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Chronakis MI, Mavrakis E, García RÁF, Montes-Bayón M, Bettmer J, Pitta P, Tsapakis M, Kalantzi I, Tsiola A, Pergantis SA. Investigating the behavior of ultratrace levels of nanoparticulate and ionic silver in a seawater mesocosm using single particle inductively coupled plasma - Mass spectrometry. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139109. [PMID: 37270041 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) nowadays appear in close to 24% of consumer products that contain engineered nanomaterials. Thus, they are expected to be released into the environment, where their fate and effect are still undetermined. Considering the evidenced efficacy of the single particle - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (sp ICP-MS) technique in the study of nanomaterials, this work reports on the use of sp ICP-MS along with an online dilution sample introduction system for the direct analysis of untreated and spiked seawater samples, as part of a larger scale experiment studying the fate of Ag (ionic and nanoparticles) in seawater mesocosm systems. Silver nanoparticles coated with branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI@AgNPs) or ionic silver (Ag+) were introduced gradually into the seawater mesocosm tanks at very low, environmentally relevant concentrations (50 ng Ag L-1 per day, for 10 consecutive days, up to a total of 500 ng Ag L-1), and samples were collected and analyzed daily, within a consistent time window. Using very low detector dwell time (75 μs) and specialized data treatment, information was obtained on the nanoparticles' size distribution and particle number concentration, as well as the ionic silver content, of both the AgNPs and the Ag+ treated seawater mesocosm tanks. The results for the AgNP treated samples indicated the rapid degradation of the added silver particles, and the subsequent increase of ionic silver, with recoveries close to 100% for the first days of the experiment. On the other hand, particle formation was observed in the Ag+ treated seawater tanks, and even though the number concentration of silver-containing nanoparticles increased throughout the experiment, the amount of silver per particle remained relatively constant from the early days of the experiment. In addition, the online dilution sample introduction system for the ICP-MS proved capable of handling the untreated seawater matrix without significant contamination issues and downtime, while the low dwell time and data treatment procedure developed were shown to be suitable for the analysis of nanomaterials at the low nm-scale, despite the complex and heavy matrix introduced into the ICP-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Ioannis Chronakis
- University of Crete, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, Voutes, 70013, Heraklion, Greece; Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) - Division 1.1 - Inorganic Trace Analysis, Richard-Willstätter-Str. 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Mavrakis
- University of Crete, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, Voutes, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Roberto Álvarez-Fernández García
- University of Oviedo, Faculty of Chemistry, Dept. of Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Maria Montes-Bayón
- University of Oviedo, Faculty of Chemistry, Dept. of Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jörg Bettmer
- University of Oviedo, Faculty of Chemistry, Dept. of Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paraskevi Pitta
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Tsapakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Kalantzi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anastasia Tsiola
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, Gournes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Spiros A Pergantis
- University of Crete, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, Voutes, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.
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2
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Akbari Alavijeh M, Schindler M, Wirth MG, Qafoku O, Kovarik L, Perea DE. Nanoscale characterization of the sequestration and transformation of silver and arsenic in soil organic matter using atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:577-593. [PMID: 36727412 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00332e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the sequestration and transformation of silver (Ag) and arsenic (As) ions in soil organic matter (OM) at the nanoscale using the combination of atom probe tomography (APT), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focused ion beam (FIB), ion mill thinning and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Silver-arsenic contaminated organic-rich soils were collected along the shore of Cobalt Lake, a former mining and milling site of the famous Ag deposits at Cobalt, Ontario, Canada. SEM examinations show that particulate organic matter (OM grains) contains mineral inclusions composed of mainly Fe, S, and Si with minor As and traces of Ag. Four OM grains with detectable concentrations of Ag (by SEM-EDS) were further characterized with either a combination of TEM and APT or TEM alone. These examinations show that As is predominantly sequestered by OM through either co-precipitation with Fe-(hydr)oxide inclusions or adsorption on Fe-(hydr)oxides and their subsequent transformation into scorodite (FeAsO4·2H2O)/amorphous Fe-arsenate (AFA). Silver nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters in the range of ∼5-20 nm occur in the organic matrix as well as on the surface of Fe-rich inclusions (Fe-hydroxides, Fe-arsenates, Fe-sulfides), whereas Ag sulfide NPs were only observed on the surfaces of the Fe-rich inclusions. Rims of Ag-sulfides on Ag NPs (TEM data), accumulation of S atoms within and around Ag NPs (APT data), and the occurrence of dendritic as well as euhedral acanthite NPs with diameters in the range of ∼100-400 nm (TEM data) indicate that the sulfidation of the Ag NPs occurred via a mineral-replacement reaction (rims) or a complete dissolution of the Ag NPs, the subsequent precipitation of acanthite NPs and their aggregation (dendrites) and Ostwald ripening (euhedral crystals). These results show the importance of OM and, specifically the mineral inclusions in the sequestration of Ag and As to less bioavailable forms such as acanthite and scorodite, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Schindler
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Mark G Wirth
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Odeta Qafoku
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Libor Kovarik
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Daniel E Perea
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
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3
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Wei M, Xiang Q, Wang P, Chen L, Ren M. Ambivalent effects of dissolved organic matter on silver nanoparticles/silver ions transformation: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130533. [PMID: 37055958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The numerous applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) lead to their spread in aquatic systems and the release of silver ions (Ag+), which brings potential risks to environment and human health. Owing to the different toxicity, the mutual transformations between AgNPs and Ag+ has been a hot topic of research. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is ubiquitous on the earth and almost participates in all the reactions in the nature. The previous studies have reported the roles of DOM played in the transformation between AgNPs and Ag+. However, different experiment conditions commonly caused contradictory results, leading to the difficulty to predict the fate of AgNPs in specific reactions. Here we summarized mechanisms of DOM-mediated AgNPs oxidation and Ag+ reduction, and analyzed the effects of environmental parameters. Moreover, the knowledge gaps, challenges, and new opportunities for research in this field are discussed. This review will promote the understanding of the fate and risk assessments of AgNPs in natural water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxiang Wei
- Institute of International River and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China; Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Qianqian Xiang
- Institute of International River and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China; College of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Institute of International River and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Liqiang Chen
- Institute of International River and Eco-security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China.
