Diurnal variation of number concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles in the urban atmosphere of Beijing in winter

Number concentration and distribution of airborne particles in the size range 5.6 to 560 nm diameter were measured in Beijing for a 15-d period in winter 2005. Dally average number concentrations of nucleation mode （5.6-20 um）, Aitken mode （20-100 um）, and accumulation mode （100-560 um） particles, and total particles were 17500, 32000, 4000, and 53500 cm^-3, respectively. Average particle size distribution was monomodal with a mode diameter of about 40 um at night and bimodal with mode diameters of about 10 and about 40 um during the daytime. New particle formation events, which were connected to diurnal variation of nucleation mode particles, were observed in more than half of the observation days. The events often started around 10：00-11：00 Chinese Standard Time （CST） and ended up after 3-4 h. Concentrations of Aitken and accumulation mode particles increased from midnight and reached their maxima at about 10：00 CST, and then decreased and became the lowest in the afternoon. Analysis of diurnal cycles in traffic volume and meteorological parameters revealed that the accumulation of the particles in Aitken and accumulation modes in the morning was influenced by formation of an inversion and increase in vehicle emission, and dispersion of such particles in the afternoon was associated with more effective vertical mixing and higher wind speed.

Chemical composition and quantitative relationship between meteorological condition and fine particles in Beijing

The recent year's monitor results of Beijing indicated that the pollution level of fine particles PM 2.5 showed an increasing trend. To understand pollution characteristics of PM 2.5 and its relationship with the meteorological conditions in Beijing, a one-year monitoring of PM 2.5 mass concentration and correspondent meteorological parameters was performed in Beijing in 2001. The PM 2.5 levels in Beijing were very high, the annual average PM 2.5 concentration in 2001 was 7 times of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards proposed by US EPA. The major chemical compositions were organics, sulfate, crustals and nitrate. It was found that the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 were influenced by meteorological conditions. The correlation between the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 and the relative humidity was found. And the correlation became closer at higher relative humidity. And the mass concentrations of PM 2.5 were negtive-correlated to wind speeds, but the correlation between the mass concentration of PM 2.5 and wind speed was not good at stronger wind.

Monitoring of Pollution of Air Fine Particles (PM2.5) and Study on Their Genetic Toxicity

Objective To compare PM2.5 pollation level between the city of coal-fuel pollution (Taiyuan) and the city of pollution mixed with coal fuels and vehicle exhausts (Beijing), to analyze the concentration of B[a]p and Pb in the pollutants, and to study the DNA damage by PM2.5. Methods Air fine particles (PM2.5) were collected in Beijing and Taiyuan by means of the filter membrane method, the concentration of B[a]p and Pb were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy respectveily, and the damage of DNA by PM2.5 was detected by single cell gel-electrophoresis (SCGE) using the human lung epithelial cells (A549) as target cells. Results The concentration of PM2.5 in the winter of Beijing was 0.028-0.436 mg/m3, and that in Taiyuan was 0.132-0.681 mg/m3. The concentration of B[a]p was 0.104 and 0.156 礸/mg on PM2.5 of Beijing and Taiyuan, respectively, whereas the concentration of Pb was 1.094 and 1.137 礸/mg on PM2.5 of Beijing and Taiyuan, respectively. Exposure to PM2.5 at the concentrations of 5, 50, and 200 礸/mL for 12 h and 24 h caused DNA damage of the human alveolar epithelium, and the ratios of the tailing and length of the tail were all significantly different from those of the negative control group (P<0.05), and indicated a dose-response relationship. Conclusion PM2.5 has certain genetic toxicity.

