HPLC has been used and can quickly determine several ions simultaneously. The method of determination described for transition metals [Cr(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Mn(II)] and [Ca(II), Pb(II)] using HPLC with UV-VIS detection is better than the PAR complexation method commonly used. The effects of both eluent pH and detector wavelength were investigated. Results from using different pHs and wavelengths, optional analytical conditions for the separation of [Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II)], [Cr(III), Fe(III), Ca(II), Ni(II), Cu(II)], and [Ca(II), Zn(II), Pb(II)] in one injection, respectively, are described. The influence of adding different concentrations of Na_2EDTA solvent to the sample is shown. Detection limits, linear range, and the comparisons between this study and a post-column PAR method are given.

by Lau Tsz Chun. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-143). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Contents --- p.vi / List of Figures --- p.xi / List of Tables --- p.xv / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Reviews --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Heavy metals in the environment --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Heavy metal pollution in Hong Kong --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Electroplating industries in Hong Kong --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- "Chemistry, biochemistry and toxicity of selected metal ions: copper, nickel and zinc" --- p.8 / Chapter a. --- Copper --- p.10 / Chapter b. --- Nickel --- p.11 / Chapter c. --- Zinc --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Conventional physico-chemical methods of metal ions removal from industrial effluent --- p.13 / Chapter a. --- Ion exchange --- p.14 / Chapter b. --- Precipitation --- p.14 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Alternative for metal ions removal from industrial effluent: biosorption --- p.15 / Chapter a. --- Definition of biosorption --- p.15 / Chapter b. --- Mechanisms involved in biosorption of metal ions --- p.17 / Chapter c. --- Criteria for a good metal sorption process and advantages of biosorption for removal of heavy metal ions --- p.19 / Chapter d. --- Selection of potential biosorbent for metal ions removal --- p.20 / Chapter 1.1.7 --- Procedures of biosorption --- p.23 / Chapter a. --- Basic study --- p.23 / Chapter b. --- Pilot-scale study --- p.25 / Chapter c. --- Examples of commercial biosorbent --- p.27 / Chapter 1.1.8 --- Seaweed as a potential biosorbent for heavy metal ions --- p.27 / Chapter 1.2 --- Objectives of study --- p.30 / Chapter 2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.33 / Chapter 2.1 --- Collection of seaweed samples --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2 --- Processing of seaweed biomass --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Chemicals --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4 --- Characterization of seaweed biomass --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Moisture content of seaweed biomass --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Metal ions content of seaweed biomass --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5 --- Characterization of metal ions biosorption by seaweed --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Effect of biomass weight and selection of biomass --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Effect of pH --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Effect of metal ions concentration --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Effect of mix-cations and mix-anions on the removal capacity of selected metal ions by Ulva lactuca --- p.43 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (I): screening for suitable desorbing agents --- p.44 / Chapter 2.5.7 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (II): multiple adsorption-desorption cycles of selected metal ions --- p.45 / Chapter 2.5.8 --- Removal and recovery of selected metal ions from electroplating effluent by Ulva lactuca --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6 --- Statistical analysis of data --- p.46 / Chapter 3. --- Results --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1 --- Effect of biomass weight and selection of biomass --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Effect of biomass weight --- p.47 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Selection of biomass --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Effect of pH --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Cu2+ --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Ni2+ --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Zn2+ --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Determination of optimal condition for biosorption of Cu2+ ，Ni2+ and Zn2+ by Ulva lactuca --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.67 / Chapter 3.4 --- Effect of metal ions concentration --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Relationship of removal capacity with initial concentration of metal ions --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Langmuir adsorption isotherm --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Freundlich adsorption isotherm --- p.77 / Chapter 3.5 --- Effect of mix-cations and mix-anions on the removal capacity of selected metal ions by Ulva lactuca --- p.81 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Effect of mix-cations --- p.81 