Heatwaves (HWs) increase air pollution by boosting biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions, including isoprene. At the National Atmospheric Observatory Košetice, isoprene concentrations during HWs (1995–2023) were significantly higher than on regular days. Correlation analysis showed stronger links between isoprene and temperature during HWs.

Peatlands cover a large fraction of the boreal climate zone and are very sensitive to the warming climate which can lead to drying and vegetation change. We investigated how the change from sedge-dominated fen to a shrub-dominated bog affects the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation potential of the emitted volatile organic compound (VOC). While the fen case had higher VOC emissions, the SOA formation potential was lower than for the bog one. Isoprene suppressed SOA formation in the fen case but had little effect on the bog case showing the complex interactions of precursors.

The Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), in southeastern Brazil, is one of the world’s largest megacities, with a population exceeding 20 million and a fleet of approximately 7 million vehicles. While many pollutants have shown a strong decline over the last 20 years, PM_2.5 levels have remained relatively stable (15 μg.m^-³) and ozone concentrations have increased slightly. By taking the subtropical MASP as a natural laboratory, the BIOMASP+ project (BIOsphere-atmosphere interactions in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo - plus) aims to evaluate how biosphere-atmosphere exchanges affect secondary urban pollution and the biosphere in the context of climate change.

This study, part of the BIOMASP+ project, explores biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from Cassaeria Sylvestris (CS) under oxidative stress. Under controlled chamber conditions, plants were exposed to ozone, and emissions were analyzed with advanced aerosol and mass spectrometry techniques. Results show CS emissions, primarily isoprene, significantly enhance organic aerosol mass, indicating strong oxidation potential. The impact of ozone stress on CS plants emissions and SOA potential is also illustrated in this work, which will be discussed to better understand BVOC oxidation mechanisms, SOA formation, their role in urban air quality and local climate.

Residential wood combustion (RWC) represents a significant source of volatile organic compounds leading to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. The pulmonary toxicity of SOA formed from key precursors emitted by RWC remains poorly understood. This study aims to assess the toxicological effects of laboratory-generated SOA from day- and nighttime oxidation of PAHs and phenol on an alveolar epithelium model exposed at the air-liquid interface. Biological responses including metabolic activity, inflammation, vesicles exocytosis, genotoxicity, and gene expression have been studied. Results will contribute to understand the modulation of specific cellular mechanisms involving different cell signaling pathways depending on the SOA considered.

This study investigates the role of flavors in the toxicity of electronic cigarette (e-cig) aerosols using an in vitro alveolar model. A549 cells at the air-liquid interface were exposed to unflavored and flavored (vanillin, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol) e-cig aerosols generated under controlled conditions. Toxicological assessments revealed minor cytotoxic effects, increased IL-6 release with cinnamaldehyde, and transcriptomic and metabolomic alterations, possibly linked to xenobiotic metabolism. Eugenol exposure led to significant metabolite downregulation. While short-term exposure induced limited toxicity, flavors influenced biological responses, highlighting the need for further research on their contribution to e-cig-related health risks.

This work aims to study the association between PM oxidative potential (OP) exposure and inflammatory biomarkers in vulnerable populations in Santander (northern Spain): patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To this end, the ASTHMA-FENOP and PEREX-COPD studies were designed; PM OP (OP-AA and OP-DTT) exposure was determined in the fine and coarse fractions of PM samples collected by personal samplers, and respiratory and systemic inflammatory biomarkers were measured in the exposed volunteers (unhealthy and healthy groups). The strongest association between increased PM OP exposure and inflammation was found for the OP-DTT assay measured in the fine fraction.

Carbon fibres and CF-reinforced plastics are innovative materials, which are increasingly produced, recycled, and disposed of, possibly releasing fibres which could fulfil the criteria of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be potentially carcinogenic (critical aspect ratio > 3:1, length ≥ 5 μm and diameter ≤ 3μm). Carbon fibres were dispersed into dry air and delivered to the air-liquid interface (ALI) of human lung cells, where toxicological investigations were carried out. The deposition behaviour of the three fractions of the carbon fibre aerosol was measured on the one hand and simulated by numerical methods on the other.

In this work, we propose a formulation for two-way coupled large eddy simulations of particle laden dilute flows, with the aim of simulating volcanic aerosol plumes.The method comprises a stochastic Lagrangian approach coupled with the equilibrium model for low-inertia particles (Stokes number less than 1). This allows for capturing events in regions where the applicability of the equilibrium model is ambiguous and retain the benefits of using a Eulerian approach, which include facilitating the modelling of microphysical kinetic processes of aerosol interaction such as aggregation, while keeping the computational cost and memory requirements low.

Chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) is essential in atmospheric chemistry research but faces challenges in compound identification due to complex reagent ion-target compound interactions. Quantum chemical calculations can model these interactions, yet the vast configuration space and high costs hinder database creation, preventing a definitive compound identification workflow. This project explores a machine learning (ML) cost-efficient approach for CIMS compound identification. As a first step, the ML workflow developed can predict the detection and signal intensity of known compounds, and map the functional groups likely interacting with the reagent ion.

Severe PM pollution episodes frequently impact the Seoul Metropolitan Area, with nitrate playing a dominant role. Nitrate formation occurs through complex atmospheric pathways, including gas-phase oxidation, heterogeneous uptake, and aqueous-phase processes. This study employs explainable machine learning to analyze drivers of nitrate formation in Seoul, using high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometry data. Results reveal that nitrate formation sharply increases at RH >65%, persisting even as RH declines, suggesting prolonged aqueous-phase processing. Additionally, temperature exhibits a strong nonlinear effect, with nitrate formation suppressed below freezing due to phase-state constraints. These findings highlight the role of hygroscopic properties in nitrate-driven haze.

In this work, we present the most complete database of transported metals, along with a machine learning model designed to predict dust concentrations over Europe. The model is validated thoroughly with a combination of long measurement timeseries and ice core records. We find that dust concentrations increased over the period of 2012-2021, driven by more severe episodes, as a consequence of further desertification, which has significant implications both for regulatory purposes but also for public health.

In this study, we investigate the spatial distribution and dynamics of neutral gold atoms (Au I) immediately following spark generation using a structured two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (TALIF) technique, dubbed Light Amplitude Control (LAC). Ultrashort laser pulses with tailored spectral and spatial profiles excite gold’s atomic transitions, with fluorescence signals processed via multi-dimensional lock-in detection. The research examines spark ablation for nanoparticle synthesis by linking gold vapor cloud evolution with SDG parameters. Experiments using Au and Cu electrodes, high-speed imaging, and SMPS measurements reveal how spark energy, repetition frequency, gas composition, and flow rates critically govern early nucleation and particle growth.

This study examines the oxidation mechanism of Co-Ni nanoparticles synthesized via spark ablation to optimize NiCo₂O₄ for catalytic applications. A spark discharge generator (SDG) produced three precursor structures in air, nitrogen, and nitrogen/hydrogen. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of NiCo₂ in metallic and oxide phases but not NiCo₂O₄. Annealing at 450°C converted these precursors into NiCo₂O₄ with structural variations. In-situ environmental TEM (ETEM) provided real-time insights into oxidation, revealing void formation that increases surface area and enhances catalytic performance. Understanding these mechanisms helps refine synthesis conditions for improved material properties.

This study investigates the composition evolution of Cu-Zn nanoparticles (NPs) produced via spark ablation, challenging the assumption that NPs retain the feedstock’s composition when produced using alloyed feedstocks. Preliminary findings reveal depletion of Zn in the feedstock surface, indicating compositional shifts in the generated NPs—likely driven by differences in melting point and vapor pressure between Cu and Zn.
Using time-resolved x-ray fluorescence, ICP-MS, and optical emission spectroscopy, we analyze NPs from Cu-Zn alloys and pure elements. These results provide new insights into spark ablation dynamics, enabling better control over bimetallic NP synthesis, of great improtance in catalysis and sensing applications.

Antennas are primarily designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic (EM) waves, spurring widespread applications in communications, radars, and radios. However, traditional nanofabrication techniques generally suffer from 2D flat patterns. This not only increases energy dissipation but also eliminates the possibility for three-dimensional control. To resolve that, we used our homemade printer for fabricating 3D plasmonic nanoantennas with various material combinations (Au, Ag, and their hybrids) and dimensional flexibilities, showcasing tunable responses to visible light.

Prescribed burns reduce wildfire risks but expose firefighters to hazardous pollutants like PAHs and black carbon (BC). This study analyzed BC and PAH exposure in 35 samples from Catalonia (2022–2024), finding that torchers faced the highest exposure (mean BC: 69 µg/m³, PAHs: 394 ng/m³), while truck drivers had the lowest. BC correlated strongly with PAHs, suggesting its use as a monitoring proxy. Torch operators' cancer risk exceeded safety thresholds by 3.5–4.3 times. Findings highlight the need for improved respiratory protection and safety measures to reduce health risks for firefighters in fire-prone regions.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs: PAHs and their oxygenated and nitrated derivatives – OPAHs and NPAHs), organic molecules originating from incomplete combustion activities with severe impact on human health, were used in source apportionment study in a Greek urban center severely impacted by residential BB.The combination of PAC source assessment using receptor modeling with carcinogenic exposure assessment using an expanded dataset of toxicity-equivalent factors (TEFs) permits source-specific carcinogenic risk assessment (BaPeq).The major PAC source was Biomass burning (>80%), proving that mitigation strategies for residential BB activities could significantly improve the city’s air quality and help attain the EU BaP standard.