Ferronickel enrichment by fine particle reduction and magnetic separation from nickel laterite ore

Ferronickel enrichment and extraction from nickel laterite ore were studied through reduction and magnetic separation. Reduction experiments were performed using hydrogen and carbon monoxide as reductants at different temperatures （700-1000℃）. Magnetic separa- tion of the reduced products was conducted using a SLon-100 cycle pulsating magnetic separator （1.2 T）. Composition analysis indicates that the nickel laterite ore contains a total iron content of 22.50wt% and a total nickel content of 1.91wt%. Its mineral composition mainly con- sists of serpentine, hortonolite, and goethite. During the reduction process, the grade of nickel and iron in the products increases with in- creasing reduction temperature. Although a higher temperature is more favorable for reduction, the temperature exceeding 1000℃ results in sintering of the products, preventing magnetic separation. After magnetic separation, the maximum total nickel and iron concentrations are 5.43wt% and 56.86wt%, and the corresponding recovery rates are 84.38% and 53.76%, respectively.

Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Pr^(3+) Doped Ca_xBa_(1-x)TiO_3 (0.3≤x<1) Fine Particles

CaxBa1-xTiO3 （CBT） fine particles doped with red luminescence center of Pr3＋ ions （Pr： CBT） were successfully synthesized by salt assisted spray pyrolysis （SASP） process. Scanning electronic microscope （SEM） and laser scattering analysis demonstrate that salt can be removed from the surface of particles by washing with Milli-Q water and the particles can be further separated by ball-milling to get well-dispersed Pr^3＋ ions doped CBT fine particles. The luminescence properties, such as photoluminescence （PL） and mechanoluminescence （ML）, of as-synthesized Pr： CBT particles were investigated. For Pr： CBT fine particles with different Ca molar ratios, all the samples show one emission at 612 nm, with increasing Ca molar ratio, PL intensity of Pr： CBT fine particles become stronger and stronger. When pressure was loaded on the Pr： CBT pellet, mechanoluminescence（ML） emission was measured. The results show that the ML intensity is proportional to the applied pressure.

Effect of Supersonic Fine Particles Bombarding on the Service Life of Thermal Barrier Coating

Thermally Grown Oxide（TGO） is a dominating component in controlling the effectiveness of thermal barrier coating.During the growth of TGO,whether we could homogeneously distribute Al atom on the TGO and the intermediate metal layer will be the key factor in forming TGO with continuous,uniform and single-ingredient（Al2O3）.In this experiment,we bombarded particles on to the metallic bound layer.We studied the influence of supersonic particle bombardment on the diffusion of Al.We hope to control the growth of TGO by monitoring the diffusion of Al.Thermal barrier coating（TBC）,which consists of a NiCoCrAlY bond coat and a ZrO2-8Y2O3（wt.%） topcoat（TC）,is fabricated on the nickel-base superalloy by air plasma spray（APS）.NiCoCrAlY bond coat is treated by supersonic fine particles bombarding（SFPB）.The morphology,oxidation behavior of TBC and phase are characterized by scanning electron microscope（SEM） equipped with an energy dispersive spectromrter（EDS） and X-ray diffractometer（XRD）.The influence of supersonic fine particles bombarding technique on the service life of thermal barrier coating is studied.The results show that SFPB technique improves the flaw of excessive surface undulation in the as-sprayed bond coat.A continuous,uniform and single-ingredient（Al2O3） TGO can quickly form in the SFPB TBC during high temperature oxidation process.The thickening of TGO is relatively slow.These will effectively suppress the formation of other non-protective oxides.Therefore,SFPB technique reduces the growth stress level generated by the continuous growth of TGO,and also avoids the stress concentration induced by formation of the large particle spinal oxide.Thermal barrier coating still remains well after 350 thermal cycles.The service life of TBC is improved.The proposed research provides theoretical basis and technical references to further improve and enhance the SFPB technique.

