Themed collection Environmental fate of nanomaterials
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Foliar application of nanoparticles: mechanisms of absorption, transfer, and multiple impacts”’ by S. Husted, P. Møs, S. Le Tougaard, A. Pinna and F. Minutello, Environ Sci.: Nano, DOI: 10.1039/D1EN00630D
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1185-1186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN01161H
What is “Environmentally Relevant”? A framework to advance research on the environmental fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials
FRAME: Framework for Relevance And Methods Evaluation.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 2414-2429
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00162K
Metal nanoparticles in the air: state of the art and future perspectives
Nanoparticles containing metals in their structure constitute an increasingly large group of substances present in the air.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3233-3254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00536C
Silver sulfide nanoparticles in aqueous environments: formation, transformation and toxicity
Formation and transformation of silver sulfide nanoparticles occur in both engineered and natural water systems with potential toxic effects to aqueous organisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1674-1687
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00138G
Time resolved pore scale monitoring of nanoparticle transport in porous media using synchrotron X-ray μ-CT
Capturing nanoparticle retention in 4D via ex situ μ-CT.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2224-2231
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00227F
Aggregation morphology is a key factor determining protein adsorption on graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide nanomaterials
The surface properties of graphene-based materials determine their protein-binding capacities via modulating the aggregation morphology of these materials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1303-1309
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01408F
Co-transport of polybromodiphenyl ethers and soil nanoparticles in saturated porous media: implications for the risks of polybromodiphenyl ether spreading in groundwater
This study demonstrates that PBDEs attached to soil nanoparticles can be highly mobile in saturated porous media, providing important insights on risk assessment of PBDEs contamination.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 2568-2576
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EN00086B
Delineating the role of surface grafting density of organic coatings on the colloidal stability, transport, and sorbent behavior of engineered nanoparticles
Aqueous stability and sorption affinity (towards target environmental contaminants) of engineered nanoparticles, composed of inorganic nanoparticles and surface stabilizers, are dependent on surface grafting density.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 578-587
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00358B
Sub-100 nm nanoplastics: potent carriers of tributyltin in marine water
This study demonstrates that sub-100 nm nanoplastics have a significantly greater capacity for tributyltin adsorption, raising concerns that small nanoplastics may remobilise existing TBT pollution, rendering it more available to marine organisms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2024,11, 241-252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00659J
Colloidal stability of hematite nanoparticles in the presence of a common quaternary ammonium compound at environmentally-relevant concentrations
The stability of a model environmental nanomineral, colloidal hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles, can be strongly affected by environmentally-relevant levels of quaternary ammonium surfactants, a surfactant present in ubiquitous daily-use household products.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 3476-3485
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00544E
Nitrate formation and iron dissolution in the heterogeneous reactions of NH3 on nano α-Fe2O3
NH3 is oxidized into NO3− in the heterogeneous reactions on the surface of nano α-Fe2O3 and results in iron dissolution.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 3184-3196
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00494E
Investigation of magnetite–Co interactions: from environmentally relevant trace Co levels to core–shell Fe3O4@Co(OH)2 nanoparticles with magnetic applications
Three different Co(II) species are identified at the surface of stoichiometric magnetite (Fe(II)/Fe(III) = 0.5) by experiments, modeling, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. This affects the fate of Co, and the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 3051-3061
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00379E
Matrix-driven environmental fate and effects of silver nanowires during printed paper electronics end of life
The fate and impact of silver nanowires incorporated in a paper-based nano-enabled product (NEP) was investigated in freshwater mesocosms.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 3039-3050
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00263B
Freezing-induced microplastic degradation in an anoxic Fe(II)-containing solution: the key role of Fe(IV) and ·OH
The Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle together with newly formed EPFRs and H2O2 can cause microplastic degradation in ice.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2744-2753
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00290J
The effect of kaolinite on ferrihydrite colloid migration in soil: molecular-scale mechanism study
The first investigation that describes the adsorption capacity of natural colloids by solid soil media, and studies their interaction mechanism in the molecular-scale.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2754-2766
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00333G
Chemical speciation and distribution of adsorbed Cd(II) on goethite: influence of pH and sulfate
Simplified conceptualization of various Cd fractions binding on the goethite surface under different pH/sulfate conditions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 2500-2513
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00243H
Morphological sensitivity of silver nanoparticles to the environment
Morphological competition between silver nanoparticles evolves under air exposure mainly due to temperature effects and interactions with surface contaminants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 1754-1767
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN01129H
DNA damage caused by light-driven graphene oxide: a new mechanism
The adsorption and cleavage behavior of DNA molecules by graphene oxide under UV irradiation were investigated in detail. It will provide novel insights into the potential environmental risk of graphene oxide in the aquatic environment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 519-527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00948J
Comprehensive study about the heterogeneous conversion of NH3 on nanoscale TiO2 particles: insight into the mechanism and atmospheric implications
The heterogeneous reactions of NH3 on TiO2 were comprehensively investigated using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and a flow tube reactor.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2023,10, 241-250
