1
|
Vijayakumaran Nair S, Gačnik J, Živković I, Andron TD, Ali SW, Kotnik J, Horvat M. Application of traceable calibration for gaseous oxidized mercury in air. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1288:342168. [PMID: 38220300 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.342168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current speciation methods for mercury (Hg) measurements are fraught with considerable uncertainty, from sample collection to calibration. High reactivity of gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM) species and their ultra-trace level presence makes them difficult to sample and calibrate. Given that improper calibration may lead to measurement biases, reliable and metrologically traceable calibration methods are required for accurately quantifying GOM in air. In the present study, we applied the recently developed calibration method based on non-thermal plasma oxidation of elemental Hg, to a commercially available Hg air speciation system for actual environmental measurements of GOM for the first time. RESULTS Hg species such as HgO, HgCl2, and HgBr2 were produced with trace amounts of reactant gases (oxygen and electrolytically produced chlorine and bromine) and the production was driven by plasma-assisted oxidation. The plasma oxidation efficiency of elemental Hg with oxygen was 98.5 ± 7.5 % (k = 2), while that for chlorine and bromine was 96.8 ± 6.9 % (k = 2) and 97.4 ± 9.6 % (k = 2), respectively. The calibration method was tested against the internal permeation (Hg0) source of the Tekran 2537B Hg analyzer on-field by loading HgO to different KCl-coated denuders using the plasma. GOM concentrations were measured using the Tekran speciation system. With internal calibration, concentrations were up to 9.1 % lower than those in plasma calibration, thereby emphasizing the importance of the calibration strategy. Measurement uncertainty (k = 2) further emphasizes this distinction. Internal calibration measurement uncertainty was 36.8 %, while plasma calibration boasted lower uncertainty at 13.8 %. SIGNIFICANCE The non-thermal plasma calibration strategy, as a unique and discrete calibration method traceable to the NIST SRM 3133 for ambient air GOM measurements, provide a higher level of confidence in the accuracy of GOM measurements with several advantages over other methods. Calibrations at extreme low concentrations (<100 pg) are possible with this method relevant to ambient air GOM concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Gačnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Teodor Daniel Andron
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saeed Waqar Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ali SW, Božič D, Vijayakumaran Nair S, Živković I, Gačnik J, Andron TD, Jagodic Hudobivnik M, Kocman D, Horvat M. Optimization of a pre-concentration method for the analysis of mercury isotopes in low-concentration foliar samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:1239-1248. [PMID: 38193932 PMCID: PMC10850019 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Hg isotope analysis in samples from background regions is constrained by the presence of low Hg concentration and therefore requires a pre-concentration method. Existing Hg pre-concentration methods are constrained by long sample processing time and limited sample loading capacity. Using foliar samples as a test case, an optimized Hg pre-concentration method is presented that involves the microwave-assisted digestion of samples for Hg isotope analysis with the addition of a pre-digestion step. Microwave-digested foliar samples and CRMs were transferred to an impinger, reduced with SnCl2, and collected in a 2.25 mL concentrated inverse aqua regia (3:1 HNO3:HCl, v/v). This resulted in an optimal acid concentration in the solution ideal for analysis on MC-ICP-MS. The time for purging with Hg-free N2 was optimized to 30 min and the efficiency of the pre-concentration method was tested using a combination of approaches. Tests performed on pure reagents and matrix of foliar samples spiked with 197Hg radiotracer showed recoveries averaging 99 ± 1.7% and 100 ± 3.0%, respectively. Mercury at concentrations as low as 1.83 ng g-1 was pre-concentrated by digesting aliquots of foliage samples in individual digestion vessels. Recoveries following their pre-concentration averaged 99 ± 6.0%, whereas recoveries of 95 ± 4.7% and 95 ± 2.5% were achieved for NIST SRM 1575a (pine needle) and reagents spiked with NIST SRM 3133, respectively. Analysis using multicollector-ICP-MS showed low fractionation of δ202Hg during sample pre-concentration with no significant mass-independent fractionation. The proposed method is a relatively simple and robust way to prepare Hg samples for Hg isotopic analysis and is suitable even for complex biological matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Waqar Ali
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dominik Božič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Gačnik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Teodor-Daniel Andron
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - David Kocman
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Santos-Cottin D, Mohelský I, Wyzula J, Le Mardelé F, Kapon I, Nasrallah S, Barišić N, Živković I, Soh JR, Guo F, Rigaux K, Puppin M, Dil JH, Gudac B, Rukelj Z, Novak M, Kuzmenko AB, Homes CC, Dietl T, Orlita M, Akrap A. EuCd_{2}As_{2}: A Magnetic Semiconductor. Phys Rev Lett 2023; 131:186704. [PMID: 37977632 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.186704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
