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Abstract
Particles in the nanoscale range have intrinsic physicochemical characteristics that define their interaction with the human body and ultimately their toxicity. Whilst research has focused on engineered nanomaterials or ambient ultrafine particles, little is known about the morphology, size and elemental composition of particles in the nanoscale range collected in indoor environments, where humans spend the longest time. This study aims to characterise the physicochemical properties of quasi-ultrafine particles (qUFP), with an aerodynamic diameter <250 nm, collected with a Sioutas impactor from 5 indoor environments (3 homes and 2 offices). Morphology, size and elemental composition of individual particles were imaged using a Transmission Electron Microscope coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Most of the single particles and their aggregates were of irregular shapes, and some fibrous rods, elongated rods, spheres and hexagons were also observed. ImageJ software was used to analyse the surface area, roundness and circularity of the particles, as well as individual particle diameter for the spherical particles. For the non-spherical shaped particle, the particles were manually measured to characterise the maximum Feret diameter. Particle main dimensions (i.e. diameter for spheroids and maximum Feret diameter for irregular particles) ranged from 35 ± 59 nm to 103 ± 160 nm. Shapes for non-spherical particles were assigned by visual description. Si, Fe and S were found in nanoparticles from all indoor locations. Other abundant constituents were K, Cr, Na, Ca, Cl found in 60–80% of locations. Minor constituents of indoor nanoparticles were Cu, Sn, Ti, Mo, Al, P, Be, F, Zn, Rb, Pb, Mn and Co. Sources were related to indoor emissions, e.g. printers, stainless-steel tools, electronics, cooking, house chores, particle re-suspension, aerosol and cleaning products as well as to penetration of outdoor nanoparticles from vehicular emissions, soil and secondary aerosols. Detailed investigation of the physicochemical properties of these particles can help understand their associated hazard and their fate in the human body.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 120245 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Atmospheric Environment |
Volume | 318 |
Early online date | 30 Nov 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2024 |
Bibliographical note
AcknowledgmentsThe authors acknowledge the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Department of Health (DH), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), for the funding received for this project through the Environmental Exposures & Health Initiative (EEHI) (Grant No. NE/I008314/1). JMDS is a recipient of funds from Generalitat Valenciana - Conselleria de Educación, Investigación, Cultura y Deporte, Spain under the Talented Researcher Support Programme - Plan GenT (CIDEGENT/2019/064).
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Dive into the research topics of 'Morphological and Chemical Characterisation of Indoor Quasi-Ultrafine Particles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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From Airborne Exposures to Biological Effects(FABLE): The Impact of Nanoparticles on Health
Viant, M., Ayres, J., Chang, I., Delgado Saborit, J. M., Lead, J., Preece, J., Rappoport, J., Hodges, N. & Knight, T.
Natural Environment Research Council
1/05/11 → 31/10/15
Project: Research Councils