|
“Charakterystyka i wpływ zanieczyszczeń, powietrza na eksponaty w muzeach”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Deutsch F, Krata A, Van Grieken R, Análityka , 64 (2008)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
|
|
|
“Oszklenie ochronne i jego wpływ na średniowieczne okna witrazowe: z perspektywy chemii atmosfery: studium przypadku kaplica Sainte Chapelle w Paryzu”. Kontozova V, Godoi R, Krata A, Van Grieken R, Analityka , 20 (2007)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
|
|
|
“Monitoring of NO2 in the ambient air with passive samplers before and after a road reconstruction event”. Stranger M, Krata A, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Bencs L, Deutsch F, Worobiec A, Naveau I, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 90, 93 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2008.04.001
Abstract: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations were used to evaluate the air quality before and after the infrastructural change of an important traffic artery in Mortsel, Antwerp (Belgium). During the reconstruction works two pairs of traffic lanes were reduced to one in each direction. Two sampling campaigns were conducted: the first one before the works in 2003 and the second one in 2005, after the road works were finished. Sampling was performed on a weekly base with the use of passive diffusion tubes on the streets, and also indoors in nearby houses. The samples were analyzed by ion chromatography, from which data the NO2 concentrations in air could be calculated. These results were compared with NO2 values from the air monitoring station 42R801 of the Flemish Environment Agency in Borgerhout, Antwerp. On the base of different NO2 concentrations, correlated well with the traffic density, sampling locations were classified into three groups as follows: 1) heavily polluted (heavy traffic); 2) moderately polluted (medium traffic); or 3) less polluted (low traffic density). Sampling sites located further from the road works, enclosed to the group less polluted, showedthe lowestNO2 concentrations. The highestNO2 levelwas found for the locations close to reconstructionworks, which belonged to the group heavily polluted. The contribution of NO2 was at the samelevel before and after the roadworks. During the first campaign it ranged from30±7 µg/m3 to 71±11 µg/m3 and during the second sampling itwas between 36±17 µg/m3 and 73±17 µg/m3. These modernizationworks had no impact on preventing the traffic-related pollutant as NO2 and as a consequence no significant effect on the air quality in the studied region. It has been proven that the impact of traffic on the air quality is unmistakably high and simply reduction of the number of the traffic lanes, intended to discourage the traffic flow, had apparently no environmentally advantageous effect
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2008.04.001
|
|
|
“A seasonal study of atmospheric conditions influenced by the intensive tourist flow in the Royal Museum of Wawel Castle in Cracow, Poland”. Worobiec A, Samek L, Karaszkiewicz P, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Stefaniak EA, van Meel K, Krata A, Bencs L, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 90, 99 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2008.04.005
Abstract: Increasingmass tourismcan generate importantmicroclimatic perturbations and also elevate indoor pollution by the transport of fine particulatematter. The purpose of this researchwas to study the indoor air conditions in the RoyalMuseum ofWawel Castle in Cracow, Poland, displaying amongst other valuable works of art also a unique collection of Flemish tapestries. The investigation involved in the determination of transport and deposition of particulate matter brought in by visitors. The microclimate inside the exhibition rooms was also monitored. Samples of suspended particulateswere collected inside and outside themuseuminwinterand summer2006.On days with intensive tourist visits the concentration of total suspended particulates was significantly higher (i.e., 130 µg/m3 inwinter and 49 µg/m3 in summer) than on those days without tourists (i.e., 73 µg/m3 and 22 µg/m3 in winter and summer, respectively). The concentrations of all investigated elementswere also considerably higher during the tourist flow. This was especially valid for soil dust associated elements (Si, K, Ca, Al, and Ti), with considerably higher levels in summer than winter. This could be linked with much more frequent tourist activity in the summer period. Also, the concentration of Clwasmuch higher inwinter than summer, due to the use of deicing salts on the roads and pavements.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2008.04.005
|
|
|
“Investigation of gaseous and particulate air pollutants at the Basilica Saint-Urbain in Troyes, related to the preservation of the medieval stained glass windows”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Godoi RHM, Worobiec A, Spolnik Z, Krata A, Deutsch F, Van Grieken R, Microchimica acta 162, 425 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00604-007-0930-9