EuCd_{2}As_{2} is now widely accepted as a topological semimetal in which a Weyl phase is induced by an external magnetic field. We challenge this view through firm experimental evidence using a combination of electronic transport, optical spectroscopy, and excited-state photoemission spectroscopy. We show that the EuCd_{2}As_{2} is in fact a semiconductor with a gap of 0.77 eV. We show that the externally applied magnetic field has a profound impact on the electronic band structure of this system. This is manifested by a huge decrease of the observed band gap, as large as 125 meV at 2 T, and, consequently, by a giant redshift of the interband absorption edge. However, the semiconductor nature of the material remains preserved. EuCd_{2}As_{2} is therefore a magnetic semiconductor rather than a Dirac or Weyl semimetal, as suggested by ab initio computations carried out within the local spin-density approximation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Santos-Cottin
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - I Mohelský
- LNCMI, CNRS-UGA-UPS-INSA, 25, avenue des Martyrs, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - J Wyzula
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- LNCMI, CNRS-UGA-UPS-INSA, 25, avenue des Martyrs, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - F Le Mardelé
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- LNCMI, CNRS-UGA-UPS-INSA, 25, avenue des Martyrs, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - I Kapon
- Department of Physics, University of Geneva, CH-1204 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Nasrallah
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Institute of Solid State Physics, TU Wien, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - N Barišić
- Institute of Solid State Physics, TU Wien, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička 32, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - I Živković
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - J R Soh
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F Guo
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K Rigaux
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Puppin
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - J H Dil
- Institut de Physique, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - B Gudac
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička 32, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Z Rukelj
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička 32, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M Novak
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Bijenička 32, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A B Kuzmenko
- Department of Physics, University of Geneva, CH-1204 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C C Homes
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, USA
| | - Tomasz Dietl
- International Research Centre MagTop, Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Aleja Lotnikow 32/46, PL-02668 Warsaw, Poland
- WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - M Orlita
- LNCMI, CNRS-UGA-UPS-INSA, 25, avenue des Martyrs, F-38042 Grenoble, France
- Institute of Physics, Charles University, CZ-12116 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ana Akrap
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kleindienst A, Živković I, Tessier E, Koenig A, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, Horvat M, Amouroux D. Assessing comparability and uncertainty of analytical methods for methylated mercury species in seawater. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1278:341735. [PMID: 37709469 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relative distribution and importance of monomethylmercury (MMHg) and dimethylmercury (DMHg) in seawater is still under debate. A lack of comparability between measurements at sub-picomolar levels hampered the further understanding of the biogeochemical Hg cycle. To overcome this, we assessed the relative standard measurement uncertainties (Uex,r) for direct measurements of MMHg and DMHg by species-specific isotope dilution ICP-MS and cryo-focusing GC-ICP-MS at femtomolar concentrations. Furthermore, Uex,r was determined for the indirect determination of DMHg (DMHgcalc = MeHg - MMHg) and MeHg (MeHgcalc = MMHg + DMHg) to compare the two methodologies. RESULTS Expanded Uex,r (confidence interval of 95%) for cryo-focusing GC-ICP-MS was 14.4 (<50 fM) and 14.2% (>50 fM) and for SS-ID GC-ICP-MS 5.6 (<50 fM) and 3.7% (>50 fM). For concentrations above 50 fM, Uex,r for DMHgcalc was always lower than for direct measurements (14.2%). For MeHgcalc, on the other hand, Uex,r was always higher for concentrations above 115 fM (range: 3.7-13.9%) than for direct measurements (3.7%). We evaluated the comparability of directly measured and calculated DMHg and MeHg concentrations based on Hg speciation measurements for two vertical profiles in the Mediterranean Sea. We show that directly measured and indirectly determined DMHg and MeHg concentrations yield comparable results. SIGNIFICANCE Our results validate the application of the indirect method for the determination of DMHg if a direct measurement method with a low Uex,r such as isotope dilution is used for MMHg and MeHg measurements. The validation of the indirect measurement approach opens new possibilities to generate more precise and accurate DMHg data in the global ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kleindienst
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux (IPREM), 64000, Pau, France.