| | - Meijie Ren
- Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, PR China.
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Tan Z, Zhao W, Yin Y, Xu M, Pan W, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Gale BK, Rui Y, Liu J. Insight into the formation and biological effects of natural organic matter corona on silver nanoparticles in water environment using biased cyclical electrical field-flow fractionation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 228:119355. [PMID: 36423551 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural organic matter (NOM) readily interacts with nanoparticles, leading to the formation of NOM corona structures on their surface. NOM corona formation is closely related to the surface coatings and bioavailability of nanoparticles. However, the mechanism underlying NOM corona formation on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) remains largely unknown due to the lack of effective analytical methods for identifying the changes in the AgNP surface. Herein, the separation ability of biased cyclical electrical field-flow fractionation (BCyElFFF) for same-sized polyvinyl pyrrolidone-coated and poly(ethylene glycol)-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different electrophoretic mobilities was evaluated under various electrical conditions. Then, the mechanism behind the NOM corona formation on these AgNP surfaces was elucidated based on the changes in the elution time and off-line characterization of the collected fractions during their elution time in a BCyElFFF run. Finally, the survival rates of E. coli exposed to polyvinyl pyrrolidone-coated and poly(ethylene glycol)-coated AgNPs with or without NOM collected during repeated BCyElFFF runs were observed to increase with increasing NOM concentration, clearly demonstrating the negative effect of NOM corona structures on the bioavailability of AgNPs. These findings highlight the powerful separation and isolation ability of BCyElFFF in studying the transformation and fate of nanoparticles in aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Weichen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Wenxiao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanwanjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Bruce K Gale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, United States
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
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5
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Peng XX, Gai S, Cheng K, Yang F. Roles of humic substances redox activity on environmental remediation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:129070. [PMID: 35650747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Humic substances (HS) as representative natural organic matters and the most common organic compounds existing in the environment, has been applied to the treatment and remediation of environmental pollution. This review systematically introduces and summarizes the redox activity of HS for the remediation of environmental pollutants. For inorganic pollutants (such as silver, chromium, mercury, and arsenic), the redox reaction of HS can reduce their toxicity and mobilization, thereby reducing the harm of these pollutants to the environment. The concentration and chemical composition of HS, environmental pH, ionic strength, and competing components affect the degree and rate of redox reactions between inorganic pollutants and HS significantly. With regards to organic pollutants, HS has photocatalytic activity and produces a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under the light which reacts with organic pollutants to accelerate the degradation of organic pollutants. Under the affection of HS, the redox of Fe(III) and Fe(II) can enhance the efficiency of Fenton-like reaction to degrade organic pollutants. Finally, the research direction of HS redox remediation of environmental pollution is prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-Xin Peng
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Joint Laboratory of Northeast Agricultural University and Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (NEAU-MPICI), Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shuang Gai
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Joint Laboratory of Northeast Agricultural University and Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (NEAU-MPICI), Harbin 150030, China
| | - Kui Cheng
- Joint Laboratory of Northeast Agricultural University and Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (NEAU-MPICI), Harbin 150030, China; College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Joint Laboratory of Northeast Agricultural University and Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (NEAU-MPICI), Harbin 150030, China.