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1007/S00604-007-0930-9
|
|
|
“Optimization of the ion chromatographic quantification of airborne fluoride, acetate and formate in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Deutsch F, Bencs L, Krata A, Van Grieken R, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 86, 372 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
Abstract: Ion chromatographic (IC) methods have been compared in order to achieve an optimal separation of fluoride, acetate and formate under various elution conditions on two formerly introduced analytical columns (i and ii) and a novel one (iii): (i) an IonPac AS14 (250 mm × 4 mm I.D.), (ii) Allsep A-2 (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D.), and (iii) an IC SI-50 4E (250 mm (length) × 4 mm (internal diameter – I.D.)). The IC conditions for the separation of the anions concerned were optimized on the IC SI-50 4E column. A near baseline separation of these anions was attained on the IonPac AS14, whereas the peaks of fluoride and acetate could not be resolved on the Allsep A-2. A baseline separation for the three anions was achieved on the IC SI-50 4E column, when applying an eluent mixture of 3.2 mmol/L Na2CO3 and 1.0 mmol/L NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The highest precision of 1.7, 3.0 and 2.8% and the best limits of detection (LODs) of 0.014, 0.22 and 0.17 mg/L for fluoride, acetate and formate, respectively, were obtained with the IC SI-50 4E column. Hence, this column was applied for the determination of the acetic and formic acid contents of air samples taken by means of passive gaseous sampling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. Atmospheric concentrations of acetic and formic acid up to 1050 and 450 μg/m3, respectively, were found in non-aerated showcases of the museum. In galleries and outdoors, rather low levels of acetic and formic acid were detected with average concentrations of 50 and 10 μg/m3, respectively. The LOD data of acetate and formate on the IC SI-50 4E column correspond to around 0.5 μg/m3 for both acetic and formic acid in air samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
|
|
|
“Efficient separation of acetate and formate by ion chromatography: application to air samples in a cultural heritage environment”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Krata A, Deutsch F, Bencs L, Van Grieken R, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 75, 418 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2007.11.025
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2007.11.025
|
|
|
“Single-run ion chromatographic separation of inorganic and low-molecular-mass organic anions under isocratic elution: application to environmental samples”. Krata A, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Bencs L, Deutsch F, Van Grieken R, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 79, 16 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2009.02.044
Abstract: For the isocratic ion chromatography (IC) separation of low-molecular-mass organic acids and inorganic anions three different anion-exchange columns were studied: IonPac AS14 (9 ìm particle size), Allsep A-2 (7 ìm particle size), and IC SI-50 4E (5 ìm particle size). A complete baseline separation for all analyzed anions (i.e., F−, acetate, formate, Cl−, NO2−, Br−, NO3−, HPO42− and SO42−) in one analytical cycle of shorter than 17 min was achieved on the IC SI-50 4E column, using an eluent mixture of 3.2 mM Na2CO3 and 1.0 mM NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. On the IonPac AS14 column, it was possible to separate acetate from inorganic anions in one run (i.e., less than 9 min), but not formate, under the following conditions: 3.5 mM Na2CO3 plus 1.0 mM NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1. Therefore, it was necessary to adapt a second run with a 2.0 mM Na2B4O7 solution as an eluent under a flow rate of 0.8 mL min−1 for the separation of organic ions, which considerably enlarged the analysis time. For the Allsep A-2 column, using an eluent mixture of 1.2 mM Na2CO3 plus 1.5 mM NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.6 mL min−1, it was possible to separate almost all anions in one run within 25 min, except the fluoride-acetate critical pair. A Certified Multianion Standard Solution PRIMUS for IC was used for the validation of the analytical methods. The lowest RSDs (less than 1%) and the best LODs (0.02, 0.2, 0.16, 0.11, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.14 and 0.09 mg L−1 for F−, Ac−, For−, Cl−, NO2−, Br−, NO3−, HPO42− and SO42−, respectively) were achieved using the IC SI-50 4E column. This column was applied for the separation of concerned ions in environmental precipitation samples such as snow, hail and rainwater.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2009.02.044
