We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effect of the Surface Hydrophobicity–Morphology–Functionality of Nanoplastics on Their Homoaggregation in Seawater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that nanoplastic surface hydrophobicity, morphology, and functional chemistry strongly govern homoaggregation behavior in aquatic environments, with more hydrophobic and functionalized particles forming larger, faster-settling aggregates that alter their environmental fate and bioavailability.
The way nanoplastics aggregate in the environment is one of the key properties that control their final fate and impact on the environment. In the present work, to better predict their transportation pathways, nanoplastic homoaggregation was studied in saltwater to predict the behavior in seawater. We designed nanoplastic models that are free of additives with a chemical control of the surface to model surface weathering. The samples present a wide distribution of relevant surface properties such as functionality (ionizable carboxylic group, 0.10 to 1.7 mmol g–1), hydrophobicity (surface energy, 2.20 to 37.5 mJ m–2), surface morphology (smooth or “raspberry-textured),” zeta potential (−31 to −21 mV), and anisotropy in shape. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) measurements demonstrate that spherical nanoparticles are more stable in seawater (CCC > 600 mmol L–1) than anisotropic nanoplastics (CCC ∼ 100 mmol L–1). The results highlight the importance of considering the surface properties and shape when assessing the behavior of nanoplastics in the environment.
More Papers Like This
Mechanistic investigation of homo- and heteroaggregation of micro- and nanoparticles in aquatic systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated the aggregation behavior of micro- and nanoparticles including microplastics in aquatic systems, developing mechanistic models to understand how water chemistry and particle properties determine whether plastic particles clump together or remain dispersed — affecting their environmental fate and toxicity.
Recent Advances in the Aggregation Behavior of Nanoplastics in Aquatic Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recent advances in understanding nanoplastic aggregation behavior in aquatic systems, focusing on how polymer surface modification and the use of novel surfactants can be designed to promote aggregation of nanoplastics from the environment. The review distinguishes this approach from conventional surfactant use aimed at dispersing insoluble compounds.
Heteroaggregation of nanoplastic particles in the presence of inorganic colloids and natural organic matter
AI summary Read the abstract
Nanoplastics were found to heteroaggregate extensively with inorganic colloids and natural organic matter in both freshwater and marine conditions, altering their size, surface charge, and settling behavior compared to pristine particles. The study demonstrates that nanoplastic behavior in natural waters is dominated by interactions with other environmental constituents rather than the intrinsic properties of the plastic alone.
Interaction, Adhesion and Aggregation of Microplastic/Nanoplastic Particles: Effects of Plastic Polymer Type
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how polymer type, particle size, shape, pH, ionic strength, and salt composition influence the interaction, adhesion, and aggregation behavior of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic and soil environments. The paper synthesizes findings on homoaggregation and heteroaggregation with natural and engineered nanoparticles, highlighting how aggregation affects particle transport and environmental fate.
Sediment organic carbon dominates the heteroaggregation of suspended sediment and nanoplastics in natural and surfactant-polluted aquatic environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that sediment organic carbon plays a dominant role in the heteroaggregation of nanoplastics with suspended sediment particles, with surfactant pollution altering aggregation dynamics and influencing the environmental 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.