Influence of dissolved organic matter on the environmental fate of metals, nanoparticles, and colloids

Evaluating the transport of Hg(II) in the presence of natural organic matter through a diffusive gradient in a thin-film passive sampler

The effects of a model natural organic matter (NOM) on the transport of Hg(II) into diffusive gradient in thin-film devices (DGTs) was evaluated in order to better understand their ability to measure colloidal Hg species in porewater. The presence of NOM significantly reduced the diffusivity of the Hg(II) species and the reduction was dependent upon NOM to Hg(II) ratio. This relationship was modeled by determining the Hg(II) partition coefficients (K_d) of size fractionated NOM obtained by ultrafiltration and estimating the Hg diffusivity through the DGT for the different NOM size fractions across a range of Hg-NOM ratios. The estimated diffusivities were consistent with experimental observations of uptake into the DGT. Overall, this study indicated that Hg(II) associated with NOM passes into a DGT, however the transport is slowed in accordance with the diffusivity of the NOM to which the Hg(II) is associated. Thus, the Hg-NOM association and complex diffusivities need to be considered when relating DGT uptake to Hg porewater concentration. The results also suggest that Hg(II) associated with colloidal or larger particles of negligible diffusivity are unlikely to contribute significantly to DGT measurements.

Deciphering Dissolved Organic Matter: Ionization, Dopant, and Fragmentation Insights via Fourier Transform-Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has been increasingly employed to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) across a range of aquatic environments highlighting the role of DOM in global carbon cycling. DOM analysis commonly utilizes electrospray ionization (ESI), while some have implemented other techniques, including dopant-assisted atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI). We compared various extracted DOM compositions analyzed by negative ESI and positive APPI doped with both toluene and tetrahydrofuran (THF), including a fragmentation study of THF-doped riverine DOM using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD). DOM compositions followed the same trends in ESI and dopant-assisted APPI with the latter presenting saturated, less oxygenated, and more N-containing compounds than ESI. Between the APPI dopants, THF-doping yielded spectra with more aliphatic-like and N-containing compounds than toluene-doping. We further demonstrate how fragmentation of THF-doped DOM in APPI resolved subtle differences between riverine DOM that was absent from ESI. In both ionization methods, we describe a linear relationship between atomic and formulaic N-compositions from a range of DOM extracts. This study highlights that THF-doped APPI is useful for uncovering low-intensity aliphatic and peptide-like components in autochthonous DOM, which could aid environmental assessments of DOM across biolability gradients.

Adsorption and molecular weight fractionation of dissolved organic matters with different origins on colloidal surface

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) adsorption on colloid surface occurred ubiquitously in aquatic ecosystems, while variations in molecular weight (MW) distribution during adsorption remained poorly understood. In this study, the adsorption and MW fractionation of aquatic DOMs with different origins (e.g., macrophyte- and algae-derived, MDOM and ADOM, respectively) on colloid surface were examined using total organic carbon, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and flow field flow fractionation (FlFFF) analysis. Both the total organic carbon and spectroscopic results showed the predominant adsorption of DOMs within the first 45 min, which behaved not synchronously with MW fractionation. Quantitative FlFFF analysis further indicated that the organic ligands with different MWs exhibited different adsorption affinities on colloid surface. It was found that 5-15 kDa and 50 kDã0.45 μm were preferential adsorption fraction for humic- and protein-like MDOM, respectively, while 0.3-2 kDa and 0.3-50 kDa were preferential adsorption fraction for humic- and protein-like ADOM, respectively. Therefore, the MW fractionation of DOMs upon adsorption was highly dependent on DOM origins as well as specific components. Results obtained herein can enlarge our insights into adsorption and the resultant behavior and fate of DOMs that were highly related with the MW fractionation in aquatic environments.

Direct Measurements of the Forces between Silver and Mica in Humic Substance-Rich Solutions

Deposition of engineered nanoparticles onto porous media from flowing suspensions is important for soil and groundwater quality. The deposition mechanism is controlled by interaction forces between particles and collectors. We investigated the origin and magnitude of opposing forces between silver and mica surfaces (representing nanosilver and sand grains) in solutions relevant to agricultural soils with direct measurements using a surface force apparatus. Solutions of variable NaNO₃, Ca(NO₃)₂, and humic acid (HA) concentrations were used to differentiate individual contributing forces and quantify surface properties. The measured Hamaker constant for silver-water-mica was consistent with Lifshitz theory. Our results indicate that HA forms an adsorbed surface layer, but its charge, thicknesses, compressibility, and mass are significantly larger on mica than silver. Ca²⁺ primarily reduced the differences between the initially adsorbed HA layer properties on each surface, making them more similar. Force-distance profiles indicate that, when silver-mica systems were exposed to HA, osmotic-steric, electrostatic, and van der Waals forces dominate. Soft particle theory was deemed inappropriate for this system. Derjaguin's approximation was utilized to translate force measurements into interaction energy between nanosilver particles and mica collectors. We propose attachment efficiency estimates from measured surface properties, which suggest high particle mobility when nanosilver is applied to HA-rich agricultural soils with modest ionic strength.

Can the properties of engineered nanoparticles be indicative of their functions and effects in plants?

The extensive applicability of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in various fields such as environment, agriculture, medicine or biotechnology has mostly been attributed to their better physicochemical properties as compared with conventional bulk materials. However, functions and biological effects of ENPs change across different scenarios which impede the progress in their risk assessment and safety management. This review thus intends to figure out whether properties of ENPs can be indicators of their behavior through summarizing and analyzing the available literature and knowledge. The studies have indicated that size, shape, solubility, specific surface area, surface charge and surface reactivity constitute a more accurate measure of ENPs functions and toxic effects in addition to mass concentration. Effects of ENPs are also highly dependent on dose metrics, species and strains of organisms, environmental conditions, exposure route and duration. Searching correlations between properties and functions or biological effects may serve as an effective way in understanding positive and negative impacts of ENPs. This will ensure safe design and sustainable future use of ENPs.

Ecological risks of heavy metals as influenced by water-level fluctuations in a polluted plateau wetland, southwest China

The Caohai wetland, one of karst plateau wetlands in southwest China, is given more attention due to the serious heavy metal (HM) pollution from artisanal zinc smelting activities. A natural hydrological change has caused this wetland to form a water-level fluctuating zone. This raises a question of whether such an area has elevated HM risks to the aquatic environment, and it was explored by a field investigation and biological exposure experiment. The results showed that Caohai sediment properties were significantly altered by water-level fluctuation, and the permanently inundated sediment had obviously higher organic matter (SOM) concentrations (32.62 ± 9.37%), humification levels (ratio of C to H, 6.81 ± 0.97), and Fe oxide fractions (12.29 ± 3.17%) than seasonally inundated sediment (4.94 ± 2.25%, 1.33 ± 0.75, and 8.72 ± 1.87%, respectively). These significantly enhanced the competition and retention, resulting in the increased accumulation, whereas reduced bioavailability of HMs. In comparison, the mean bioaccumulation capacity of Zn, Pb and Cd by wild benthos at the seasonally inundated area respectively increased by 2, 11 and 20 times higher than that at the permanently inundated area, which was further verified in the biological incubation experiment. Our results suggest that hydraulic fluctuation can greatly shape the sediment properties to increase the ecological risks of HMs to organisms.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Structures, Dynamics, and Aggregation of Dissolved Organic Matter

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a significant role in the transport and transformation of pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, the experimental characterization of DOM has been limited mainly to bulk properties, and the molecular-level interactions among various components of DOM remain to be fully characterized. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe the structural properties of model DOM systems at atomic detail. The 200 ns simulations, validated by available experimental data, reveal processes and mechanisms by which chemical species (cations, peptides, lipids, lignin, carbohydrates, and some low-molecular-weight aliphatic and aromatic compounds) aggregate to form complex DOM. The DOM aggregates are dynamic, consisting of a hydrophobic core and amphiphilic exterior. The lipid tails and other hydrophobic fragments form the core, with hydrophilic and amphiphilic groups exposed to water, making DOM accessible to both polar and nonpolar species. Thus, the lipid component acts as a nucleator, whereas cations (especially Ca²⁺) connect the molecular fragments on the surface by coordinating with the O-containing functional groups of DOM. The structural details revealed here provide new insights including surface accessible atoms, overall assemblage, and interactions among the molecules of DOM for understanding the kinetics and mechanisms through which DOM interacts with metal and other contaminants.