|
|
|
“Composition of PM2.5 and PM1 on high and low pollution event days and its relation to indoor air quality in a home for the elderly”. Buczyńska AJ, Krata A, Van Grieken R, Brown A, Polezer G, De Wael K, Potgieter-Vermaak S, The science of the total environment 490, 134 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.04.102
Abstract: Many studies probing the link between air quality and health have pointed towards associations between particulate matter (PM) exposure and decreased lung function, aggravation of respiratory diseases like asthma, premature death and increased hospitalisation admissions for the elderly and individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases. Of recent, it is believed that the chemical composition and physical properties of PM may contribute significantly to these adverse health effects. As part of a Belgian Science Policy project (Health effects of particulate matter in relation to physicalchemical characteristics and meteorology), the chemical composition (elemental and ionic compositions) and physical properties (PM mass concentrations) of PM were investigated, indoors and outdoors of old age homes in Antwerp. The case reported here specifically relates to high versus normal/low pollution event periods. PM mass concentrations for PM1 and PM2.5 fractions were determined gravimetrically after collection via impaction. These same samples were hence analysed by EDXRF spectrometry and IC for their elemental and ionic compositions, respectively. During high pollution event days, PM mass concentrations inside the old age home reached 53 μg m− 3 and 32 μg m− 3 whilst outside concentrations were 101 μg m− 3 and 46 μg m− 3 for PM2.5 and PM1, respectively. The sum of nss-sulphate, nitrate and ammonium, dominate the composition of PM, and contribute the most towards an increase in the PM during the episode days constituting 64% of ambient PM2.5 (52 μg m− 3) compared to 39% on non-episode days (10 μg m− 3). Other PM components, such as mineral dust, sea salt or heavy metals were found to be considerably higher during PM episodes but relatively less important. Amongst heavy metals Zn and Pb were found at the highest concentrations in both PM2.5 and PM1. Acidbase ionic balance equations were calculated and point to acidic aerosols during event days and acidic to alkaline aerosols during non-event days. No significant sources of indoor pollutants could be identified inside the old-age home as high correlations were found between outdoor and indoor PM, confirming mainly the outdoor origin of indoor air.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.9
Times cited: 27
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.04.102
|
|
|
“Historical changes in air pollution in the tri-border region of Poland, Czech Republic and Germany”. Worobiec A, Zwozdziak A, Sówka I, Zwozdziak J, Stefaniak EA, Buczyńska A, Krata A, van Meel K, Van Grieken R, Górka M, Jedrysek M-O, Environment protection engineering 34, 81 (2008)
Abstract: In this study, we show the trends in the concentration Of SO2 and particulate matter (PM) in two health resorts, located in the tri-border region of Poland, Germany and Czech Republic. We analyze the annual time series and the seasonal variability of PM concentration for the months of July and February over the period of 1996-2007. Additionally, in July 2006, we measured the mean 24-hour concentration of PM and the content of heavy metals (by EDXRF analysis). We prove that nowadays air pollution in this region has diminished to a large extent as compared to the 90s of the last century. In Cieplice, the local influence is still evident; while Czerniawa is exposed to a periodical advection of polluted air from regional sources.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
|
|
|
“Transport and deposition of airborne pollutants in exhibition areas located in historical buildings: study in Wawel Castle Museum in Cracow, Poland”. Worobiec A, Samek J, Krata A, van Meel K, Krupińska B, Stefaniak EA, Karaszkiewicz P, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 11, 354 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2009.11.009
Abstract: Historical buildings and castles that have been turned nowadays into museums, as an exhibition area for precious cultural heritage (CH) items, need more attention since they are CH objects by themselves. Moreover, the preservation techniques require often, significant interventions; however such changes are not always possible or are very limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of outdoor air pollution on the composition of particulate matter and gases inside the museum of Wawel Castle in Cracow, Poland. During this study a combination of micro and trace analysis techniques were applied, including energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). An intensive transport of air pollutants coupled with accumulation of the particles inside the museum was noticed (considerably higher in winter than summer). A high content of carbon and organic matter agglomerated with inorganic particles was determined. Those particles are of special concern because of their adhesive properties and reactivity. It was also noted that the conditions inside the museum favour the reaction of the particles with gaseous pollutants. It was especially the case for nitrate particles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2009.11.009