Effects of supersonic fine particle bombarding on thermal cyclic failure lifetime of thermal barrier coating

Thermal barrier coating ( TBC) consisting of a NiCoCrAlY bond coat ( BC) and a ZrO2-8 wt. % Y2O3 topcoat ( TC) was fabricated on the nickel-base superalloy by air plasma spray ( APS) . The BC was treated by supersonic fine particle bombarding ( SFPB) . Thermal cyclic failure and residual stress in thermally grown oxide ( TGO) scale were studied by SEM with EDS and ruby fluorescence spectroscopy ( RFS) . As shown in the results,after treated by SFPB,thickening of TGO was relatively slow,which reduced the level of growth stress. The TBC with SFPB treatment was still remained well undergoing 350 times of thermal cycle. However,after thermal cycle with the same times,the separation of TC was observed in TBC without SFPB treatment. The residual stress analysis by RFS showed that the residual stress of SFPB-treated TBC increased with the increasing number of thermal cycle. The residual stress of conventional TBC reached a value of 650 MPa at 350 times of cycle and that of SFPB-treated TBC only reached 532 MPa at 400 times of cycle. The BC with SFPB treatment after 400 times of cycle was analyzed by RFS,the high stress value was not observed in local thickened region of TGO. Thermal cycling resistance of TBC can be improved by the SFPB technology.

Concentration Characteristics and Sources of Chemical Elements in Atmospheric Fine Particles (PM_(2.5)) in Autumn in Xi'an City

[Objective] The aim was to study the concentration characteristics and sources of chemical elements in atmospheric fine particles (PM2.5) in autumn in Xi’an City. [Method] By means of mini-volume sampler, PM2.5 samples in atmosphere in Xi’an were collected in October 2009, and the concentration characteristics and sources of elements in PM2.5 were analyzed. [Result] The average mass concentration of PM2.5 in atmosphere in autumn in Xi’an City was 168.44 μg/m3 which was higher than that of Beijing and Pearl River Delta area, and the minimum and maximum value were 53.29 and 358.16 μg/m3, respectively. The mass concentration of S, Zn, K, Cl, Ca and Fe in PM2.5 was above 1.0 μg/m3, being at high pollution level. In addition, K had obvious correlation with organic carbon (OC) and element carbon (EC), with the correlation coefficients of 0.76 and 0.75 (P<0.000 1), respectively, and it showed that OC and EC had the same source as K, namely biomass burning had certain contribution to OC and EC. Enrichment factors analysis revealed that K, Ca, Fe, Ti, Mn and Cr mainly came from earth crust, rock weathering and other natural sources, while anthropogenic pollution sources had great effects on S, Zn, Cl, Pb, Br, Mo, Cd and As which were affected by soil dust and other natural sources slightly, and Cd had the highest enrichment factor and mainly came from metal smelting. In a word, coal combustion, biomass burning, vehicle emissions, metallurgical, chemical industry and dust were the main sources of PM2.5 in autumn in Xi’an. [Conclusion] The study could provide theoretical foundation for the control of urban environmental pollution.

Numerical simulation and experimental study of gas cyclone–liquid jet separator for fine particle separation

To address the shortcomings of existing particulate matter trapping technology,especially the low separation efficiency of fine particles,herein,a novel gas cyclone-liquid jet separator was developed to research fine particle trapping.First,numerical simulation methods were used to investigate the flow field characteristics and dust removal efficiency of the separator under different working conditions,and to determined suitable experimental conditions for subsequent dust removal experiments.Afterward,the separation efficiency of the separator against five kinds of common particles,including g-C_(3)N_(4),TiO_(2),SiC,talc,and SiO_(2),was experimentally studied.A maximum separation efficiency of 99.48%was achieved for particles larger than 13.1μm,and 96.55%efficiency was achieved for particles larger than 2μm.The best crushing atomization effect was achieved for the separator when uGwas 10 m·s^(-1)and uLwas 3 m·s^(-1),while the best separation effect was achieved when uGwas 10 m·s^(-1)and uLwas 3.75 m·s^(-1).Studies have shown that the gas cyclone-liquid jet separator has excellent applicability in the separation of fine particles.

