Assessing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in atmospheric and aquatic environments: analytical challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) play a crucial role in biotic and abiotic processes. In the atmosphere, ROS/RNS are usually associated with air pollution. The ability of certain air particulate matter constituents to influence the formation and cycling of ROS/RNS at the atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere interfaces is important for the observed linkages between atmospheric aerosols and adverse health and climate effects. Atmosphere-hydrosphere ROS/RNS exchange fluxes affect the chemical composition of the atmosphere and surface waters compartments, acting both as a source and sink for ROS/RNS. Therefore, detecting and measuring ROS/RNS in this interface is of utmost importance. This article presents a critical review on the analytical challenges and limitations of the existing methodologies to measure ROS/RNS in air particles and surface waters. It also addresses the suitability of novel methodologies based on carbon nanoparticles as potential tools for the detection of ROS/RNS in atmospheric aerosols and aquatic compartments.