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Ruan J, Yang J, Wang X, Liang C, Li L, Zeng Y, Wang J, Li Y, Huang W, Chen C. Heteroaggregation kinetics of oppositely charged nanoplastics in aquatic environments: Effects of particle ratio, solution chemistry, and interaction sequence. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134857. [PMID: 38876017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between positively charged amino-modified (APS) and negatively charged bare (BPS) polystyrene nanoplastics may cause heteroaggregation in aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of particle concentration ratio, solution chemistry [electrolytes, pH, and natural organic matter (NOM)], and interaction sequence on their heteroaggregation kinetics. In the absence of electrolytes and NOM, the APS/BPS ratio for attaining maximum heteroaggregation rate (khetero) increased from APS/BPS= 3/7 to APS/BPS= 1/1 as pH increased from 4 to 10, indicating that electrostatic interactions dominated heteroaggregation. In the absence of NOM, khetero ranked APS/BPS= 2/3 > APS/BPS= 1/1 > APS/BPS= 3/2. Colloidal stability decreased linearly as pH increased from 4 to 8 at APS/BPS= 1/1, while diffusion-limited heteroaggregation persisted at pH 10. In NaCl solution, humic acid (HA) retarded heteroaggregation more effectively than sodium alginate (SA) via steric hindrance and weakening electrostatic interactions, following the modified Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (MDLVO) theory. Compared with simultaneous interactions among APS, BPS, NaCl, and NOM, the NOM retardation effects on heteroaggregation weakened if delaying its interaction with others. In CaCl2 solution, the effects of NOM on heteroaggregation depended on counterbalance among charge screening, steric hindrance, and calcium bridging. These findings highlight the important role of heteroaggregation between oppositely charged nanoplastics on their fate and transport in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Ruan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xingyan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Cuihua Liang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Lihua Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yaqi Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Weilin Huang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Chengyu Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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2
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Wang Z, Kong Y, Cao X, Liu N, Wang C, Li X, Xing B. Co-photoaging inhibited the heteroaggregation between polystyrene nanoplastics and different titanium dioxide nanoparticles. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121831. [PMID: 38810346 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Heteroaggregation between nanoplastics (NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) determines their environmental fates and ecological risks in aquatic environments. However, the co-photoaging scenario of NPs and TiO2NPs, interaction mechanisms of TiO2NPs with (aged) NPs, as well as the dependence of their heteroaggregation on TiO2NPs facets remain elusive. We found the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) with coexisting RTiO2NPs was 1.9 - 2.2 times larger than that with coexisting ATiO2NPs, suggesting a better suspension stability of PSNPs+RTiO2NPs. In addition, CCC of TiO2NPs with coexisting photoaged PSNPs (APSNPs) was larger 1.7 - 2.2 times than that with PSNPs coexisting, indicating photoaging inhibited their heteroaggregation due to increasing electrostatic repulsion derived from increased negative charges on APSNPs and the polymer-derived dissolved organic carbon. Coexisted TiO2NPs promoted oxidation of PSNPs with the action of HO· and O2·- under UV light, leading to inhibited heteroaggregation. Moreover, Van der Waals and Lewis-acid interaction dominated the formation of primary heteroaggregates of PSNPs-TiO2NPs (ESE = ‒2.20 ∼ ‒2.78 eV) and APSNPs-TiO2NPs (ESE = ‒3.29 ∼ ‒3.67 eV), respectively. The findings provide a mechanistic insight into the environmental process of NPs and TiO2NPs, and are significant for better understanding their environmental risks in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Yu Kong
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xuesong Cao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chuanxi Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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3