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6
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Huang D, Dang F, Huang Y, Chen N, Zhou D. Uptake, translocation, and transformation of silver nanoparticles in plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: NANO 2022; 9:12-39. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1039/d1en00870f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the plant uptake of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that occurred in soil systems and the in planta fate of Ag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Yingnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Ning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China
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7
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Lachowicz JI, Lecca LI, Meloni F, Campagna M. Metals and Metal-Nanoparticles in Human Pathologies: From Exposure to Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:6639. [PMID: 34771058 PMCID: PMC8587420 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of pathologies correlates with both toxic and essential metal ions dyshomeostasis. Next to known genetic disorders (e.g., Wilson's Disease and β-Thalassemia) other pathological states such as neurodegeneration and diabetes are characterized by an imbalance of essential metal ions. Metal ions can enter the human body from the surrounding environment in the form of free metal ions or metal-nanoparticles, and successively translocate to different tissues, where they are accumulated and develop distinct pathologies. There are no characteristic symptoms of metal intoxication, and the exact diagnosis is still difficult. In this review, we present metal-related pathologies with the most common onsets, biomarkers of metal intoxication, and proper techniques of metal qualitative and quantitative analysis. We discuss the possible role of drugs with metal-chelating ability in metal dyshomeostasis, and present recent advances in therapies of metal-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marcello Campagna
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09048 Monserrato, CA, Italy; (J.I.L.); (L.I.L.); (F.M.)
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8
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Zhao Y, Fan M, Zhou W, Li Y, Wang Y, Xiu Z, Gao B. Speciation, controlling steps and pathways of silver release from the sludge generated from coagulation of wastewater spiked with silver nanoparticles. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 282:131093. [PMID: 34118625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sludge generated in wastewater treatment facilities is an integral part for the introduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the terrestrial environment, which would cause some adverse ecosystem responses. The understanding of silver release process from the sludge is important to evaluate their risks. In this study, the amount and speciation of the released silver were investigated by taking the sludge generated by wastewater coagulation with AgNPs added (denoted as sludgeC-AgNPs) an example, and kinetic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were first used to explore the controlling steps and pathways about the silver release. The results showed that sludgeC-AgNPs could release the dissolved silver and the colloidal silver. Beside Cl-, Ca2+ in the leaching solution could enhance the silver release of sludgeC-AgNPs, especially for the colloidal silver. The released colloidal silver restricted in size from 40 nm to 100 nm with irregular shape. Although the oxidative dissolution of Ag0 was the origin of the silver release pathways from the sludgeC-AgNPs, the silver diffusion was the controlling step due to the spontaneous binding between silver and the hydrolysates of polyaluminium chloride in sludgeC-AgNPs. However, Ca2+ in the leaching solution could occupy the binding site of silver on sludgeC-AgNPs, which would increase the diffusion rate of silver over the oxidative rate of Ag0. With this condition, the controlling step of silver release from sludgeC-AgNPs turned to the oxidative dissolution of Ag0. Our findings are important to assess the fate of AgNPs in wastewater treatment as well as sludge applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China
| | - Meixia Fan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China
| | - Wenlin Zhou
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen, 518057, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China.
| | - Zongming Xiu
- Deshi Energy Technology Group Co.,Ltd, Dongying, Shandong, 266580, PR China
| | - Baoyu Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, PR China
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9
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Iglesias M, Torrent L. Silver Nanoparticles and Ionic Silver Separation Using a Cation-Exchange Resin. Variables Affecting Their Separation and Improvements of AgNP Characterization by SP-ICPMS. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11102626. [PMID: 34685067 PMCID: PMC8541260 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are frequently found in everyday products and, as a consequence, their release into the environment cannot be avoided. Once in aquatic systems, AgNPs interact with natural constituents and undergo different transformation processes. Therefore, it is important to characterize and quantify AgNPs in environmental waters in order to understand their behavior, their transformation, and their associated toxicological risks. However, the coexistence of ionic silver (Ag+) with AgNPs in aquatic systems is one of the greatest challenges for the determination of nanosilver. Ion-exchange resins can be used to separate Ag+ from AgNPs, taking advantage of the different charges of the species. In this work, Dowex 50W-X8 was used to separate Ag+ and AgNPs in order to easily determine AgNP concentrations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The separation methodology was successfully applied to river water samples with different ratios of Ag+ and AgNPs. However, the methodology is not useful for wastewater samples. The described methodology also demonstrated an improvement in the determination of the particle size of AgNPs present in river waters by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry when a significant amount of Ag+ is also present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Iglesias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, C/M. Aurèlia Capmany, 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-606-529-503
| | - Laura Torrent
- Bioenergy and Catalysis Laboratory (LBK), Energy and Environment Research Division (ENE), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland;
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10
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Guo B, Alivio TEG, Fleer NA, Feng M, Li Y, Banerjee S, Sharma VK. Elucidating the Role of Dissolved Organic Matter and Sunlight in Mediating the Formation of Ag-Au Bimetallic Alloy Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:1710-1720. [PMID: 33426890 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating the interactions between metal ions and dissolved organic matter and deciphering mechanisms for their mineralization in the aquatic environment are central to understanding the speciation, transport, and toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, we examine the interactions between Ag+ and Au3+ ions in mixed solutions (χAg = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) in the presence of humic acids (HAs) under simulated sunlight; these conditions result in the formation of bimetallic Ag-Au NPs. A key distinction is that the obtained alloy NPs are compositionally and morphologically rather different from NPs obtained from thermally activated dark processes. Photoillumination triggers a distinctive plasmon-mediated process for HA-assisted reductive mineralization of ions to bimetallic alloy NPs which is not observed in its dark thermal reduction counterpart. The initial nucleation of bimetallic NPs is dominated by differences in the cohesive energies of Ag and Au crystal lattices, whereas the growth mechanisms are governed by the strongly preferred incorporation of Ag ions, which stems from their greater photoreactivity. The bimetallic NPs crystallize in shapes governed by the countervailing influence of minimizing free energy through the adoption of Wulff constructions and the energetic penalties associated with twin faults. As such, assessments of the stability and the potential toxic effects of bimetallic NPs arising from their possible existence in aquatic environments will depend sensitively on the origins of their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglin Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-8371, United States