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00966H
Transformation of zinc oxide nanoparticles in freshwater sediments under oxic and anoxic conditions
This study improves the understanding of ZnO NP transformation and Zn behavior in redox-dynamic slightly alkaline freshwater sediments.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 4255-4267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00709F
Buoyancy and Brownian motion of plastics in aqueous media: predictions and implications for density separation and aerosol internal mixing state
Nano- and microplastics exist in the environment and atmosphere in mixed-phase aqueous systems. The density and size of plastics as well as the density of the liquid phase determines if these plastics will float or diffuse through the liquid.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 4249-4254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00525E
Nano-scale investigation of organic C sequestration and distribution on Fe oxides during ferrihydrite transformation: effect of Al-substitution
Al-substitution in Fe oxides increased the sorption of aromatic C, which was dominantly bound to the outer layer of the organo–mineral interfaces as the carboxyl C was preferentially sorbed onto the surfaces of Fe oxides.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 4007-4017
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00505K
Water reduction on the facets of Fe(OH)2: an experimental and DFT study
The capacity of Fe(OH)2 to reduce H2O was limited by the predominant distribution of inert (001) facet and high energy barrier of H2O dissociation on acitive (100) facet.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 3407-3416
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00629D
Coupled impact of proteins with different molecular weights and surface charges on TiO2 mobility
The widely present proteins in the natural environment interact with released nanoparticles, which changes the stability, transport, and fate of nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2773-2787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00043A
Generation of environmentally persistent free radicals on faceted TiO2 in an ambient environment: roles of crystalline surface structures
The formation of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) is highly correlated with the structure of mineral crystal surfaces.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2521-2533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00240J
Prediction of nanomagnetite stoichiometry (Fe(II)/Fe(III)) under contrasting pH and redox conditions
Magnetite nanoparticles are not chemically stable at pH < 7, which drastically affects their environmental behavior.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2363-2371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00112H
Colloidal stabilities and deposition behaviors of chromium (hydr)oxides in the presence of dissolved organic matters: role of coprecipitation and adsorption
The coprecipitation or surface adsorption of dissolved organic matters determined the colloidal stabilities and deposition behaviors of Cr (hydr)oxides.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2207-2219
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00136E
Nano-biochar modulates the formation of iron plaque through facilitating iron-involved redox reactions on aquatic plant root surfaces
The ubiquitous presence of submicron-sized black carbon (BC) in the water environment makes it inevitably interact with root surfaces of aquatic plants.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1974-1985
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00032F
Metal-binding processes on nanoplastics: rare earth elements as probes
The presence of nanoplastics in the ocean and soil demonstrates their global distribution in the environment.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2094-2103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00048B
Facet-dependent adsorption of aluminum(III) on hematite nanocrystals and the influence on mineral transformation
Enrichment of aluminum(III) in hematite with different crystal faces.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 2073-2085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EN00062H
Emerging investigator series: correlating phase composition and geometric structure to the colloidal stability of 2D MoS2 nanomaterials
The study reveals that the interaction with cations, colloidal stability and transport behavior of MoS2 rely on its phase compositions and geometric structures.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1605-1616
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN01110C
Oxalate promoted iron dissolution of hematite via proton coupled electron transfer
Oxalate promoted iron dissolution of hematite via proton coupled electron transfer.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1770-1779
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN01190A
Formation, aggregation, and transport of NOM–Cr(III) colloids in aquatic environments
This study provides nanoscale and molecular-scale evidence that the formation, stability, and transport of NOM–Cr(III) colloids depend on the C/Cr ratio and NOM source.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 1133-1145
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00861G
Molecular-scale study of Cr(VI) adsorption onto lepidocrocite facets by EXAFS, in situ ATR-FTIR, theoretical frequency calculations and DFT+U techniques
Lepidocrocite, as a ubiquitous iron mineral, is widely detected in different morphologies in natural environments, controlling the mobility and availability of heavy metal ions (HMIs).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 568-581
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN01085A
In situ observations of the occlusion of a clay-sugar compound within calcite
The observations of organo-clay-calcite interactions through combined mineral reactions in soil systems would provide a new perspective of carbon stabilization.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2022,9, 523-531
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00902H
Nanoelicitors with prolonged retention and sustained release to produce beneficial compounds in wines
We designed nanoparticles able to protect the elicitor on the leaves of grapevines over long periods of time. The foliar application of this nanoelicitor produced wines with high content of stilbenes at significantly reduced dosages.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 3524-3535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00504A
Influential parameters of surface waters on the formation of coating on TiO2 nanoparticles under natural conditions
Investigation of the natural coatings on nanoparticles in surface waters (using dialysis bags), and evaluation of the influential parameters of surface waters on the formation of these coatings.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 3153-3166
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00431J
Species-dependent eco-corona dictates the aggregation of black phosphorus nanosheets: the role of protein and calcium
Dispersion of BPNSs was stabilized by crop root exudate fractions >3 kDa, resulted from ecological corona hindering their connections with other BPNSs and electrolyte (Ca2+).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 3098-3109