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Luo C, Hou Y, Ye W, Tang Y, He D, Xiao L, Qiu Y. Algae polysaccharide-induced transport transformation of nanoplastics in seawater-saturated porous media. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 259:121807. [PMID: 38820728 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the distinct effects of algae polysaccharides (AP), namely sodium alginate (SA), fucoidan (FU), and laminarin (LA), on the aggregation of nanoplastics (NP) in seawater, as well as their subsequent transport in seawater-saturated sea sand. The pristine 50 nm NP tended to form large aggregates, with an average size of approximately 934.5 ± 11 nm. Recovery of NP from the effluent (Meff) was low, at only 18.2 %, and a ripening effect was observed in the breakthrough curve (BTC). Upon the addition of SA, which contains carboxyl groups, the zeta (ζ)-potential of the NP increased by 2.8 mV. This modest enhancement of electrostatic interaction with NP colloids led to a reduction in the aggregation size of NP to 598.0 ± 27 nm and effectively mitigated the ripening effect observed in the BTC. Furthermore, SA's adherence to the sand surface and the resulting increase in electrostatic repulsion, caused a rise in Meff to 27.5 %. In contrast, the introduction of FU, which contains sulfate ester groups, resulted in a surge in ζ-potential of the NP to -27.7 ± 0.76 mV. The intensified electrostatic repulsion between NP and between NP and sand greatly increased Meff to 45.6 %. Unlike the effects of SA and FU, the addition of LA, a neutral compound, caused a near disappearance of ζ-potential of NP (-3.25 ± 0.68 mV). This change enhanced the steric hindrance effect, resulting in complete stabilization of particles and a blocking effect in the BTC of NP. Quantum chemical simulations supported the significant changes in the electrostatic potential of NP colloids induced by SA, FU and LA. In summary, the presence of AP can induce variability in the mobility of NP in seawater-saturated porous media, depending on the nature of the weak, strong, or non-electrostatic interactions between colloids, which are influenced by the structure and functionalization of the polysaccharides themselves. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex and variable behavior of NP transport in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjian Luo
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuanzhang Hou
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wenkai Ye
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuchen Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Defu He
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yuping Qiu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai 200092, China; Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Zeng D, Yang C, Huang Z, Liu Y, Liu S, Zhang Z, Huang W, Dang Z, Chen C. Heteroaggregation kinetics of nanoplastics and soot nanoparticles in aquatic environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134564. [PMID: 38743982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Heteroaggregation between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and soot nanoparticles (STNPs) in aquatic environments may affect their fate and transport. This study investigated the effects of particle concentration ratio, electrolytes, pH, and humic acid on their heteroaggregation kinetics. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) ranked CCCPSNPs > CCCPSNPs-STNPs > CCCSTNPs, indicating that heteroaggregation rates fell between homoaggregation rates. In NaCl solution, as the PSNPs/STNPs ratio decreased from 9/1 to 3/7, heteroaggregation rate decreased and CCCPSNPs-STNPs increased from 200 to 220 mM due to enhanced electrostatic repulsion. Outlier was observed at PSNPs/STNPs= 1/9, where CCCPSNPs-STNPs= 170 mM and homoaggregation of STNPs dominated. However, in CaCl2 solution where calcium bridged with STNPs, heteroaggregation rate increased and CCCPSNPs-STNPs decreased from 26 to 5 mM as the PSNPs/STNPs ratio decreasing from 9/1 to 1/9. In composite water samples, heteroaggregation occurred only at estuarine and marine salinities. Acidic condition promoted heteroaggregation via charge screening. Humic acid retarded or promoted heteroaggregation in NaCl or CaCl2 solutions by steric hindrance or calcium bridging, respectively. Other than van der Waals attraction and electrostatic repulsion, heteroaggregation was affected by steric hindrance, hydrophobic interactions, π - π interactions, and calcium bridging. The results highlight the role of black carbon on colloidal stability of PSNPs in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Zeng
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chen Yang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziqing Huang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weilin Huang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Zhi Dang
- College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengyu Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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5
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Tang N, Guo Y, Zhu Z, Jiang L, Li N, Hu T, Lu L, Zhang J, Li X, Liang J. New Insights into Aggregation Behaviors of the UV-Irradiated Dissolved Biochars (DBioCs) in Aqueous Environments: Effects of Water Chemistries and Variation in the Hamaker Constant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8053-8064. [PMID: 38662987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The aggregation behavior of ubiquitous dissolved black carbon (DBC) largely affects the fate and transport of its own contaminants and the attached contaminants. However, the photoaging processes and resulting effects on its colloidal stability remain yet unknown. Herein, dissolved biochars (DBioCs) were extracted from common wheat straw biochar as a proxy for an anthropogenic DBC. The influences of UV radiation on their aggregation kinetics were systematically investigated under various water chemistries (pH, electrolytes, and protein). The environmental stability of the DBioCs before and after radiation was further verified in two natural water samples. Hamaker constants of pristine and photoaged DBioCs were derived according to Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) prediction, and its attenuation (3.19 ± 0.15 × 10-21 J to 1.55 ± 0.07 × 10-21 J after 7 days of radiation) was described with decay kinetic models. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the surface properties and aggregation behaviors of DBioCs were significantly correlated with radiation time (p < 0.05), indicating its profound effects. Based on characterization and experimental results, we proposed a three-stage mechanism (contended by photodecarboxylation, photo-oxidation, and mineral exposure) that DBioCs might experience under UV radiation. These findings would provide an important reference for potential phototransformation processes and relevant behavioral changes that DBC may encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Ziqian Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Longbo Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Lan Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
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6
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Gao J, Wang L, Wu WM, Luo J, Hou D. Microplastic generation from field-collected plastic gauze: Unveiling the aging processes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133615. [PMID: 38325096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic debris in the environment is a matter of global concern. As plastic ages, it generates microplastic (MP) particles with high mobility. Understanding how MPs are generated is crucial to controlling this emerging contaminant. In this study, we utilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic gauze, collected from urban settings, as a representative example of plastic waste. The plastic gauze was subjected to various aging conditions, including freeze-thaw cycling, mechanical abrasion, and UV irradiation. Following aging, the plastic gauze was rinsed with water, and the number of generated MPs were quantified. It was found that aged plastic gauze generated up to 334 million MP particles per m2 (> 10 µm) during rinsing, a number two orders of magnitude higher than unaged plastic. Fragmentation occurred in two dimensions for bulk MPs of all morphotypes. However, specific aging approaches (i.e., mechanical abrasion and UV irradiation) generated spheres and fibers via pseudo-3D fragmentation. Additionally, changes in molecular weight, size distribution, and surface oxidation characteristics unveiled a complex pattern (i.e., irregular changes with exposure time). This complexity underscores the intricate nature of plastic debris aging processes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4020, USA
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0355, USA
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Wang Z, Zhai Y, Zhou Y, Huang C, Zhang X, Xu M. The impact of dissolved organic matter on the photodegradation of tetracycline in the presence of microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140784. [PMID: 38006920 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), an emerging class of pollutants, significantly impact the photoconversion dynamics of tetracycline (TC). But the effect of prevalent dissolved organic matter (DOM) on TC photodegradation in the presence of MPs remains a gap in current research. In this study, the photoconversion behavior and mechanism of TC under simulated sunlight conditions were systematically investigated, both in the presence of DOM and in combination with polystyrene (PS) MPs. The results demonstrated that both DOM and MPs enhanced the photodegradation of TC when compared to its direct degradation. However, DOM, particularly humic acid (HA, 10 mg/L), exhibited a more pronounced enhancing effect on TC photodegradation within 1 h reaction, regardless of the presence or absence of MPs, reaching up to 80%. In reaction systems involving TC-HA and TC-HA-PS, the primary contributors to TC degradation were direct photolysis and HA photosensitization (free radical reactions). Conversely, photosensitization effects were not significant in the presence of fulvic acid (FA). Furthermore, even under dark reaction conditions, HA exhibited a 10% degradation effect on TC. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) results indicate that dark reaction processes involve free radical reactions. Additionally, toxicity test results showed a reduction in the acute toxicity of TC photodegradation products, yet the long-term cumulative risks to organisms deserved attention. In general, this investigation significantly advances our understanding of the intricate photoconversion behavior of TC in the presence of coexisting chemical components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhexian Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Yunbo Zhai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Yin Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Cheng Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Min Xu
- Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, PR China.
