Platinum, palladium, and rhodium in airborne particulate matter

The interplay of transition metals in ferroptosis and pyroptosis

Cell death is one of the most important mechanisms of maintaining homeostasis in our body. Ferroptosis and pyroptosis are forms of necrosis-like cell death. These cell death modalities play key roles in the pathophysiology of cancer, cardiovascular, neurological diseases, and other pathologies. Transition metals are abundant group of elements in all living organisms. This paper presents a summary of ferroptosis and pyroptosis pathways and their connection to significant transition metals, namely zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), uranium (U), platinum (Pt), and one crucial element, selenium (Se). Authors aim to summarize the up-to-date knowledge of this topic.In this review, there are categorized and highlighted the most common patterns in the alterations of ferroptosis and pyroptosis by transition metals. Special attention is given to zinc since collected data support its dual nature of action in both ferroptosis and pyroptosis. All findings are presented together with a brief description of major biochemical pathways involving mentioned metals and are visualized in attached comprehensive figures.This work concludes that the majority of disruptions in the studied metals' homeostasis impacts cell fate, influencing both death and survival of cells in the complex system of altered pathways. Therefore, this summary opens up the space for further research.

Oxidative stress and potential effects of metal nanoparticles: A review of biocompatibility and toxicity concerns

Metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, driving diverse applications across packaging, biomedicine, electronics, and environmental remediation. However, the potential health risks associated with M-NPs must not be disregarded. M-NPs' ability to accumulate in organs and traverse the blood-brain barrier poses potential health threats to animals, humans, and the environment. The interaction between M-NPs and various cellular components, including DNA, multiple proteins, and mitochondria, triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), influencing several cellular activities. These interactions have been linked to various effects, such as protein alterations, the buildup of M-NPs in the Golgi apparatus, heightened lysosomal hydrolases, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, cell membrane impairment, cytoplasmic disruption, and fluctuations in ATP levels. Despite the evident advantages M-NPs offer in diverse applications, gaps in understanding their biocompatibility and toxicity necessitate further research. This review provides an updated assessment of M-NPs' pros and cons across different applications, emphasizing associated hazards and potential toxicity. To ensure the responsible and safe use of M-NPs, comprehensive research is conducted to fully grasp the potential impact of these nanoparticles on both human health and the environment. By delving into their intricate interactions with biological systems, we can navigate the delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of M-NPs and minimizing potential risks. Further exploration will pave the way for informed decision-making, leading to the conscientious development of these nanomaterials and safeguarding the well-being of society and the environment.

Tracking changes in rhodium nanoparticles in the environment, including their mobility and bioavailability in soil

The goals of the undertaken studies included assessment of the mobility of Rh nanoparticles (Rh NPs) and ionic forms (Rh(III)) in soil, optimization of the digestion procedure of environmental samples containing Rh NPs, and comparison of Rh NPs and Rh(III) uptake and bioaccumulation by hydroponically cultivated plants. Mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP MS) was used to determine the total content of Rh in solutions obtained after the processes of digestion and extraction. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) supported the investigation of Rh NPs decomposition and proved the presence of uptaken nano forms in plant tissues. Adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) allowed to distinguish ionic and metallic forms of Rh, based on the fact that Rh NPs are electrochemically inactive. A two-step digestion procedure with H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ was proposed for efficient decomposition of Rh NPs. Based on single extractions with selected extractants, it was found that independently of its chemical form Rh is substantially immobilized in soil. The mobility of Rh(III) and Rh NPs was below 38% and 0.02%, and the accumulation factor in leaves equaled 0.2 and 4.4, respectively.

Release of Nanoparticles in the Environment and Catalytic Converters Ageing

A Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) contains a cordierite ceramic monolith coated with a layer of Al₂O₃, Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ and platinoids mixture. Under standard operation, the platinoid concentration decreases, exposing the remaining washcoat structure. After that particle release stage, the sintering process follows where the crystalline Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ solution is broken and begins to separate into ZrO₂ and CeO₂ phases. ZrO₂ is released to the environment as micro and nanoparticles, while a small amount of CeO₂ generates a new Al_xCe_1−xO₂ composite. The main effect of Ce capture is the growth in the size of the polycrystal structure from 86.13 ± 16.58 nm to 225.35 ± 69.51 nm. Moreover, a transformation of cordierite to mullite was identified by XRD analysis. Raman spectra showed that the oxygen vacancies (Vö) concentration decreased as Ce_xZr_1−xO₂ phases separation occurred_. The SEM-EDS revealed the incorporation of new spurious elements and microfractures favouring the detachment of the TWC support structure. The release of ultrafine particles is a consequence of catalytic devices overusing. The emission of refractory micro to nanocrystals to the atmosphere may represent an emerging public health issue underlining the importance of implementing strict worldwide regulations on regular TWCs replacement.

A quinoline-based fluorescent chemosensor for palladium ion (Pd2+)-selective detection in aqueous solution

Quinoline-based fluorescent chemosensors have been extensively developed for various metal cations, but it was still rare for Pd²⁺-selective detection. In this work, a novel quinoline-benzimidazole conjugate containing one carboxylic acid group (QBM) was designed, and the QBM displayed highly selective fluorescence quenching response towards Pd²⁺ over other metal cations in aqueous solution. The fluorescence titration revealed a good linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity and the Pd²⁺ concentration in the range of 0.5-10 μmol L^-1, with the detection limit of 0.26 μmol L^-1 (S/N = 3). Fluorescence detection of Pd²⁺ in practical water sample was also successfully achieved.