|
“Comprehensive microanalytical study of welding aerosols with x-ray and Raman based methods”. Worobiec A, Stefaniak EA, Kiro S, Oprya M, Bekshaev A, Spolnik Z, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Ennan A, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 36, 328 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.979
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.979
|
|
|
“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
|
|
|
“Component-specific toxic concerns of the inhalable fraction of urban road dust”. Potgieter-Vermaak S, Rotondo G, Novacovic V, Rollins S, Van Grieken R, Environmental geochemistry and health 34, 689 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10653-012-9488-5
Abstract: Continuous global urbanisation causes an ever-growing ecological footprint of pollution. Road dust (RD), one of these pollutants, poses a health concern due to carcinogenic and toxic components potentially present in the micron-sized fractions. The literature reports on the concentrations of trace, toxic metals and metalloids present in RD (Hooker and Nathanail in Chem Geol 226:340-351, 2006), but the literature on its molecular composition is limited. Recent reports on the bioaccessibility of platinum group metals are also reported (Colombo et al. in Chem Geol 226:340-351, 2008). In vitro and animal toxicological studies confirmed that the chemical composition of inhaled particles plays a major role in its toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic mechanisms, but the component-specific toxic effects are still not understood. Particle-bound airborne transition metals can also lead to the production of reactive oxygen species in lung tissue; a special concern amongst particularly susceptible cohorts (children and elderly). The characterisation of the molecular composition of the fine fraction is evidently of importance for public health. During a pilot study, partially characterised size-fractioned RD samples (Barrett et al. in Eviron Sci Technol 44:2940-2946, 2010) were analysed for their elemental concentration using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, separately dispersed particles (200 particles per size fraction) were analysed individually by means of computer-controlled electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (CC-EPXMA) and their molecular structure probed by studying elemental associations. These were correlated with micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) results. It was found that the fine fraction (< 38 mu m) had the highest Pb (238 ppm) and Cr (171 ppm) concentrations. The CC-EPXMA data showed > 50 % association of Cr-rich particles with Pb, and the MRS data showed that the Cr was mostly present as lead chromate and therefore in the Cr(VI) oxidation state. Concentrations of both Pb and Cr decreased substantially (279 (< 38 mu m)-13 ppm (< 1 mm); 171 (< 38 mu m)-91 ppm (< 1 mm), respectively) in the larger fractions. Apart from rather alarmingly high concentrations of oxidative stressors (Cu, Fe, Mn), the carcinogenic and toxic potential of the inhalable fraction is evident. Preliminary bioaccessibility data indicated that both Cr and Pb are readily mobilised in artificial lysosomal liquid and up to 19 % of Cr and 47 % of Pb were released.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S10653-012-9488-5
|
|
|
“Comparison of limestone, dolomite and fly ash as pre-treatment agents for acid mine drainage”. Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Potgieter JH, Monama P, Van Grieken R, Minerals engineering 19, 454 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MINENG.2005.07.009
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MINENG.2005.07.009
|
|
|
“Comparative overview of indoor air quality in Antwerp, Belgium”. Stranger M, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Van Grieken R, Environment international 33, 789 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVINT.2007.02.014
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVINT.2007.02.014
|
|
|
“Characterization of indoor air quality in primary schools in Antwerp, Belgium”. Stranger M, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Van Grieken R, Indoor air: international journal of indoor quality and climate 18, 454 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1111/J.1600-0668.2008.00545.X
Abstract: The indoor air quality of 27 primary schools located in the city centre and suburbs of Antwerp, Belgium, was assessed. The primary aim was to obtain correlations between the various pollutant levels. Indoor:outdoor ratios and the building and classroom characteristics of each school were investigated. This paper presents results on indoor and local outdoor PM2.5 mass concentrations, its elemental composition in terms of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Pb, Al, Si, S, and Cl, and its black smoke content. In addition, indoor and local outdoor levels of the gases NO2, SO2, O3, and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene isomers) were determined. Black smoke, NO2, SO2 and O3, occurred at indoor:outdoor ratios below unity, indicating their significant outdoor sources. No linear correlation was established between indoor and outdoor levels for PM2.5 mass concentrations and BTEX; their indoor:outdoor ratios exceeded unity except for benzene. Classroom PM2.5 occurred with a different elemental composition than local outdoor PM2.5. The re-suspension of dust because of room occupation is probably the main contributor for the I/O ratios higher than 1 reported for elements typically constituting dust particles. Finally, increased benzene concentrations were reported for classrooms located at the lower levels.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0668.2008.00545.X
|
|
|
“Characterization of individual soot aggregates from different sources using image analysis”. Smekens A, Godoi RHM, Vervoort M, van Espen P, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Van Grieken R, Journal of atmospheric chemistry 56, 211 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10874-006-9050-X
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Chemometrics (Mitac 3)
DOI: 10.1007/S10874-006-9050-X
|
|
|
“Characterisation of concentrates of heavy mineral sands by micro-Raman spectrometry and CC-SEM/EDX with HCA”. Worobiec A, Stefaniak EA, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Sawlowicz Z, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Applied geochemistry 22, 2078 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.APGEOCHEM.2007.05.003
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.APGEOCHEM.2007.05.003
|
|
|
“Behavior of semi-volatile particles under a laser and electron beam: influence on the quality of analytical results”. Worobiec A, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Darchuk L, Vishnyakov V, Potgieter H, Van Grieken R, AIP conference proceedings 1267, 523 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3482653
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1063/1.3482653
|
|
|
“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
|
|
|
“Assessment of heavy metals pollution in Sudanese harbours along the Red Sea Coast”. Idris AM, Eltayeb MAH, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Van Grieken R, Potgieter JH, Microchemical journal 87, 104 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2007.06.004
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2007.06.004
