Photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli by natural sphalerite suspension: effect of spectrum, wavelength and intensity of visible light

The photocatalytic disinfection of Escherichia coli K-12 is investigated by the natural sphalerite (NS) under different spectra, wavelengths and intensities of visible light (VL) emitted by light-emitting-diode lamp (LED). The spectrum effect of VL on disinfection efficiency is studied by using white LED, fluorescent tube (FT) and xenon lamp (XE), which indicates that the “discreted peak spectrum” of FT is more effective to inactivate bacteria than “continuous spectrum” of LED and XE. Besides, the photocatalytic disinfection of bacteria is compared under different single spectrum (blue, green, yellow and red color) LEDs. The results show that the most effective wavelength ranges of VL for photocatalytic disinfection with the NS are 440-490 and 570-620 nm. Furthermore, a positive relationship is obtained between the disinfection efficiency and the VL intensity. The experiment shows that NS can completely inactivate 10⁷ cfu mL⁻¹E. coli K-12 within 8 h irradiation by white LED with the intensity of 200 mW cm⁻² at pH 8. Moreover, the destruction process of the cell wall and the cell membrane are directly observed by TEM. Finally, no bacterial colony can be detected within a 96 h regrowth test of inactivated bacteria, which reveals that the VL-photocatalytic disinfection leads to an irreversible damage to the bacterial cells.     

Electrochemical decolourisation of structurally different dyes

The electrochemical decolourisation of structurally different dyes (bromophenol blue, indigo, poly R-478, phenol red, methyl orange, fuchsin, methyl green and crystal violet) by means of the application of DC electric current was assessed. It was found that the electrochemical process allowed a colour removal of all dyes studied, although the decolourisation rate largely depended on the chemical structure of the different dyes. Nearly complete decolourisation was achieved for bromophenol blue followed by methyl orange and methyl green, whereas phenol red was hardly decolourised (30% in 60 min). In mixtures of two dyes, the decolourisation rate became similar for both dyes. However, the addition of a redox mediator, (Co(2+/3+)) clearly enhanced the degradation rate of all tested dyes, but the simplest dye molecules were attacked firstly, followed by dyes with more complex chemical structures. The results revealed the suitability of the process to effectively decolourise wastewaters from dyeing process.     

Nutrient removal from biogas slurry and biogas upgrading by microalgae-fungi-bacteria co-cultivation under different carbon nanotubes concentration

In this study, Chlorella vulgaris, Ganoderma lucidum, and endophytic bacteria were co-cultivated with the stimulation of strigolactone analogs GR24 to prepare pellets. During the purification of biogas slurry and biogas, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were introduced to enhance the removal efficiencies of nutrients and CO₂. The results showed that both GR24 and MWCNTs affected the purification of biogas slurry and biogas. The maximum chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and CO₂ removal efficiencies of the Chlorella vulgaris-Ganoderma lucidum-endophytic bacterial symbionts were 82.57 ± 7.96% (P < 0.05), 82.14 ± 7.87% (P < 0.05), 84.27 ± 7.96% (P < 0.05), and 63.93 ± 6.22% (P < 0.05), respectively, with the induction of 10⁻⁹ M GR24 and 1 mg L⁻¹ MWCNTs. Moreover, the growth and photosynthetic performance of the symbionts were consistent with the removal effects. The Chlorella vulgaris-Ganoderma lucidum-endophytic bacterial symbionts obtained high growth rates and enzyme activity with the maximum growth rate of 0.365 ± 0.03 d⁻¹, mean daily productivity of 0.182 ± 0.016 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, and carbonic anhydrase activity of 31.07 ± 2.75 units, respectively. These results indicated that an appropriate concentration of GR24 and MWCNTs could promote the growth of symbionts, reinforce the purification effects of biogas slurry and biogas, and provide a new idea for the simultaneous purification of wastewater and biogas.