Preparation of La _(0.9)RE_(0.1) MnO_3 Ultra fine Particles Used for CH_4 Oxidation

A technique for preparing perovskite type oxides was developed. By this technique, ultra fine particles of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 (RE: Y, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd,or Dy) with high surface area and single perovskite structure were prepared, and the series of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 catalysts were studied experimentally. The so prepared ultra fine particles exhibites high catalytic activity for CH 4 total oxidation. The ultra fine particles of La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 (except for La 0.9 Pr 0.1 MnO 3) prepared by this method are thermally much more stable than LaMnO 3. Of the La 0.9 RE 0.1 MnO 3 series, La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 is most thermally stable, and La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 or La 0.9 Gd 0.1 MnO 3 (varies with calcination temperature) exhibits the highest catalytic activity for total oxidation of methane. The specific surface area of La 0.9 Y 0.1 MnO 3 calcined at 1000 ℃ reaches 14.9 m 2·g -1 , while the specific surface area of LaMnO 3 calcined at the same temperature is only 1.8 m 2·g -1 .

Adverse effects of exposure to fine particles and ultrafine particles in the environment on different organs of organisms

Particulate pollution is a global risk factor that seriously threatens human health.Fine particles(FPs)and ultrafine particles(UFPs)have small particle diameters and large specific surface areas,which can easily adsorb metals,microorganisms and other pollutants.FPs and UFPs can enter the human body in multiple ways and can be easily and quickly absorbed by the cells,tissues and organs.In the body,the particles can induce oxidative stress,inflammatory response and apoptosis,furthermore causing great adverse effects.Epidemiological studies mainly take the population as the research object to study the distribution of diseases and health conditions in a specific population and to focus on the identification of influencing factors.However,the mechanism by which a substance harms the health of organisms is mainly demonstrated through toxicological studies.Combining epidemiological studies with toxicological studies will provide a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the impact of PM on the health of organisms.In this review,the sources,compositions,and morphologies of FPs and UFPs are briefly introduced in the first part.The effects and action mechanisms of exposure to FPs and UFPs on the heart,lungs,brain,liver,spleen,kidneys,pancreas,gastrointestinal tract,joints and reproductive system are systematically summarized.In addition,challenges are further pointed out at the end of the paper.This work provides useful theoretical guidance and a strong experimental foundation for investigating and preventing the adverse effects of FPs and UFPs on human health.

Improving flow and fluidization quality of fine and ultrafine particles via nanoparticle modulation

Fine and ultrafine particles possess great potential for industrial applications ascribed from their huge specific surface area and ability to provide good gas–solid contact.However,these powders are inherently cohesive,making it challenging to achieve smooth flow and fluidization.This challenge can be well-resolved by nanoparticle modulation(nano-modulation),where a small amount of nanoparticles is uniformly mixed with the cohesive fine/ultrafine powders.Through nano-modulation,the fluidization system of cohesive powders exhibits distinguishable minimum fluidization velocity,enlarged bed expansion ratio(particularly the dense phase expansion),and scarcer,smaller,and slower moving bubbles,indicating improved flow and fluidization quality.The purpose of the current work is to systematically summarize the state-of-the-art progress in the fluidization and utilization of fine and ultrafine particles via the nanoparticle modulation method.Accordingly,a broader audience can be enlightened regarding this promising fine/ultrafine particle fluidization technology,so as to provoke their attention and encourage interdisciplinary integration and industry-academia collaborative research.

Collaborative control of fine particles and ozone required in China for health benefit