Characterization of dissolved organic matter in the rhizosphere of phytostabilizer Athyrium wardii (Hook.) involved in enhanced metal accumulation when exposed to Cd and Pb co-contamination

The characterization of DOM and its effect on heavy metal solubility in soils have been widely concerned, while few concerns on the phytostabilization of multi-metal contaminated soils. A pot experiment was performed to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the rhizosphere of the mining ecotype (ME) and non-mining ecotype (NME) of Athyrium wardii (Hook.) when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously, and investigate its effect on Cd and Pb solubility in soils. The ME presented more DOM in the rhizosphere when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously than that exposed to single Cd or Pb, and also than the NME. The acid fractions (hydrophilic acid, hydrophobic acid) and hydrophilic fractions (hydrophilic acid, hydrophilic neutral, and hydrophilic base) were the dominant parts of DOM in the ME rhizosphere. The ME presented more acid and hydrophilic fractions in the rhizosphere when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously. Meanwhile, there were more O-H, C-O, N-H and C-H, assigned to carboxylic groups, phenolic groups, hydroxyl groups, and/or amino groups, present in DOM from the rhizosphere of ME when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously. These results highlighted the acid characteristics of DOM in the rhizosphere of ME when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously. DOM in the rhizosphere of ME thereby showed greater complexation degree for Cd (68%) and Pb (77%), thus showing greater ability to enhance Cd and Pb solubility in soils when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously. This is thereby considered to be one of the key processes for enhancing Cd and Pb uptake by the ME when exposed to Cd and Pb simultaneously.

Reduction of Pesticide Toxicity Under Field-Relevant Conditions? The Interaction of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Ultraviolet, and Natural Organic Matter

In surface waters, the illumination of photoactive engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with ultraviolet (UV) light triggers the formation of reactive intermediates, consequently altering the ecotoxicological potential of co-occurring organic micropollutants including pesticides due to catalytic degradation. Simultaneously, omnipresent natural organic matter (NOM) adsorbs onto ENM surfaces, altering the ENM surface properties. Also, NOM absorbs light, reducing the photo(cata)lytic transformation of pesticides. Interactions between these environmental factors impact 1) directly the ecotoxicity of photoactive ENMs, and 2) indirectly the degradation of pesticides. We assessed the impact of field-relevant UV radiation (up to 2.6 W UVA/m²), NOM (4 mg TOC/L), and photoactive ENM (nTiO₂, 50 µg/L) on the acute toxicity of 6 pesticides in Daphnia magna. We selected azoxystrobin, dimethoate, malathion, parathion, permethrin, and pirimicarb because of their varying photo- and hydrolytic stabilities. Increasing UVA alone partially reduced pesticide toxicity, seemingly due to enhanced degradation. Even at 50 µg/L, nano-sized titanium dioxide (nTiO₂) reduced but also increased pesticide toxicity (depending on the applied pesticide), which is attributable to 1) more efficient degradation and potentially 2) photocatalytically induced formation of toxic by-products. Natural organic matter 1) partially reduced pesticide toxicity, not evidently accompanied by enhanced pesticide degradation, but also 2) inhibited pesticide degradation, effectively increasing the pesticide toxicity. Predicting the ecotoxicological potential of pesticides based on their interaction with UV light or interaction with NOM was hardly possible, which was even more difficult in the presence of nTiO₂. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2237-2246. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Performance of BAC for DBPs precursors' removal for one year with micro-polluted lake water in East-China

Effectiveness of biological activated carbon (BAC) filter in removing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) precursors of micro-polluted lake water for one year was conducted. The formation potential (FP) of DBPs (trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs) and Nitrosamines (NAs)), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), molecular weight (MW) distribution and excitation emission matrix fluorescence (EEM) of dissolved organic material (DOM) in the influent and effluent of BAC were determined. The results indicated that the removal efficiency (RE) of DOC ranged from 42.9-28.3%. Neither virgin GAC nor long-term operated BAC could efficiently dispose of THMs and HAAs precursors (RE from 35.2-18.8%, from 42 to 8.4%, respectively), however, BAC still showed good ability in removal of NAs precursors after a year operation, of which RE just dropped from 81.7-69.6%. There was strong correlation between RE of NAs precursors and DOC with small MW (<0.5 kDa). The removal of HAAs precursors showed relatively close relation to aromatic protein-like components and soluble microbial pollutants (SMPs). Weak direct relationship was found between the water quality parameters and THMs precursors.

A significant correlation between kinetics of nitrobenzene reduction by sulfide and electron transfer capacity of mediating dissolved humic substances

Dissolved humic substances (DHS) are ubiquitous in surface and subsurface aquatic environments and greatly affect the redox transformation of organic contaminants as reactants and/or electron transfer mediators. However, little is known about the quantitative relationship between the mediation efficiency of DHS and the physicochemical properties of DHS. Using sulfide-induced nitrobenzene reduction as a model system, we measured the reduction rate of nitrobenzene in the presence of 12 different DHS (20 mgC·L^-1), including 4 commercial humic substances (Suwannee River humic and fulvic acids and Pahokee Peat humic and fulvic acids) and 8 soil humic substances collected as leachates from a wide variety of soils. In addition to the UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra, the electron donating/accepting capacities (EDC/EAC) of the tested DHS were measured using an electrochemical approach. A significant linear correlation (r = 0.99, P < .0001) was observed between the observed pseudo-first-order rate constant (k_obs) of nitrobenzene reduction and the sum of EDC and EAC which is defined as electron transfer capacity (ETC) of DHS. A relatively good positive correlation (r = 0.69, P < .2) was shown between the k_obs and the specific UV-absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA₂₅₄), whereas no good correlation was shown between the k_obs and the fluorescence of the C1-C4 components identified by the excitation emission matrices and parallel factor (EEM-PARAFAC) analysis. This study provides a new framework for accurate prediction of the capability of DHS in mediating the redox transformation of organic contaminants. CAPSULE: A significant linear correlation exists between the kinetics of nitrobenzene reduction by sulfide and electron transfer capacity of mediating dissolved humic substances.

Membrane poration, wrinkling, and compression: deformations of lipid vesicles induced by amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles

Building upon our previous studies on interactions of amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles with glass-supported lipid bilayers, we study here how these Janus nanoparticles perturb the structural integrity and induce shape instabilities of membranes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). We show that 100 nm amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles disrupt GUV membranes at a threshold particle concentration similar to that in supported lipid bilayers, but cause drastically different membrane deformations, including membrane wrinkling, protrusion, poration, and even collapse of entire vesicles. By combining experiments with molecular simulations, we reveal how Janus nanoparticles alter local membrane curvature and collectively compress the membrane to induce shape transformation of vesicles. Our study demonstrates that amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles disrupt vesicle membranes differently and more effectively than uniform amphiphilic particles.

