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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Concentration and depth-resolved analysis of transition metals in atmospheric particles: A combined approach using
Yiliang Liu1, Jiawei Zhou1, Hanxiong Che1
1Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment of CAS, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China.
Abstract:
Transition metals in atmospheric particulates pose a major health risk and impact secondary aerosol formation via liquid-phase and interfacial reactions. In this study, an integrated approach combining X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and single-particle imaging using Synchrotron Radiation was adopted. The concentration properties of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) and their depth-resolved distributions within PM2.5 were characterized. The mass concentrations of Fe in air (0.337 μg/m³) exhibited a 16-fold higher value than Mn (0.021 μg/m³). Higher concentrations were found in industrial and urban areas compared to rural sites. The averaged mass fractions of Fe and Mn in PM2.5 were 9.31 and 0.58 μg/mg, respectively. The irregular morphology of PM2.5 increased the particle surface area compared to standard spherical particles, with an averaged PM2.5 surface area to volume ratio of 4.78 (μm2/μm3). Both transition metals exhibited enrichment on the particle surface, with 50.9 % of Fe and 60.5 % of Mn concentrated within the surface 22 nm. Fe in PM2.5 particles exhibited a Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ mass percentage of 22.5 % and 77.5 %, respectively. Hydroxyl radical (•OH) production in human lungs induced by Fe²⁺ Fenton reactions is simulated. The production reaches 0.67 μmol/day when all Fe²⁺ participates, and 0.34 μmol/day if only the very surface (< 22 nm) Fe²⁺ is involved. This study emphasizes the surface-specific behavior of transition metals on PM2.5, underscoring their oxidative potential and associated health risks.
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