This study presents results of ambient air quality measurements in a residential area using a diffusion-charge based UFP-monitor (Palas) and a Black-Carbon measurement device (Aethlabs) during the winter months (December 2024 – February 2025). The measurement devices were installed at an individual home and have a high temporal resolution (1 minute) to reflect short-term (peak) exposures and the local concentration dynamics. Wood-stove exhaust as a consequence of domestic heating is a significant contributor to air pollution in residential areas. Maximum daily 1-hour-mean concentrations exceed 20 000 #/cm³ (WHO good-practice statement) on approx. 31 % of days of the measurement period.

Floor mopping experiments were performed in a stainless steel environmental chamber. The chamber had a volume of 7.6 m³ and was equipped with an active carbon and a HEPA filter. The particle number size distribution was measured with a Partector2 (Naneos) in the size range between 10 - 300 nm, and with an OPS (TSI) in the size range between 0.3 - 10 μm. The PM_2.5 mass concentration was measured with a Dust Trak II (TSI) whilst VOC measurements were performed with a Phocheck Tiger (Ion Science). Indoor temperature, relative humidity and CO₂ were recorder with an IAQ Calc (TSI).

Brown carbon (BrC) from ammonium and glyoxal/methylglyoxal (NH₄⁺-G/MG) reactions significantly impacts aerosol composition and radiative forcing, yet its photochemistry remains unclear. This study identifies 2-IC and M-IE as key BrC species and photosensitizers, elucidating their photodegradation pathways. Reactive oxygen species from photolysis contribute more to composition diversity than photosensitization, yielding organic acids and ring-opening products. Unlike photostable G, MG undergoes photodegradation in NH₄⁺-MG systems, driving H abstraction and forming light-absorbing aromatic carbonyls. Our experimental and thermodynamic analyses reveal M-IE’s role as a photosensitizer and highlight MG’s unexpected function as an oxidant source in atmospheric BrC chemistry.

Chamber experiments were conducted in AIDA chamber under different humidities and with presence of reactive nitrogen in aerosol or gas phase. The yield of α-pinene ozonolysis products is strongly enhanced at higher humidity, while the presence of reactive nitrogen will lead to a change in the oxidation products observed in the particle phase. Ofline FIGAERO-CIMS measurements shows that for higher humidity, organic matter with a higher oxygenated state and higher solubility are more likely to be formed in both gas and particle phase. Nitrogen-containing organics are also found in such conditions, indicating new aqueous phase SOA formation pathways.

The oxidation reactions of sesquiterpenes are an important yet underestimated source of biogenic secondary organic aerosol (bSOA). In this study, our goal is to improve the parameterization used in chemical transport models (CTM) to simulate SOA formation from sesquiterpenes. Experiments were conducted in the FORTH Atmospheric Simulation Chamber, focusing on multigeneration reactions of β-caryophyllene. The experimental data were utilized in a box-model to estimate the parameters that adequately describe SOA evolution during the two-step oxidation of β-caryophyllene. The estimated parameters were implemented in a CTM to simulate and quantify the contributions of sesquiterpene SOA to organic aerosol during the summer.

Soil and litter are significant sources of BVOCs, which can contribute to SOA formation. However, the role of leaf litter decomposition in atmospheric particle formation, particularly in the Mediterranean region, remains unclear. This study aims to better understand the potential of BVOCs emitted from litter to form SOA. To achieve this, an innovative experimental setup was developed, combining a VOC emission chamber, a flow reactor, and advanced analytical instruments (CHARON-PTR-ToF-MS, SMPS). Initial experiments with two leaf litters confirmed the system's ability to generate high VOC concentrations and, upon light exposure, the oxidation by OH radicals led to new particle formation.

Despite the extensive knowledge on the toxicological effects of PM2.5 several grey areas remain. Among these, the understanding of the different toxicological effects of fresh versus aged particles remains poorly understood. Here we present the results obtained by coupling an online exposure module (Cultex RFS Compact) with an atmospheric simulation chamber (ChaMBRe). Ultrafine particles were produced by a lab scale laminar premixed flame using ethylene and a mixture of ethylene and ethanol. The results reported showed the importance of understanding the impact of aging processes on the toxicological properties of soot particles produced from both conventional fossil fuels and biofuels.

This study examined the toxicological effects of exhaust emissions from high-power engines, including JP-8 jet fuel combustion and ship diesel emissions (MGO and HFO). We assessed on lung cell models the effects of fresh and photochemically aged emissions at the Air-Liquid Interface. Fresh aerosols primarily induced oxidative stress, while aged emissions triggered stronger pro-inflammatory responses. DNA damage varied by fuel type and aging state. Despite atmospheric aging significantly altering emissions' properties, its impact on toxicity remains inconclusive. The study highlights the importance of exposure metrics (mass, particle number, surface area) and chemical composition in assessing health risks of ultrafine particles.