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux (IPREM), 64000, Pau, France
| | - Alkuin Koenig
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Grenoble INP, IGE, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Amouroux
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour L'Environnement et Les Matériaux (IPREM), 64000, Pau, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alilović A, Živković I, Horvat M. Optimisation of distillation as an isolation method for the determination of low methylmercury concentrations in urine samples. Talanta 2023; 264:124765. [PMID: 37295056 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) speciation in urine requires a robust, reproducible and sensitive technique that enables reliable measurements in limited sample volumes. Conventional MeHg extraction by acid digestion allows for processing of only small amounts of urine digest, making accurate MeHg determination in low-concentration samples virtually impossible. Distillation has been proven as an efficient isolation method with very low detection limits for measuring MeHg in water samples; therefore, in this study, it was optimised for urine samples. Combined with aqueous phase ethylation, purging with nitrogen, preconcentration on Tenax trap, isothermal gas chromatography and cold vapour atomic fluorescence detection, distillation achieved high and repeatable urine spike recoveries of 94% ± 7%. Larger measured aliquot volume led to a significantly lower limit of detection (LOD) for distillation compared with acid digestion (1.1 versus 5.5 pg g-1 urine). Thirty-two general population urine samples were analysed using both methods, and the results were compared. Distillation led to better separation of MeHg from inorganic Hg and the matrix. Good correlation was observed between the results obtained by the two methods for samples with MeHg concentrations above 10 pg g-1 urine (slope = 0.9492, R2 = 0.9879). For samples below this MeHg concentration, distillation was superior, enabling the measurement of MeHg in 9 out of 12 urine samples that were below the LOD of acid digestion. Distillation had significantly lower measurement uncertainty, particularly in the low-concentration samples, where the expanded combined standard uncertainty of the acid digestion method reached as high as 43.2% (k = 2), predominantly owing to poor sample repeatability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adna Alilović
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Živković I, Mićović S, Milačić P. First-in-Human µCAB ™ Coronary Revascularization Surgery. Innovations (Phila) 2023; 18:185-189. [PMID: 37029652 DOI: 10.1177/15569845231165312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Less invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is underused despite more than 25 years of interest from surgeons and growing patient demands for less pain and rapid full recovery. New approaches may offer surgeons additional options to provide enhanced clinical results through reliable subxiphoid bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting and the creation of durable anastomoses through very small thoracotomy incisions. This first-in-human case report describes 2 patients who received surgical coronary revascularization using the µCAB™ technology and techniques. The encouraging early results indicate that the µCAB™ approach may offer a new ergonomic, affordable method for coronary revascularization with less surgical trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Živković
- Cardiac Surgery Clinic, Dedinje Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Mićović
- Cardiac Surgery Clinic, Dedinje Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Petar Milačić
- Cardiac Surgery Clinic, Dedinje Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Božič D, Živković I, Hudobivnik MJ, Kotnik J, Amouroux D, Štrok M, Horvat M. Fractionation of mercury stable isotopes in lichens. Chemosphere 2022; 309:136592. [PMID: 36167212 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bio-monitoring of mercury (Hg) in air using transplanted and in-situ lichens was conducted at three locations in Slovenia: (I) the town of Idrija in the area of the former Hg mine, where Hg contamination is well known; (II) Anhovo, a settlement with a cement production plant, which is a source of Hg contamination, and (III) Pokljuka, a part of a national park. Lichens from Pokljuka were transplanted to different sites and sampled four times-once per season, from January 2020 to February 2021. Lichens were set on tree branches, fences, and under cover, allowing them to be exposed to different environmental conditions (e.g., light and rain). The in-situ lichens were sampled at the beginning and the end of the sampling period. The highest concentrations were in the Idrija area, which was consistent with previous research. Significant mass-dependent fractionation has been observed in transplanted lichens during summer period. The δ202Hg changed from -3.0‰ in winter to -1.0‰ in summer and dropped again to the same value in winter the following year. This trend was observed in all samples, except those from the most polluted Idrija sampling site, which was in the vicinity of the former Hg ore-smelting plant. This was likely due to large amounts of Hg originating from polluted soil close to the former smelting plant with a distinct isotopic fingerprint in this local area. The Δ199Hg in transplanted lichens ranged from -0.5‰ to -0.1‰ and showed no seasonal trends. These findings imply that seasonality, particularly in summer months, may affect the isotopic fractionation of Hg and should be considered in the sampling design and data interpretation. This trend was thus described in lichens for the first time. The mechanism behind such change is not yet fully understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Božič
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marta Jagodic Hudobivnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Amouroux
- The Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physico-Chemistry for Environment and Materials, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, Pau Cedex 9, France
| | - Marko Štrok