|
|
|
“Atmospheric BTEX-concentrations in an area with intensive street traffic”. Buczyńska AJ, Krata A, Stranger M, Godoi AFL, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Bencs L, Naveau I, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 43, 311 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.071
Abstract: The major threat to clean air in developed and industrializing countries is now posed by traffic emissions. The effects of traffic road modifications on the air quality are, however, rarely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the modernization and renovation of a traffic artery in the region of Mortsel (Antwerp, Belgium) on the concentration of volatile organic compounds such as: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-, p-, o-xylenes (BTEX). The original goal of the reconstruction works was to reduce the traffic lanes of one of the busiest streets in Antwerp, in order to discourage the road traffic and in consequence also to improve the air quality in this region. The average concentrations of BTEX before these works in 2003 were: 1.6, 7.0, 0.9, 2.3, and 0.9 ìg/m3, for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m + p xylenes, and o-xylene, respectively. However, after the completion of the works, in 2005, they were slightly higher: 2.5, 9.5, 1.6, 3.4, and 1.3 ìg/m3, respectively. The scatter plots of benzene against toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in 2003 and 2005 showed very good correlations. This fact indicated that all of the measured compounds originated from the same source, namely the road traffic. Moreover, the data obtained from an air-monitoring station at less than 6 km distance from the sampling site (operated by the Flemish Environment Agency, and located in Borgerhout, Antwerp), confirmed the lack of influence of background concentrations of BTEX. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the reduction of the number of traffic lanes had apparently increased the traffic jams and also increased the emission from cars. Therefore, these modernization works had even a negative impact on the local concentration of traffic-related pollutants as BTEX.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.071
|
|
|
“Atmospheric nitrogen fluxes at the Belgian coast: 2004-2006”. Bencs L, Krata A, Horemans B, Buczyńska AJ, Dirtu AC, Godoi AFL, Godoi RHM, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Van Grieken R, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 43, 3786 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2009.04.002
Abstract: Daily and seasonal variations in dry and wet atmospheric nitrogen fluxes have been studied during four campaigns between 2004 and 2006 at a coastal site of the Southern North Sea at De Haan (Belgium) located at coordinates of 51.1723° N and 3.0369° E. Concentrations of inorganic N-compounds were determined in the gaseous phase, size-segregated aerosol (coarse, medium, and fine), and rainwater samples. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was quantified in rainwater. The daily variations in N-fluxes of compounds were evaluated with air-mass backward trajectories, classified into the main air-masses arriving at the sampling site (i.e., continental, North Sea, and Atlantic/UK/Channel). The three, non-episodic campaigns showed broadly consistent fluxes, but during the late summer campaign exceptionally high episodic N-deposition was observed. The average dry and wet fluxes for non-episodic campaigns amounted to 2.6 and 4.0 mg N m−2 d−1, respectively, whereas during the episodic late summer period these fluxes were as high as 5.2 and 6.2 mg N m−2 d−1, respectively. Non-episodic seasons/campaigns experienced average aerosol fluxes of 0.91.4 mg N m−2 d−1. Generally, the contribution of aerosol NH4+ was more significant in the medium and fine particulate fractions than that of aerosol NO3−, whereas the latter contributed more in the coarse fraction, especially in continental air-masses. During the dry mid-summer campaign, the DON contributed considerably (15%) to the total N-budget. Exceptionally high episodic aerosol-N inputs have been observed for the late summer campaign, with especially high deposition rates of 3.6 and 2.9 mg N m−2 d−1 for Atlantic/UK/Channel and North Sea-continental (mixed) air-masses, respectively. During this pollution episode, the flux of NH4+ was dominating in each aerosol fraction/air-mass, except for coarse continental aerosols. High deposition of gaseous-N was also observed in this campaign with an average total N-flux of 22.5-times higher than in other campaigns.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2009.04.002