     

Toxicity and genotoxic evaluations in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) exposed to Act Force Gold®, Butaforce®, and Atraforce®

Act Force Gold^®, Butaforce^®, and Atraforce^® are among the most commonly used pesticides in Nigeria. The lethal concentrations and the respective toxic units for the three pesticides were determined. The genotoxic effects of the three pesticides were investigated in the red blood cells of Clarias gariepinus using micronucleus (MN) assay. The 96 h LC₅₀ was 4.75, 4.84, and 54.74 mg L⁻¹ for Act Force Gold^®, Butaforce^®, and Atraforce^®, respectively. The toxic units in ascending order of toxicity were 1.83, 20.66, and 21.05 for Act Force Gold^®, Butaforce^®, and Atraforce^® respectively. The estimated safe levels based on NAS/NAE varied from 4.75 × 10⁻¹–4.75 × 10⁻⁵ in Act Force Gold^® through 4.64 × 10⁻¹–4.85 × 10⁻⁵ in Butaforce^® to 5.74–5.74 × 10⁻⁵ in Atraforce^®. Fish specimens were exposed to the pesticides and sampling was done at regular intervals at days 1, 7, 14, and 21 and after another 7-day recovery period. The results obtained indicated concentration- and duration-dependent increase in % MN formation with maximum values of 3.40 ± 0.25 for Act Force Gold^® on day 14 and 3.05 ± 0.36 and 2.35 ± 0.14 for Butaforce^® and Atraforce^® respectively on day 7 of exposure. The 7-day recovery period could not reverse the trend as the % MN values obtained were significantly different from the control. The results further support the use of MN assay in assessing the toxicity of aquatic pollutants and can be used in the monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.

     

Investigation of preparation conditions and photocatalytic efficiency of nano ZnO using different polysaccharides

The development of a complete set of extensive studies combining both the preparation factors of catalysts and photocatalytic experimental factors for the photodegradation of methylene blue, crystal violet, and Congo red using effective nano zinc oxide (ZnO) obtained from polysaccharides (chitosans, corn starch, and sodium alginate) as chelating agents was the main objective of this study. The influence of nature of polysaccharides, ratio of reactants, calcination temperatures during preparation process, and effects of photocatalytic experimental conditions on photodegradation was investigated. Corn starch and sodium alginate were found to be effective chelating agents and optimum preparation parameters were set as 3:3 % ratio of reactants and 450 °C calcination temperature to prepare nano ZnO with good photocatalytic activity. The order of organic dyes based on their photodegradation rates was arranged as crystal violet > methylene blue > Congo red. Our findings shed light on the optimization of both preparation conditions of photocatalysts and photocatalytic experimental conditions.     

改性TiO2光催化降解三苯甲烷类污染物

以硫酸钛为原料采用水热法制备了掺Fe3+TiO2晶体粉末,采用X射线衍射仪(XRD)对样品的结构进行了表征。在可见光条件下,用溴酚蓝、甲基绿、甲基蓝、孔雀石绿、甲基紫和碱性品红等6种典型三苯甲烷类化合物为目标降解物,研究了以自制的掺Fe3+TiO2晶体粉末对它们的催化降解作用。实验结果表明,制备的掺Fe3+TiO2晶体属于锐钛矿型。6种化合物的光催化降解反应遵循拟一级动力学规律,且可用Langmuir-Hinshelwood(L-H)动力学模型描述,其表观反应速度常数(k)的大小顺序为:溴酚蓝<甲基绿<甲基蓝<孔雀石绿<甲基紫<碱性品红,大小变化次序与其半衰期t1/2成反比,并从分子结构上对它们的降解规律进行定性解释。     

Residence time effects on phase transformation of nanosilver in reduced soils

Residence time effects on phase transformation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (15–50 nm, with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating) were investigated in reducing soils using experimental geochemistry and synchrotron-based x-ray techniques. After 30 days of anaerobic incubation, a substantial fraction of PVP-coated AgNPs (15 nm) were transformed into Ag₂S and or humic acid (HA) complexed Ag(I), whereas only the HA fraction was dominant in uncoated AgNPs (50 nm). Several investigations recently reported that sulfidation of AgNPs to Ag₂S was the predominant mechanism controlling the fate of AgNP in soil–water environments. However, this investigation showed each AgNP underwent particle-specific chemical transformations to different end compounds after 30 days. Considering the small contribution of Ag(I) dissolution from all AgNPs (less than 5 %), we concluded that changes in solid-state chemical speciation of sorbed AgNPs was promoted by particle-specific interactions of NPs in soil chemical constituents, suggesting a critical role of soil absorbents in predicting the fate of AgNPs in terrestrial environments.     

