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“Effects of IR heating on distribution and transport of gaseous air pollutants in urban and mountain churches in Poland”. Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Worobiec A, Samek L, Jutte BAHG, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 36, 200 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
Abstract: The spatial distribution and temporal concentration variation of a set of gaseous air components (e.g., CO2, CO, H2CO, H2O) have been monitored with a multi-channel photoacoustic gas-analyzer in an urban church ( Saint Catherine's, Cracow) and a mountain church ( Saint Michaels Archangel, Szalowa) of Poland, in order to assess the likely effects of air pollution indoors under the influence of provisory electrical infrared (IR) heaters and without heating. Likewise, the ventilation characteristic and the leakage of these buildings with different constructions (i.e., plastered stone and wooden structures) with the assistance of decay curves of SF6 tracer gas was evaluated and compared. The wooden building in Szalowa, due to its more open structure, developed about one order higher ventilation rates (e.g., 0.9-1.3 h(-1)) than the stone church in Cracow (e.g., 0.1 h(-1)). The IR-heating affected only modestly the ventilation rate of the wooden church (e.g., 1.2-1.6 h(-1)), but it increased significantly that of the plastered stone church (e.g., 0.27 h(-1)). The ventilation rates were also assessed with the use of the CO2 curve decay method, and satisfactory agreement was found with those observed by the use of SF6 tracer. The spatial distribution of the studied gaseous pollutants (CO2, H2O) was found to be in some occasions nonhomogeneous in both buildings, due to the active usage of the IR-heating, especially, during a couple of consecutive liturgical services. Besides the pollution events due to ingress of gaseous air pollutants, present at enhanced levels outdoors, increased CO, CO2 and H2CO peaks were observed indoors too, which, in most cases, could be associated with incense burning. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2018.09.007
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“Determination of ultra-trace levels of palladium in environenmental samples by graphite furnace atomic spectrometry techniques”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, Van Grieken R page 173 (2006).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Determination of total selenium content in cereals and bakery products by flow injection hydride generation graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry applying in-situ trapping on iridium-treated graphite platforms”. Ajtony Z, Szoboszlai N, Bella Z, Bolla S, Szakál P, Bencs L, Microchimica acta 150, 1 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00604-005-0330-Y
Abstract: A flow injection hydride generation graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric (FI-HG-GFAAS) method was applied to the determination of Se in Se-doped and undoped cereals and bakery products. For the purpose of doping, the soils used for the cultivation of the cereals were dosed with Se- doped foliar fertilizers. The samples were dissolved in a mixture of HNO(3) and H(2)O(2) solutions using micro-waveassisted digestion. The decomposition of H(2)Se generated from the sample solutions and the trapping of elemental Se were performed at a temperature of 300 degrees C on an Ir-pretreated integrated graphite platform of a transversally heated graphite atomizer(THGA). For release of the trapped Se within a fairly short atomization time (5s), an atomization temperature of 2200 degrees C was observed to be optimal. The overall efficiency of hydride generation, transport and trapping was similar to 86%. The upper limit of the linear dynamic range of calibration was 10 mu gL(-1), which corresponds to 0.5 mu g g(-1) for solid samples. Recovery of the samples spiked with Se(VI) solutions was found to be 93 +/- 6% on average. The relative standard deviation of the determinations was less than 8%. The limit of detection was found to be 0.06 mu gL(-1), corresponding to 3 ng g(-1) for solid samples. The accuracy of the method was verified with the use of IAEA-155 ( whey powder) certified reference material. End-capped THGA tubes resulted in an extension of the linear calibration range compared to that of standard THGAs. The Se content in bakery products made of undoped cereals ranged from 7.7 to 68 ng g(-1) ( wet weight) in 18 samples, whereas the Se content of the corresponding cereals was found to be below 100 ng g(-1) ( wet weight). The Se level of cereals grown on soils treated with Se- doped fertilizers ranged from 128 to 1046 ng g(-1) ( wet weight), and it depended linearly on the Se concentration of the corresponding foliar fertilizer.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1007/S00604-005-0330-Y
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“Cultural heritage research in “The Micro and Trace Analysis Center&rdquo, of the University of Antwerp”. Godoi RHM, Kontozova V, Godoi AFL, Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Janssens K, Van Grieken R, Coalition 7, 11 (2004)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Concentration trends and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Belgium”. Ravindra K, Bencs L, Wauters E, de Hoog J, Deutsch F, Roekens E, Bleux N, Berghmans P, Van Grieken R, IASTA bulletin 17, 98 (2005)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Comparison of hot-air and low-radiant pew heating systems on the distribution and transport of gaseous air pollutants in the mountain church of Rocca Pietore from artwork conservation points of view”. Bencs L, Spolnik Z, Limpens-Neilen D, Schellen HL, Jütte BAHG, Van Grieken R, Journal of cultural heritage 8, 264 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CULHER.2007.05.001
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CULHER.2007.05.001
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Camuffo D, Pagan E, Schellen H, Van Grieken R, Bencs L, et al. (2006) Church heating and cultural heritage conservation : guide to the analysis of pros and cons of various heating systems. 240 p