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Street 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vijayakumaran Nair S, Kotnik J, Gačnik J, Živković I, Koenig AM, Mlakar TL, Horvat M. Dispersion of airborne mercury species emitted from the cement plant. Environ Pollut 2022; 312:120057. [PMID: 36041570 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cement industry is the second largest source of anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe, accounting for 11% of global anthropogenic Hg emissions. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of Hg emissions from the Salonit Anhovo cement plant on Hg levels measured in the ambient air at Vodarna, 1 km downwind from the flue gas chimney. The findings reveal that the plant raw mill operational status plays an important role in Hg concentrations in the flue gas emitted from the plant. Emitted total gaseous mercury was, on average, higher (49.4 μg/m3) when raw mills were in the direct mode (both raw mills-off) and lower (23.4 μg/m3) in the combined mode (both raw mills-on). The average Hg concentrations in Vodarna were 3.14 ng/m3 for gaseous elemental mercury, 53.7 pg/m3 for gaseous oxidised mercury, and 41.9 pg/m3 for particulate bound mercury for the whole measurement period. Atmospheric Hg speciation in Vodarna, coupled with plant emissions and wind data, has revealed that the total gaseous mercury emitted from the cement plant is clearly related to all Hg species measured in Vodarna. Wind blowing from the northeastern quadrant (mostly NE, ENE) is responsible for the elevated Hg levels in Vodarna, where gaseous oxidised mercury levels are highly linked to the cement plant emissions. However, elevated levels of Hg species in the absence of northeastern winds indicate potential inputs from other unknown local sources as well as inputs from regional and global transport mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Gačnik
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alkuin Maximilian Koenig
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gačnik J, Živković I, Ribeiro Guevara S, Kotnik J, Berisha S, Vijayakumaran Nair S, Jurov A, Cvelbar U, Horvat M. Calibration Approach for Gaseous Oxidized Mercury Based on Nonthermal Plasma Oxidation of Elemental Mercury. Anal Chem 2022; 94:8234-8240. [PMID: 35647905 PMCID: PMC9201811 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Atmospheric mercury
measurements carried out in the recent decades
have been a subject of bias largely due to insufficient consideration
of metrological traceability and associated measurement uncertainty,
which are ultimately needed for the demonstration of comparability
of the measurement results. This is particularly challenging for gaseous
HgII species, which are reactive and their ambient concentrations
are very low, causing difficulties in proper sampling and calibration.
Calibration for atmospheric HgII exists, but barriers to
reliable calibration are most evident at ambient HgII concentration
levels. We present a calibration of HgII species based
on nonthermal plasma oxidation of Hg0 to HgII. Hg0 was produced by quantitative reduction of HgII in aqueous solution by SnCl2 and aeration. The
generated Hg0 in a stream of He and traces of reaction
gas (O2, Cl2, or Br2) was then oxidized
to different HgII species by nonthermal plasma. A highly
sensitive 197Hg radiotracer was used to evaluate the oxidation
efficiency. Nonthermal plasma oxidation efficiencies with corresponding
expanded standard uncertainty values were 100.5 ± 4.7% (k = 2) for 100 pg of HgO, 96.8 ± 7.3% (k = 2) for 250 pg of HgCl2, and 77.3 ± 9.4% (k = 2) for 250 pg of HgBr2. The presence of HgO,
HgCl2, and HgBr2 was confirmed by temperature-programmed
desorption quadrupole mass spectrometry (TPD-QMS). This work demonstrates
the potential for nonthermal plasma oxidation to generate reliable
and repeatable amounts of HgII compounds for routine calibration
of ambient air measurement instrumentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gačnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sergio Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av. Bustillo km 9.5, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sabina Berisha
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrea Jurov
- Department of Gaseous Electronics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Cvelbar
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Gaseous Electronics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Živković I, Humphreys MP, Achterberg EP, Dumousseaud C, Woodward EMS, Bojanić N, Šolić M, Bratkič A, Kotnik J, Vahčič M, Obu Vazner K, Begu E, Fajon V, Shlyapnikov Y, Horvat M. Enhanced mercury reduction in the South Atlantic Ocean during carbon remineralization. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 178:113644. [PMID: 35413504 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in seawater is subject to interconversions via (photo)chemical and (micro)biological processes that determine the extent of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) (re)emission and the production of monomethylmercury. We investigated Hg speciation in the South Atlantic Ocean on a GEOTRACES cruise along a 40°S section between December 2011 and January 2012 (354 samples collected at 24 stations from surface to 5250 m maximum depth). Using statistical analysis, concentrations of methylated mercury (MeHg, geometric mean 35.4 fmol L-1) were related to seawater temperature, salinity, and fluorescence. DGM concentrations (geometric mean 0.17 pmol L-1) were related to water column depth, concentrations of macronutrients and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The first-ever observed linear correlation between DGM and DIC obtained from high-resolution data indicates possible DGM production by organic matter remineralization via biological or dark abiotic reactions. DGM concentrations projected from literature DIC data using the newly discovered DGM-DIC relationship agreed with published DGM observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Matthew P Humphreys
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Ocean Systems (OCS), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, the Netherlands
| | - Eric P Achterberg
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Cynthia Dumousseaud
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Natalia Bojanić