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8
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Li L, Xue B, Lin H, Lan W, Wang X, Wei J, Li M, Li M, Duan Y, Lv J, Chen Z. The adsorption and release mechanism of different aged microplastics toward Hg(II) via batch experiment and the deep learning method. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141067. [PMID: 38163463 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Aged microplastics are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment, which inevitably accumulate metals, and then alter their migration. Whereas, the synergistic behavior and effect of microplastics and Hg(II) were rarely reported. In this context, the adsorptive behavior of Hg(II) by pristine/aged microplastics involving polystyrene, polyethylene, polylactic acid, and tire microplastics were investigated via kinetic (pseudo-first and second-order dynamics, the internal diffusion model), Langmuir, and Freundlich isothermal models; the adsorption and desorption behavior was also explored under different conditions. Microplastics aged by ozone exhibited a rougher surface attached with abundant oxygen-containing groups to enhance hydrophilicity and negative surface charge, those promoted adsorption capacity of 4-20 times increment compared with the pristine microplastics. The process (except for aged tire microplastics) was dominated by a monolayer chemical reaction, which was significantly impacted by pH, salinity, fulvic acid, and co-existing ions. Furthermore, the adsorbed Hg(II) could be effectively eluted in 0.04% HCl, simulated gastric liquids, and seawater with a maximum desorption amount of 23.26 mg/g. An artificial neural network model was used to predict the performance of microplastics in complex media and accurately capture the main influencing factors and their contributions. This finding revealed that aged microplastics had the affinity to trap Hg(II) from freshwater, whereafter it released the Hg(II) once transported into the acidic medium, the organism's gastrointestinal system, or the estuary area. These indicated that aged microplastics could be the sink or the source of Hg(II) depending on the surrounding environment, meaning that aged microplastics could be the vital carrier to Hg(II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghong Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Xue
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Haiying Lin
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Emerging Contaminants Monitoring, Early Warning and Environmental Health Risk Assessment, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Wenlu Lan
- Beibu Gulf Marine Ecological Environment Field Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Beihai, Guangxi, China; Marine Environmental Monitoring Centre of Guangxi, Beihai, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xinyi Wang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Junqi Wei
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mingen Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mingzhi Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Duan
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jiatong Lv
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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9
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Xu Y, Ou Q, van der Hoek JP, Liu G, Lompe KM. Photo-oxidation of Micro- and Nanoplastics: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Effects in Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:991-1009. [PMID: 38166393 PMCID: PMC10795193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention due to their persistence and potential ecological risks. This review critically summarizes the effects of photo-oxidation on the physical, chemical, and biological behaviors of MNPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The core of this paper explores how photo-oxidation-induced surface property changes in MNPs affect their adsorption toward contaminants, the stability and mobility of MNPs in water and porous media, as well as the transport of pollutants such as organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs). It then reviews the photochemical processes of MNPs with coexisting constituents, highlighting critical factors affecting the photo-oxidation of MNPs, and the contribution of MNPs to the phototransformation of other contaminants. The distinct biological effects and mechanism of aged MNPs are pointed out, in terms of the toxicity to aquatic organisms, biofilm formation, planktonic microbial growth, and soil and sediment microbial community and function. Furthermore, the research gaps and perspectives are put forward, regarding the underlying interaction mechanisms of MNPs with coexisting natural constituents and pollutants under photo-oxidation conditions, the combined effects of photo-oxidation and natural constituents on the fate of MNPs, and the microbiological effect of photoaged MNPs, especially the biotransformation of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet,
Department Research & Innovation,
P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Kim Maren Lompe
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
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10
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Zhang G, Cui J, Song J, Ji Y, Zuo Y, Jia H, Yin X. Transport of polystyrene nanoplastics with different functional groups in goethite-coated saturated porous media: Effects of low molecular weight organic acids and physicochemical properties. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 653:423-433. [PMID: 37722171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.09.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The influence of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and goethite on the migration of nanoplastics in the soil environment remains poorly understood. To elucidate the mechanism of influence, the study investigated the impact of LMWOAs on the migration ability of functionalized polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs-NH2/COOH) in quartz sand (QS) and goethite (α-FeOOH)-coated quartz sand (FOS). We investigated the effect of changes in iron valence induced by LMWOAs on the migration of PSNPs. The results revealed that the migration ability of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) declined as the ionic strength (IS) increased and the pH decreased, primarily due to the compression of the double layer and protonation reactions. The migration of PSNPs is facilitated by LMWOAs through distinct mechanisms in the two media. Specifically, LMWOAs were adsorbed on the FOS and QS surfaces through complexation and hydrogen bonding, respectively. At pH 4.0, LMWOAs exhibit redox activity, resulting in the generation of additional Fe(III). This redox process enhances the electrostatic attraction between the media and PSNPs, thereby reducing the competition at specific points and spatial resistance associated with LMWOAs. In contrast to FOS, LMWOAs at pH 4.0 reduced the migration ability of PSNPs in QS, following the trend of MA > TA > CA. This difference was attributed to the pKa of LMWOAs and the weak hydrogen bonding on the QS surface. The relevant mathematical models effectively validate the migration results. The above conclusions suggest that LMWOAs can alter the valence state of iron on the surface of goethite, thereby influencing the migration of plastic particles in environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcai Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiahao Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jie Song
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yantian Ji
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yajie Zuo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hongtao Jia
- College of Resources and Environment, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China.