Keywords: MA2 Book as author; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Characteristics of atomic absorption calibration curves with the transversely heated graphite furnace”. Bencs L, Szakács O, Szoboszlai N, Ajtony Z, Bozsai G, Journal of analytical atomic spectrometry 18, 105 (2003). http://doi.org/10.1039/B208198A
Abstract: Calibration curves with two quasi-linear sections ("double sloping'') were observed for the medium volatile elements, Cr and Cu, with the use of a SIMAA 6000 graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer under interrupted internal gas flow conditions. If a standard transversally heated graphite atomizer (THGA) tube was shortened by 0.5 mm at both of its ends, (i.e. the gaps were enlarged between graphite furnace housing and tube ends), a stronger declination of the calibration curves resulted. Elements with fairly high diffusion coefficients (>5.8 cm(2) s(-1)) and with short appearance time of their transients (<0.6 s), such as Cr and Cu, have shown the most characteristic sensitivity drop towards higher concentrations. This anomalous feature could be eliminated in three different ways; (1) by applying end-capped THGA tubes, (2) using mini-flow (50 cm(3) min(-1)) conditions during the atomization stage, and (3) by adding Pd-Mg chemical modifier. For the low volatile Mo and V, the calibration curves had no irregular shape. For Ag, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni, the mini-flow settings improved the linearity of the calibration curves and extended the upper limit of the linear calibration range by a factor of 1.5-2.0. The irregular characteristic of the analytical curves was interpreted as an increased vapour loss at higher analyte concentrations through the opened ends of the standard THGA tubes. This vapour loss was associated with the significantly diverse expulsion velocities of atoms, caused by the difference in temperature and concentration gradients, when evaporating amounts of analytes with more than one order of magnitude difference.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1039/B208198A
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“Calculation of the spectral line profile broadening parameter in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry”. Bencs L, Canadian Journal Of Analytical Sciences And Spectroscopy 53, 52 (2008)
Abstract: A polynomial approach is applied for a number of data from the Posener-tables to calculate the values of the intensity distribution function of atomic absorption lines – H(a, 0.726a) – at the tabulated damping-parameter values with an error not worse than 0.044 %. For the resultant H(a, 0.726a) data, the ninth and sixth order polynomials can be fitted according to the damping parameter range of 0-2, and 2-10, respectively, which results in a minimal error of approximation. The derived functions are simply applicable to the calculation of any H(a, 0.726a) value belonging to a damping-parameter of any arbitrarily selected spectral line, implying the influence of Doppler- and Lorentz-broadening. The overall error of the described method is lower than 0.4 %.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“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
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Bencs L, Horemans B, Van Grieken R, et al. (2012) Atmospheric deposition fluxes to the Belgian marine waters originating from ship emissions : SHIPFLUX : final report
Keywords: Minutes and reports; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“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
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“Assessment of air pollutant levels in some European museums and churches”. Kontozova V, Spolnik Z, Worobiec A, Godoi R, Van Grieken R, Deutsch F, Bencs L page 245 (2005).
Keywords: H3 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Appraisal of measurement methods, chemical composition and sources of fine atmospheric particles over six different areas of Northern Belgium”. Bencs L, Ravindra K, de Hoog J, Spolnik Z, Bleux N, Berghmans P, Deutsch F, Roekens E, Van Grieken R, Environmental pollution 158, 3421 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2010.07.012
Abstract: Daily and seasonal variation in the total elemental, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) content and mass of PM2.5 were studied at industrial, urban, suburban and agricultural/rural areas. Continuous (optical Dustscan, standard tapered element oscillating micro-balance (TEOM), TEOM with filter dynamics measurement system), semi-continuous (Partisol filter-sampling) and non-continuous (Dekati-impactor sampling and gravimetry) methods of PM2.5 mass monitoring were critically evaluated. The average elemental fraction accounted for 26% of the PM2.5 mass measured by gravimetry. Metals, like K, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb were strongly inter-correlated, also frequently with non-metallic elements (P, S, Cl and/or Br) and EC/OC. A high OC/EC ratio (29) was generally observed. The total carbon content of PM2.5 ranged between 3 and 77% (averages: 1232%), peaking near industrial/heavy trafficked sites. Principal component analysis identified heavy oil burning, ferrous/non-ferrous industry and vehicular emissions as the main sources of metal pollution. This work compares various aerosol monitoring methods to characterize PM2.5 over six locations of different anthropogenic activities over Northern Belgium.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVPOL.2010.07.012
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“Application of EDXRF and thin window EPMA for the investigation of the influence of hot air heating on the generation and deposition of particulate matter”. Spolnik Z, Bencs L, Worobiec A, Kontozova V, Van Grieken R, Microchimica acta 149, 79 (2005). http://doi.org/10.1007/S00604-004-0299-Y
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1007/S00604-004-0299-Y
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“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
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