This work combines real-world, on-road emissions monitoring with toxicity assays using exposure of cell cultures at air-liquid interface. Cell cultures on 6 mm inserts are placed in a small airtight box, mounted in a portable incubator placed in the tested vehicle and fed with diluted engine exhaust conditioned to 5% CO₂, 37°C and >85% humidity at 25 cm³/min per insert. Deposition rate by diffusion is 1.5% for 10 and 21 nm particles. Successful field exposures of 1-20x 1-2 hours at -5 to +32 C with exhaust, outdoor air, nanoparticles. Funding: HE PAREMPI

Unintentional lung exposure to air pollution and airborne pathogens is omnipresent. This study presents NAVETTA, an in vitro aerosol exposure system that replicates lung deposition. It uses an inverted Transwell setup within an electric field to enhance particle deposition from a low laminar airflow. NAVETTA ensures uniform deposition (CV <15%) across four positions and supports nanovesicle drug delivery studies. Its performance aligns with existing models, including the radially symmetric stagnation point flow system. NAVETTA is a reliable tool for drug delivery and risk assessment research, aiding lung disease studies while reducing the need for animal testing.

An Ecodesign compliant stove was use to investigate the mechanisms of PM formation, using a variety of both softwood and hardwoods with 3 fuel moisture levels- dry (10%), seasoned (15%-20%) and wet (>25%). Additionally, the impacts of user behaviour such as overloading or underloading the stove was assessed. Finally, the effect of flue draft was investigated, simulating impacts of changing atmospheric conditions. The results are discussed in terms of relationship between fuels and operation, and the formation mechanisms of PM in relation to the combustion chemistry and the Global Warming Potential (GWP) the of soot particles.

Chemical nucleation of carbonaceous nanoparticles is explored by reactive Molecular Dynamics. The critical nucleus size is determined by free formation energy calculations and a nucleation rate is proposed, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, without a priori assumptions of the chemical reaction network and associated rate constants, or of the nucleation mechanism.

Hetero-aggregates are composites of different particles, often formed by mixing aerosol streams. Simulating their formation is complex due to factors like volume, fractal structure, and composition, making traditional sectional models computationally expensive. This study presents a new, efficient population balance equation (PBE) model based on the monodisperse framework by Jeong and Choi (2003), integrated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using the Eulerian-Lagrangian decomposition (ELD) method. Validated against a sectional model developed by Shigeta and Watanabe (2003, 2004), it maintains accuracy while being over 2500 times faster. This efficiency makes it ideal for CFD applications, including the PsiPhi in-house CFD code.

We will presnet a laboratory study of contrail potential formation from hydrogen combustion, In this study, water, air, oil vapors and nitrogen oxides are injected into a system to simulate the potential emissions generated by a hydrogen engine. Different NOx concentrations have been studied, combined or not with lubrication oil vapors and background aerosol.

Circular economies require the use of sustainable pathways for processing of advanced materials. While significant advances have been made in discovery and processing of novel materials that have innovative functionalities, rarely is attention provided to a holistic analysis to ensure these processes are sustainable. An aerosol process to produce carbon nanomaterials is described. Comprehensive models that account for particle formation and growth are used to develop scale up methodologies. Comprehensive life cycle assessment of a continuous, single step aerosol approach are compared to the conventional batch pyrolysis techniques for synthesis of high surface area porous nano-carbon materials.

The calibration of CPCs and DMAs needs monodisperse, singly charged, spherical particles. A common way to generate these using silver is the evaporation-condensation method with subsequent sintering to obtain spherical particles. The sintering process reduces particle size drastically, limiting the maximum obtainable particle diameter. An alternative approach to generating spherical particles is the seeded growth using heterogeneous condensation. A Silver Particle Generator (SPG) feeds seed particles into a second SPG, where silver vapor condenses heterogeneously onto the seed particles. Temperature and flow rate combinations of the two SPGs are investigated to achieve spherical silver particles larger than 100 nm.

Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), particularly superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄), have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and wide-ranging applications. This study presents the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles coated with polyethylenimine (PEI) via the co-precipitation method to enhance their stability and prevent agglomeration. Further encapsulation of these PEI-coated nanoparticles in organic matrices such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) was performed to facilitate surface functionalization. Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis (ASP) techniques were utilized to ensure the formation of spherical nanoparticles, which are more suitable for drug delivery applications.

This study presents the complex acousto-hydrodynamics associated with surface acoustic wave (SAW) aerosol generation, i.e. investigations of the SAW interactions with a microscale liquid film, comprising acoustic fluid patterning and pattern stabilization, and the liquid breakup mechanisms from the developed spatially arranged liquid micro-domes. The liquid atomization zone on the piezoelectric substrate, i.e., the zone of SAW-fluid interaction and the aerosol origin on a straightforward SAW atomization chip is optically visualized by an ultra-high-speed camera. As one of the aerosol generation mechanisms, we demonstrate the presence of micro-cavitation driven by a SAW at a frequency of 43 MHz.