Dissolved organic matter released from rice straw and straw biochar: Contrasting molecular composition and lead binding behaviors

It remains debatable whether carbonized straw reapplying is a better solution than direct straw reapplying. Comparison of the characteristics and complexation behaviors of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from straw (ST) and biochar (BC) may offer new insights, but little current information exists. Herein, DOM samples were characterized by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS), revealing that the molecular weight and condensed aromatic components of BCDOM (457.70 Da and 71.16%, respectively) were higher than those of STDOM (433.48 Da and 3.13%, respectively). In particular, the N-containing compounds of BCDOM was more aromatic than STDOM. By combining spectroscopic techniques, complexation modeling, and chemometric analysis, BCDOM was shown to exhibit higher binding parameters (log K_M) and more binding sites for Pb than STDOM. Noteworthily, the two binding sites, aromatic NO and aromatic NO₂, existed only in the interaction of BCDOM with Pb. Furthermore, while phenol-OH displayed the fastest response to Pb in both STDOM and BCDOM, the binding sequences were not exactly the same. These differences may be related to the variations in the aromaticity and N-containing structures of DOM detected by FTICR-MS. These findings have implications on the stewardship of straw- and biochar-amended soil.

Sulfur Species, Bonding Environment, and Metal Mobilization in Mining-Impacted Lake Sediments: Column Experiments Replicating Seasonal Anoxia and Deposition of Algal Detritus

The oxidation state of sulfur [S] is a primary control on mobility of metals in sediments impacted by legacy mining practices. Coeur d’Alene Lake of northern Idaho, USA, has been impacted by upstream legacy mining practices that deposited an estimated 75 Mt of metal(loid)- and S-rich sediments into the lake. Future lake conditions are expected to include algal blooms, which may alter S and metal remobilization during the seasonal euxinic environment. Cores of the lake sediments were exposed to anoxic and anoxic + algal detritus conditions for eight weeks at 4.5 °C through introduction of a N2 atmosphere and addition of algal detritus. At a location 2.5 cm below the sediment-water interface, anoxic conditions promoted a shift in S species to continually larger concentrations of reduced species and an associated shift in the bonding environment reflective of increased S–metal bonds. Anoxic + algal detritus conditions suppressed the increasing trend of reduced S species and induced greater release of Mn compared to the anoxic-only conditions but did not appear to enhance the release of As, Cd, or Fe. The addition of algal detritus to the sediment-water interface of these Fe- and S-rich sediments enhanced mobilization of Mn likely because of dissimilatory metal reduction where the anaerobic oxidation of the algal detritus stimulated Mn reduction. Results of the study indicate that future metal release from the lake sediments will be altered with the likely deposition of algal detritus, but the effect may not enhance the release of acutely toxic metals, such as As or Cd, or substantially impact Fe cycling in the sediments.

Well-defined poly(ethylene glycol) polymers as non-conventional reactive tracers of colloidal transport in porous media

HYPOTHESIS

A prominent fraction of mobile organic matter in natural aqueous soil solutions is formed by molecules in sizes that seamlessly exceed the lower end of what is defined as a colloid. The hydrodynamics and the functional diversity of these molecules result in a transport behavior that is fundamentally different from smaller compounds. However, there is a lack of "reactive tracers" that allow for the study of colloidal transport phenomena appropriately. We hypothesize that tailor-made and well-defined synthetic polymers can overcome this limitation.

EXPERIMENTS

We prepared and characterized the hydrodynamic properties of water-soluble poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEG) and studied their adsorption to mixtures of quartz, illite, and goethite in batch and column experiments.

FINDINGS

We used this information to independently predict the transport of PEG with striking agreement to the observed mean breakthrough times in all porous media. As PEG transport can be comprehensively and quantitatively reconstructed, we conclude that functionalized PEGs are promising candidates to be used as tailorable and non-toxic tracers available in the size range of natural organic (macro-)molecules.

Tracking photodegradation products and bond-cleavage reaction pathways of triclosan using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and stable carbon isotope analysis

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound ubiquitously found in surface waters throughout the world. Although several studies have focused on the photochemical degradation of TCS, there is still limited knowledge about its environmental fate. In this study, we got molecular-level insights into the photochemical degradation of TCS. Significant stable carbon isotope fractionation was observed during photodegradation; different bond-cleavage reaction pathways under different photolytic conditions were characterized, using compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA). Photochemical modeling of TCS photodegradation showed that direct photolysis would be the main transformation pathway if pH > 7, even in presence of dissolved organic matter. Moreover, by use of ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry, FT-ICR-MS, a broad and complex spectrum of organic by-products (some of which potentially toxic, as assessed by a quantitative structure-activity relationship approach) were identified. A detailed reaction mechanism was developed on the basis of the detected compounds. A possible sequence of steps leading to some of the detected product compounds in aqueous solution is suggested.

Time resolved data unveils the complex DOM dynamics in a Mediterranean river

In this study, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) data and optical properties (absorbance and fluorescence) of DOM, weekly collected in the Arno River for 2 years, are used to investigate the main processes determining DOM temporal dynamics in a small Mediterranean river, with torrential hydrology and medium-high human impact, and to quantify the contribution of this river to Med Sea carbon budget. A clear seasonal cycle of DOM, with DOC values ranging between 170 and 490 μM, was observed. Optical properties indicates that DOM quality in the river is different depending on the season; terrestrial humic-like substances prevail in winter, when discharge and floods are the main drivers of DOM concentration and quality, whereas autochthonous protein-like substances prevail in spring and summer, when biological processes dominate. Our results provide a robust estimate of the DOC flux to the Med Sea (9.6 · 10⁹ g DOC yr^-1) and of its range of variability (12.95 · 10⁹-5.12 · 10⁹ g DOC yr^-1). The 80% of this flux was generally delivered during autumn/winter with significant amounts ascribed to single flood events (up to 26% in 2014). This study, by providing a rich dataset on water quantity and quality and by quantifying the importance of the hydrological regime on DOC transport, represents an important step toward a quantitative modeling of the Arno River.

Reduced NOM triggered rapid Cr(VI) reduction and formation of NOM-Cr(III) colloids in anoxic environments

Natural organic matter (NOM) can influence the toxicity and speciation of chromium (Cr) in subsurface through redox reactions and complexation. Under anoxic conditions, NOM can be reduced by microorganisms or geochemical reductants, and the reduced NOM (NOM_red) represents a large reservoir of organic matter observed in anoxic sediments and water. While the current body of work has established the kinetic of Cr(VI) reduction by oxidized NOM (NOM_ox) under oxic conditions, much less is known about the rates and mechanisms of Cr(VI) reduction triggered by NOM_red under anoxic conditions and the colloidal properties of the reaction products. This study provided new information regarding the NOM_red-mediated Cr(VI) reduction and colloidal stability of reduced Cr(III) particles over a wide range of environmentally relevant anoxic conditions. We show that under dark anoxic conditions reduced humic acid (HA_red) moieties (e.g., quinone) can quickly reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and the reduced Cr(III) can subsequently complex with carboxyl groups of HA leading to the formation of stable HA-Cr(III) colloids. Rates of Cr(VI) reduction by HA_red are 3-4 orders of magnitude higher than those by oxidized HA (HA_ox) due primarily to the higher reducing capacity of HA_red. The stable HA-Cr(III) colloids are formed across a range of HA concentrations (8-150 mg C/L) and pH conditions (6-10) with hydrodynamic diameter in the range of 210-240 nm. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that the particles are composed of HA-Cr(III). The high colloidal stability of HA-Cr(III) particles could be attributed to the enhanced electrosteric stabilization effect from free and adsorbed HA, which decreased particle aggregation. However, the presence of divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) promoted particle aggregation at pH 6. These new findings are valuable for our fundamental understanding of the fate and transport of Cr in organic-rich anoxic environments, which also have substantial implications for the development and optimization of subsurface Cr sequestration technology.