| | - Theodore E G Alivio
- Department of Chemistry & Physical Sciences, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301-6701, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3012, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3003, United States
| | - Nathan A Fleer
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3012, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3003, United States
| | - Mingbao Feng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-8371, United States
| | - Ying Li
- J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3127, United States
| | - Sarbajit Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3012, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-3003, United States
| | - Virender K Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-8371, United States
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11
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Wimmer A, Urstoeger A, Hinke T, Aust M, Altmann PJ, Schuster M. Separating dissolved silver from nanoparticulate silver is the key: Improved cloud-point-extraction hyphenated to single particle ICP-MS for comprehensive analysis of silver-based nanoparticles in real environmental samples down to single-digit nm particle sizes. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1150:238198. [PMID: 33583555 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Investigating silver-based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) in environmental samples is challenging with current analytical techniques, owing to their low concentrations (ng L-1) in the presence of high quantities of dissolved Ag(I) species. sp-ICP-MS is a promising technique able to simultaneously determine the concentration and particle sizes of Ag-b-NPs even at concentrations of several ng L-1. However, sp-ICP-MS suffers from the coexistence of dissolved analyte species causing high background signals. These background signals cover particle signals and therefore limit the size detection limit (SDL) in sp-ICP-MS. Ag-b-NPs in environmental samples exhibit diameters of < 20 nm, whereas the current sp-ICP-MS approaches barely reach an SDL as low as 20 nm. Using a surfactant-mediated sample pre-treatment (improved cloud point extraction, iCPE), we were able to separate Ag-b-NPs in aqueous samples from dissolved Ag(I) species and enrich the NPs in the extract. By hyphenating iCPE to sp-ICP-MS, we were able to reach SDL values as low as 4.5 nm, thus paving the way for the successful monitoring of Ag-b-NPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wimmer
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Alexander Urstoeger
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Tobias Hinke
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Margit Aust
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Philipp J Altmann
- Catalysis Research Center, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Michael Schuster
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Garching, 85748, Germany.
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12
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Urstoeger A, Wimmer A, Kaegi R, Reiter S, Schuster M. Looking at Silver-Based Nanoparticles in Environmental Water Samples: Repetitive Cloud Point Extraction Bridges Gaps in Electron Microscopy for Naturally Occurring Nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12063-12071. [PMID: 32846092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The growing use of silver-based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) in everyday products goes hand in hand with their release into the environment, resulting in ng L-1 traces in natural water bodies. In order to assess their fate, possible transformations and ecotoxicology-essential information to proper risk assessment-particle size, shape, and chemical composition have to be determined. Transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX) is a powerful tool for determining these particle characteristics, but it requires high particle concentrations in order to produce statistically reliable results. In this study, we will present the extraction of Ag-b-NPs at environmentally relevant concentrations down to 5 ng L-1 from artificial as well as environmental water samples via cloud point extraction on a repetitive basis. The combination with an on-grid centrifugation technique ensures an efficient concentration and deposition of the extracted particles onto the TEM grid for subsequent TEM-EDX measurements. Furthermore, electron microscopy investigations were supplemented by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) measurements. Ag-b-NPs were successfully visualized and characterized at environmentally relevant concentrations of 5 ng L-1 with TEM-EDX and sp-ICP-MS measurements. Their size, shape, and chemical composition were not affected by the sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Urstoeger
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Andreas Wimmer
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Ralf Kaegi
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Simon Reiter
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Michael Schuster
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
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13
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Wang JL, Alasonati E, Tharaud M, Gelabert A, Fisicaro P, Benedetti MF. Flow and fate of silver nanoparticles in small French catchments under different land-uses: The first one-year study. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 176:115722. [PMID: 32247257 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on surface waters from three small creeks, within the Seine River watershed, which are characterized by different land-uses, namely forested, agricultural and urban. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in these waters were detected and quantified by single-particle ICPMS during one-year of monthly sampling. Their temporal and spatial variations were investigated. Ag-NPs, in the three types of surface water, were found to range from 1.5 × 107 to 2.3 × 109 particles L-1 and from 0.4 to 28.3 ng L-1 at number and mass concentrations, respectively. These values are in consistent with the very few previous studies. In addition, the role of factors driving process and potential sources are discussed with correlations between Ag-NPs concentrations and biogeochemical parameters, like dissolved organic carbon concentration and divalent cations concentrations. For the forested watershed NOM controls the stability (number and mass) of the Ag-NPs as recently observed in the field in lake water in Germany. In the case of the agricultural and urban watersheds major cations such as Ca would control the number and mass of Ag-NPs. Dilution processes are rejected as conductivity and Cl- ions do not show significant correlations with Ag-NPs or other major geochemical parameters. The specific exportation rates of Ag-NPs for artificial, agricultural and forested areas were calculated based on the monthly data for the full year and are equal to 5.5 ± 3.0, 0.5 ± 0.3 and 0.2 ± 0.2 gy-1km-2, respectively. These data suggest a constant release of Ag-NPs from consumer products into freshwaters in artificial areas, for instance, from textiles, washing machines, domestic tap-water filters, outdoor paints. These first data of Ag-NPs fluxes in surface waters of France enlarge the very limited database of field measurements. Moreover, for the first time, the influence of time, land-use and aquatic geochemistry parameters on Ag-NPs in real natural water samples is reported. It is also helpful to further understand the fate and the process of Ag-NPs in natural waters, as well as to the ecotoxicity studies in real-world environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lan Wang
- Université de Paris, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France; Department of Biomedical and Inorganic Chemistry, Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE), 1 rue Gaston Boissier, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Enrica Alasonati
- Department of Biomedical and Inorganic Chemistry, Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE), 1 rue Gaston Boissier, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Mickaël Tharaud
- Université de Paris, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Gelabert
- Université de Paris, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Inorganic Chemistry, Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais (LNE), 1 rue Gaston Boissier, Paris, 75015, France
| | - Marc F Benedetti
- Université de Paris, Institut de physique du globe de Paris, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France.