Association of human cohorts exposed to blood and urinary biomarkers of PAHs with adult asthma in a South Asian metropolitan city

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are a major global problem that causes the greatest impact on urban settings and have been linked to bronchial asthma in both children and adults in Pakistan. The association between exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and asthma in the adult population is less clear. The current study aimed to assess the clinico-chemical parameters and blood levels of naphthalene phenanthrene, pyrene, and 1,2-benzanthracene and urinary levels of 1-OH pyrene and 1-OH phenanthrene as well as asthma-related biomarkers immunoglobulin E (IgE), resistin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of oxidative stress and other hematologic parameters in adults and their relationship with bronchial asthma. The GC/MS analysis showed higher mean concentrations of blood PAHs in asthma respondents (4.48 ± 1.34, 3.46 ± 1.04, 0.10 ± 0.03, and 0.29 ± 0.09) (ng/mL) as compared to controls (3.07 ± 0.92, 1.71 ± 0.51, 0.06 ± 0.02, and 0.11 ± 0.03) (ng/mL), with p = .006, p = .001, p = .050, and p = .001. Similarly, urinary levels of 1-OHpyr and 1-OHphe were significantly increased in adults with bronchial asthma (0.54 ± 0.16; 0.13 ± 0.04) (μmol/mol-Cr) than in controls (0.30 ± 0.09; 0.05 ± 0.02) (μmol/mol-Cr), with p = .002 and p = .0001, respectively, with a significant positive correlation to asthma severity. The asthma-related biomarkers IgE, resistin, and SOD were significantly higher (p 0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.0001) in people with asthma than in control persons. The findings showed that higher blood and urine PAHs levels were linked to higher asthma risk in adults and significant interaction with participants who smoked, had allergies, had a family history of asthma, and were exposed to dust. The current study’s findings will be useful to local regulatory agencies in Lahore in terms of managing exposure and advocating efforts to minimize PAH pollution and manage health.

     

银钛共负载型光催化材料降解甲基橙废水简

以膨胀珍珠岩为载体，采用溶胶凝胶法对其进行负载，制备出不同类型的光催化材料（TiO₂-EP、Ag⁺-TiO₂-EP），并在模拟日光条件下，研究其对甲基橙溶液的降解效果。结果表明，浸渍3次且担载0.04% Ag⁺的负载型TiO₂光催化活性最高，在光催化剂用量为0.3 g，20 mL初始浓度为10 mg/L甲基橙溶液光照4 h后降解率可达81.6%，且甲基橙的光催化降解服从一级动力学方程。回收3次后仍有较强的活性，其2 h降解率为24.8%。     

The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by green semiconductor films that is induced by irradiation by a light-emitting diode and visible light

This study develops a low-energy rotating photocatalytic contactor (LE-RPC) that has Cu-doped TiO₂ films coated on stainless-steel rotating disks, to experimentally evaluate the efficiency of the degradation and decolorization of methylene blue (MB) under irradiation from different light sources (visible 430 nm, light-emitting diode [LED] 460 nm, and LED 525 nm). The production of hydroxyl radicals is also examined. The experimental results show that the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ that is doped with Cu²⁺ is induced by illumination with visible light and an LED. More than 90% of methylene blue at a 10 mg/L concentration is degraded after illumination by visible light (430 nm) for 4 hr at 20 rpm. This study also demonstrates that the quantity of hydroxyl radicals produced is directly proportional to the light energy intensity. The greater the light energy intensity, the greater is the number of hydroxyl radicals produced.

Implications: The CuO-doped anatase TiO₂ powder was successfully synthesized in this study by a sol–gel method. The catalytic abilities of the stainless-steel film were enhanced in the visible light regions. This study has successfully modified the nano-photocatalytic materials to drop band gap and has also successfully fixed the nano-photocatalytic materials on a substratum to effectively treat dye wastewater in the range of visible light. The results can be useful to the development of a low-energy rotating photocatalytic contactor for decontamination purposes.     