Dissolved organic matter adsorption from surface waters by granular composites versus granular activated carbon columns: An applicable approach

Many new sorbents have been introduced as an alternative for granular activated carbon (GAC), the most common sorbent for dissolved organic matter (DOM) removal. In the current study, we developed an applicable granular composite based on a flocculant commonly employed for drinking water treatment adsorbed to montmorillonite. DOM adsorption from surface waters, Lake Kinneret and Suwannee River, with low and high specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA), respectively, by composite and GAC columns, was studied. Adsorption of DOM from Suwannee River was significantly higher by the composite column, in comparison to the GAC column, while an opposite trend was obtained for the adsorption of DOM from Lake Kinneret. In-situ regeneration of the columns with a brine solution was extremely efficient and inefficient for the composite and GAC columns, respectively. Adsorption, of both waters, post-regeneration by the composite column was not compromised, while GAC effectiveness decreased. The opposite trend in DOM adsorption from Suwannee River and Lake Kinneret was explained by the different affinities of the sorbents towards various DOM molecules. Distinguishing between different DOM components adsorbed by GAC and the composite was supported by ¹³C NMR and direct pyrolysis-GC-MS measurements. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the kinetics and adsorption at the equilibrium of five organic molecules to the composite and GAC can be correlated to their chemical-physical properties. Indeed, combining the properties of both sorbents, by integrating them into a single column, yielded higher DOM removal than by the individual columns. Furthermore, since DOM removal by GAC and by the composite, increases, and decreases with temperature, respectively, the integrated column, mitigates the changes in removal, stabilizing the adsorption performance. Such an integrated filter may minimize additional seasonal and water quality fluctuations.

Zebrafish: An emerging model to study microplastic and nanoplastic toxicity

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have received global concern due to its widespread contamination, ingestion in aquatic organisms and the ability to cross the biological barrier. However, our understanding of its bioaccumulation, toxicity, and interaction with other environmental pollutants is limited. Zebrafish is increasingly used to study the bioaccumulation and toxicity of environmental contaminants because of their small size, ease of breed, short life cycle and inexpensive maintenance. The transparent nature of zebrafish embryo and larvae provides excellent experimental advantages over other model organisms in studying the localization of fluorescent-labeled MPs/NPs particles. Zebrafish outplays the traditional rodent models with the availability of transgenic lines, high-throughput sequencing and genetic similarities to humans. All these characteristics provide an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs and associated contaminants. This review summarizes the existing literature on MPs/NPs research in zebrafish and suggests a path forward for future research.

Role of water chemistry on stability, aggregation, and dissolution of uncoated and carbon-coated copper nanoparticles

Intentional or accidental release of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) from consumer products during manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management could pose health and ecological risks. This paper presents a detailed study on the role of water chemistry on the fate of uncoated and carbon-coated Cu-NPs dispersed in aqueous cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant in the presence and absence of humic acids (HAs). A range of water chemistry and HAs had minimum impact on hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential values of uncoated and carbon-coated Cu-NPs. The water pH significantly (p < 0.001) affected the aggregation of uncoated Cu-NPs unlike that of carbon-coated Cu-NPs; however, the presence of HAs increased the stability of uncoated Cu-NPs. Although CTAB is considered as an efficient dispersant to stabilize Cu-NPs, the effect descended with time for uncoated Cu-NPs. The dissolution of Cu over time decreased with increasing pH for both uncoated (0.5-50% weight) and carbon-coated (0.5-40% weight) Cu-NPs. However, carbon-coated Cu-NPs exhibited significant dissolution (p < 0.001) at neutral pH than uncoated Cu-NPs may be due to the additional carbon it acquired during coating. Increasing HAs concentration from 0 to 15 mg L^-1 at pH 5.5 inhibited aggregations but enhanced dissolution of the uncoated and carbon-coated Cu-NPs. These findings inform risk analysis of Cu-NPs including how Cu-NPs fate, mobility and bioavailability are modulated by particles coating and dispersant, HAs presence, water chemistry and exposure time in dispersion media.

Facet-Dependent Adsorption and Fractionation of Natural Organic Matter on Crystalline Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Natural organic matter (NOM) and crystalline metal oxide nanoparticles are both prevalent in natural aquatic environments, and their interactions have important environmental and biogeochemical implications. Here, we show that these interactions are significantly affected by an intrinsic property of metal oxide nanocrystals, the exposed facets. Both anatase (TiO₂) and hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanocrystals, representing common engineered and naturally occurring metal oxides, exhibited apparent facet-dependent adsorption of humic acid and fulvic acid. This facet-dependent binding was primarily driven by surface complexation between the NOM carboxyl groups and surficial metal atoms. Thus, the adsorption affinity of different-faceted nanocrystals was determined by the atomic arrangements of crystal facets that controlled the activity of metal atoms and, consequently, the ligand exchange and binding configuration of the carboxyl groups in the first hydration shell of nanocrystals. Distinct facet-dependent fractionation patterns were observed during adsorption of NOM components, particularly the low-molecular-weight and photorefractory constituents. The molecular fractionation of NOM between water and metal oxide nanoparticles was dictated by the combined effects of facet-dependent metal complexation, hydrophobic interaction, and steric hindrance and may significantly influence the NOM-driven processes occurring both in aqueous phases and at water-nanoparticle interfaces.

Effect of natural organic matter on thallium and silver speciation

Natural organic matter (NOM) is known to play an important role in the transport and binding of trace metal elements in aquatic and soil systems. Thallium is a pollutant for which the extent of the role played by NOM is poorly known. Consequently, this study investigates thallium(I) and its complexation to a purified humic substance as proxy for NOM. Experiments were performed with the Donnan Membrane Technique to separate, for the first time, the free Tl⁺ ion from its complexed form in the bulk solution. Various pH and concentrations were investigated at constant ionic strength and constant NOM proxy concentrations in solution. Experimental results were described with NICA-Donnan model. Thallium complexation was compared to silver complexation using literature data and using the same NICA-Donnan formalism. Parameters for these two cations (Tl⁺ and Ag⁺) are reported in this article, for the first time. Results display low thallium complexation to the NOM proxy while silver competes with divalent cations for the NOM binding sites. Calculated speciation for dissolved thallium highlights the dominance of free thallium (Tl⁺) in solution whereas Tl-NOM complexes contribute roughly 15% to total Tl(I) species in river and lake type waters. Similar results are obtained for soil solutions, Tl-bound to NOM < 30% of total, from UK soils with different land use and geochemistry.

Seasonal formation and stability of dissolved metal particles in mining-impacted, lacustrine sediments

Formation of dissolved metal particles (<450 nm) in mining-impacted environments is a concern because of their potential for greater mobility and ecotoxicity compared to free ion and(or) sediment-bound metals. Metal-contaminated environments may produce soluble metal(loid) particles whose stability and transportability are determined by environmental conditions and particle composition. The Coeur d'Alene River Basin of northern Idaho, USA, is impacted by legacy mine waste-estimated 56 million tonnes of waste rock containing 900,000 t of Pb and 700,000 t of Zn were discharged into the Coeur d'Alene River and its tributaries during mining of argentiferous galena-sphalerite deposits. These legacy disposal practices resulted in substantial metal contamination-including As, Cd, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn-of floodplain sediments. Monthly lakewater samples and sediment cores were collected along the shoreline of a metal-contaminated lateral lake of the Coeur d'Alene River. Porewater was extracted from upper and lower sediments to evaluate the formation and stability of dissolved metal particles during seasonal changes. Substantial concentrations of Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn were present in 450-nm filtered porewater during each month, with variable increases and decreases of metal concentrations in filtered lakewater according to seasonal changes. Dissolved metal particles with an average diameter of 180 ± 115 nm were present in the porewater of the upper and lower sediments with size increases in early spring and decreases in fall. Particles in the lower sediment porewater were typically more stable, as indicated by more negative ζ potential values, and the greatest particle stability occurred during summer. Differences between upper and lower porewater metal particles correspond to changes in sediment S speciation and bond relocation resulting from an input of oxygenated groundwater. Transport of the dissolved metal particles in and from the sediments likely occurs with a change in the hydraulic gradient during a spring-to-summer transition that induces redox changes and increases particle stability. The presence of mining-related minerals and seasonal changes in environmental conditions allow for formation of dissolved metal particles, but the limited stability of the particles and/or low permeability of the sediments appear to limit, but not fully restrict, possible transport of metal particles to the overlying lakewater.