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14
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Tortella GR, Rubilar O, Durán N, Diez MC, Martínez M, Parada J, Seabra AB. Silver nanoparticles: Toxicity in model organisms as an overview of its hazard for human health and the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 390:121974. [PMID: 32062374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted remarkable attention due to their powerful antimicrobial action as well as their particular physicochemical properties. This has led to their application in a wide variety of products with promising results. However, their interaction with the environment and toxicity in live terrestrial or aquatic organisms is still a matter of intense debate. More detailed knowledge is still required about the toxicity of AgNPs, their possible uptake mechanisms and their adverse effects in live organisms. Several studies have reported the interactions and potential negative effects of AgNPs in different organisms. In this review, we report and discuss the current state of the art and perspectives for the impact of AgNPs on different organisms present in the environment. Recent progress in interpreting uptake, translocation and accumulation mechanisms in different organisms and/or living animals are discussed, as well as the toxicity of AgNPs and possible tolerance mechanisms in live organisms to cope with their deleterious effects. Finally, we discuss the challenges of accurate physicochemical characterization of AgNPs and their ecotoxicity in environmentally realistic conditions such as soil and water media.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Tortella
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA-BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, 54-D, Temuco, Chile.
| | - O Rubilar
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA-BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, 54-D, Temuco, Chile; Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de La Frontera, PO Box 54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - N Durán
- NanoBioss Lab., Chemistry Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - M C Diez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA-BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, 54-D, Temuco, Chile; Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de La Frontera, PO Box 54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - M Martínez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - J Parada
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA-BIOREN, Universidad de La Frontera, 54-D, Temuco, Chile
| | - A B Seabra
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal d ABC (UFABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil.
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15
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Wimmer A, Urstoeger A, Funck NC, Adler FP, Lenz L, Doeblinger M, Schuster M. What happens to silver-based nanoparticles if they meet seawater? WATER RESEARCH 2020; 171:115399. [PMID: 31896028 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Silver based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) in the environment are of current concern as they may pose risks to human and environmental health, even at low concentration levels. It is widely known that Ag-b-NPs, once released from products containing these particles for antimicrobial reasons, can pass through wastewater treatment plants to some extent. These particles are transported via running waterways and eventually reach the sea. However, the fate of environmentally relevant ng L-1 traces of Ag-b-NPs in seawater has not yet been sufficiently studied. Analytical techniques capable of determining these ultratraces of Ag-b-NPs in seawater are scarce and struggle furthermore with the high chloride content in highly saline matrices, such as seawater. In this study, we extracted Ag-b-NPs from matrices with varying salinity via cloud point extraction (CPE) and determined concentration and size of Ag-b-NPs in extracts with single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). Applying this extraction and measurement technique, we were able to investigate the fate of Ag-b-NPs with different coatings (citrate and the predominant coatings in nature, silver sulfide and silver chloride) in matrices with increasing salinity and real seawater. All types of Ag-b-NPs were dissolved in all matrices almost independently of the chemical composition of the nanoparticles (NPs), whereas dissolution rates increased with increasing salinity due to the formation of soluble Ag(I) species and - in the presence of chloride - AgClx1-x (x > 1) complexes. After an incubation time of not more than 72 h, Ag-b-NPs were dissolved almost completely. During the dissolution process, NP shrinkage could be clearly observed by sp-ICP-MS. Supplementary electron microscopy measurements revealed that the sulfur content in silver sulfide nanoparticles (Ag2S-NPs) increased during the dissolution process. Finally, we were able to investigate the dissolution process of real Ag-b-NPs in wastewater after increasing the salinity to seawater levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wimmer
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Alexander Urstoeger
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Nils Christoph Funck
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Franziska Petra Adler
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Leonhard Lenz
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany
| | - Markus Doeblinger
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13 (E), Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Michael Schuster
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching, 85748, Germany.
