temperature, the coercivity increased initially, which later decreased