- Laboratory of Plankton and Shellfish Toxicity, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Mladen Šolić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Šetalište I. Meštrovića 63, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Arne Bratkič
- Chemistry Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, Belgium
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mitja Vahčič
- Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium
| | - Kristina Obu Vazner
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Ecological Engineering Institute, Ljubljanska ulica 9, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Ermira Begu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Yaroslav Shlyapnikov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gačnik J, Živković I, Ribeiro Guevara S, Jaćimović R, Kotnik J, Horvat M. Validating an Evaporative Calibrator for Gaseous Oxidized Mercury. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:s21072501. [PMID: 33916694 PMCID: PMC8038396 DOI: 10.3390/s21072501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding atmospheric mercury chemistry is the key for explaining the biogeochemical cycle of mercury and for improving the predictive capability of computational models. Increased efforts are being made to ensure comparable Hg speciation measurements in the air through establishing metrological traceability. While traceability for elemental mercury has been recently set, this is by no means the case for gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM). Since a calibration unit suitable for traceable GOM calibrations based on evaporation of HgCl2 solution was recently developed, the purpose of our work was to extensively evaluate its performance. A highly specific and sensitive 197Hg radiotracer was used for validation over a wide range of concentrations. By comparing experimental and calculated values, we obtained recoveries for the calibration unit. The average recoveries ranged from 88.5% for 1178 ng m−3 HgCl2 gas concentration to 39.4% for 5.90 ng m−3 HgCl2 gas concentration. The losses were due to the adsorption of oxidized Hg on the inner walls of the calibrator and tubing. An adsorption isotherm was applied to estimate adsorption enthalpy (ΔHads); a ΔHads value of −12.33 kJ mol−1 was obtained, suggesting exothermal adsorption. The results of the calibrator performance evaluation suggest that a newly developed calibration unit is only suitable for concentrations of HgCl2 higher than 1 µg m−3. The concentration dependence of recoveries prevents the system from being used for calibration of instruments for ambient GOM measurements. Moreover, the previously assessed uncertainty of this unit at µg m−3 level (2.0%, k = 2) was re-evaluated by including uncertainty related to recovery and was found to be 4.1%, k = 2. Calibrator performance was also evaluated for HgBr2 gas calibration; the recoveries were much lower for HgBr2 gas than for HgCl2 gas even at a high HgBr2 gas concentration (>1 µg m−3). As HgBr2 is often used as a proxy for various atmospheric HgBr species, the suitability of the unit for such calibration must be further developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gačnik
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (I.Ž.); (R.J.); (J.K.)
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (I.Ž.); (R.J.); (J.K.)
| | - Sergio Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av. Bustillo km 9.5, Bariloche 8400, Argentina;
| | - Radojko Jaćimović
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (I.Ž.); (R.J.); (J.K.)
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (I.Ž.); (R.J.); (J.K.)
| | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (I.Ž.); (R.J.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-588-53-55
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Timčić S, Živković I, Krasić S, Andjelković M, Nešić I, Ćirković M, Perić M. SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GIANT PERICARDIAL CYST THROUGH THE LATERAL THORACOTOMY. amm 2020. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2020.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
13
|
Nešić I, Dotlić J, Živković I, Šljivić A, Vuković P, Mićović S, Milačić P, Miličić M, Zdravković D, Ćirković M, Perić M. EARLY POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES OF SURGICALLY TREATED AORTIC DISSECTION IN MARFAN SYNDROME PATIENTS. amm 2020. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2020.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
14
|
Trdin A, Falnoga I, Fajon V, Živković I, Snoj Tratnik J, Prpić I, Špirić Z, Horvat M. Mercury speciation in meconium and associated factors. Environ Res 2019; 179:108724. [PMID: 31627028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Meconium is formed early in gestation and it is normally not excreted until after birth. Thus it may provide a longer and cumulative record of exposure to mercury (Hg). The present study aims to speciate Hg in meconium samples (N = 488) from Slovenian and Croatian new-borns prenatally exposed to low levels of methyl-Hg (MeHg) from maternal seafood intake and to Hg0 from maternal dental amalgam fillings. We had complete data of total Hg (THg) and MeHg in meconium and THg in maternal hair (MH), while THg and MeHg in maternal blood (MB) were available only for Croatian mothers. Personal data namely maternal seafood intake, age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, smoking, estimated gestational age at birth, sex, and birth weight were available for the majority of participants, except the number of dental amalgams which was in most cases missing for Croatian mothers. The median THg concentration in meconium was 11.1 (range: 0.41-375.2) ng/g and inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) presented 98.8% (range: 82%-100%, CV: 2%) of THg. We observed significant correlation between meconium and MH Hg levels, with the highest correlation between hair THg and meconium MeHg. Correlation analysis including MB (available only for Croatian population) showed a significant positive correlation between THg in meconium and THg in MB (Rs = 0.642). Additionally, MeHg from MB was correlated with MeHg in meconium (Rs = 0.898), while the correlation between Hg(II) in MB and meconium was positive, but not significant. Maternal seafood intake was significantly correlated with meconium MeHg (Rs = 0.498) and Hg(II) (Rs = 0.201). Multiple linear regression (performed on the Slovenian population, N = 143) confirmed a positive association between meconium MeHg and seafood intake. Furthermore, meconium Hg(II) was positively associated with the number of maternal dental amalgam fillings, but linear regression models did not confirm correlation between seafood intake and meconium Hg(II) levels. We assume that Hg0 released from maternal dental amalgam fillings and MeHg from seafood intake were both transported through the placental barrier and portioned between different foetal compartments including meconium. Weak correlation between maternal seafood intake and Hg(II) levels in meconium suggests that there is certain evidence of MeHg demethylation. However, because this correlation was not confirmed by the multiple regression, MeHg demethylation during prenatal life cannot be neither confirmed nor excluded. Further investigations at higher level of exposure are needed to confirm this observations. We can conclude that meconium is a suitable biomarker for MeHg and Hg0 exposure during pregnancy. However, comparability of the results reported in meconium in different studies is hindered by a lack of standardized sampling protocols, storage, and analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajda Trdin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Prpić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cinnirella S, Bruno DE, Pirrone N, Horvat M, Živković I, Evers DC, Johnson S, Sunderland EM. Mercury concentrations in biota in the Mediterranean Sea, a compilation of 40 years of surveys. Sci Data 2019; 6:205. [PMID: 31619675 PMCID: PMC6795892 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean Region has a long lasting legacy of mercury mining activities and a high density of sub-marine volcanoes that has strongly contributed to its mercury budget. In the last forty years, there have been recorded increases in mercury concentrations in biota that have spurred a growing number of research activities to assess the impact of mercury pollution on human health and environment. Field investigations that quantify mercury concentrations in marine biota have led to a large amount of experimental data scattered in many peer-reviewed publications making it difficult for modelling applications and regional environmental assessments. This paper reviews existing peer-reviewed literature and datasets on mercury concentration in marine flora and fauna (Animal, Plants and Chromista Kingdoms) in the Mediterranean basin. A total of 24,465 records have been retrieved from 539 sources and included in Mercury in Mediterranean Biota (M2B). Well-defined specimens account for 24,407 observations, while a few records include generic plankton and unidentified fish species. Among all considered species, we selected Diplodus sargus, Sardina pilchardus, Thunnus thynnus and Xiphias gladius to show trends of mercury concentration against WHO and EU limits. Few notes on how M2B is intended to support the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury by a user-driven Knowledge Hub are finally reported. Measurement(s) | mercury | Technology Type(s) | digital curation | Factor Type(s) | geographic location • fishing area • species • sampling time • depth • weight • tissue | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Eukaryota | Sample Characteristic - Environment | ocean biome | Sample Characteristic - Location | Mediterranean Sea • Black Sea |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.9886004
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Cinnirella
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy.
| | - D E Bruno
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy
| | - N Pirrone
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Rende, Italy
| | - M Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - I Živković
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - D C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA
| | - S Johnson
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, ME, USA
| | - E M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chouhan RS, Žitko G, Fajon V, Živković I, Pavlin M, Berisha S, Jerman I, Vesel A, Horvat M. A Unique Interactive Nanostructure Knitting based Passive Sampler Adsorbent for Monitoring of Hg 2+ in Water. Sensors (Basel) 2019; 19:s19153432. [PMID: 31387298 PMCID: PMC6696128 DOI: 10.3390/s19153432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This work reports the development of ultralight interwoven ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) nanosheets for use as a potential adsorbent in a passive sampler (PAS) designed to bind Hg2+ ions. The g-CN nanosheets were prepared from bulk g-CN synthesised via a modified high-temperature short-time (HTST) polycondensation process. The crystal structure, surface functional groups, and morphology of the g-CN nanosheets were characterised using a battery of instruments. The results confirmed that the as-synthesized product is composed of few-layered nanosheets. The adsorption efficiency of g-CN for binding Hg2+ (100 ng mL−1) in sea, river, rain, and Milli-Q quality water was 89%, 93%, 97%, and 100%, respectively, at natural pH. Interference studies found that the cations tested (Co2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Bi3+, Na+, and K+) had no significant effect on the adsorption efficiency of Hg2+. Different parameters were optimised to improve the performance of g-CN such as pH, contact time, and amount of adsorbent. Optimum conditions were pH 7, 120 min incubation time and 10 mg of nanosheets. The yield of nanosheets was 72.5%, which is higher compared to other polycondensation processes using different monomers. The g-CN sheets could also be regenerated up to eight times with only a 20% loss in binding efficiency. Overall, nano-knitted g-CN is a promising low-cost green adsorbent for use in passive samplers or as a transducing material in sensor applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raghuraj S Chouhan
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Gregor Žitko
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Surface Engineering, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Majda Pavlin
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Ivan Jerman