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effect of mix-anions --- p.85 / Chapter 3.6 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (I): screening of suitable desorbing agents --- p.91 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Cu2+ --- p.91 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Ni2+ --- p.91 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- Zn2+ --- p.91 / Chapter 3.7 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (II): multiple adsorption-desorption cycles of selected metal ions --- p.94 / Chapter 3.8 --- Removal and recovery of selected metal ions from electroplating effluent by Ulva lactuca --- p.97 / Chapter 4. --- Discussion --- p.106 / Chapter 4.1 --- Effect of biomass weight and selection of biomass --- p.106 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Effect of biomass weight --- p.106 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Selection of biomass --- p.107 / Chapter 4.2 --- Effect of pH --- p.109 / Chapter 4.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.112 / Chapter 4.4 --- Effect of metal ions concentration --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Relationship of removal capacity with initial concentration of metal ions --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Langmuir adsorption isotherm --- p.114 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Freundlich adsorption isotherm --- p.115 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Insights from isotherm study --- p.117 / Chapter 4.5 --- Effect of mix-cations and mix-anions on the removal capacity of selected metal ions by Ulva lactuca --- p.118 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Effect of mix-cations --- p.118 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Effect of mix-anions --- p.120 / Chapter 4.6 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (I): screening of suitable desorbing agents --- p.122 / Chapter 4.7 --- Recovery of adsorbed metal ions from Ulva lactuca (II): multiple adsorption-desorption cycles of selected metal ions --- p.124 / Chapter 4.8 --- Removal and recovery of selected metal ions from electroplating effluent by Ulva lactuca --- p.126 / Chapter 5. --- Conclusion --- p.131 / Chapter 6. --- Summary --- p.134 / Chapter 7. --- References --- p.134 / Chapter 8. --- Appendixes --- p.144

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The Subatomic Physics Department of iThemba Laboratory for Accelerated Based Sciences (iThemba LABS) conducts experiments that require a variety of particle beams in order to study nuclear properties (reaction, structure, etc.) of various nuclides. These particle beams are accelerated using the K-200 Separated Sector Cyclotron (SSC) and delivered to different physics experimental vaults. Prior to acceleration, the particle beam is first ionised using an Electron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS). The main goal of this study is the production of exotic metallic beams of 60Ni8+ and 62Ni8+ using ECRIS4, which are required for the Coulomb excitation experiments approved by the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) at iThemba LABS. In order to provide the metallic beams of nickel, a development study of organometallic materials containing 60Ni and 62Ni isotopes in a form of metallocene complexes was undertaken. The nickelocene (NiCp2) complex, a member of the organometallic family, was synthesised at the Physics Target Laboratory of iThemba LABS for the first time. Method development involved the use of natural nickel during the multi-step synthesis before the use of enriched nickel-60 (60Ni) and nickel-62 (62Ni). Nine samples of NiCp2 were synthesised; two were isotopically enriched nickelocene (60NiCp2 and 62NiCp2). The percentage yields of the synthesised nickelocene samples ranged between 16 to 50 %, and samples were characterised by investigating their crystal structure and bonding arrangements in the complexes by X-ray diffraction (XRD) , Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). The synthesised nickelocene were further used with ECRIS4 for the production of Ni beams on the Q-line of the cyclotron. The Metal Ions from Volatile Compounds (MIVOC) technique was used for the conversion of 60Ni and 62Ni to ion species. The method used the organometallic compounds which are volatile at specific pressures at ambient temperatures. Metallic ion beams of nickel were successfully produced after a carefully pre-sample conditioning in the MIVOC container before connecting the MIVOC set-up to the new injection system of the ECRIS4. Measured beam intensities during the experiment for both 60Ni+ and 62Ni+ were approximately 30 μA, optimum for physics measurements. The development of the MIVOC technique opens up new beam-target combinations with the use of new exotic stable beams for new science cases at iThemba LABS. Reactions in inverse kinematics, multi-step Coulomb-excitation and other types of reactions will immensely benefit from these developments.