Evaluation of Hg methylation in the water-level-fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir region by using the MeHg/HgT ratio

In the recent decade, the hydroelectric reservoir is identified as a methylmercury (MeHg) hotspot and gained much attention. The artificial water level management in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) in China formed a water-level-fluctuation zone (WLFZ) undergoing flooding drying rotations annually. However, the mercury (Hg) methylation and major geochemical driving factors at different elevations in the WLFZ remain unclear. Here we use total Hg (Hg_T) normalized MeHg (MeHg/Hg_T ratio) to evaluate Hg methylation degree in a one-year field study at 155, 165 m elevations in the WLFZ and with >175 m elevation as the reference. Results demonstrate that MeHg/Hg_T ratio at the WLFZ could reach 4.1% in soils, and both 155 and 165 m elevations have a higher Hg methylation degree than the >175 m elevation. However, the differences in MeHg/Hg_T ratios both in soils and waters between 155 and 165 m elevations are not significant. This indicates the influence of different submerging periods on the MeHg/Hg_T at the WLFZ elevations is not observed. The significant correlation between the MeHg/Hg_T ratio and soil organic carbon (SOC) content implies a MeHg retention in re-exposed soils after flooding. Decoupling of MeHg/Hg_T ratios between submerged soil and overlying water are found at both elevations and therefore make MeHg/Hg_T in waters alone cannot be used to evaluate Hg methylation degree in this study. The calculation of Hg_T and MeHg partitioning coefficient (K_d) found an immobilization of MeHg by submerged soils at the WLFZ during the flooding period. Major geochemical factors, determined through principal component analysis (PCA), in affecting Hg methylation are the redox cycling of sulfur and the distribution of organic matters in the WLFZ.

Impacts of organic matter on the toxicity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles to green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris

The increasing production of eco-friendly nanoparticles like biosynthesized nanoparticles (BNPs) calls for study on their environmental and biological safety. Herein, the impact of natural organic matter on the toxicity of BNPs was studied. Using leaf extract of herbal plant Allium fistulosum, the Allium fistulosum-silver nanoparticles (AF-AgNPs) were synthesized with the yield of around 100% and used to explore the impacts of natural organic matter (Suwannee river humic acid) on their toxicity to green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. The results showed that the as-prepared AF-AgNPs could decrease the end-points of biomass and chlorophyll a content of C. vulgaris in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, AF-AgNPs enhanced algal aggregation and decreased size of cells, especially at higher concentrations. However, organic matter showed an ameliorative effect on the toxicity of AF-AgNPs, and significant enhancement of biomass and chlorophyll a content (p < 0.05) were observed in media treated with higher contents of AF-AgNPs. Organic matter could also prevent more cellular aggregation and size reduction of C. vulgaris. Our results are helpful for understanding the effects of organic matter on the toxicity of BNPs to aquatic organisms.

Dispersibility and Size Control of Silver Nanoparticles with Anti-Algal Potential Based on Coupling Effects of Polyvinylpyrrolidone and Sodium Tripolyphosphate

In nearly all the cases of biotoxicity studies of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), AgNPs used often have general dispersibility and wide size distribution, which may inevitably generate imprecise results. Herein, a kind of synthesis method by coupling effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) was proposed, in order to prepare AgNPs with better dispersibility and a stable size. Based on this, the preparation mechanism of AgNPs and the potential anti-algae toxicity were analyzed. UV-vis analysis showed that the particle size distribution of AgNPs prepared by co-protective agents was more uniform. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to confirm that the obtained nano silver was of a high purity and stable size (~30 nm in diameter). Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis results indicated the synthesis mechanism of AgNPs by co-protective agents, more precisely, PVP limited the polynegative effect and prevented the linear induction of P₃O₁₀^5- produced by STPP during the growth of silver nuclei. Subsequently, Chlorella and Scenedesmus obliquus were utilized to test the toxicity of AgNPs, confirming that AgNPs synthesized through co-protective agents have potential inhibitory ability on algae, but not severe. This study provides a basic theory for the induction of synthetic AgNPs by various factors in the natural environment and a scientific reference for the environmental risk assessment.

Chemodiversity of Soil Dissolved Organic Matter

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a key role in many biogeochemical processes, but the drivers controlling the diversity of chemical composition and properties of DOM molecules (chemodiversity) in soils are poorly understood. It has also been debated whether environmental conditions or intrinsic molecular properties control the accumulation and persistence of DOM due to the complexity of both molecular composition of DOM and interactions between DOM and surrounding environments. In this study, soil DOM samples were extracted from 33 soils collected from different regions of China, and we investigated the effects of climate and soil properties on the chemodiversity of DOM across different regions of China, employing a combination of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, and statistical analyses. Our results indicated that, despite the heterogeneity of soil samples and complex influencing factors, aridity and clay can account for the majority of the variations of DOM chemical composition. The finding implied that DOM chemodiversity is an ecosystem property closely related to the environment, and can be used in developing large-scale soil biogeochemistry models for predicting C cycling in soils.

Enhancing copper binding property of compost-derived humic substances by biochar amendment: Further insight from two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

Little is known about the environmental impacts of biochar (BC) amendment on the immobilization of heavy metals in compost-treated fields. In consequence, this study was designed to explore the effects of BC amendment on the copper (Cu) binding properties of compost-derived humic substances (HS). To this end, unamended and 4.7% (by wet weight) BC-amended compost were incubated in parallel with regular wetting for 6 months. The stability constants for Cu binding, calculated based on the fluorescence quenching technique, were higher for the compost-derived HS with versus without BC amendment. The result suggests that BC addition to compost may intensify the immobilization of heavy metals in a compost-treated field. Copper binding efficacy increased after the incubation with or without BC amendment. However, the enhanced Cu binding efficacy of the BC-amended HS was preserved even after the long-term incubation. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy revealed that the short wavelength fulvic-like fluorescence followed by humic-like fluorescence were preferentially associated with Cu binding. However, the range of wavelengths that tracked the binding of Cu were modified after BC amendment. This study evidenced beneficial and synergetic effects of BC amendment on the abatement of the potential environmental risk from heavy metal polluted field on a long-term basis.

Release and stability of water dispersible biochar colloids in aquatic environments: Effects of pyrolysis temperature, particle size, and solution chemistry

Pathways for the physical disintegration of biochar (BC) and the release of water dispersible BC colloids (WDBC) have received much attention due to their unique impacts on carbon loss and contaminant. However, the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in WDBC formation and associated influencing factors is rather limited. This study systematically explored the effects of pyrolysis temperature, initial particle size, and solution chemistry on WDBC formation in aqueous solutions and examined the formation and colloidal stability of WDBC in natural solutions. Results showed that pyrolysis temperature determined the abrasion resistance of pyrolyzed BC, and the submicron fragment rate decreased in the order 400 °C (BC400) > 700 °C (BC700) > 200 °C (BC200). The WDBC yield decreased in the order BC400 (77.5-331 mg g^-1) > BC700 (33.5-173 mg g^-1) > BC200 (16.8-125 mg g^-1) depending on BC size at a solution ionic strength (IS) ≤ 1 mM, which was positively correlated with the submicron fragment rate of bulk BC. With the exception of BC200, increasing IS (0.1-20 mM) and decreasing pH (3.0-10.0) significantly inhibited WDBC yield. Release and sedimentation dominated the WDBC formation processes with the former being more susceptible to solution chemistry. Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek interactions properly explained the effect of IS on WDBC from BC400 and BC700, while the steric resistance of abundant dissolved organic carbon on BC200 was mainly responsible for the high formation of WDBC at high IS (20-50 mM). WDBC had high colloidal stability and could form and stabilize well in natural surface waters and soil solutions, suggesting the relevant risk of long-distance migration of WDBC in environments. These findings represent new knowledge regarding the physical decomposition and the fate of BC in the environment.