This study examines the effects of aerosol deposition on Pusa Sadabahar tomato plants under controlled conditions. Plants without stress exhibited superior morphology, while relative water content (RWC) declined by 12.31% under PM exposure, alongside reductions in leaf pH, ascorbic acid, and chlorophyll content, impairing photosynthesis. SEM analysis revealed stomatal blockage, disrupting conductance and water use efficiency. PM deposition ranged from 70 µg/cm² in HEPA-filtered chambers to 570 µg/cm² in elevated PM chambers. Interestingly, the ambient aerosol chamber yielded 25% more fruit, suggesting a PM threshold where nutrient adsorption benefits growth, while excessive PM caused stress, impacting productivity.

This study investigates the air-purifying potential of Myrtus communis, Nerium oleander, and Taxus baccata using the ChAMBRe atmospheric simulation chamber. Plants were exposed to NO₂, SOOT, DUST, and a MIX condition, with pollutant capture analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. M. communis was most effective at SOOT removal, while T. baccata and N. oleander excelled at capturing DUST. These differences persisted in mixed conditions, highlighting species-specific pollutant affinities. The findings provide valuable insights into plant-pollutant interactions, supporting urban greening strategies to improve air quality, particularly in port cities affected by high pollution levels.

Under certain conditions in the atmosphere, pollen grains, that are otherwise too large to enter the lower respiratory tract, can fragment into smaller particles that are called subpollen particles (SPPs). SPPs are frequently in the respirable size range. Specifically, during thunderstorms, SPPs can be released at very high amounts, and trigger more severe allergic reactions, intensifying conditions like Thunderstorm Asthma (TA). This study investigates the role of electrical charges in pollen rupturing during stormy conditions by simulating pollen-charge interactions for wind-pollinated pollen grains from the Lolium (Perennial Ryegrass) family.

The study focuses on the characterization of the airborne bacterial and fungal communities sampled across 28 urban, rural, and coastal sites from five Central Mediterranean regions (South Italy, Albania, Malta, and Zakynthos) in February 2024. Applying DNA metabarcoding and compositional data analysis, several genera, mostly including potentially human and plant pathogenic species, were identified. Regarding bacterial communities, Sphingomonas was detected in every location, while Brevundimonas, Geodermatophilus, and Rubrobacter dominated rural and coastal areas. Within fungal communities, Cladosporium and Alternaria were also prevalent in rural and coastal sites. Overall, the findings reveal complex microbial-environment interactions, highlighting potential health and agricultural impacts.

Clouds and fogs are vital in atmospheric chemistry, as they facilitate multiphase reactions.
Fog as groundlevel clouds offer a unique opportunity for direct observation. We explored radiation fogs in the North China Plain using an advanced aerosol-fog sampling system to measure the chemical and physical properties of both inactivated interstitial aerosols and activated fog droplet residues. Results revealed efficient nitrate formation primarily occurring on fog interstitial aerosols through NO2 and N2O5 hydrolysis, rather than within fog droplets. Our results highlight the need for further research into the chemistry of cloud and fog interstitial aerosols and their inclusion in atmospheric chemistry models.

HONO represents a key nitrogen species in the troposphere because its photolysis produced OH radicals. However HONO daytime sources remain controversial. In this study we perform Coated Wall Flow Tube (CWFT) experiments and model simulations to investigate the role of Fe(III)-carboxylate photochemistry in multiphase processes that convert nitrogen dioxide (NO2) into HONO. Our results indicate a key role of Fe(II) coming from Fe(III)-carboxylate photoreduction, highlighting the importance of Fe(III) complexes photochemistry in affecting the atmospheric nitrogen cycle.

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is important for air quality and climate. When SOA mixes with particles containing transition metals like Fe, metal-organic complexes can form, driving photochemical aging. We studied the photochemistry of α-pinene SOA formed on Fe-containing seed particles, at varying relative humidities (RH). Chemical morphology and photochemical reduction of single particles were analyzed by spectro-microscopy. SOA chemical composition and functionality varied with RH. Furthermore, Fe in SOA formed at high RH was readily photochemically reduced upon exposure to UV light, contrary to SOA formed at low RH. Demonstrating SOA formation conditions affect both chemical composition and photochemical aging.

In the field of atmospheric aqueous aerosols, this study aims to investigate how black carbon interacts with the multiphase chemistry of atmospheric phenols. the reaction taken into consideration is the nitration of catechol, carried out in an acidic sodium nitrite solution, in the dark, with insoluble black carbon nanoparticles. Main product of this reaction is the harmful 4-nitrocatechol, jointly with other secondary compounds. This study, due to the evidences confirming the partecipant role of black carbons in the reaction, indicates that it can also influence atmospheric chemistry with further impacts on the ecosystem, climate and human health.

