Influence of carbon and metal oxide nanomaterials on aqueous concentrations of the munition constituents cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and tungsten

There is an increasing likelihood of interactions between nanomaterials and munitions constituents in the environment resulting from the use of nanomaterials as additives to energetic formulations and potential contact in waste streams from production facilities and runoff from training ranges. The purpose of the present research was to determine the ability of nano-aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to adsorb the munitions constituents cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and tungsten (W) from aqueous solution as a first step in determining the long-term exposure, transport, and bioavailability implications of such interactions. The results indicate significant adsorption of RDX by MWCNTs and of W by nano-Al(2)O(3) (but not between W and MWCNT or RDX and nano-Al(2)O(3)). Kinetic sorption and desorption investigations indicated that the most sorption occurs nearly instantaneously (<5 min), with a relatively slower, secondary binding leading to statistically significant but relatively smaller increases in adsorption over 30 d. The RDX sorption that occurred during the initial interaction was irreversible, with long-term, reversible sorption likely the result of a secondary interaction; as interaction time increased, however, the portion of W irreversibly sorbed onto nano-Al(2)O(3) also increased. The present study shows that strong interactions between some munitions constituents and nanomaterials following environmental release are likely. Time-dependent binding has implications for the bioavailability, migration, transport, and fate of munitions constituents in the environment.

Fate and toxicity of CuO nanospheres and nanorods used in Al/CuO nanothermites before and after combustion

Although nanotechnology advancements should be fostered, the environmental health and safety (EHS) of nanoparticles used in technologies must be quantified simultaneously. However, most EHS studies assess the potential implications of the free nanoparticles which may not be directly applicable to the EHS of particles incorporated into in-use technologies. This investigation assessed the aquatic toxicological implications of copper oxide (CuO) nanospheres relative to CuO nanorods used in nanoenergetic applications to improve combustion. Particles were tested in both the as-received form and following combustion of a CuO/aluminum nanothermite. Results indicated nanospheres were more stable in water and slowly released ions, while higher surface area nanorods initially released more ions and were more toxic but generally less stable. After combustion, particles sintered into larger, micrometer-scale aggregates, which may lower toxicity potential to pelagic organisms due to deposition from water to sediment and reduced bioavailability after complexation with sediment organic matter. Whereas the larger nanothermite residues settled rapidly, implying lower persistence in water, their potential to release dissolved Cu was higher which led to greater toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia relative to parent CuO material (nanosphere or rod). This study illustrates the importance of considering the fate and toxicology of nanoparticles in context with their relevant in-use applications.