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11
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Xie R, Xing X, Nie X, Ma X, Wan Q, Chen Q, Li Z, Wang J. Deposition behaviors of carboxyl-modified polystyrene nanoplastics with goethite in aquatic environment: Effects of solution chemistry and organic macromolecules. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166783. [PMID: 37666342 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment are emerging contaminants due to their risks to human health and ecosystems. The interaction between NPs and minerals determines the environmental and ecological risks of NPs. In this study, the deposition behaviors of carboxyl modified polystyrene nanoplastics (COOH-PSNPs) with goethite (α-FeOOH) were systematically investigated under various solution chemistry and organic macromolecules (OMs) conditions (i.e., pH, ionic type, humic acid (HA), sodium alginate (SA), and bovine serum albumin (BSA)). The study found that electrostatic interactions dominated the interaction between COOH-PSNPs and goethite. The deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs decreased with an increase in solution pH, due to the enhanced electrostatic repulsion by higher pH. Introducing cations or anions could compress the electrostatic double layers and compete for interaction sites on COOH-PSNPs and goethite, thereby reducing the deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs. The stabilization effects, which were positive with ions valence, followed the orders of NaCl ≈ KCl < CaCl2, NaNO3 ≈ NaCl < Na2SO4 < Na3PO4. Specific adsorption of SO42- or H2PO4- caused a potential reversal of goethite from positive to negative, leading to the electrostatic forces between COOH-PSNPs and goethite changed from attraction to repulsion, and thus significantly decreasing deposition of COOH-PSNPs. Organic macromolecules could markedly inhibit the deposition of COOH-PSNPs with goethite because of enhanced electrostatic repulsion, steric hindrance, and competition of surface binding sites. The ability for inhibiting the deposition of COOH-PSNPs followed the sequence of SA > HA > BSA, which was related to their structure (SA: linear, semi-flexible, HA: globular, semi-rigid, BSA: globular, with protein tertiary structure) and surface charge density (SA > HA > BSA). The results of this study highlight the complexity of the interactions between NPs and minerals under different environments and provide valuable insights in understanding transport mechanisms and environmental fate of nanoplastics in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyin Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China; State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Research Center of Ecological Environment and Resource Utilization, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xiaohui Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Xin Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Research Center of Ecological Environment and Resource Utilization, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xunsong Ma
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China
| | - Quan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Research Center of Ecological Environment and Resource Utilization, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Comparative Planetology, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Zixiong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Jingxin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China.
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12
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Su J, Ruan J, Luo D, Wang J, Huang Z, Yang X, Zhang Y, Zeng Q, Li Y, Huang W, Cui L, Chen C. Differential Photoaging Effects on Colored Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Physicochemical Properties and Aggregation Kinetics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15656-15666. [PMID: 37747788 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) have different colors, which could affect their photoaging processes in aquatic environments. This study investigated the effects of irradiation on physicochemical properties and aggregation kinetics of five colored NPs. Photodegradation rates and photooxidation degrees ranked white ≈ yellow > red > blue ≈ black NPs, indicating that NPs with longer color wavelengths photoaged faster. The discoloration process followed color fading (2-14 days, except for white NPs), yellowing (10-16 days), yellow fading (18 days), and turning transparent (20-22 days). White NPs exhibited a different photoaging sequence (C-H → C-OH → C═O → O-C═O) from others. Photodegradation was mainly controlled by singlet oxygen, producing 13 chemicals that were mostly organic acids. The overall colloidal stability of pristine NPs ranked blue > yellow > red > black > white. Irradiation for 16 days retarded aggregation of white and other NPs in NaCl solution, raising the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) by 82.14 and 0.85-7.90%, respectively. Contrarily, irradiation promoted aggregation in CaCl2 solution by reducing the CCC of white (67.37%) and other (33.33-37.58%) NPs. The findings demonstrate that colored NPs underwent photoaging processes different from white/transparent NPs, which were focused by previous work, highlighting the important role of color in their environmental fate and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiana Su
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Ruan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhujian Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingjian Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zeng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongtao Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Weilin Huang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Lihua Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengyu Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Rural Pollution Abatement and Environmental Safety, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
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13