|
|
|
“Chemkar PM10 : an extensive look at the local differences in chemical composition of PM10 in Flanders, Belgium”. Vercauteren J, Matheeussen C, Wauters E, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Krata A, Makarovska Y, Maenhaut W, Chi X, Geypens B, Atmospheric environment : an international journal 45, 108 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.09.040
Abstract: The results of Chemkar PM10, the first large scale chemical characterisation project of PM10 in Flanders are presented. Between September 2006 and September 2007 a total of 365 PM10 samples were collected by sampling every sixth day at six different sites in Flanders (Belgium) varying in character from urban background to rural. Samples were analysed for a series of elements, elemental and organic carbon, 13C/12C- and 15N/14N-isotopic ratios, and water-soluble ions. At three sites extra sampling was carried out to determine PAHs by means of a novel technique that uses sorption tubes consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foam, PDMS particles and a TENAX TA bed. Results showed that the most important fractions were secondary inorganic ions (nitrate, sulphate and ammonium): 41% (12.6 μg m−3), organic matter: 20% (6.1 μg m−3), crustal matter: 14% (4.3 μg m−3), sea salt: 8% (2.4 μg m−3) and elemental carbon: 4% (1.2 μg m−3). Although the general composition profile was rather similar for the six sites, substantial differences could be observed for some main components and for several trace metals such as chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic and lead. Although the average sum of the PAH 16 was quite variable between the three sites (between 132 and 248 ng m−3) the average sum of the PAH 7 was between 7 and 9 ng m−3 for the three sites. The largest relative differences between sites were found for elemental carbon and crustal matter, thereby indicating that there is some potential for local measures to reduce the concentrations of particulate matter by a few μg m−3. Both for carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios significant differences in time were observed. Isotopic differences in location could only be detected for carbon.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2010.09.040
|
|
|
“Comparative assessment of air quality in two health resorts using carbon isotopes and palynological analyses”. Górka M, Jedrysek MO, Maj J, Worobiec A, Buczyńska A, Stefaniak E, Krata A, Van Grieken R, Zwozdziak A, Sówka I, Zwozdziak J, Lewicka-Szczebak D, Atmospheric environment 43, 682 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.056
Abstract: This paper describes results of applying the palynological and carbon isotopic analysis of the organic fraction of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) to discriminate distinct pollution sources and assess the anthropogenic impact for the investigated areas. The samples of atmospheric particles were collected in Czerniawa and Cieplice (two health resorts in Lower Silesia, SW Poland) twice a year in summer and winter season (from July 2006 to February 2008). The palynological spectra represent in the vast majority local plant communities without a noticeable contribution of long-transported plant particles. Palynological analysis revealed also differences in the specificity of the two sampling areas, i.e. the higher contribution of identified organic material in Czerniawa stands for more natural character of this site, but is also responsible for the higher allergic pressure when compared to Cieplice. The carbon isotopic composition of TSP varied seasonally (ä13C value from −27.09 in summer to −25.47 in winter). The increased ä13C value in winter (heating period) is most probably caused by uncontrolled contribution of coal soot. On the basis of isotopic mass balance the calculated contribution of anthropogenic organic particles in the atmosphere reached in winter season 72% in Czerniawa and 79% in Cieplice.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ATMOSENV.2008.09.056
|
|
|
“Major ionic species in size-segregated aerosols and associated gaseous pollutants at a coastal site on the Belgian North Sea”. Horemans B, Krata A, Buczyńska AJ, Dirtu AC, van Meel K, Van Grieken R, Bencs L, Journal of environmental monitoring 11, 670 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1039/B815059A