We present the kinetic multilayer meta model (KM-MEMO), an automatic computer code generator and framework for describing chemical reaction kinetics in multiphase systems. KM-MEMO autogenerates Matlab code for models like KM-SUB and KM-GAP, allowing users to customize system geometry and chemical mechanisms without coding. The flux-based kinetic models explicitly resolve mass transport and chemical reactions across phases. Applications include modeling secondary organic aerosol formation, where the model aids in understanding diffusion limitations to evaporation, and the health impacts of air pollution, by quantifying oxidative stress from PM2.5 and oxidant gases in the respiratory tract.

Understanding secondary aerosol formation from vehicle emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change and air pollution. This study investigates secondary aerosol precursors from gasoline and diesel vehicles using different fuel blends. Emissions, including hydrocarbons, NOx, and PM, were measured during a WLTC. Simulated atmospheric aging in an oxidation flow reactor revealed that gasoline vehicles, particularly during cold starts, produce more secondary aerosol than diesel vehicles due to higher aromatic hydrocarbon emissions. Diesel vehicles demonstrated lower secondary aerosol formation. These findings highlight the impact of fuel composition and technologies on SA production, emphasizing the need for optimized strategies to reduce emissions.

With the aim of promoting the spread of safe and environmentally friendly vehicles, regulations and standards have been established for vehicle type approval and quality control. The new emission regulation, Euro 7 (Regulation (EU) 2024/1257), not only regulates exhaust emissions, but also adds the measurement of particulate matter (brake emissions) from brake wear that is emitted into the atmosphere. In this study, we have measured brake emissions for over 30 types of brakes (mass, particle size, particle count, chemical composition), and we will give a lecture on the current situation and future issues.

In this study particles generated from non-asbestos organic brake pads (NAO) and so called low metallic brake pads (LM), as well as summer, winter and all-season tyres were characterized regarding their emitted particle mass (PM), particle numbers (PN), as well as their size and morphology. A newly developed custom-built dynamometer that is capable of individual and simultaneous measurement of brake and tyre wear, was employed. The chemical composition of emitted particles was further analyzed via LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS/MS and SEM/EDX and revealed a high contribution of brake disc wear based on elemental patterns.

We employed a protontransfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer in combination with a fast mobility particle sizer to investigate the connection between the real-time emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ultrafine particles from brake wear. Two commercially prevalent brake pad materials for light-duty vehicles were studied.

The formation of ultrafine particles was systematically preceded by an increase in gaseous emissions, and shows a classic nucleation and growth pattern. This supports the hypothesis that the ultrafine particles are formed from gaseous precursors, which has important implications for previously determined emission factors.

The transport sector is a major contributor to urban particulate pollution, with brake dust emissions increasing as vehicles become heavier. The Euro 7 standard introduces a PM₁₀ brake dust limit value of 7 mg/km, measured using a standardised test procedure (GTR No. 24) on an inertia dynamometer. However, these well-controlled conditions do not fully reflect real driving conditions. To address this, two in-vehicle sampling systems have been developed: a semi-closed system that closely mirrors GTR No. 24 but is miniaturised, and an open system that better represents natural cooling of the brake.

There is still relatively little knowledge about the chemistry and toxicity of air pollution from car brakes. Using a pin-on-disc setup, we successfully collected more than 100 mg of airborne brake wear particles from two different brake pads in two different size fractions (PM_1-2.5 and PM_2.5-10). The mass was sufficient for extensive chemical analysis, microscopy, and toxicity studies. In all cases, iron was found as the most abundant element, which was substantially or even predominantly emitted by the gray cast iron disc rather than the pads. Oxidative stress and DNA damage was observed in all cases at all tested concentrations.

Tire wear particles (TWP) impact environmental health when leaching associated chemicals. Yet, the atmospheric processes affecting their transport, aging, and deposition are only poorly understood to date. One reason for this is the challenge of detecting TWP in environmental samples. Here, we test the recently suggested approach of tracing TWP in the atmosphere via organic marker components. We developed a new method to quantify six selected markers (DPG, 6PPD, IPPD, DPPD, 6PPDq, IPPDq) in atmospheric samples. We tested five types of atmospheric TWP samples mimicking the lifecycle of TWP in the atmosphere, highlighting the variability of results.

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities globally, experiencing some of the world's highest urban particulate matter concentrations. However, these studies are performed for a short period with limited temporal variation information. Here, we performed the complete long-term characterization of the ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) compositions. We performed analysis on different seasons (winter, spring, summer, and post monsoon) of the years on high time-resolved PM_2.5 data, including non-refractory PM_2.5 (NR- PM_2.5), elements, and black carbon (BC), to develop a variation of the composition-based estimate PM2.5 and its sources ("C-PM_2.5" = NR-PM_2.5 + elements + BC) concentrations.