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / O objetivo deste trabalho é a síntese e investigação estrutural e óptica de amostras SrGa2O4 dopados com 1% de íons Ni2+. Estas amostras foram sintetizados por reação do estado sólido convencional, utilizando como materiais de partida de alta pureza Ga2O3, SrCO3 e NiO em quantidades estequiométricas. As amostras foram caracterizadas estruturalmente pelo método de difração de raios - X( XRD ) e as medições de difração mostraram que as amostras têm uma única fase monoclínica. Os padrões de XRD também foram refinados pelo método de Rietveld, que permitiu a determinação dos parâmetros de célula unitária. A Caracterização óptica das amostras puras e dopadas SrGa2O4 foram realizadas as medições a partir de fotoluminescência, de excitação e de absorção fotoacústica, à temperatura ambiente. Os espectros de emissão mostraram três bandas de emissão localizadas em 557 nm, 661 nm e 844 nm e foram identificadas essas bandas, respectivamente, com as seguintes transições eletrônicas :1T2 (1D) → 3A2 (3F), 3T1 (3F)→ 3A2 (3F) e 1T2 (1D) → 3T2 (3F). Os espectros de excitação mostraram seis bandas de absorção associadas às transições electrônicas do nível 3A2 (3F) para o 3T1 (3P) , T1 (3P), 1A1 (1G), 1T2 (1D), 3T1 (3F), 1E (1D) e 1T2, 1E (1G). Medidas de absorção fotoacústica também foram realizados com o fim de verificar as transições ópticas observadas nos espectros de excitação e de identificar novas bandas de absorção óptica. Os resultados demonstraram que os íons de Ni2+ ocupam dois locais octaédricos diferentes na amostra SrGa2O4 dopado. A partir das transições ópticas observadas nos espectros de excitação e fotoacústica, determinou-se o parâmetro de cristal de campo, dq, e parâmetros Racah, B e C. A proporção Dq / B ≈ 1.2 para ambos os locais são típicos para Ni2+ íons inseridos em redes de óxido e em coordenação octaédrica. / The aim of this work is the synthesis and structural and optical investigation of SrGa2O4 samples doped with 1% of Ni2+ ions. These samples were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction using as starting materials high purity SrCO3, Ga2O3 and NiO in stoichiometric quantities. Samples were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method and the diffraction measurements showed that the samples have a single monoclinic phase. The XRD patterns were also refined by the Rietveld method which allowed the determination of the unit cell parameters. Optical characterization of the pure and doped SrGa2O4 samples were performed from photoluminescence, excitation and photoacoustic absorption measurements at room temperature. Emission spectra showed three emission bands localized at 557 nm, 661 nm and 844 nm and these bands were identified, respectively, with the following electronic transitions: 1T2 (1D) → 3A2 (3F), 3T1 (3F)→ 3A2 (3F) e 1T2 (1D) → 3T1 (3F). Excitation spectra showed six absorption bands associated to the electronic transitions from the level 3A2 (3F) to the 3T1 (3P), 1A1 (1G), 1T2 (1D), 3T1 (3F), 1E (1D) e 1T2, 1E (1G) levels. Photoacoustic absorption measurements were also carried out in order to verify the optical transitions observed in the excitation spectra and to identify new optical absorption bands. The results showed that Ni2+ ions occupy two different octahedral sites in the SrGa2O4 doped sample. From the optical transitions observed in the excitation and photoacoustic spectra, we determined the crystal-field parameter, Dq, and Racah parameters, B and C. The ratio Dq/B ≈ 1.2 for both sites are typical for Ni2+ ions inserted in oxide lattices and in octahedral coordination.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:42:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 George Queiroz de Brito_DISSERT.PDF: 4768865 bytes, checksum: 4923b44db97f60fb6edf6bd685c61440 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-26 / This work examined the possibility of using mussel Mytella falcata as bioindicator sample to detect metal ions in several estuaries potiguares, since species substances that accumulate in their tissues due to its characteristics filter feeders have been used for environmental monitoring. The chemometrics by principal components analysis was used to reduce the size of the original data in order to establish a pattern of distribution of metal ion. Samples were collected at three different points in the estuaries Curimata?, Guara?ra-Papeba, Potengi, Galinhos-Guamar? and Piranhas-Assu having been marked with the location using GPS (Global Positioning System). The determination of humidity content and digestion of the samples were performed using methods described in the Compendium of analytical standards of the Institute Adofo Lutz (2005) and the determination of metal ions of the elements Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn were performed by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma as described by USEPA method 6010C. The results show that it is possible to use this molluscum Mytella falcata in the estuaries of Rio Grande do Norte for the determination of metal ions. The data were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA) which enabled us to verify the distribution pattern of the metal ions studied in several estuaries potiguares and group them according to the metal ions in common with and relate them to the activities in each region / Este trabalho procurou verificar a possibilidade do uso do molusco bivalve Mytella falcata como amostra bioindicadora para detectar ?ons met?licos em v?rios estu?rios potiguares, pois as esp?cies que acumulam subst?ncias em seus tecidos devido as suas caracter?sticas filtradoras tem sido utilizadas para o monitoramento ambiental. A quimiometria atrav?s da an?lise de componentes principais foi utilizada para reduzir a dimens?o dos dados originais com a finalidade de estabelecer um padr?o de distribui??o dos ?ons met?licos estudados. As amostras foram coletadas em tr?s pontos diferentes nos estu?rios Curimata?, Guara?ra-Papeba, Potengi, Galinhos-Guamar? e Piranhas-Assu