Technical challenges in tackling regulatory concerns for urban atmospheric nanoparticles

Recent Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicle emission standards are the first ever initiative to control particles on a number basis at the source. Related standards are also desirable for ambient nanoparticles （taken in this article to be those below 300 rim） to protect against possible adverse effects on public health and the environment. However, there are a number of technical challenges that need to be tackled before developing a regulatory framework for atmospheric nanoparticles. Some of the challenges derive from a lack of standardisation of the key measurement parameters, including sampling, necessary for robust evaluation of particle number concentrations, especially in the context of insufficient knowledge of the physicochemical characteristics of emerging sources （i.e. bio-fuel derived and manufactured nanoparti- cles）. Ideally, ambient concentrations of primary particles could be linked to primary particle emissions by use of nanoparticle dispersion models, and secondary nanoparticles using photochemical modeling tools. The limitations in these areas are discussed. Although there is inadequate information on the exact biological mechanism through which these particles cause harm, it is argued that this should not in itself delay the introduction of regulation. This article reviews the missing links between the existing knowledge of nanoparticle number concentrations and the advances required to tackle the technical challenges implied in developing regulations.

Effect of nanoparticle concentration on zeta-potential measurement results and reproducibility

The effect of nanoparticle concentration on zeta-potential measurement results at dilute concentrations was evaluated. The values of the zeta-potential for four different types of nanoparticles, Ludox （silica）, multi-walled carbon nanotubes （bamboo-shaped and hollow nanotubes） and gold, at various concentrations, were obtained using a laser Doppler electrophoresis instrument. The size of the nanoparticles on dilution was measured using dynamic light scattering （DLS）. The results show that there is a concentration range within which the zeta-potential, and particle size, are not affected by nanoparticle concentration. The lower concentration limit for the system to produce consistent results was dependent on the nature of the sample under study and ranged between 10-2 and 10-4 wt%. Below this concentration, there was an apparent shift in zeta-potential values to less negative values, which was accompanied by an increase in the particle size. The shift in zeta-potential was attributed to an increase in contribution of the signal from extraneous particulate matter. The increase in particle size was attributed to the nature of the homodyne optical configuration of the instrument. The aim of this study was to elucidate the range in nanoparticle concentration that allows for accurate and reliable measurement of the zeta-potential and DLS data.