Alteration of shell nacre micromorphology in blue mussel Mytilus edulis after exposure to free-ionic silver and silver nanoparticles

This study describes the morphology of inner shell surface (ISS) of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis Linnaeus after short-term exposures to radiolabeled silver in free-ionic (^110mAg⁺) and engineered nanoparticulate (^110mAgNPs, <40 nm) phases. Radiolabeled silver in starting solutions was used in a similar low concentration (∼15 Bq mL⁻¹) for both treatments. After exposure experiments radiolabeled silver was leached from the ISS using HCl. It concentration for shells from both treatments was ∼0.5 Bq mL⁻¹. Whole ISS of young individuals and prismatic layer of adults showed no evidence of any major alteration process after silver uptake. However, the nacre portion of adult mussels exposed to both treatments revealed distinct doughnut shape structures (DSS) formed by calcium carbonate micrograins that covered the surface of aragonite tablets. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging revealed the existence of only minor differences in DSS morphology between mussels exposed to Ag⁺ and AgNPs. From literature survey, DSS were also found in bivalves exposed to Cd²⁺. The DSS occurring in a specimen of a field-collected bivalve is also shown. Formation of distinctive DSS can be explained by a disturbance of the shell calcification mechanism. Although the occurrence of DSS is not exclusively associated with metal bioavailability to the mussels, the morphology of DSS seems to be linked to the speciation of the metal used in the uptake experiments.     

The impact of size on the fate and toxicity of nanoparticulate silver in aquatic systems

The increased use of silver nanomaterials presents a risk to aquatic systems due to the high toxicity of silver. The stability, dissolution rates and toxicity of citrate- and polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were investigated in synthetic freshwater and natural seawater media, with the effects of natural organic matter investigated in freshwater. When sterically stabilised by the large PVP molecules, AgNPs were more stable than when charge-stabilised using citrate, and were even relatively stable in seawater. In freshwater and seawater, citrate-coated AgNPs (Ag–Cit) had a faster rate of dissolution than PVP-coated AgNPs (Ag–PVP), while micron-sized silver exhibited the slowest dissolution rate. However, similar dissolved silver was measured for both AgNPs after 72 h in freshwater (500–600 μg L⁻¹) and seawater (1300–1500 μg L⁻¹), with higher concentrations in seawater attributed to chloride complexation. When determined on a mass basis, the 72-h IC50 (inhibitory concentration giving 50% reduction in algal growth rate) for Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the 48-h LC50 for Ceriodaphnia dubia exposure to Ag⁺ (1.1, 400 and 0.11 μg L⁻¹, respectively), Ag–Cit (3.0, 2380 and 0.15 μg L⁻¹, respectively) and Ag–PVP (19.5, 3690 and 2.0 μg L⁻¹, respectively) varied widely, with toxicity in the order Ag⁺ > Ag–Cit > Ag–PVP. Micron-sized silver treatments elicited much lower toxicity than ionic Ag⁺ or AgNP to P. subcapitata. However, when related to the dissolved silver released from the nanoparticles the toxicities were similar to ionic silver treatments. The presence of natural organic matter stabilised the particles and reduced toxicity in freshwater. These results indicate that dissolved silver was responsible for the toxicity and highlight the need to account for matrix components such as chloride and organic matter in natural waters that influence AgNP fate and mitigate toxicity.     