We present online aerosol chemical and elemental compositions measured at an air quality research supersite located at an urbanised arid region in the city of Doha in Qatar. Utilizing an Aerodyne Time-of-Flight Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ToF-ACSM) and Xact multi-metal analyzer, we also monitor criteria pollutants, meteorological parameters, and PMx fractions. This study represents the first continuous online aerosol chemical and elemental composition measurements in the Middle East and provides insightes in the contriubiton of natual and anthropogenic sources to PM10 and PM2.5 in different seasons.

High-mountain regions serve as valuable observatories to study atmospheric composition and dynamics, and the Italian Alpine region is of particular interest due to its sensitive environment and its proximity to the Po Valley, a major pollution hotspot in Europe. This study examined chemical composition, size distribution and optical properties of aerosols collected at three study sites located at different altitudes in the Western Italian Alps, applying a multi-proxy approach to assess sources and transport processes. Results highlighted both diurnal mesoscale circulation patterns between the Po Valley and Alpine valleys and long-range transport events, revealing different aerosol types and sources.

Since 2013, the chemical characterization on PM10 and PM2.5 samples from Milano-Pascal (UB site) are available: PAHs, elements, OC and EC, soluble inorganic salts and sugars. The chemical speciation data were also processed through the application of the PMF algorithm, statistical methods, de-seasonalization techniques, and a rolling approach over the time to evaluate long-term trends and detect potential changes in source contributions over time. High-resolution PM component analyses and size distribution measurements (SMPS) have been introduced to complement the existing long-term dataset, and to evaluate the characteristics of aerosols at different size ranges.

This study examines size-resolved particulate matter at two Moroccan sites: the rural Atlas Mohammed V observatory and urban Fez. Research conducted in September-October 2019 revealed significant urban-rural disparities. PM10 concentrations in Fez were nearly triple those at the rural site, with ultrafine particles comprising 30% of urban PM10 versus only 12% at the rural location.

Chemical analysis showed much higher carbon concentrations in urban areas. PMF identified distinct source profiles: rural areas were dominated by mineral dust and aged sea salt, while urban areas showed significant traffic emissions, biomass burning, and road dust. Secondary aerosols contributed significantly at both sites.

Aerosol chemical speciation monitors (ACSM) provide valuable data for identifying aerosol sources using techniques like positive matrix factorization (PMF). However, PMF is time-consuming, prompting the exploration of faster, machine learning-based solutions. This study investigates the use of supervised regression models trained on data from multiple European sites for aerosol source identification. Results show moderate prediction accuracy for hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA) and biomass burning OA (BBOA), with higher error rates for less-oxidized (LO-OOA) and more-oxidized (MO-OOA) oxygenated OA.

As technology advances, the demand for compact, high-efficiency electronic devices grows, especially those with power converters like powder core inductors (PCIs). FeNi-based materials are ideal for PCIs due to their high permeability and low coercivity. This study focuses on the aerosol synthesis of dense FeNi particles and silica-coated FeNi (FeNi@SiO₂) particles, using a swirler connector-assisted spray pyrolysis method. The tuned process controls particle quality, minimizes carbon impurities, and determined silica coating. Results show that low impurities, and uniform silica shells are essential for improving PCI performance, efficiency, and stability, particularly regarding DC bias, core loss, and breakdown voltage.

In this study, we explore a combustion-aerosol process designed to systematically capture a high-temperature phase and stabilize it at room temperature, as demonstrated with CoCu₂O₃. Using a combination of ex situ and in situ X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and real-time flame characterization, we investigate the synthesis and thermal stability of CoCu₂O₃ nanocrystals, along with the formation of thermodynamically stable phases and cluster structures. This work establishes general thermodynamic-process relationships to regulate phase composition as a function of flame-aerosol engineering parameters, including precursor concentration, temperature profile, and high-temperature residence time.

The rising threat of air pollution has accelerated advancements in gas-sensing technologies, particularly those utilizing carbon-based materials like activated carbons (ACs). This study explores an innovative approach to fabricating noble metal-carbonaceous films from recycled e-waste for next-generation gas sensors. Noble metals are selectively recovered via hydrometallurgical leaching and adsorbed onto AC substrates. Using electrospray deposition, these metal-loaded ACs form thin films with tunable morphology and surface properties. The resulting films are evaluated for sensing applications, emphasizing sustainability and circular economy principles. This research bridges nanomaterial fabrication with eco-friendly resource recovery, enhancing sensor performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Mixed catalysts are scarcely used because of the present a lack of scalable synthesis methods. Catalysts based on atomic clusters are presently not used because of their strong mobility on surfaces. Very recently introduced flexible aerosol synthesis principles for (mixed) nanoparticulate and atomic cluster catalysts are reviewed. Spark ablation plus Artificial Intelligence, DFT, XRD and XPS correctly predict the composition of improved catalysts. A heteroatom doped carbonaceous support enables very stable immobilization of the atomic clusters. Ag atoms stabilize Cu atomic clusters. The Cu-Ag atomic clusters on the carbonaceous layer exhibit electrochemical conversion of CO2 to acetaldehyde with 92% selectivity.