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Kong Y, Li X, Tao M, Cao X, Wang Z, Xing B. Cation-π mechanism promotes the adsorption of humic acid on polystyrene nanoplastics to differently affect their aggregation: Evidence from experimental characterization and DFT calculation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132071. [PMID: 37487331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Multiple water-chemistry factors determine nanoplastics aggregation and thus change their bioavailability and ecological risks in natural aquatic environments. However, the dominant factors and their interactive mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) showed greater colloidal stability in Li Lake water compared to ultrapure water. The RDA and PARAFAC results suggested that dissolved organic carbon, humic acid (HA) in particular, Ca2+, and pH are critical factors influencing PSNPs aggregation. Batch experiments showed that the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of PSNPs was increased with pH increase; HA increased the CCC of PSNPs in NaCl by 2.6-fold but decreased that in CaCl2 by 1.8-fold. Moreover, cations increased the adsorption of HA on PSNPs. The DFT results suggested that HA-cations complexes (EAE = -1.10 eV and -0.51 eV for HA-Ca2+ and HA-Na+, respectively) but not HA alone (EAE = -0.33 eV) are the main scenarios for their adsorption on PSNPs, and a cation-π mechanism between PSNPs and HA-cations complexes dominates PSNPs aggregation in this scenario. The findings are significant for better understanding the environmental process and fate of nanoplastics in aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Nanoplastics are kinds of emerging contaminants. Nanoplastic aggregation determines their bioavailability and toxic risks to ecological health. Herein, the hydrodynamic sizes of PSNPs in local Li Lake water was tested and a redundancy analysis was performed to examine the key water-chemistry factors driving PSNPs aggregation. Moreover, the mechanisms in PSNPs aggregation driven by multiple dominant water-chemistry factors including cations, pH, and DOC were firstly unveiled by combining experimental characterization and theoretical computations. This work improves our understanding of the environmental fate of nanoplastics and provides a theoretical basis for the risk assessment and control of nanoplastics in real aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kong
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Mengna Tao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xuesong Cao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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14
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Yan Y, Yu Y, Sima J, Geng C, Yang J. Aging behavior of microplastics accelerated by mechanical fragmentation: alteration of intrinsic and extrinsic properties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:90993-91006. [PMID: 37468782 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) inevitably undergo multiple aging processes during their life cycle in the environment. However, the information regarding the mechanical fragmentation behavior of MPs remained unclear, including the changes in the intrinsic properties of aged MPs, the measurement of aging degree, the underlying mechanism, and the interaction with heavy metals. Here, MPs (PS, PP, PET) were aged by crushing (-CR) and ball-milling (-BM) to simulate mild and severe mechanical fragmentation, respectively. Our results indicated that mechanical fragmentation significantly affected the morphology of MPs. The aging degree of MP-BM was deeper compared to MP-CR owing to smaller particle size, larger specific surface area, poorer heat resistance, better hydrophilicity, and richer oxygen-containing functional groups. The carbonyl index (CI) and O/C ratio were used to measure the aging degree of the two mechanical aging treatments. Besides, the mechanism was proposed and the discrepancy between the two treatments was elaborated from three aspects including the excitation energy source, reaction interface, and reaction dynamics. Furthermore, the extrinsic properties of MPs altered with the increase of aging degree; specifically, the adsorption capacities of heavy metals were enhanced. Meanwhile, it was unveiled that the CI value and O/C ratio played a vital role in estimating the adsorption ability of heavy metals. The findings not only reveal the mechanical fragmentation behavior of MPs but also provide new insights into the assessment of the potential risks of the aged MPs via chemical indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Yan
- The Ecological Technique and Engineering College, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100 Haiquan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201418, China
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yulu Yu
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jingke Sima
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Chunnu Geng
- The Ecological Technique and Engineering College, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100 Haiquan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201418, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Urban Soil Contamination Control and Remediation, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
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15
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Lian F, Han Y, Zhang Y, Li J, Sun B, Geng Z, Wang Z, Xing B. Exposure Order to Photoaging and Humic Acids Significantly Modifies the Aggregation and Transformation of Nanoplastics in Aqueous Solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6520-6529. [PMID: 37043333 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09140] [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] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The colloidal stability of nanoplastics in aqueous solutions is greatly regulated by photoaging and dissolved organic matter (DOM). However, how the exposure order to sunlight and DOM modifies the environmental behavior of nanoplastics is seldomly determined. Here, with two different exposure orders, we investigated the impact of molecular-weight (MW)-fractionated humic acids (HAs) derived from biochar and the Suwannee River, respectively, on the aggregation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in mono- and divalent electrolyte solutions. For exposure pattern (i) (photoaging followed by HA coating), photoaged PET-NPs had more oxidized surfaces and exhibited 22-320% higher binding affinity to HAs (especially the higher MW fractions) than the pristine counterparts, which greatly improved the dispersion of PET-NPs. For exposure pattern (ii) (HA coating followed by photoaging), HA-PET assemblies were formed, the dispersion of which increased with increasing irradiation time and was significantly higher than that of the samples in the exposure pattern (i) at the end of the experiment. This high dispersion of photoaged HA-PET assemblies was ascribed to the extra oxidation of PET by reactive oxygen species generated in the PET-HA interfaces during photoaging. These findings highlight the "active nature" of HA-PET assemblies, which provide new insight into the reaction of HA with nanoplastics beyond adsorption in the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lian
