Separation and Tracing of Anthropogenic Magnetite Nanoparticles in the Urban Atmosphere

Abstract

Nanosized magnetite is a highly toxic material due to its strong ability to generate reactive oxygen species in vivo, and the presence of magnetite NPs in the brain has been linked with aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, magnetite pollution nanoparticles (NPs) were found to be present in the human brain, heart, and blood, which raises great concerns about the health risks of airborne magnetite NPs. Here, we report the abundant presence and chemical multifingerprints (including high-resolution structural and elemental fingerprints) of magnetite NPs in the urban atmosphere. We establish a methodology for high-efficiency retrieving and accurate quantification of airborne magnetite NPs. We report the occurrence levels (annual mean concentration 75.5 ± 33.2 ng m–3 in Beijing with clear season variations) and the pollution characteristics of airborne magnetite NPs. Based on the chemical multifingerprints of the NPs, we identify and estimate the contributions of the major emission sources for airborne magnetite NPs. We also give an assessment of human exposure risks of airborne magnetite NPs. Our findings support the identification of airborne magnetite NPs as a threat to human health.

Structural property and risk assessment of loose deposits in drinking water distribution systems

“…The sample with the highest specific area was sample 7# (54.2 m 2 /g), while the lowest was sample 5# (16.8 m 2 /g). Zhang et al (2020b) found that magnetic iron oxides would enhance the toxicity effect because that it enhances the co-deposition of other ferromagnetic or paramagnetic substances and promotes the accumulation in the human body. The magnetization curves and saturation magnetization values of the particles are shown in Figure S6a and S6b.…”

Traffic-derived magnetite pollution in soils along a highway on the Tibetan Plateau

“…Magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) is a kind of naturally occurring mineral, and it is also ubiquitous in the atmospheric environment. 1–6 Several studies have found that airborne magnetite nanoparticles were present in different human organs, suggesting that magnetite nanoparticles in the atmosphere may be able to enter the human circulatory system or even the brain tissue. 4,7,8…”

“…However, there is still a significant knowledge gap in understanding traffic-derived magnetite pollution. Magnetite particles in the atmosphere usually originate from various sources including coal combustion 1,19 and traffic emission. 1,3 Beyond that, some minor sources also contribute to the Fe-containing metal oxide particles in urban areas, including natural minerals, domestic sources ( e.g.…”

Magnetite Particle Presence in the Human Brain: A Computational Dosimetric Study to Emphasize the Need of a Complete Assessment of the Electromagnetic Power Deposition at 3.5 GHz

“…The exogenic magnetite nanoparticles present a different morphology from the endogenic [7]. Significant concerns were raised for increased health risks as these nanoparticles are regarded as highly toxic [8]. They can enter the blood flow and be transported to the brain.…”

“…They can enter the blood flow and be transported to the brain. Moreover, they can catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species in vivo and cause protein modification, lipid peroxidation, or DNA damage [8]. The increased magnetite content in the human brain raises another question about its contribution to the mechanism of thermal or non-thermal interactions with electromagnetic fields in high frequencies.…”