PM2.5 concentration declined significantly nationwide,while O3 concentration increased in most regions in China in 2013–2020.Recent evidences proved that peak season O3 is related to increased death risk from non-accidental and respiratory diseases.Based on these new evidences,we estimate excess deaths associated with long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and O3 in China following the counterfactual analytic framework from Global Burden Disease.Excess deaths from non-accidental diseases associated with long-term exposure to ambient O3 in China reaches to 579(95%confidential interval(CI):93,990)thousand in 2020,which has been significantly underestimated in previous studies.In addition,the increased excess deaths associated with long-term O3 exposure(234(95%CI:177,282)thousand)in 2013–2020 offset three quarters of the avoided excess deaths(302(95%CI:244,366)thousand)mainly due to PM2.5 exposure reduction.In key regions(the North China Plain,the Yangtze River Delta and the Fen-Wei Plain),the former is even larger than the latter,particularly in 2017–2020.Health benefit of PM2.5 concentration reduction offsets the adverse effects of population growth and aging on excess deaths attributed to PM2.5 exposure.Increase of excess deaths associated with O3 exposure is mainly due to the strong increase of O3 concentration,followed by population aging.Considering the faster population aging process in the future,collaborative control,and faster reduction of PM2.5 and O3 are needed to reduce the associated excess deaths.

Aerosol scattering coefficients and major chemical compositions of fine particles observed at a rural site in the central Pearl River Delta,South China

During November–December 2010 aerosol scattering coefficients were monitored using a single-waved （525 nm） Nephelometer at a regional monitoring station in the central Pearl River Delta region and 24-hr fine particle （PM 2.5） samples were also collected during the period using quartz filters for the analysis of major chemical components including organic carbon （OC）,elemental carbon （EC）,sulfate,nitrate and ammonium.In average,these five components accounted for about 85% of PM 2.5 mass and contributed 42% （OC）,19% （SO 4 2 -）,12% （NO 3 -）,8.4% （NH 4＋） and 3.7% （EC）,to PM 2.5 mass.A relatively higher mass scattering efficiency of 5.3 m 2/g was obtained for fine particles based on the linear regression between scattering coefficients and PM 2.5 mass concentrations.Chemical extinction budget based on IMPROVE approach revealed that ammonium sulfate,particulate organic matter,ammonium nitrate and EC in average contributed about 32%,28%,20% and 6% to the light extinction coefficients,respectively.

EFFECTS OF GAS TYPE AND TEMPERATURE ON FINE PARTICLE FLUIDIZATION

The influence of gas type （helium and argon） and bed temperature （77-473 K） on the fluidization behaviour of Geldart groups C and A particles was investigated. For both types of particles tested, i.e., Al2O3 （4.8μm） and glass beads （39 μm）, the fluidization quality in different gases shows the following priority sequence： Ar 〉 He. In the same gaseous atmosphere, the particles when fluidized at an elevated temperature usually show larger bed voidages, higher bed pressure drops, and a lower Umf for the group A powder, all indicating an enhancement in fluidization quality. Possible mechanisms governing the operations of gas type and temperature in influencing the fluidization behaviours of fine particles have been discussed with respect to the changes in both gas properties and interparticle forces （on the basis of the London-van der Waals theory）. Gas viscosity （varying significantly with gas-type and temperature） proves to be the key parameter that influences the bed pressure drops and Umf in fluidization of fine particles, while the interparticle forces （also varying with gas-type and temperature） may play an important role in fine-particle fluidization by affecting the expansion behaviour of the particle-bed.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FINE PARTICLE SEPARATION IN A ROTATIONAL TUBE SEPARATOR

This paper presents a numerical analysis of gas-solid separation in a rotational tube separator. This separator which collects fine particles from gas in laminar flow is effective for fine particle separation. The separation efficiency and critical particle diameter of the separator were simulated using CFD package （FLUENT 6.0）. The simulation showed that separation efficiency can be significantly decreased due to the presence of turbulence. The simulation also showed that the Saffman lift force has little effect on the efficiency of this separator. The critical particle diameter of this tube separator was also calculated theoretically, Some experimental data were provided to validate the simulation results. Comparison between experimental results and simulation predictions on separation efficiency showed satisfactory agreement.