tendo o local sido marcado com a utiliza??o de GPS (Global Positioning System). A determina??o do teor de umidade e a digest?o das amostras foram realizadas segundo metodologia descrita no comp?ndio de normas anal?ticas do Instituto Adofo Lutz (2005) e a determina??o dos ?ons met?licos dos elementos Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn e Zn foram realizadas por espectrometria de emiss?o ?tica com plasma acoplado indutivamente como descrito pela metodologia USEPA 6010C. Os resultados obtidos mostram que ? poss?vel utilizar o molusco Mytella falcata presente nos estu?rios do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte para a determina??o de ?ons met?licos. Os dados foram submetidos ? an?lise de componentes principais (PCA) o que possibilitou verificarmos o padr?o de distribui??o dos ?ons met?licos estudados nos v?rios estu?rios potiguares e agrup?-los de acordo com os ?ons met?licos em comum e relacionar a presen?a com as atividades desenvolvidas em cada regi?o

Cheuk, Wai Ka. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-108). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.x / Abbreviations --- p.xii / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- General introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Metal Contaminations in the environment --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Biology of Heavy Metal Ions --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Essential and non-essential metal ions --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Toxicities and origins of heavy metal ions --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Monitoring Of Heavy Metal Contaminations In Aquatic Environment --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Monitoring in chemical approach --- p.9 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Monitoring in biological approach: biomarkers --- p.11 / Chapter 1.4 --- Metallothionein (MT) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Biological functions of MT and its regulation --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- MT isoforms --- p.14 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Mechanisms of MT gene regulation --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4.3.1 --- Zinc pool hypothesis --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.3.2 --- Protein kinase cascade --- p.21 / Chapter 1.5 --- Metal responsive element (MRE) --- p.22 / Chapter 1.6 --- MRE-Binding Transcription Factor-1 (MTF-1) --- p.30 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Structure of MTF-1 --- p.30 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Physiological functions of MTF-1 --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- The role of MTF-1 in MT gene regulation --- p.33 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Regulation of MTF-1 by various heavy metals --- p.34 / Chapter 1.7 --- Zebrafish (Daino reio) --- p.36 / Chapter 1.8 --- Project aim --- p.37 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Materials and Methods / Chapter 2.1 --- Cell Culture --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- ZFL cell line --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- SJD cell line --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2 --- Alarmar blue̐ưؤ M assay --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3 --- First strand cDNA synthesis --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Metal treatment of the SJD and ZFL cell lines --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Isolation of total RNA --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Quantification of mRNA by spectrophotometer --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Reverse Transcription --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4 --- Quantifications of mRNA levels by using real-time PCR technique --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Primer design --- p.44 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- PCR components and cycling condition --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Determination of relative amount of target gene present in the samples --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5 --- Cloning of zMT-II gene promoter and its transient expression studies --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Purification of genomic DNA --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Preparation of Escherichia coli competent cell --- p.51 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- PCR-Cloning of a 1.4 kb zMT-II gene promoter --- p.51 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Purification of plasmid DNA --- p.53 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Transient transfection of plasmid into SJD and ZFL cells --- p.54 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Heavy metal treatments and measurement of luciferase activities --- p.54 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Results / Chapter 3.1 --- Toxicities of various heavy metal ions --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2 --- Relative mRNA fold induction of zMT in SJD and ZFL cell lines --- p.59 / Chapter 3.3 --- The zMT-II gene and its induction by metal ions in zebrafish cell-lines --- p.63 / Chapter 3.4 --- MTF-1 mRNA levels in SJD and ZFL cell lines exposed to heavy metal ions --- p.74 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Discussion / Chapter 4.1 --- Comparison of metal toxicities in the two cell lines studied --- p.78 / Chapter 4.2 --- zMT gene expression study --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- zMT mRNA regulation by heavy metal ions in the two cell lines --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- The potential use of MT regulation as exposure biomarker --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3 --- Structure of the zMT-II gene promoter region --- p.82 / Chapter 4.4 --- Metal responsiveness of zMT-II promoter --- p.84 / Chapter 4.5 --- Mechanism of MT gene expression and the MTF-1 mRNA inductions in SJD and ZFL cell lines --- p.86 / Chapter 4.6 --- Concluding Remarks --- p.93 / References --- p.96

