PM10-bound trace elements in pan-European urban atmosphere.

Although many studies have discussed the impact of Europe's air quality, very limited research focused on the detailed phenomenology of ambient trace elements (TEs) in PM10 in urban atmosphere. This study compiled long-term (2013-2022) measurements of speciation of ambient urban PM10 from 55 sites of 7 countries (Switzerland, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, UK), aiming to elucidate the phenomenology of 20 TEs in PM10 in urban Europe. The monitoring sites comprised urban background (UB, n = 26), traffic (TR, n = 10), industrial (IN, n = 5), suburban background (SUB, n = 7), and rural background (RB, n = 7) types. The sampling campaigns were conducted using standardized protocols to ensure data comparability. In each country, PM10 samples were collected over a fixed period using high-volume air samplers. The analysis encompassed the spatio-temporal distribution of TEs, and relationships between TEs at each site. Results indicated an annual average for the sum of 20 TEs of 90 ± 65 ng/m3, with TR and IN sites exhibiting the highest concentrations (130 ± 66 and 131 ± 80 ng/m3, respectively). Seasonal variability in TEs concentrations, influenced by emission sources and meteorology, revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all monitoring sites. Estimation of TE concentrations highlighted distinct ratios between non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic metals, with Zn (40 ± 49 ng/m3), Ti (21 ± 29 ng/m3), and Cu (23 ± 35 ng/m3) dominating non-carcinogenic TEs, while Cr (5 ± 7 ng/m3), and Ni (2 ± 6 ng/m3) were prominent among carcinogenic ones. Correlations between TEs across diverse locations and seasons varied, in agreement with differences in emission sources and meteorological conditions. This study provides valuable insights into TEs in pan-European urban atmosphere, contributing to a comprehensive dataset for future environmental protection policies.

Development of a human insulin certified reference material with SI-traceable purity.

A human insulin (hINS) certified reference material (CRM) was developed by the National Institute of Metrology (NIM). Three milligrams of purified solid hINS was packed into a brown sealed tube. The candidate material was identified by de novo sequence using mass spectrometry and Edman degradation methods. The content of insulin-related impurities, aggregation, moisture, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), anions, and ignition residues was also determined. Both mass balance (MB) and amino acid analysis-based isotope dilution mass spectrometry (AAA-IDMS) were used for the certified value assessment, which was determined to be (0.857 ± 0.024) g/g. The certified value was validated by liquid chromatography-circular dichroism spectroscopy (LC-CD) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) methods, which were in good agreement. No inhomogeneity was observed during a homogeneity examination. A stability examination showed that the CRM was stable for at least 12 months when stored at - 70 °C, and for 7 days when stored at 4, 25, or 40 °C. The CRM is expected to be used as a primary calibrator for matrix insulin CRM development and for quality control in biopharmaceutical production and clinical diagnostics.

Source apportionment and ecological and health risk mapping of soil heavy metals based on PMF, SOM, and GIS methods in Hulan River Watershed, Northeastern China.

Heavy metals in agricultural soils not only affect the food security and soil security, but also endanger the human health through the food chain. Based on the incorporation of index analysis, positive matrix factorization (PMF), self-organizing map (SOM), and geostatistical methods, this research performed the assessment of source apportionment and ecological and health risks of soil heavy metals in Hulan River Watershed, Northeastern China. According to the Pollution Load Index (PLI), 83.08% of the soil samples were slightly or mildly polluted, and 1.54% of the soil samples were severely polluted. The ecological risk index (EI) showed that about 80.77% and 60.77% of the soil samples were beyond the low risk level for Hg and Cd, respectively. In this research, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices for children were higher than adult males and adult females. Four potential sources were revealed based on the PMF and SOM analysis including atmospheric deposition and industrial emission; transportation source; agricultural source; and a combination of agricultural, industrial, and natural sources. Considerable and high ecological risk from Hg existed in the area close to the coal steam-electric plant, and considerable and high ecological risk from Cd existed in the Hulan River estuary area. The eastern part of the study area experienced higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for adults and children than the western part of the study area. The source apportionment and ecological and health risk mapping provide important role in reducing pollution sources. Zonal pollution control and soil restoration measures should be performed in the areas with high ecological and health risks.

Determination of [Glu1]-fibrinopeptide B purity by gas chromatography - isotope dilution mass spectrometry.

The present work assessed the purity of [Glu1]-fibrinopeptide B (GFB) as a model peptide using gas chromatography - isotope dilution mass spectrometry. GFB and various isotope-labeled amino acids were hydrolyzed in HCl and then derivatized using optimized procedures. The primary impurity in GFB was also identified and used to correct the final result. A method repeatability of 0.5% was achieved and linear calibrations were obtained for five amino acids. The LOD and LOQ were 0.041 to 0.096 µg g-1, and 0.16 to 0.56 µg g-1, respectively. The purity of GFB was found to be (0.715 ± 0.012) g g-1. This technique exhibited comparable accuracy to that obtainable from liquid chromatography - isotope dilution mass spectrometry but at lower cost. This method could be employed as a reference technique or in fields such as clinical diagnostics or bio-pharmaceutical peptide purity analysis.