|
|
|
“Assessment of aerosol particles within the Rubens' House Museum in Antwerp, Belgium”. Godoi RHM, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Godoi AFL, Stranger M, Van Grieken R, X-ray spectrometry 37, 298 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1002/XRS.1049
Abstract: The majority of researchers, conservators and curators recognise that atmospheric pollution is one of the major threats to works of art. In principle, all atmospheric particles, when deposited onto art objects can be considered harmful because of their potential in causing deterioration. Moreover, under certain conditions, particulate matter can induce and intensify surface damage, particularly because of its potential to serve as centre for moisture condensation and adsorbent of gaseous pollutants. To investigate the potential harm that these particles can cause, comprehensive characterisation of the particulate matter is necessary. Particulate matter was collected at the Rubens' House Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, where a unique exhibit of the paintings and living quarters of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) are seen. Size segregated aerosol samples were collected for analyses of bulk and single particle elemental and molecular compositions. They were analysed by electron probe micro-analysis, utilising facilities for low-Z element determination, and by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence, to investigate the elemental composition of individual particles and bulk samples, and by micro Raman spectrometry, to elucidate the molecular composition. Results are interpreted separately and as a whole with the specific aim of identifying compounds that could contribute to the chemical reactions taking place on the surfaces of artefacts and which could potentially cause degradation of the objects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1002/XRS.1049
|
|
|
“Analysis of indoor gaseous formic and acetic acid, using radial diffusive samplers”. Stranger M, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Sacco P, Quaglio F, Pagani D, Cocheo C, Godoi AFL, Van Grieken R, Environmental monitoring and assessment 149, 411 (2009). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10661-008-0217-6
Abstract: A diffusive sampling method for the determination of gaseous acetic and formic acids, using a radial symmetry diffusive sampler, has been optimised for a 7-day exposure time in this study. Sampling rate determinations were performed on data obtained from a dynamic exposure chamber, simulating the indoor conditions of an empty, closed, room, at room temperature and minimal wind speed. Analysis has been performed by means of ion chromatography. The sampling rates for formic acid concentrations of 128 ìg m−3 and 1248 ìg m−3 were determined to be 91.2 ± 3.9 ml min−1 and 111.6 ± 2.8 ml min−1, respectively. The acetic acid sampling rate was independent of the concentration in the range 160 ìg m−31564 ìg m−3, and amounted to 97.3 ± 3.1 ml min−1. Experimentally determined sampling rates showed deviations of 3% for acetic acid, and 321% for formic acid, in relation to theoretically derived values. The blank values were as low as 1.69 ± 0.07 ìg for formic acid and 1.21 ± 0.14 ìg for acetic acid, and detection limits lower than 0.5 ìg m−3 could be achieved, which is an improvement of 9899% compared to previously validated diffusive sampling methods. This study describes the first step of an extended validation program in which the applicability of these types of samplers for the measurement of organic acids will be validated and optimised for the environmental conditions typical for museum showcases.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S10661-008-0217-6
|
|
|
“Air particulate emissions in developing countries : a case study in South Africa”. Worobiec A, Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Berghmans P, Winkler H, Burger R, Van Grieken R, Analytical letters 44, 1907 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1080/00032719.2010.539734
Abstract: Atmospheric aerosols were collected during the winter in Bethlehem, South Africa. The particulate mass concentrations, ambient carbon mass concentrations, and chemical composition of various particulate fractions showed that the area is highly polluted. The fine particle mass concentrations peaked at 1000 µg/m3 for PM2.5. Ambient carbon mass concentrations ranged from 20 to 40 µg/m3. Single particle analysis confirmed that the fine particle fraction was dominated by organic particles. The topographical conditions, causing a low inversion, together with the high amounts of emissions from biomass burning, result in unacceptable levels of air pollution and pose a considerable health threat to the population.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2010.539734
|
|
|
“Acute changes in pulse pressure in relation to constituents of particulate air pollution in elderly persons”. Jacobs L, Buczyńska A, Walgraeve C, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Van Grieken R, et al, Environmental research 117, 60 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVRES.2012.05.003
Abstract: An increased pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) suggests aortic stiffening. The objective of this study was to examine the acute effects of both particulate matter (PM) mass and composition on blood pressure, among elderly persons. We carried out a panel study in persons living in elderly homes in Antwerp, Belgium. We recruited 88 non-smoking persons, 70% women with a mean age of 83 years (standard deviation: 5.2). Blood pressure was measured and a blood sample was collected on two time points, which were chosen so that there was an exposure contrast in ambient PM exposure. The elemental content of the collected indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) mass concentration was measured. Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) on outdoor PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm) were measured. Each interquartile range increase of 20.8 μg/m³ in 24-h mean outdoor PM2.5 was associated with an increase in pulse pressure of 4.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 1.86.2), in persons taking antihypertensive medication (n=57), but not in persons not using antihypertensive medication (n=31) (p for interaction: 0.02). Vanadium, iron and nickel contents of PM2.5 were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, among persons on antihypertensive medication. Similar results were found for indoor concentrations. Of the oxy-PAHs, chrysene-5,6-dione and benzo[a]pyrene-3,6-dione were significantly associated with increases in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. In elderly, pulse pressure was positively associated with acute increases in outdoor and indoor air pollution, among persons taking antihypertensive medication. These results might form a mechanistic pathway linking air pollution as a trigger of cardiovascular events.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2012.05.003
|
|
|
“A characterisation of the surface properties of an ultra fine fly ash (UFFA) used in the polymer industry”. Potgieter-Vermaak SS, Potgieter JH, Kruger RA, Spolnik Z, Van Grieken R, Fuel 84, 2295 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.FUEL.2005.05.013
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2005.05.013
|
|