Abstract: The chemical composition of airborne particulate matter (PM) was studied at a coastal region near De Haan, Belgium, during a winterspring and a summer campaign in 2006. The major ionic components of size-segregated PM, i.e. NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42-, and related gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, NH3, HNO2, and HNO3) were monitored on a daily basis. Air mass backward-trajectories aided in evaluating the origin of the diurnal pollution load. This was characterised with high levels of fine secondary inorganic aerosols (NH4+, NO3-, and non-sea-salt SO42-) for continental air masses, and sea-salts as the dominant species in coarse maritime aerosols. Seasonal variations in the level of major ionic species were explained by weather conditions and the release of dimethyl sulfide from marine regions. This species was responsible for an increased sea-salt Cl- depletion during summer (56%), causing elevated levels of HCl. Neutralisation ratios for the coarse fraction (0.60.8) suggested a depleted NH4+ level, while that for the fine fraction (1.11.3) had definitely an excess of NH4+, formed by the neutralisation of HCl. The results of factor analysis and the extent of SO2 oxidation indicated that the major ionic species originated from both local and remote sources, classifying the Belgian coastal region as a combined sourcereceptor area of air pollution.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1039/B815059A
|
|
|
“Mass and ionic composition of atmospheric fine particles over Belgium and their relation with gaseous air pollutants”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, de Hoog J, Rasoazanany EO, Deutsch F, Bleux N, Berghmans P, Roekens E, Krata A, Van Grieken R, Journal of environmental monitoring 10, 1148 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1039/B805157G
Abstract: Mass, major ionic components (MICs) of PM2.5, and related gaseous pollutants (SO2, NOx, NH3, HNO2, and HNO3) were monitored over six locations of different anthropogenic influence (industrial, urban, suburban, and rural) in Belgium. SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, and Na+ were the primary ions of PM2.5 with averages diurnal concentrations ranging from 0.44.5, 0.37.6, 0.94.9, and 0.41.2 µg m-3, respectively. MICs formed 39% of PM2.5 on an average, but it could reach up to 8098%. The SO2, NO, NO2, HNO2, and HNO3 levels showed high seasonal and site-specific fluctuations. The NH3 levels were similar over all the sites (26 µg m-3), indicating its relation to the evenly distributed animal husbandry activities. The sulfur and nitrogen oxidation ratios for PM2.5 point towards a low-to-moderate formation of secondary sulfate and nitrate aerosols over five cities/towns, but their fairly intensive formation over the rural Wingene. Cluster analysis revealed the association of three groups of compounds in PM2.5: (i) NH4NO3, KNO3; (ii) Na2SO4; and (iii) MgCl2, CaCl2, MgF2, CaF2, corresponding to anthropogenic, sea-salt, and mixed (sea-salt + anthropogenic) aerosols, respectively. The neutralization and cation-to-anion ratios indicate that MICs of PM2.5 appeared mostly as (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 salts. Sea-salt input was maximal during winter reaching up to 12% of PM2.5. The overall average Cl-loss for sea-salt particles of PM2.5 at the six sites varied between 69 and 96% with an average of 87%. Principal component analysis revealed vehicular emission, coal/wood burning and animal farming as the dominating sources for the ionic components of PM2.5.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1039/B805157G
|
|
|
“Elemental concentrations in aerosols at the Belgian coast versus seasons and air mass trajectories”. van Meel K, Horemans B, Krata A, Bencs L, Buczyńska AJ, Dirtu AC, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, Environmental chemistry letters 8, 157 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10311-009-0203-4
Abstract: Marine aerosols have extensively been monitored in the framework of a research project to investigate the inorganic and organic nutrient fluxes of the atmospheric nitrogen input into the North Sea. As a part of this project bulk analysis was also performed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) on a total of 366 samples in order to provide detailed elemental composition. Samples have been clustered per campaign and differences were related to backward trajectories. Elements as Cl, Si, and S appeared to be the best tracers for coastal aerosols. Therefore they have been chosen to represent each campaign and to map the seasonal variations. It is clear that Cl is an excellent tracer for oceanic trajectories, while a less clear correlation between the soil dust components and the air mass trajectories is found.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); Toxicological Centre
DOI: 10.1007/S10311-009-0203-4
|
|
|
“Particulate matter analysis at elementary schools in Curitiba, Brazil”. Avigo D, Godoi AFL, Janissek PR, Makarovska Y, Krata A, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Alfoldy B, Van Grieken R, Godoi RHM, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 391, 1459 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00216-008-2031-Y
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-008-2031-Y
|
|