Fractionation and chemical structure of dissolved organic matter in the rhizosphere associated with cadmium accumulation in tobacco lines (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Reducing cadmium (Cd) accumulation in flue-cured tobacco is the main degree to reduce the harm of Cd to human health. In this study, a rhizobag experiment was conducted to investigate the characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the rhizosphere of a low-Cd-accumulating tobacco line (RG11) and its role in the processes of Cd accumulation by plants. Cd concentrations in the roots and leaves of RG11 were 24.09-25.30 and 31.08-34.41% lower, respectively, than those of Yuyan5 under Cd stress. Cd exposure promoted DOM accumulation in the rhizosphere soils of the two tobacco lines. DOM concentrations in the rhizosphere soils of RG11 were 8.29-14.31% lower than those of Yuyan5 under Cd stress. RG11 presented less hydrophilic acid and hydrophilic base fractions, along with more hydrophobic acid and hydrophobic base fractions of DOM in the rhizosphere than those of Yuyan5 under Cd exposure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that RG11 exhibited less O-H, C-H, C=C, COO-, and C-O functional groups in rhizosphere DOM than those of Yuyan5 under Cd stress. Thus, the DOM in the rhizosphere of RG11 showed lower ability to solubilize Cd in soils, resulting in less Cd uptake by roots. This could be considered to be one of the important mechanisms of low Cd accumulation in leaves of RG11.

Impact of the Three Gorges Dam on the Quality of Riverine Dissolved Organic Matter

The Three Gorges Dam (TGD) is the largest hydropower facility in the world, influencing the riverine hydrology and mass flux in the Yangtze River. Little is known about its impact on the riverine dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality. In this work, the water quality and DOM quality for water samples collected from the upstream and downstream sites of TGD were investigated. The presence of TGD significantly affects the quantity and quality of DOM but has no pronounced effect on nutrient concentrations. Upstream DOM had higher concentration but lower average molecular weight and aromaticity than the downstream DOM. The biological processes in the dam reservoir contribute significantly to upstream DOM. In the downstream sites, terrestrial DOM input raises the average molecular weight and aromaticity of the overall DOM pool. These results suggest that TGD will influence not only the mass flux of organic carbon but also its quality and lability, which has both environmental and ecological significance.

The promoted dissolution of copper oxide nanoparticles by dissolved humic acid: Copper complexation over particle dispersion

Humic substances are the dominant dissolved organic matter fraction in the aqueous phase of environmental media. They would inevitably react with chemicals released into the environment. The influence of dissolved humic acid (DHA) on the dissolution and dispersion of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs, 50 nm, 49.57 mg L^-1) was therefore investigated in the present study. In addition to dispersing CuO NPs and reducing the size of the aggregates, the amount of released Cu from CuO NPs was found to increase over time with increasing concentrations of DHA, 96% of which was present as organic complexes after 72 h. At DHA concentrations exceeding 16.09 mg C L^-1, the complexation coefficients of DHA with Cu and the adsorptivity of CuO NPs to DHA were both reduced due to increased homo-conjugation of DHA as promoted by negative charge-assisted H-bond. Although the adsorption capacity of DHA kept increasing up to 57.07 mg C L^-1, the hydrodynamic diameter and ζ-potential were similar and the percentages of total released Cu continued to increase linearly to 4.92% at higher levels of DHA (30.13-57.07 mg C L^-1). Thereupon, DHA promoted the dissolution of CuO NPs in a concentration-dependent fashion. The driving force was complexation of Cu by DHA, rather than the balancing between the exposed and the covered surface area of the CuO NPs due to DHA adsorption. Our findings facilitate understanding the underlying mechanisms on how DHA impacts the CuO NPs environmental behavior (or fate) as well as on their kinetics.

Linking the electron donation capacity to the molecular composition of soil dissolved organic matter from the Three Gorges Reservoir areas, China

Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an essential role in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) as a linkage between terrestrial and aquatic systems. In particular, the reducing capacities of soil DOM influence the geochemistry of contaminants such as mercury (Hg). However, few studies have investigated the molecular information of soil DOM and its relationship with relevant geochemical reactivities, including redox properties. We collected samples from eight sites in the TGR areas and studied the link between the molecular characteristics of DOM and their electron donation capacities (EDCs) toward Hg(II). The average kinetic rate and EDC of soil DOM in TGR areas were (0.004 ± 0.001) hr^-1 and (2.88 ± 1.39) nmol e^-/mg DOM_bulk, respectively. Results suggest that higher EDCs and relatively rapid kinetics were related to the greater electron donating components of lignin-derived and perhaps pyrogenic DOM, which are the aromatic constituents that influenced the reducing capacities of DOM in the present study. Molecular details revealed that even the typical autochthonous markers are important for the EDCs of DOM as well, in contrast to what is generally assumed. More studies identifying specific DOM molecular components involved in the abiotic reduction of Hg(II) are required to further understand the relations between DOM sources and their redox roles in the environmental fate of contaminants.

Compositional characteristics of dissolved organic matter during coal liquefaction wastewater treatment and its environmental implications

The variations in the structural components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during coal liquefaction wastewater (CLW) treatment are still unclear at present, limiting the further improvement and application of CLW treatment processes. In this study, the changes of DOM composition during air flotation, catalytic oxidation, biofiltration, ozonation, anoxic/oxic (A/O), and membrane bioreactor (MBR) which were applied in the full-scale CLW treatment, were investigated by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The dissolved organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand of the raw CLW reached 1965.2 mg/L and 5310.0 mg/L, respectively, with humic acid-like substances being as the dominant component (63.1%), and protein-like substances contributing a small amount (5.3%). Air flotation could treat humic acid-like substances more effectively. Catalytic oxidation and ozonation efficiently removed macromolecular aromatic substances with aliphatic chain substituents, resulting in the notable enhancement of the biodegradability of the organics. The DOM removal efficiency of biofiltration and A/O reached 86.0% and 92.3%, respectively, and simultaneously complex macromolecular substances with a high degree of aromaticity were formed. This study could provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the technical parameters and further improving the treatment efficiency of CLW.

Solar Radiation as the Likely Cause of Acid-Soluble Rare-Earth Elements in Sediments of Fresh Water Humic Lakes

We studied photochemically induced precipitation of rare-earth elements (REEs) in water from a tributary to Plešné Lake and a tributary to Jiřická Pond, Czech Republic. Both tributaries had high concentrations of dissolved organic matter (∼1.8 mmol C L^-1). Filtered (0.2 μm) samples were exposed to artificial solar radiation of 350 W m^-2 for 48 to 96 h, corresponding to 3 to 6 days of natural solar radiation in summer at the sampling locations. Experiments were performed with altered and unaltered pH ranging from 3.8 to 6.0. The formation of particulate REEs occurred in all exposed samples with the fastest formation observed at the original pH. The formation of particulate metals continued in irradiated samples after the end of irradiation, suggesting that photochemically induced reactions and/or continuing precipitation continue in darkness or in deeper water due to mixing. Results were compared with paleolimnological records in the Plešné Lake sediment. At pH 5.0, the photochemically induced sediment flux was 3509 nmol m^-2 y^-1 for Ce, corresponding to 42% of the REEs' annual sediment flux in recent sediment layers. Combining the formation rates obtained in the laboratory irradiation experiments and known 1 day incident solar radiation enabled the estimation of a possible REE sediment flux. For Plešné Lake, the photochemically induced formation of particulate REEs explained 10-44% of the REE concentrations in the upper sediment layers. Observed photochemically induced sequestration of REEs into sediments can explain a significant part of the REEs' history in the Holocene sediment.