Preparation of Fine Spherical Particle Sized Ceria by Precipitation Method with Ammonium Bicarbonate

Fine spherical particle sized ceria (CeO_2) was prepared by homogeneous precipitation method with ammonium bicarbonate as precipitant. The prepared CeO_2 has the primary particle size of 10～50 nm when calcined between 400～700 ℃ analyzed by XRD and the aggregated particle size is about 300 nm measured by LASER particle sizer. SEM, TG-DTA and Zeta-potential analyzer were employed individually to study the morphology and the formation of CeO_2 product. It was found that excess NH_4NO_3 can serve as an sphericallization agent to prepare spherical CeO_2 powder by precipitation method.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering for mixing state characterization of individual fine particles during a haze episode in Beijing,China

The nondestructive characterization of the mixing state of individual fine particles using the traditional single particle analysis technique remains a challenge.In this study,fine particles were collected during haze events under different pollution levels from September 5 to 112017 in Beijing,China.A nondestructive surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)technique was employed to investigate the morphology,chemical composition,and mixing state of the multiple components in the individual fine particles.Optical image and SERS spectral analysis results show that soot existing in the form of opaque material was predominant during clear periods(PM_(2.5)≤75μg/m^(3)).During polluted periods(PM_(2.5)>75μg/m^(3)),opaque particles mixed with transparent particles(nitrates and sulfates)were generally observed.Direct classical least squares analysis further identified the relative abundances of the three major components of the single particles:soot(69.18%),nitrates(28.71%),and sulfates(2.11%).A negative correlation was observed between the abundance of soot and the mass concentration of PM_(2.5).Furthermore,mapping analysis revealed that on hazy days,PM_(2.5)existed as a core-shell structure with soot surrounded by nitrates and sulfates.This mixing state analysis method for individual PM_(2.5)particles provides information regarding chemical composition and haze formation mechanisms,and has the potential to facilitate the formulation of haze prevention and control policies.

Susceptibility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to heart rate difference associated with the short-term exposure to metals in ambient fine particles:A panel study in Beijing,China

Susceptibility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction asso-ciated with exposure to metals in ambient fine particles(PM2.5,particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter≤2.5µm)remains poorly evidenced.Based on the COPDB(COPD in Beijing)panel study,we aimed to compare the associations of heart rate(HR,an indicator of cardiovascular autonomic function)and exposure to metals in PM2.5 between 53 patients with COPD and 82 healthy controls by using linear mixed-effects models.In all participants,the HR levels were significantly associated with interquartile range increases in the average concentrations of Cr,Zn,and Pb,but the strength of the associations differed by exposure time(from 1.4%for an average 9 days(d)Cr exposure to 3.5%for an average 9 d Zn exposure).HR was positively associated with the average concentrations of PM2.5 and certain metals only in patients with COPD.Associations between HR and exposure to PM2.5,K,Cr,Mn,Ni,Cu,Zn,As,and Se in patients with COPD significantly differed from those in health controls.Furthermore,association between HR and Cr exposure was robust in COPD patients.In conclusion,our findings indicate that COPD could exacerbate difference in HR following exposure to metals in PM2.5.

Investigation on the relationship between the fine particle emission and crystallization characteristics of gypsum during wet flue gas desulfurization process

The relationship between the fine particles emitted after desulfurization and gypsum crystals in the desulfurization slurry was investigated,and the crystallization characteristics varying with the operation parameters and compositions of the desulfurization slurry were discussed.The results showed that the fine particles generated during the desulfurization process were closely related to the crystal characteristics in the desulfurization slurry by comparison of their morphology and elements. With the higher proportion of fine crystals in the desulfurization slurry,the number concentration of fine particles after desulfurization was increased and their particle sizes were smaller,indicating that the optimization of gypsum crystallization was beneficial for the reduction of the fine particle emission. The lower p H value and an optimal temperature of the desulfurization slurry were beneficial to restrain the generation of fine crystals in the desulfurization slurry. In addition,the higher concentrations of the Fe3＋ions and the F- ions in the desulfurization slurry both promoted the generation of fine crystals with corresponding change of the morphology and the effect of the Fe3＋ ions was more obvious.With the application of the desulfurization synergist additive,it was beneficial for the inhibition of fine crystals while the thinner crystals were generated.