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16
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Dong B, Liu G, Zhou J, Wang J, Jin R. Transformation of silver ions to silver nanoparticles mediated by humic acid under dark conditions at ambient temperature. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 383:121190. [PMID: 31541953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of silver materials in environments would impact their toxicity and risk. Previous studies have reported that silver ions (Ag+) could be reduced to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by natural organic matters (NOM) under sunlight or heating conditions. However, whether such reaction could occur in darkness at ambient temperature and the transformation mechanism were unclear. This study found that Ag+ at environmentally relevant concentrations (as low as 1 μg/L) could be reduced to AgNPs by Suwannee River humic acid (SRHA) in darkness at 30 °C. The reaction mechanism probed by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy revealed that Ag+ was first bound to the carboxylic groups of SRHA to form Ag+-SRHA ligands, which were then reduced to metallic Ag. The increase of pH (6-9) and the coexistence of formate, acetate, carbonate, and sulfate promoted the formation of AgNPs. Besides, the formed AgNPs would coalesce to large aggregates under acidic conditions or in the presence of sulfate. These results suggest that the dark transformation of Ag+ to AgNPs mediated by NOM could occur in environments and are important for the better understanding of the natural origin of AgNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Guangfei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Jiti Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Ruofei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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17
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Tan Z, Guo X, Yin Y, Wang B, Bai Q, Li X, Liu J, Jiang G. Freezing Facilitates Formation of Silver Nanoparticles under Natural and Simulated Sunlight Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:13802-13811. [PMID: 31697066 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Freezing is essential in the light-mediated transformation of organic pollutants. However, the effects of the freezing process on the reduction of Ag+ by natural organic matter (NOM) remains unclear, causing significant uncertainties in the natural formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study investigated the sunlight-induced reduction of Ag+ by NOM under natural or controlled freezing processes. Natural (outdoor) freezing experiments demonstrated intense aggregation and precipitation of AgNPs in three aqueous media, including a NOM solution and two river water samples, under natural sunlight irradiation. Indoor experiments under simulated sunlight irradiation and controlled freezing processes showed that freezing at -20 °C and repeated freeze-thaw cycles (-20 to 4 °C) drastically accelerated the formation and growth of AgNPs compared to maintenance at 4 °C. Finally, under the natural freezing process, commercial AgNPs were found to influence the redox reduction of Ag+ probably through a reduction in dissolution rates and homoaggregation with AgNPs newly formed in the river water samples. Additionally, the enhancement effect of freezing on AgNP formation was confirmed in the presence of Ag+ and AgNPs both at environmentally relevant concentration levels, especially upon light irradiation. This work emphasizes the importance of freezing processes on the natural formation of AgNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
| | - Xiaoru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Bowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- School of Environmental Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , Liaoning 110036 , China
| | - Qingsheng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Xia Li
- School of Environmental Sciences , Liaoning University , Shenyang , Liaoning 110036 , China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology , Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
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18
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Cervantes-Avilés P, Huang Y, Keller AA. Multi-technique approach to study the stability of silver nanoparticles at predicted environmental concentrations in wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 166:115072. [PMID: 31525511 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.115072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) in aqueous media influences the kinetics of ion release; hence, the transformation and stability of nano-Ag are also influenced. The stability, dissolution and further transformation of nano-Ag in aqueous media at predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) ≤ μg/L may differ from that reported at higher concentrations. Analytical techniques characterizing nanoparticles (NPs) at μg/L have advantages and limitations, including an inherent bias based on theoretical and analytical considerations, as well as the matrix effects. In this work, we applied nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), single particle ICP-MS (sp-ICP-MS), and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) analysis to study the stability and dissolution of nano-Ag with different nominal sizes (20, 40, 80 and 100 nm) at PECs in synthetic wastewater (SWW). The influence of the main wastewater constituents, such as organic matter, Cl-, S2-, PO43- and NH4+, on the stability and dissolution of nano-Ag (40 nm) at PECs was also determined. Diagrams of the predominant species of silver exposed to major ligands were generated using MINTEQ. After 5 h in SWW, 20 nm nano-Ag dissolved 19.27% and 40 nm nano-Ag dissolved 14.8%. Aggregates of Ag particles were clearly noted for 80 and 100 nm nano-Ag after 5 h of exposure to SWW. Aggregates size also ranged very similar for both techniques, NTA and sp-ICP-MS, 29-211 nm and 38-241 for NTA and 48-210 and 50-220 nm, for sp-ICP-MS, respectively. Monodispersed size distribution (22-85 nm) and low dissolution (up to 5.1%) of nano-Ag at PECs were observed in presence of organic matter (5-800 μg/L) and PO43- (9.5-47.5 mg/L), while precipitation and higher dissolution (up to 74.9%) were observed in media containing either Cl- (0.07-10.64 g/L), S2- (0.32-32.1 mg/L) or NH4+ (36-90 mg/L), respectively. Speciation diagrams predict the formation of Ag2S(s) and AgCl(s), and soluble species such as AgClx(x-1)-, AgNH3+ and Ag(NH3)2+ when Ag+ at PECs in wastewater. The NTA and sp-ICP-MS were suitable techniques for sizing nano-Ag in wastewater at PECs at experimented nominal sizes. sp-ICP-MS was also useful to quantify the coexistence of Ag+ and nano-Ag. The LSPR analysis served to determine the relative persistence of original nano-Ag at PECs in the wastewater during the first 5 h after spiking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabel Cervantes-Avilés
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Yuxiong Huang
- UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; Shenzhen Environmental Science and New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, 518055, PR China
| | - Arturo A Keller
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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19
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Wimmer A, Beyerl J, Schuster M. Copper Drinking Water Pipes as a Previously Undocumented Source of Silver-Based Nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:13293-13301. [PMID: 31593441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater streams are widely known to release silver-based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) into the environment with a plethora of unknown consequences. Until recently, studies have commonly associated Ag-b-NP sources with products that contain these NPs for antimicrobial reasons, such as fabrics, cosmetics, and medical products. However, our study reveals that there is a thus far completely undocumented source of Ag-b-NPs: copper drinking water pipes. We applied cloud point extraction hyphenated to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry or single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to analyze the concentration and perform size-selective quantification of Ag-b-NPs in tap water passing through copper pipes. Up to 83 ng of total silver and 25 ng of Ag-b-NPs were present in tap water samples per liter, which resulted in an NP proportion of approximately 30% of total silver. In total, 96% of the measurable particle sizes ranged from 10 to 36 nm. Additionally, 53 μg of copper was released per liter tap water on average. The measurements included tap water from different sampling days and from four different buildings with varying ages, whereas Ag-b-NPs could be detected in the tap water of two buildings. Silver traces in the copper pipe material of 27.5 ± 4.4 μg g-1 were found to be responsible for the release of nanoparticulate silver into the tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wimmer
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Munich , Garching 85748 , Germany
| | - Jessica Beyerl
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Munich , Garching 85748 , Germany
| | - Michael Schuster
- Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Technical University of Munich , Garching 85748 , Germany
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20
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Torrent L, Laborda F, Marguí E, Hidalgo M, Iglesias M. Combination of cloud point extraction with single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to characterize silver nanoparticles in soil leachates. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:5317-5329. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01914-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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21
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Hu G, Cao J. Metal-containing nanoparticles derived from concealed metal deposits: An important source of toxic nanoparticles in aquatic environments. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 224:726-733. [PMID: 30851524 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential environmental risks of engineered nanoparticles in aquatic environment have attracted considerable attention, but naturally produced nanoparticles have relatively been ignored, such as ore-related nanoparticles. To obtain more information about the natural ore-related nanoparticles, deep groundwater and well water samples were respectively collected in or around four major metal deposits in Inner Mongolia, China. These water samples were tested with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and abundant metal-containing nanoparticles were found. Major ore-forming elements of corresponding metal deposits, such as Fe, Pb, Zn and Cu, and even associated elements, such as As, Sb, Sn and Cr, significantly contributed to the chemical compositions of these detected nanoparticles. Through comparison analyses, these metal-containing nanoparticles were shown to be originally from deep concealed metal deposits. They were the products of faulting and oxidation of ore minerals, and were transported long distances by water flow. Notably, these ore-related nanoparticles happened to have similar components with those nanoparticles of high environmental risks. Coupled with the analytical results of Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), it is recommended that the concentration limits of metal-containing nanoparticles should be considered in the safety assessment of drinking water. This is the first time, so far as we know, that naturally produced ore-related nanoparticles in the aquatic environment were listed as a kind of material with environmental risks. Considering the wide distribution of concealed metal deposits, more attention on related studies was urgently required for establishing specialized risk assessment and monitoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guai Hu
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resource Exploration, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Jianjin Cao
- School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resource Exploration, School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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22
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Cervantes-Avilés P, Huang Y, Keller AA. Incidence and persistence of silver nanoparticles throughout the wastewater treatment process. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 156:188-198. [PMID: 30913422 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
While the predicted or observed concentrations of Ag NPs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have ranged from μg/L to ng/L, there is still uncertainty with regards to the realistic concentration range of Ag NPs in WWTPs. In addition, the persistence, removal, and size of Ag NPs throughout WWTP process is also not well investigated, particularly in real operating conditions. In this study, the incidence and persistence of Ag NPs in the wastewater process were studied by using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). The incidence of Ag NPs was determined in samples collected at the influent and effluent of the conventional process, as well as reclaimed and backwash waters of the ultrafiltration (UF) system in a WWTP (Santa Barbara, CA), showing a concentration of 13.5, 3.2, 0.5 and 9.8 ng/L, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) < 5%. Total Ag concentration (Ag NP and Ag+) ranged from 40 to 70 ng/L, in line with lower predicted values. Most of the Ag NPs detected were below 100 nm, with a few above 100 nm in the conventional effluent. Biological and physical processes in the secondary treatment removed 76.3% of the colloidal Ag fraction, while with the tertiary treatment (UF) the WWTP achieved a removal of 96.3% of the colloidal fraction. Persistence of Ag NPs in various water matrixes, including a synthetic wastewater (SWW), was determined by spiking 300 ng/L of Ag NPs (40 nm) and monitoring the concentrations and size change for 15 days. The persistence of Ag NPs in suspension was Influent > Effluent > Reclaimed > SWW. Partial dissolution of NPs in all waters was observed from time 0 h. Although the current concentrations in the outlet flows from WWTP (effluent and reclaimed waters) were low, the presence of small and stable Ag NPs may raise ecotoxicological concerns via bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pabel Cervantes-Avilés