Differential Reactivity of Copper- and Gold-Based Nanomaterials Controls Their Seasonal Biogeochemical Cycling and Fate in a Freshwater Wetland Mesocosm

Reliable predictions of the environmental fate and risk of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) require a better understanding of ENM reactivity in complex, biologically active systems for chronic low-concentration exposure scenarios. Here, simulated freshwater wetland mesocosms were dosed with ENMs to assess how their reactivity and seasonal changes in environmental parameters influence ENM fate in aquatic systems. Copper-based ENMs (Kocide), known to dissolve in water, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), stable against dissolution in the absence of specific ligands, were added weekly to mesocosm waters for 9 months. Metal accumulation and speciation changes in the different environmental compartments were assessed over time. Copper from Kocide rapidly dissolved likely associating with organic matter in the water column, transported to terrestrial soils and deeper sediment where it became associated with organic or sulfide phases. In contrast, Au accumulated on/in the macrophytes where it oxidized and transferred over time to surficial sediment. A dynamic seasonal accumulation and metal redox cycling were found between the macrophyte and the surficial sediment for AuNPs. These results demonstrate the need for experimental quantification of how the biological and chemical complexity of the environment, combined with their seasonal variations, drive the fate of metastable ENMs.

Variations in Colloidal DOM Composition with Molecular Weight within Individual Water Samples as Characterized by Flow Field-Flow Fractionation and EEM-PARAFAC Analysis

Fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEM) and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis have been widely used in the characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the aquatic continuum. However, large sample sets are typically needed for establishing a meaningful EEM-PARAFAC model. Applications of the EEM-PARAFAC technique to individual samples require new approaches. Here, flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF) combined with offline EEM measurements and PARAFAC analysis was used to elucidate the dynamic changes in DOM composition/optical properties with molecular weight within individual samples. FlFFF-derived size spectra of ultrafiltration-isolated colloidal DOM show that peak-C related fluorophores (E_x/E_m= 350/450 nm) are present mostly in the 1-3 kDa size range, while peak-T associated fluorophores (E_x/E_m = 275/340 nm) have a bimodal distribution with peaks in both the 1-3 kDa and the >100 kDa size fractions. The integrated EEM spectra from FlFFF size-fractionated subsamples closely resembled the bulk EEM spectra, attesting to the convincing comparability between bulk and FlFFF size-fractionated EEMs. The PARAFAC-derived DOM components are distinctive among individual samples with the predominant components being humic-like in river water, but protein-like in a highly eutrophic lagoon sample. This compelling new approach combining FlFFF and EEM-PARAFAC can be used to decipher the dynamic changes in size spectra and composition of individual DOM samples from sources to sinks or across the redox/hydrological/trophic interfaces.

Surface modifications at the oxide/water interface: Implications for Cu binding, solution chemistry and chemical stability of iron oxide nanoparticles

The oxidation of magnetite into maghemite and its coating by natural organic constituents are common changes that affect the reactivity of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) in aqueous environments. Certain ubiquitous compounds such as humic acids (HA) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), displaying a high affinity for both copper (Cu) and IONP, could play a critical role in the interactions involved between both compounds. The adsorption of Cu onto four different IONP was studied: magnetite nanoparticles (magnNP), maghemite NP (maghNP), HA- and PC-coated magnetite NP (HA-magnNP and PC-magnNP, respectively). According to the results, the percentage of adsorbed Cu increases with increasing pH, irrespective of the IONP. Thus, protonation/deprotonation reactions are likely involved within Cu adsorption mechanism. Contrary to the other studied IONP, HA-magnNP favor Cu adsorption at most of the pH tested including acidic pH (pH = 3), suggesting that part of the active surface sites for Cu²⁺ were not grabbed by protons. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm of HA-magnNP provides the highest sorption constant K_F (bonding energy) and n value which supports a heterogeneous sorption process. The heterogeneous adsorption between HA-magnNP and Cu²⁺ can be explained by both the diversity of the binding sites HA procured and the formation of multidendate complexes between Cu²⁺ and some of the HA functional groups. Such favorable adsorption process was neither observed on PC-coated-magnNP nor on maghNP, whose behaviors were comparable to that of magnNP. On another hand, HA and PC coatings considerably reduced iron (Fe) dissolution from magnNP as compared with magnNP. It was suggested that HA and PC coatings either provided efficient shield against Fe leaching or fostered dissolved Fe re-adsorption onto the functional groups at the coated magnNP surfaces. Thus, this study can help to better understand the complex interfacial reactions between cations-organic matter-colloidal surfaces which are relevant in environmental and agricultural contexts. This work showed that magnetite NP properties can be affected by surface modifications, which drive NP chemical stability and Cu adsorption, thereby affecting the global water chemistry.

Transcriptomic analysis of HepG2 cells exposed to fractionated wastewater effluents suggested humic substances as potential inducer of whole effluent toxicity

We performed a transcriptome-based bioassay (TSB assay) using human hepatoma HepG2 cells to evaluate the potential toxicity of whole wastewater effluents from two membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and a conventional activated sludge process (AS). The biologically active agent(s) in the wastewater effluents were characterized based on expression of the marker genes (i.e., CYP1A1, AKR1B10, GCLM and GPX2) selected by DNA microarray analysis, after the wastewater effluent samples were concentrated by a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane and further fractionated by various manipulations. The qPCR assay of marker genes demonstrated that the induction of CYP1A1 and GPX2 was mitigated after passing through C18 and chelate columns. In addition, clear induction of CYP1A1 was observed in the smallest size fraction with 1 k Da or smaller organic molecules in all the tested effluents. These results together with the water quality data of the fractionated samples suggested that responsible constituents for potentially adverse and abnormal transcriptomic responses in HepG2 could have hydrophobic nature and act with metal-dissolved organic matter (DOM) complexes in 1 k Da or smaller size fraction. Although DOM is known to play two contradictory roles as a protector and an inducer of toxicants, our present study indicated the DOM in wastewater effluent, particularly humic substances with acidic nature, functioned as a toxicity inducer of residual chemicals in the effluents. This study provided a new insight into the nature of "toxic unknowns" in the wastewater effluents, which should be monitored whole through the reclamation process and prioritized for removal.

Understanding effect of interaction of nanoparticles and antibiotics on bacteria survival under aquatic conditions: Knowns and unknowns

The review provides a comprehensive overview of the available state-of-the-art of nanoparticles (NPs) and antibiotics (ABs) occurrence and their fate in the natural aquatic settings by addressing different research questions and the challenges faced while addressing those questions. Firstly, understand the interaction of NPs and ABs with themselves in addition to other matrix components (presence of natural organic matter, bacteria, biofilms, other anthropogenic pollutants and metals from natural sources). Secondly, summarize the bactericidal activity of NP and AB due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The complete information was gathered from database and analysed as per the conjectured questions under laboratory versus environmental-relevant conditions (1. Fate of NPs and ABs, and 2. Will the presence of NPs and ABs alone and their mixtures influence the ROS concentration and antibacterial activity), and proposed six reactions to describe the fate of NP and AB in natural aquatic settings. However, laboratory-based studies revealed that NP and AB fate largely depend on the ionic strength, organic matter content and pH of the matrix whereas field based information is missing about this. The former was performed at sterile conditions using sophisticated instruments and standard protocol as compared to latter and can't be replicated under natural aquatic settings due to lack of: (i) accurate environmental concentration of NPs and ABs, (ii) knowledge of bacterial type and their concentration, (iii) optimized protocol and tracking systems. The author's recommendation is to verify the proposed reactions experimentally by using the frequently found pairs of NPs and ABs in the natural aquatic settings. Further, ranked them on their decreasing order of toxicity and informed regulatory bodies for further action. Overall research is needed in the suggested directions to reduce uncertainty behind the impacts of NPs and ABs on the aquatic settings and their role in bactericidal activity.