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Yaru Han
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yikang Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - BinBin Sun
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Zexuan Geng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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16
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Wang W, Li R, Bu F, Gao Y, Gao B, Yue Q, Yang M, Li Y. Coagulation and membrane fouling mechanism of Al species in removing humic acid: Effect of pH and a dynamics process analysis. Sep Purif Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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17
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Li X, Qiu H, Zhang P, Song L, Romero-Freire A, He E. Role of heteroaggregation and internalization in the toxicity of differently sized and charged plastic nanoparticles to freshwater microalgae. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120517. [PMID: 36309302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effect of waterborne nanoplastics is a manifestation of bio-nano interfacial interactions. Although nanoplastics with different physicochemical characteristics are known to exhibit distinct toxicities, it remains poorly understood how the properties of nanoplastics affect the bio-nano interface interactions. Here, polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) varying in size (50, 300, and 500 nm) and surface charge (negative and positive charge) were employed to explore the interplay between PSNPs and algal cells (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), with special focus on the heteroaggregation of PSNPs and microalgae, PSNPs cellular internalization, and cellular physiological responses. Results showed that large-sized PSNPs (300 and 500 nm) caused apparent toxicity to C. reinhardtii, mainly due to light blockage resulting from the PSNPs-microalgae heteroaggregation and the shading effect of PSNPs, which was independent of PSNPs concentrations. However, the toxicity of small-sized PSNPs (50 nm) was controlled by both particle surface charge and particle concentration. The positively charged PS-NH2 was more readily heteroaggregated with microalgae than the negatively charged PS-COOH, leading to photosynthesis damage-induced toxicity. Increasing the concentration of small-sized PSNPs stimulated the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances, allowing more PSNPs to attach on the cell surface and further to enter the cell, which was responsible for the increased toxicity. These findings provide new insights into how nanoplastics induce contact toxicity in microalgae cells through specific biointerfacial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Peihua Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lan Song
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ana Romero-Freire
- Department of Soil Science, University of Granada, Granada, 18002, Spain
| | - Erkai He
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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18
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Trevisan R, Ranasinghe P, Jayasundara N, Di Giulio RT. Nanoplastics in Aquatic Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Species and Interactions with Environmental Factors and Pollutants. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060326. [PMID: 35736934 PMCID: PMC9230143 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic production began in the early 1900s and it has transformed our way of life. Despite the many advantages of plastics, a massive amount of plastic waste is generated each year, threatening the environment and human health. Because of their pervasiveness and potential for health consequences, small plastic residues produced by the breakdown of larger particles have recently received considerable attention. Plastic particles at the nanometer scale (nanoplastics) are more easily absorbed, ingested, or inhaled and translocated to other tissues and organs than larger particles. Nanoplastics can also be transferred through the food web and between generations, have an influence on cellular function and physiology, and increase infections and disease susceptibility. This review will focus on current research on the toxicity of nanoplastics to aquatic species, taking into account their interactive effects with complex environmental mixtures and multiple stressors. It intends to summarize the cellular and molecular effects of nanoplastics on aquatic species; discuss the carrier effect of nanoplastics in the presence of single or complex environmental pollutants, pathogens, and weathering/aging processes; and include environmental stressors, such as temperature, salinity, pH, organic matter, and food availability, as factors influencing nanoplastic toxicity. Microplastics studies were also included in the discussion when the data with NPs were limited. Finally, this review will address knowledge gaps and critical questions in plastics’ ecotoxicity to contribute to future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Trevisan
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Prabha Ranasinghe
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Nishad Jayasundara
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
| | - Richard T. Di Giulio
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; (P.R.); (N.J.); (R.T.D.G.)
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