We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Destabilization of photochemical weathered nanoplastics by natural organic matter in monovalent electrolyte solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how photochemical weathering of nanoplastics alters the adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM) and subsequent colloidal stability in monovalent electrolyte solutions, comparing pristine and photoaged polystyrene nanoplastics exposed to Suwannee River NOM. They found that photoaging modified the eco-corona structure formed by NOM adsorption, destabilizing nanoplastic aggregation behavior in aquatic environments.
Photochemical weathering and eco-corona formation through natural organic matter (NOM) adsorption play vital roles in the aggregation tendencies and colloidal stability of nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic environments. However, it remains unclear how photochemical weathering alters the adsorption patterns of NOM and the structure of the eco-corona, subsequently affecting the colloidal stability of NPs. The adsorption/interaction of Suwannee River NOM (2 mg C/L) on pristine and photoaged NPs (10 mg/L; exposed to mercury lamp irradiation for 0, 2, 4, and 8 days) was evaluated by determining the reduction of UV280 of NOM and changes in the hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of NPs in 10 mM and 100 mM NaCl. The effect of NOM (1-10 mg C/L) adsorption on the aggregation kinetics of pristine and photoaged polystyrene (PS) NPs was examined in monovalent electrolyte solutions (100-1000 mM NaCl). Monovalent salts commonly found in natural waters are suitable for determining the interaction between NPs and NOM without the interference of multivalent ions. The results elucidated that photochemical weathering might affect the structure of the eco-corona, which, in turn, determined NP stability in the presence of NOM. Hydrophobic components of NOM predominantly bound to pristine NPs through hydrophobic and π-π interactions, and extended hydrophilic segments of NOM in water hindered NP aggregation via steric repulsion. Conversely, hydrogen bonding facilitated the binding of these hydrophilic segments to more than one photoaged NP, thereby destabilizing them through polymer bridging. Additionally, the stabilization or destabilization capacity of NOM depended on its molecular weight, with higher molecular weight leading to stronger steric repulsion or polymer bridging. These findings have shed light on the destabilizing role of NOM in monovalent electrolyte solutions, offering new perspectives on environmental colloidal chemistry and the fate of NPs in complex aquatic environments. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/555697/document
More Papers Like This
Destabilization of photochemical weathered nanoplastics by natural organic matter in monovalent electrolyte solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how photochemical weathering alters natural organic matter (NOM) adsorption patterns on nanoplastics, finding that photoaging modified the eco-corona structure and affected colloidal stability of nanoplastics exposed to Suwannee River NOM in monovalent electrolyte solutions.
Natural Organic Matter Stabilizes Pristine Nanoplastics but Destabilizes Photochemical Weathered Nanoplastics in Monovalent Electrolyte Solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how sunlight weathering and natural organic matter coatings change the behavior of nanoplastics in water. Researchers found that organic matter stabilizes fresh nanoplastics but actually destabilizes sun-weathered ones, meaning aged nanoplastics in natural waters may clump together and settle differently than expected, affecting where they end up in aquatic environments.
Combined effects of photoaging and natural organic matter on the colloidal stability of nanoplastics in aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that photoaging of polystyrene nanoplastics alters how natural organic matter interacts with their surfaces — reducing humic acid adsorption while increasing protein adsorption — with downstream effects on the nanoplastics' stability and transport in aquatic environments.
Dissolved Organic Matter Enhanced the Aggregation and Oxidation of Nanoplastics under Simulated Sunlight Irradiation in Water
AI summary Read the abstract
Dissolved organic matter was found to enhance both the aggregation and photooxidation of nanoplastics under simulated sunlight in water, with humic substances promoting particle clustering and accelerating surface oxidation. The results indicate that organic matter content in natural waters strongly influences nanoplastic fate and transformation.
Photoaging-induced variations in heteroaggregation of nanoplastics and suspended sediments in aquatic environments: A case study on nanopolystyrene
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how photoaging affects the aggregation behavior of polystyrene nanoplastics with suspended sediments in water. They found that 30 days of photoaging retarded aggregation in sodium chloride solutions due to steric hindrance from leached organic matter, but promoted aggregation in calcium chloride solutions through calcium bridging of newly formed oxygen-containing surface groups. The study provides mechanistic insights into how environmental weathering changes the transport and fate of nanoplastics in aquatic systems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.