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Yuxiong Huang
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Shenzhen Environmental Science and New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Arturo A Keller
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA; Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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23
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Wimmer A, Ritsema R, Schuster M, Krystek P. Sampling and pre-treatment effects on the quantification of (nano)silver and selected trace elements in surface water - Application in a Dutch case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 663:154-161. [PMID: 30711581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Detection and quantification of trace elements in aqueous samples is crucial in terms of environmental monitoring and risk assessment for (heavy) metals in the environment. Silver (Ag) in its nanoparticulate form is commonly used as antimicrobial additive in consumer products and pharmaceuticals. Since released dissolved Ag species act as the actual antimicrobial agent, Ag nanomaterials are supposed to pose risks to the environment by a release of dissolved species. Unfortunately, no standard protocols exist yet to gain reliable information about the presence and distribution of nanomaterials in the environment. Therefore, we present an interlaboratory collaboration involving three laboratories to quantify silver, silver based nanoparticles (Ag-b-NPs) and a wide range of relevant trace elements after different sample pre-treatments for profiling surface water of a Dutch channel. Besides quantification of the elements, different sample pretreatments like acidification, with or without filtration, and their effect on the measurable elemental content were studied. Total Ag and Ag-b-NPs were quantified at lower ng L-1 range in the channel water whereas reasonable differences depending on the pre-treatment were identified; Ba, As, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were detected at μg L-1 range and Na, K, Mg, Ca and Fe at mg L-1 range. Significant sample pre-treatment effects were observed for the elements Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, which is very likely due to the existence of particulate species. Measured concentrations were well comparable among the three laboratories underpinning method validity and correctness allowing for a comprehensive, reliable risk assessment for nanomaterials in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wimmer
- Technical University of Munich, Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Rob Ritsema
- Stichting Waterproef, Section Chemistry, Dijkgraaf Poschlaan 6, Edam 1135 GP, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Schuster
- Technical University of Munich, Division of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lichtenbergstraße 4, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Petra Krystek
- TNO, Department Environmental Modelling, Sensing and Analysis (EMSA), Princetonlaan 6, Utrecht 3584 CB, the Netherlands; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department Environment and Health, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
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24
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Sharma VK, Sayes CM, Guo B, Pillai S, Parsons JG, Wang C, Yan B, Ma X. Interactions between silver nanoparticles and other metal nanoparticles under environmentally relevant conditions: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1042-1051. [PMID: 30759545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Global production of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) continues to increase due to the demand of enabling properties in consumer products and industrial applications. Release of individual or aggregates of ENPs have been shown to interact with one another subsequently resulting in adverse biological effects. This review focuses on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are currently used in numerous applications, including but not limited to antibacterial action. Consequently, the release of AgNPs into the aquatic environment, the dissociation into ions, the binding to organic matter, reactions with other metal-based materials, and disruption of normal biological and ecological processes at the cellular level are all potential negative effects of AgNPs usage. The potential sources of AgNPs includes leaching of intact particles from consumer products, disposal of waste from industrial processes, intentional release into contaminated waters, and the natural formation of AgNPs in surface and ground water. Formation of natural AgNPs is greatly influenced by different chemical parameters including: pH, oxygen levels, and the presence of organic matter, which results in AgNPs that are stable for several months. Both engineered and natural AgNPs can interact with metal and metal oxide particles/nanoparticles. However, information on the chemical and toxicological interactions between AgNPs and other nanoparticles is limited. We have presented current knowledge on the interactions of AgNPs with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The interaction between AgNPs and AuNPs result in stable bimetallic Ag-Au alloy NPs. Whereas the interaction of AgNPs with TiO2 NPs under dark and light conditions results in the release of Ag+ ions, which may be subsequently converted back into AgNPs and adsorb on TiO2 NPs. The potential chemical mechanisms and toxic effects of AgNPs with AuNPs and TiO2 NPs are discussed within this review and show that further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender K Sharma
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 212 Adriance Lab Road, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Christie M Sayes
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, One Bear Place # 97266, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Binglin Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 212 Adriance Lab Road, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Suresh Pillai
- National Center for Electron Beam Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jason G Parsons
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Chuanyi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, PR China
| | - Bing Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xingmao Ma
- Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, 201 Dwight Look Engineering Building, College Station, TX 77843-3136, USA
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