Silver behaviour along the salinity gradient of the Gironde Estuary

Dissolved and particulate Ag concentrations (Ag_D and Ag_P, respectively) were measured in surface water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) along the salinity gradient of the Gironde Estuary, South West France, during three cruises (2008–2009) covering contrasting hydrological conditions, i.e. two cruises during intermediate and one during high freshwater discharge (~740 and ~2,300 m³/s). Silver distribution reflected non-conservative behaviour with 60–70 % of Ag_P in freshwater particles being desorbed by chlorocomplexation. The amount of Ag_P desorbed was similar to the so-called reactive, potentially bioavailable Ag_P fraction (60?±?4 %) extracted from river SPM by 1 M HCl. Both Ag_P (0.22?±?0.05 mg/kg) and Ag_P/Th_P (0.025–0.028) in the residual fraction of fluvial and estuarine SPM were similar to those in SPM from the estuary mouth and in coastal sediments from the shelf off the Gironde Estuary, indicating that chlorocomplexation desorbs the reactive Ag_P. The data show that desorption of reactive Ag_P mainly occurs inside the estuary during low and intermediate discharge, whereas expulsion of partially Ag_P-depleted SPM (Ag_P/Th_P ~0.040) during the flood implies ongoing desorption in the coastal ocean, e.g. in the nearby oyster production areas (Marennes-Oléron Bay). The highest Ag_D levels (6–8 ng/L) occurred in the mid-salinity range (15–20) of the Gironde Estuary and were decoupled from freshwater discharge. In the maximum turbidity zone, Ag_D were at minimum, showing that high SPM concentrations (a) induce Ag_D adsorption in estuarine freshwater and (b) counterbalance Ag_P desorption in the low salinity range (1–3). Accordingly, Ag behaviour in turbid estuaries appears to be controlled by the balance between salinity and SPM levels. The first estimates of daily Ag_D net fluxes for the Gironde Estuary (Boyle’s method) showed relatively stable theoretical Ag_D at zero salinity (Ag _D ⁰ = 25–30 ng/L) for the contrasting hydrological situations. Accordingly, Ag_D net fluxes were very similar for the situations with intermediate discharge (1.7 and 1.6 g/day) and clearly higher during the flood (5.0 g/day) despite incomplete desorption. Applying Ag _D ⁰ to the annual freshwater inputs provided an annual net Ag_D flux (0.64–0.89 t/year in 2008 and 0.56–0.77 t/year in 2009) that was 12–50 times greater than the Ag_D gross flux. This estimate was consistent with net Ag_D flux estimates obtained from gross Ag_P flux considering 60 % desorption in the estuarine salinity gradient.     

Silver nanoparticles-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: the protective role of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) juice

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present study was designed to investigate the nephrotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 80&nbsp;mg/kg; &gt; 100&nbsp;nm)...     

光纤传导可见光降解亚甲基蓝

针对浓度大、色度高的印染废水难以处理的情况,选用加入光纤的光催化体系进行研究。采用溶胶凝胶法制备了Ag+/TiO2粉体光催化剂,用固体紫外可见光谱、X射线衍射对其进行表征。选用亚甲基蓝溶液作为目标降解物,评价了Ag+/TiO2在可见光下的光催化活性。分别考察了加入石英芯侧光光纤与塑料侧光光纤反应体系下,催化剂量、光纤数量、光照强度和pH值等因素对亚甲基蓝降解实验的影响。结果表明,选用20 mg/L的亚甲基蓝,采用催化剂量为11.67 g/L,500根侧光光纤,300 W的外部光源,pH值约为11时,光催化降解效果最佳,均能达到90%以上。     

Rapid biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucas martinicensis</Emphasis> leaf extract for catalytic and antibacterial activity

A novel green approach for the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using water extract of Leucas martinicensis leaf has been developed. As obtained, the nanoparticles are characterized by UV-visible (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline nature of the AgNPs is confirmed by the prominent peaks in the XRD pattern. FTIR spectra suggest that the possible biomolecules are responsible for the efficient stabilization of the sample. The effects of leaf quantity on the biosynthesis of AgNPs are investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The synthesized AgNPs are observed to have a good catalytic activity on the reduction of methylene blue by L. martinicensis leaf. This is confirmed by the decrease in absorbance maximum values of methylene blue with respect to time through UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli are screened.     

改性TiO_2光催化降解三苯甲烷类污染物

以硫酸钛为原料采用水热法制备了掺Fe3＋TiO2晶体粉末,采用X射线衍射仪（XRD）对样品的结构进行了表征。在可见光条件下,用溴酚蓝、甲基绿、甲基蓝、孔雀石绿、甲基紫和碱性品红等6种典型三苯甲烷类化合物为目标降解物,研究了以自制的掺Fe3＋TiO2晶体粉末对它们的催化降解作用。实验结果表明,制备的掺Fe3＋TiO2晶体属于锐钛矿型。6种化合物的光催化降解反应遵循拟一级动力学规律,且可用Langmuir-Hinshelwood（L-H）动力学模型描述,其表观反应速度常数（k）的大小顺序为：溴酚蓝〈甲基绿〈甲基蓝〈孔雀石绿〈甲基紫〈碱性品红,大小变化次序与其半衰期t1/2成反比,并从分子结构上对它们的降解规律进行定性解释。     

Effect of BPA on the germination,root development,seedling growth and leaf differentiation under different light conditions in Arabidopsis thaliana