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Surface Engineering, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Živković I, Fajon V, Kotnik J, Shlyapnikov Y, Obu Vazner K, Begu E, Šestanović S, Šantić D, Vrdoljak A, Jozić S, Šolić M, Lušić J, Veža J, Kušpilić G, Ordulj M, Matić F, Grbec B, Bojanić N, Ninčević Gladan Ž, Horvat M. Relations between mercury fractions and microbial community components in seawater under the presence and absence of probable phosphorus limitation conditions. J Environ Sci (China) 2019; 75:145-162. [PMID: 30473280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbial transformations of toxic monomethylmercury (MMHg) and dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) at the lower levels of the marine food web are not well understood, especially in oligotrophic and phosphorus-limited seas. To examine the effects of probable phosphorus limitation (PP-limitation) on relations between mercury (Hg) fractions and microorganisms, we determined the total mercury (THg), total methylated mercury (MeHg), DGM, and microbiological and chemical parameters in the Central Adriatic Sea. Using statistical analysis, we assessed the potential microbial effects on Hg transformations and bioaccumulation. Only in the absence of PP-limitation conditions (NO-PP-limitation) is MeHg significantly related to most chemical and microbial parameters, indicating metabolism-dependent Hg transformations. The heterotrophic activity of low nucleic acid bacteria (abundant in oligotrophic regions) seems responsible for most of Hg methylation under NO-PP-limitation. Under these conditions, DGM is strongly related to microbial fractions and chlorophyll a, indicating biological DGM production, which is probably not metabolically induced, as most of these relations are also observed under PP-limitation. MMHg biomagnification was observed through an increased bioaccumulation factor from microseston to mesozooplankton. Our results indicate that Hg transformations and uptake might be enhanced under NO-PP-limitation conditions, emphasizing their impact on the transfer of Hg to higher trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Yaroslav Shlyapnikov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Kristina Obu Vazner
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Ecological Engineering Institute, Maribor 2000, Slovenia
| | - Ermira Begu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Stefanija Šestanović
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Danijela Šantić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Ana Vrdoljak
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Slaven Jozić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Mladen Šolić
- Laboratory of Marine Microbiology, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Jelena Lušić
- Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Jere Veža
- Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Grozdan Kušpilić
- Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Marin Ordulj
- Department of Marine Studies, University of Split, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Frano Matić
- Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Branka Grbec
- Laboratory of Physical Oceanography, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Natalia Bojanić
- Laboratory of Plankton and Shellfish Toxicity, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Živana Ninčević Gladan
- Laboratory of Plankton and Shellfish Toxicity, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kruchkov AJ, White JS, Bartkowiak M, Živković I, Magrez A, Rønnow HM. Direct electric field control of the skyrmion phase in a magnetoelectric insulator. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10466. [PMID: 29992965 PMCID: PMC6041276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin-whirls currently considered as promising for use in ultra-dense memory devices. Towards achieving this goal, exploration of the skyrmion phase response and under external stimuli is urgently required. Here we show experimentally, and explain theoretically, that in the magnetoelectric insulator Cu2OSeO3 the skyrmion phase can expand and shrink significantly depending on the polarity of a moderate applied electric field (few V/μm). The theory we develop incorporates fluctuations around the mean-field that clarifies precisely how the electric field provides direct control over the free energy difference between the skyrmion and the surrounding conical phase. The quantitative agreement between theory and experiment provides a solid foundation for the development of skyrmionic applications based on magnetoelectric coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Kruchkov
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (LQM), Insititute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - J S White
- Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - M Bartkowiak
- Laboratory for Scientific Developments and Novel Materials (LDM), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - I Živković
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (LQM), Insititute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Magrez
- Crystal Growth Facility, Insititute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - H M Rønnow
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (LQM), Insititute of Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vennemann T, Jeong M, Yoon D, Magrez A, Berger H, Yang L, Živković I, Babkevich P, Rønnow HM. Note: Commercial SQUID magnetometer-compatible NMR probe and its application for studying a quantum magnet. Rev Sci Instrum 2018; 89:046101. [PMID: 29716319 DOI: 10.1063/1.5023675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We present a compact nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe which is compatible with a magnet of a commercial superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer and demonstrate its application to the study of a quantum magnet. We employ trimmer chip capacitors to construct an NMR tank circuit for low temperature measurements. Using a magnetic insulator MoOPO4 with S = 1/2 (Mo5+) as an example, we show that the T-dependence of the circuit is weak enough to allow the ligand-ion NMR study of magnetic systems. Our 31P NMR results are compatible with previous bulk susceptibility and neutron scattering experiments and furthermore reveal unconventional spin dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Vennemann