Development of a Novel Equilibrium Passive Sampling Device for Methylmercury in Sediment and Soil Porewaters

We explored the concept of equilibrium passive sampling for methylmercury (MeHg) using the strategy developed for hydrophobic organic chemicals. Passive sampling should allow prediction of the concentration of the chemically labile fraction of MeHg in sediment porewaters based on equilibrium partitioning into the sampler, without modeling diffusion rates through the sampler material. Our goals were to identify sampler materials with the potential to mimic MeHg partitioning into animals and sediments and provide reversible sorption in a time frame appropriate for in situ samplers. Candidate materials tested included a range of polymers embedded with suitable sorbents for MeHg. The most promising were activated carbon (AC) embedded in agarose, thiol-self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports embedded in agarose, and cysteine-functionalized polyethylene terephthalate, which yielded log sampler-water partition coefficients of 2.8 to 5 for MeHgOH and MeHg complexed with dissolved organic matter (Suwannee River humic acid). Sampler equilibration time in sediments was approximately 1 to 2 wk. Investigation of the MeHg accumulation mechanism by AC embedded in agarose suggested that sampling was kinetically influenced by MeHg interactions with AC particles and not limited by diffusion through the gel for this material. Also, AC exhibited relatively rapid desorption of Hg and MeHg, indicating that this sorbent is capable of reversible, equilibrium measurements. In sediment:water microcosms, porewater concentrations made with isotherm-calibrated passive samplers agreed within a factor of 2 (unamended sediment) or 4 (AC-amended sediment) with directly measured concentrations. The present study demonstrates a potential new approach to passive sampling of MeHg. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:323-334. © 2019 SETAC.

The Toxicity of Nanoparticles to Organisms in Freshwater

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing industry yielding many benefits to society. However, aquatic environments are at risk as increasing amounts of nanoparticles (NPs) are contaminating waterbodies causing adverse effects on aquatic organisms. In this review, the impacts of environmental exposure to NPs, the influence of the physicochemical characteristics of NPs and the surrounding environment on toxicity and mechanisms of toxicity together with NP bioaccumulation and trophic transfer are assessed with a focus on their impacts on bacteria, algae and daphnids. We identify several gaps which need urgent attention in order to make sound decisions to protect the environment. These include uncertainty in both estimated and measured environmental concentrations of NPs for reliable risk assessment and for regulating the NP industry. In addition toxicity tests and risk assessment methodologies specific to NPs are still at the research and development stage. Also conflicting and inconsistent results on physicochemical characteristics and the fate and transport of NPs in the environment suggest the need for further research. Finally, improved understanding of the mechanisms of NP toxicity is crucial in risk assessment of NPs, since conventional toxicity tests may not reflect the risks associated with NPs. Behavioural effects may be more sensitive and would be efficient in certain situations compared with conventional toxicity tests due to low NP concentrations in field conditions. However, the development of such tests is still lacking, and further research is recommended.

Influence of water chemistry on colloid-size Cu-based pesticides particles: A case of Cu(OH)2 commercial fungicide/bactericide

The intensive, widespread, and ever-increasing applications of Cu-based pesticides in agriculture could potentially increase environmental exposures via different routes. Unlike ionic/bulk forms, the fate, transport, and toxicity of colloid-size Cu-based pesticides are not well studied. This paper provides evaluation outcomes of granule and dispersion characterizations, stability, and dissolution of colloid-size particles of Cu(OH)₂ commercial pesticide product at a range of water chemistry. The evaluated product contained about 35% weight of metallic Cu equivalent and Cu(OH)₂ particles with sizes < 1 μm of which a fraction of nanoscale particles exist. The presence of Ca²⁺ at ionic strengths of >0.01 M and 0.001-0.2 M significantly influenced (p < 0.001) particle size (PS) and ζ-potential values, respectively at all investigated pH values. Cu dissolution at pH 5.5 was significant (p < 0.001) and exceeded Cu dissolutions at pH 7.0 by 87-90% and at pH 8.5 by 87-95% in all dispersions. The order of Cu dissolution was pH 5.5 > pH 7.0 > pH 8.5 in all dispersions. Cu dissolution was relatively reduced by 53% by increasing HA from 0 to 5 mg L^-1 and enhanced by 55% by increasing HA from 5 to 15 mg L^-1, however, the overall Cu dissolution was decreased by 27% by increasing HA from 0 to 15 mg L^-1. Thus, HAs reduced the dissolution of Cu at pH < 7. The findings provide an insight into how water chemistry influences the fate and transport of colloid-size Cu-based pesticides particles.

The limited facilitating effect of dissolved organic matter extracted from organic wastes on the transport of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in acidic saturated porous media

The complexity of natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) motivates the determination of how DOM from diverse sources affects the environmental behaviors of engineered nanoparticles. Here, three types of DOM, DOM extracted from swine manure (SWDOM), sludge (SLDOM) and sediment (SEDOM), were characterized, and their effects on the transport of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs, 30 nm in diameter) were evaluated and compared with those of humic acid (HA). Characterization tests showed differences in the aromaticity and weight-average molecular weight (M_w) properties among the three extracted DOM solutions, and greater distinctions were found between the extracted DOM and HA. All the extracted DOM facilitated TiO₂ NPs transport in acidic porous media. Nevertheless, the enhancing effects varied among the different extracted DOM types. SWDOM had a promoting effect on TiO₂ NPs mobility that was equivalent to that of SEDOM and much higher than that of SLDOM. However, the facilitating effects of all three extracted DOM types were limited compared to that of HA. Based on the combined analysis of DOM properties and TiO₂ NPs transport behaviors, it could be concluded that aromaticity and M_w were the key properties determining the limited promoting effects of DOM on TiO₂ NPs mobility, and the specific UV absorbance at 280 nm (normalized by concentration, SUVA₂₈₀) was a facile and useful indicator of the DOM-promoted transport of TiO₂ NPs. These findings revealed that transport potential in the presence of DOM would be overestimated if either HA or fulvic acid were chosen as the DOM model in studies.

Dissolved organic matter reduces the effectiveness of sorbents for mercury removal

Mercury (Hg) contamination of soils and sediments impacts numerous environments worldwide and constitutes a challenging remediation problem. In this study, we evaluate the impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the effectiveness of eight sorbent materials considered for Hg remediation in soils and sediments. The materials include both engineered and unmodified materials based on carbon, clays, mesoporous silica and a copper alloy. Initially, we investigated the kinetics of Hg(II) complexation with DOM for a series of Hg:DOM ratios. Steady-state Hg-DOM complexation occurred within 48 to 120 h, taking longer time at higher Hg:DOC (dissolved organic carbon) molar ratios. In subsequent equilibrium experiments, Hg(II) was equilibrated with DOM at a defined Hg:DOC molar ratio (2.4 · 10^-6) for 170 h and used in batch experiments to determine the effect of DOM on Hg partition coefficients and sorption isotherms by comparing Hg(II) and Hg-DOM. Hg sorption capacities of all sorbents were severely limited in the presence of DOM as a competing ligand. Thiol-SAMMS®, SediMite™ and pine biochar were most effective in reducing Hg concentrations. While pine biochar and lignin-derived carbon processed at high temperatures released negligible amounts of anions into solution, leaching of sulfate and chloride was observed for most engineered sorbent materials. Sulfate may stimulate microbial communities harboring sulfate reducing bacteria, which are considered one of the primary drivers of microbial mercury methylation in the environment. The results highlight potential challenges arising from the application of sorbents for Hg remediation in the field.