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known environmental toxic substance, which exerts unfavorable effects through endocrine disruptor (ER)-dependent and ER-independent mechanisms to threaten ecological systems seriously. BPA may also interact with other environmental factors, such as light and heavy metals, to have a synergetic effect in plants. However, there is little data concerning the toxic effect of BPA on the primary producers-plants and its possible interaction with light-dependent response. Here, the effects of BPA on germination, fresh weight, tap root length, and leaf differentiation were studied in Arabidopsis thaliana under different parts of light spectrum (dark, red, yellow, green, blue, and white light). Our results showed that low-dose BPA (1.0, 5.0 μM) caused an increase in the fresh weight, the tap root length and the lateral root formation of A. thaliana seedlings, while high-dose BPA (10.0, 25.0 μM) show an inhibition effect in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike karrikins, the effects of BPA on germination fresh weight and tap roots length under various light conditions are similar, which imply that BPA has no notable role in priming light response in germination and early seedling growth in A. thaliana. Meanwhile, BPA exposure influences the differentiation of A. thaliana leaf blade significantly in a light-dependent manner with little to no effect in dark and clear effect under red illumination.     

Dietary risk evaluation for 28 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tea preparations made of teas available on the Polish retail market

The aim of this work was to assess dietary risk resulting from consumption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with tea infusions. To this end, levels of 28 PAHs in black, green, red and white teas available on the Polish retail market have been assessed. Profiles and correlation between concentrations of individual PAHs have been identified. A model study on transfer of PAHs from tea leaves into tea preparations has been conducted. Relatively high concentrations of 28 evaluated PAHs have been found in 58 tested samples of black, green, red and white teas sampled on the Polish retail market. Total concentration ∑28PAH ranged from 57 to 696 µg kg^?1 with mean 258 µg kg^?1 (dry tea leaves). The most mature tea leaves fermented to a small degree contained relatively the highest PAH levels among all four tested tea types. Relatively low PAH transfer rates into tea infusions and limited volumes of the consumed tea keep the risks associated with PAH dietary intake at a safely low level.

The worst-case scenario dietary intake values were 7.62/0.82/0.097 ng kg^?1 b.w. day^?1 (estimated on the basis of the maximum found concentrations 696/113/23 µg kg^?1 and maximum observed transfer rates 24/16/9%) for ∑28PAH/∑PAH4/B[a]P, respectively. MOE values calculated using the above worst case estimates exceeded 700,000 and 400,000 (BMDL₁₀ 0.07 and 0.34 mg kg^?1 b.w. day^?1) for B[a]P and PAH4, respectively. Both B[a]P and PAH4 concentrations may be used as indicators of total PAH concentration in tea leaves; PAH4 slightly better fits low molecular weight PAHs. Several correlations between various PAHs/groups of PAHs have been identified, the strongest one (R² = 0.92) between PAH4 and EU PAH 15+1.     

Development of an improved optical transmission technique for black carbon (BC) analysis

A new optical transmission technique for black carbon (BC) analysis was developed to minimize interferences due to scattering effects in filter samples. A standard thermal analysis method (VDI, 1999) is used to link light attenuation by the filter samples to elemental carbon (EC) concentration. Scattering effects are minimized by immersion of the filters in oil of a similar refractive index, as is often done for microscopy purposes. Light attenuation was measured using both a white light source and a red LED of 650 nm. The usual increase in overestimation of BC concentrations with decreasing BC amount in filter samples was found considerably reduced. Some effects of BC properties (e.g. fractal dimension, microstructure and size distribution) on the specific attenuation coefficient B_ATN, however, are still present for the treated samples. B_ATN was found close to 1 m² g⁻¹ for dry-dispersed industrial BC and 7 m² g⁻¹ for nebulized BC. Good agreement was found between the oil immersion, integrating sphere and a polar photometer technique and Mie calculations. The average specific attenuation coefficient of ambient samples in oil varied between 7 and 11 m² g⁻¹ for white light and 6 and 9 m² g⁻¹ for red light (LED). B_ATN was found to have much less site variation for the treated than for the untreated samples. The oil immersion technique improved also the correlation with thermally analyzed EC. This new immersion technique therefore presents a considerable improvement over conventional optical transmission techniques and may therefore serve as a simple, fast and cost-effective alternative to thermal methods.