Oxidative stress is the major driving force behind the aging process and many age-related diseases. However, direct experimental evidence of whether antioxidants, such as ascorbate (AA) and lipoic acid (LA) can slow the progression of aging process and/or reduce risks of developing degenerative disease is largely absent. This suggests a better understanding of the precise mechanism of how dietary micronutrient affect parameters of involved in cellular redox balance and aging are warranted. In this dissertation, young and old rats were used as our model to understand potential pro-oxidant events that contribute to increases in oxidative stress in various tissues and how antioxidants such as ascorbate and lipoic acid influence these events. Our major findings are that the age-related impairment of mitochondria and increased deposition of iron contribute significantly to heighten levels of oxidative stress, as evidenced by the resultant increases in the rates of oxidant appearance and in the levels of oxidative damage to DNA, lipids and proteins. We find that AA and LA strongly protected against transition metal-ion dependent increases in oxidative stress. AA effectively inhibited transition metal-mediated lipide peroxidation in human plasma. LA in its reduced form effectively binds iron and copper in a redox inactive manner and reversed chronically elevated levels of iron in the brain without removing enzyme bound transition metal ions. LA also significantly attenuated the age-related increase in oxidative stress associated with mitochondrial decay in the heart, as evidenced by the improvements in AA levels and glutathione redox status. The declines in tissue GSH levels in aged rats were strongly associated with the diminished γ-GCL activity (in parallel with decreased expression of the catalytic and modulatory subunits), and lowered Nrf2 expression and binding to ARE sequence in rat liver. Remarkably, all these events were effectively reversed by the administration of LA, modulating the parameters to return to the observed in young animals. The implications of this work open new avenues not only for further understanding of the aging process but also for possible strategies in its modulation by the micronutrients. / Graduation date: 2004

Fours sets of PM10 samples were collected in three sites in SEQ from December 2002 to August 2004. Three of these sets of samples were collected by QLD EPA as a part of their regular air monitoring program at Woolloongabba, Rocklea and Eagle Farm. Half of the samples were used in this study for the analysis of water-soluble ions, which are Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4 +, Cl-, NO3 -, SO4 2-, F-, Br-, NO2 -, PO4 -3 and the other half was retained by QLD EPA. The fourth set of samples was collected at Rocklea, specifically for this study. A quarter of the samples obtained from this set of samples were used to analyse water-soluble ions; a quarter of the sample was used to analyse Pb, Cu, Al, Fe, Mn and Zn; and the rests were used to analyse US EPA 16 priority PAHs. The water-soluble ions were extracted ultrasonically with water and the major watersoluble anions as well as NH4 + were analysed using IC. Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ Pb, Cu, Al, Fe, Mn and Zn were analysed using ICP-AES while PAHs were extracted by acetonitrile and analysed using HPLC. Of the analysed water-soluble ions, Cl-, NO3 -, SO4 2-, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were high in concentration and determined in all the samples. F-, Br-, NO2 -, PO4 -3 and NH4 + ions were lower in concentration and determined only in some samples. Na+ and Cl- were high in all samples indicating the importance of a marine source. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to examine the temporal variations of the water-soluble ions at the three sites. The results indicated that there was no major difference between the three sites. However, comparing the average concentrations of ions and Cl-/Na+ it was concluded that Woolloongabba had more marine influence than the other sites. Al, Fe and Zn were detected in all samples. Al and Fe were high in all samples indicating the significance of a source of crustal matter. Cu, Mn and Pb were in low concentrations and were determined only in some samples. The lower Pb concentrations observed in the study than in previous studies indicate that the phasing-out of leaded petrol had an appreciable impact on Pb levels in SEQ. This study reports for the first time, simultaneous data on the water-soluble, metal ion and PAH levels of PM10 aerosols in Brisbane, and provides information on the most likely sources of these chemical species. Such information can be used alongside those that already exist to formulate PM10 pollution reduction strategies for SEQ in order to protect the community from the adverse effects of PM pollution.