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Jeong
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - D Yoon
- Laboratory of the Physics of Nanostructured Materials, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Magrez
- Crystal Growth Facility, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - H Berger
- Crystal Growth Facility, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L Yang
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - I Živković
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - P Babkevich
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - H M Rønnow
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, Ecole Polytechnique Féderale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Alagoz HS, Živković I, Chow KH, Jung J. Non-percolating small metallic clusters and sharp suppression of metallicity in RE 0.55Sr 0.45Mn 1−xRu xO 3manganites. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:2431-2437. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp02423a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The origin of the anomalous sharp phase transition from a ferromagnetic metal into a ferromagnetic insulator has been investigated in ruthenium (Ru)-doped RE0.55Sr0.45Mn1−xRuxO3(0 ≤x≤ 0.25) manganites (RESRMO) with RE(A-site) = Sm, Eu and Gd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. S. Alagoz
- Department of Physics
- University of Alberta
- Edmonton
- Canada
| | - I. Živković
- LQM, Institute of Physics
- Ecolé Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
- CH-1015 Lausanne
- Switzerland
| | - K. H. Chow
- Department of Physics
- University of Alberta
- Edmonton
- Canada
| | - J. Jung
- Department of Physics
- University of Alberta
- Edmonton
- Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Krasić D, Trajković M, Mihailović D, Krasić S, Živković I, Spasić M, Živković N. Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandible – A case report. SRP ARK CELOK LEK 2016; 144:531-534. [PMID: 29653040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, compared to other tumors of salivary glands, occurs in 5–10% of cases. Histopathologically, it is divided into a well differentiated tumor that is of low-grade of malignancy, and a medium and poorly differentiated tumor of high grade of malignancy. Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMEC) of the mandible was firstly described by Lepp in 1936, on a 66-year-old female patient. CMEC is characterized by atypical clinical image and radiological manifestation. CASE OUTLINE A 55-year-old female patient was examined at the Clinic of Dentistry in Niš, Serbia, with anamnestic data regarding the presence of painless swelling in the right side of the mandible. Considering the histopathological results and presence of enlarged lymph nodes, right hemimandibulectomy and tumour excision from pterygomandibular space followed by supraomohyoid neck dissection was done. In due course, postoperative radiotherapy was applied (60 Gy) CONCLUSION CMEC represents a rare tumor, characterized by local tissue destruction and ability to metastasize. Initial biopsy represented the key in preoperative planing. Radical excision with neck lymph node dissection followed by postoperative radiotherapy in our case represent a successful method of treating CMEC of the mandible.
Collapse
|
22
|
Dimitrijević L, Živković I, Stojanović M, Petrušić V, Živančević-Simonović S. Vaccine model of antiphospholipid syndrome induced by tetanus vaccine. Lupus 2012; 21:195-202. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203311429816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Successful induction of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in two different non-autoimmune prone mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6, was achieved by tetanus toxoid (TTd) hyperimmunization using different adjuvants (glycerol or aluminium hydroxide), and different adjuvant pretreatments (glycerol or Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)). APS had different manifestations of reproductive pathology in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice: fetal resorption (as a consequence of extreme T-cell activation obtained in the course of pretreatment), and lowering of fecundity (as a consequence of polyclonal B-cell stimulation), respectively. In BALB/c mice fetal resorption coincided with glycerol and CFA pretreatments, while in C57BL/6 mice lowering of fecundity was most obvious in CFA-pretreated mice immunized with TTd in aluminium hydroxide. Both molecular mimicry and polyclonal B-cell activation occur in APS induction, with molecular mimicry effects being dominant in BALB/c mice, and polyclonal cell activation being dominant in C57BL/6 mice. Confirmation of molecular mimicry effects, which in the condition of T-cell stimulation generated fetal resorptions in the BALB/c strain, was achieved by passive infusion of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) T-26 specific for TTd and anti-β2-glycoprotein I obtained after TTd hyperimunization. High polyclonal B-cell activation in C57BL/6 mice prevented fetal resorption but induced fecundity lowering, as was the case in passive administration of MoAb T-26 in this mouse strain. Passive infusion of anti-idiotypic MoAb Y7 into C57BL/6 mice induced fetal resorptions and confirmed the above suggestion on the protective role of polyclonal B-cell stimulation in fetal resorptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Dimitrijević
- Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – Torlak, Department of Research and Development, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - I Živković
- Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – Torlak, Department of Research and Development, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Stojanović
- Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – Torlak, Department of Research and Development, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - V Petrušić
- Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – Torlak, Department of Research and Development, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - S Živančević-Simonović
- Medical Faculty, University of Kragujevac, Institute of Pathophysiology, Kragujevac, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|