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly specific spectroscopic technique, which utilizes the plasmonic enhancement provided by metallic nanostructures. Such SERS substrates can be produced by depositing nanoparticles produced during spark ablation to a filter. The properties of the substrate can be adjusted through the parameters of the fabrication method, such as the frequency of the sparking, the temperature of the particle compaction, or the type of filter used. We investigated the effects these parameters have on the SERS enhancement and also applied the optimal substrate in thiram sensing, where 1.2 ppm thiram was found to be directly detectable.

I present an overview of flame aerosol deposition (FAD) as a scalable technique for fabricating functional nanostructured films with tailored properties. In biosensing, FAD enables the creation of highly porous films that enhance sensor sensitivity, supporting plasmonic sensing via surface-enhanced Raman scattering or colorimetric detection. Additionally, tunable plasmonic films extend photothermal responses for surface disinfection and microneedle fabrication. In biomedical applications, FAD-derived antibacterial and antifouling coatings prevent bacterial adhesion, while photocatalytic films achieve visible-light disinfection. These advances highlight FAD’s potential for next-generation biomedical coatings, with future research focusing on improved deposition strategies and functionalization approaches.

Sea salt aerosols, a major aerosol type in the atmosphere, can take up water at Relative Humidities (RHs) well below deliquescence. This surface water can create chemically active environments that may catalyze reactions. However our understanding of these phenomena is still limited. In this study, we investigated phenomena on sea salt surfaces exposed to different RHs, at the nanometer scale, using Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (APXPS). At the lowest RH (7%), we observed spontaneous surface chemistry leading to the formation of oxidized chlorine species, likely chlorate (ClO3-). This study reveals a new pathway for chlorate formation in the atmosphere.

Oligomerization of organic compounds produces non-volatile dimers, but their formation mechanism remains unclear. Dimerization affects monomer vapor pressure and enhances FNP stability by suppressing evaporation. Once formed, dimers are unlikely to re-evaporate from FNPs.

Quantifying inhalable particles generated by explosions is a key factor in defining the target to be protected from such an event in the context of radioactive material. This study focuses on the particles generated by explosions in contact of concrete radioactive waste packages. The main objective is to quantify the mass of particles smaller than 10 μm in terms of aerodynamic diameter. For that purpose, we developed a protocol and measured a reasonable envelope of the mass of particles collected after concrete specimen explosions, at middle-scale.

This study focuses on detecting Saharan dust events (SDE) using in-situ aerosol optical properties and radiative forcing efficiency (RFE) at the high-altitude Helmos Hellenic Atmospheric Aerosol and Climate Change (HAC²) station in Greece. Intensive optical properties, including single scattering albedo (SSA), scattering Ångström exponent (SAE), absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), and single scattering albedo Ångström exponent (SSAAE), were assessed alongside the aerosol coarse-to-total volume concentration ratio (CV/TV). Metrics were validated using dust forecasts and air mass trajectories. During SDE, SAE and SSAAE decreased significantly, while CV/TV increased (>0.7), highlighting strong aerosol impacts on regional climate through more negative RFE.

The southeastern U.S. is home to high warm-season concentrations of sulfates and biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Changing aerosol loading and chemical speciation in the region has implications for regional air quality, radiative transfer, aqueous phase SOA production, and aerosol-cloud interactions. This presentation focuses on the relationships between aerosol optical properties, cloud condensation nuclei, aerosol size distributions and chemical speciation, measured at the NOAA and NASA federated aerosol network sites at Appalachian State University. These relationships can help elucidate how the changing aerosol composition is likely to impact regional CCN concentrations and CCN spectra, biogenic SOA production, and radiative transfer.

The BIO-MASTER project investigates the relationships between bioaerosol composition and the optical/physical properties of atmospheric aerosols in a Central Mediterranean area. Two intensive monitoring campaigns were conducted at the University of Salento, Lecce, between December 2023 and October 2024, using innovative sampling and analysis techniques. These included the WIBS-NEO sensor for fluorescence-based bioaerosol detection and the ACD-200 Bobcat sampler for particulate matter. The study employed metagenomic analysis to identify bacterial and fungal communities in the aerosol samples, revealing seasonal variation in bioaerosol composition and emphasizing the need for standardized sampling protocols.