Bibliography: leaves 211-260 / xvii, 260 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Pathology, 1986

Les matériaux hybrides organique/inorganiques ont reçu beaucoup d'attention ces dernières années dans les études des nanomatériaux. En effet, ils possèdent des propriétés physiques et chimiques uniques grâce aux effets synergiques de chaque composant. En particulier, les nanoparticules de silice (SiO2) présentent des caractéristiques intéressantes, comme une bonne stabilité chimique et thermique. Elles peuvent être préparées de différentes tailles et peuvent aussi être facilement fonctionnalisées. Les polymères conducteurs intrinsèques comme le polythiophène et la polyaniline (PANI) peuvent exister sous différents états d'oxydation et donc répondre à des stimuli extérieurs en changeant une de leur caractéristique (couleur, conductivité, etc…). La PANI est un polymère non-toxique, thermiquement stable et peu coûteux avec une conductivité relativement élevée qui a été utilisée comme film antistatique, matériel d'électrode, inhibiteur de corrosion et comme surface sensible de capteur. Depuis la découverte des polymères conducteurs en 1977, plusieurs travaux ont été effectués sur la préparation, la caractérisation et les applications de films polymériques construits à la surface de matériaux comme la silice. Parmi les différents types de composites existants, les particules de type cœur@coquille composées d’un cœur inorganique et d’une couronne de polymère sont les plus prometteurs. Dans cette étude, nous avons donc décidé de travailler sur la synthèse de composites cœur@coquille constitués d’une coquille de PANI et d’un cœur de particules de silice.Dans la littérature, en utilisant des protocoles expérimentaux similaires, deux morphologies très contradictoires ont été obtenues après la polymérisation par oxydation chimique d'aniline en présence de particules de silice : cœur@coquille et framboise (structure inversée avec la PANI comme cœur). Nous avons alors décidé de réexaminer la synthèse de PANI en présence de particules de silice. Pour cela, nous avons, dans un premier temps, synthétisé des particules de silice monodisperses de différentes tailles (300, 160 et 90 nm) par procédé Stöber. Nous avons ensuite réalisé la polymérisation chimique de l'aniline en présence de ces particules de silice dans des conditions contrôlées afin de promouvoir une adsorption des ions aniliniums en surface des particules. Différents paramètres expérimentaux ont été étudiés tels que la température, la concentration en réactifs, la taille des particules… Les résultats en termes de morphologie sont discutés en fonction de ces paramètres. Dans un second temps, nous avons fonctionnalisé la surface des particules de silice par un alcoxysilane afin de favoriser la polymérisation de l’aniline à la surface des particules. Ainsi, nous avons obtenu des structures SiO2@PANI avec une épaisseur de polymère contrôlable. La dernière partie de ce travail traite des premiers essais qui ont été réalisés afin d’utiliser ces composites SiO2@PANi pour des applications environnementales. Deux applications ont notamment été envisagées, l'adsorption de métaux pour l'aspect de particule et la détection de gaz pour les capacités conductrices de la PANI. / Organic/inorganic hybrid materials have received much attention in recent years such as in the field of nano-materials. Indeed, these materials possess unique physical and chemical properties due to the synergistic effect of both components. In particular, silica nanoparticles (SiO2) present interesting properties, such as good chemical and thermal stabilities. They can be prepared in different size and can be easily chemically modified. Intrinsically conducting polymers such as polythiophene and polyaniline (PANI) can exist in different oxidation states and respond to external stimuli by changing one of their characteristics (color, conductivity, …). PANI is a non-toxic, thermally stable and low cost polymer with relatively high conductivity that has been used as antistatic coating, electrode materials, corrosion inhibitor and active layer of sensors. Since the discovery of conducting polymer in 1977, several works have been carried out on the preparation, characterization and applications of polymeric films build on various surfaces like silica. Among the different kinds of composites that exist, inorganic-polymer core-shell nanoparticles are more promising candidates. In this study, we decided to work on the synthesis of core@shell hybrid compounds based on PANI shells and silica nanoparticles cores.In the literature, using similar experimental protocols, two morphologies have been obtained after chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of silica particles: core@shell and raspberry (inverted structure with PANI as core). We thus decided to reinvestigate the synthesis of PANI in the presence of silica particles. For this, we first synthesized silica particles with different sizes by Stöber process. We then performed the chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of these naked silica particles under different conditions: temperature, concentration of reactive. However, in all cases, we never managed to obtain core@shell structures. Finally, we succeed in developing a method to prepare these core@shell particles which relies on the functionalization of the SiO2 by alkoxysilanes followed by the polymerization of aniline at room temperature. A series of core-shell particles with tunable PANI thickness has been prepared by this method. The last part of this work deals with the first tests that have been carried out in order to use these composites SiO2@PANi for environmental applications. Two applications have been considered, the adsorption of metals for the particle appearance and the detection of gas for the conductive capacities of the PANI.