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00524C
Nanoscale imaging of the simultaneous occlusion of nanoplastics and glyphosate within soil minerals
Functional nanoplastics (PSFG) complexed with glyphosate (PMG) are occluded within the model minerals calcite and iron hydroxide through growing hillocks and particle aggregation, respectively, thus limiting their soil migration and plant uptake.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 2855-2865
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00381J
Persistent arsenate–iron(III) oxyhydroxide–organic matter nanoaggregates observed in coal
Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis of high arsenic Guizhou coal samples reveals stable nano-aggregates of As(V) bound through edge-sharing with Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide within an organic matter matrix.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 2964-2975
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00502B
Leaching of organic carbon enhances mobility of biochar nanoparticles in saturated porous media
Leaching of organic carbon enhances the mobility of biochar nanoparticles in saturated porous media due to alleviated particle deposition via cation bridging.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 2584-2594
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00409C
Dissolution-based uptake of CeO2 nanoparticles by freshwater shrimp – a dual-radiolabelling study of the fate of anthropogenic cerium in water organisms
A dual radiolabelling strategy was used to track CeO2 NPs in freshwater shrimp showing a dissolution-based uptake pathway of cerium.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 1934-1944
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00264C
Protein corona-induced aggregation of differently sized nanoplastics: impacts of protein type and concentration
The aggregation of two sizes of nanosized plastic particles in aquatic environments was different in the presence of proteins with various electrical characteristics and concentrations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 1560-1570
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00115A
Arsenite oxyanions affect CeO2 nanoparticle dissolution and colloidal stability
Exposing ceria nanoparticles to high arsenite concentrations will trigger aggregation and settling, while lower concentrations promote dissolution through redox interactions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 233-244
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00970A
Complementary colloid and collector nanoscale heterogeneity explains microparticle retention under unfavorable conditions
By incorporating discrete representative nanoscale heterogeneity (DRNH) on simulated surfaces, we constrained the scales and prevalence of nanoscale heterogeneity relevant to particle transport and retention in environmental granular media.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 4010-4021
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00815J
Inorganic salts and organic matter effects on nanorod, nanowire, and nanoplate MoO3 aggregation, dissolution, and photocatalysis
Inorganic salts (NaCl and CaCl2) and organic material (humic acid and extracellular polymeric substances) have differing effects on the aquatic stability and photocatalytic activity of structurally different MoO3 materials.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3794-3804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00708K
Effect of calcination temperature on neptunium dioxide microstructure and dissolution
Solubility of neptunium dioxide decreases as microstructure grain size increases, likely due to decreasing surface free energy and surface area.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 3869-3876
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00689K
How does calcium drive the structural organization of iron–organic matter aggregates? A multiscale investigation
Calcium drives the structural transitions of iron–organic matter associations from colloidal aggregates to a non-colloidal micrometric network, subsequently controlling their mobility and the iron surface reactivity.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2833-2849
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00412J
Formation and transformation of schwertmannite through direct Fe3+ hydrolysis under various geochemical conditions
Formation and transformation of schwertmannite through direct Fe3+ hydrolysis were systematically explored under various geochemical conditions.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2385-2398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00252F
Grain boundary facilitated dissolution of nanocrystalline NpO2(s) from legacy waste processing
Nanocrystalline NpO2(s) dissolves preferentially at grain boundaries, producing aqueous and colloidal neptunium. Dissolution mechanisms may impact the environmental fate of NpO2(s) in legacy radioactive waste management.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2293-2301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00262C
Photo-production of reactive oxygen species and degradation of dissolved organic matter by hematite nanoplates functionalized by adsorbed oxalate
The geochemical cycling of iron and carbon can couple in unique ways in the euphotic zone of aquatic systems.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2278-2292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00365D
Trophic transfer of CuO NPs from sediment to worms (Tubifex tubifex) to fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus): a comparative study of dissolved Cu and NPs enriched with a stable isotope tracer (65Cu)
This study used stable isotope-labeled copper oxide nanoparticles (65CuO NPs) to determine their trophic transfer potential from sediment to worms to fish at environmentally realistic exposure doses and compared to dissolved Cu (65CuCl2).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 2360-2372
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00227E
Nanoparticle affinity for natural soils: a functional assay for determining particle attachment efficiency in complex systems
Few standardized methods and reference systems have been established for evaluating the behavior of engineered nanomaterials in complex media like natural soils.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1719-1729
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00019A
Effect of freeze/thaw on aggregation and transport of nano-TiO2 in saturated porous media
Research has focused on nanoparticle (NP) aggregation and transport behavior in saturated granular porous media, but few studies have looked at the effect that temperature variability associated with winter conditions will have on engineered NPs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1781-1793
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00008F
Formation of Fe(III)–As(V) complexes: effect on the solubility of ferric hydroxide precipitates and molecular structural identification
Soluble Fe(III)–As(V) complexes were found at both acidic and neutral conditions, which significantly change the solubility of ferric oxides.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1388-1398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0EN00024H
Emerging investigator series: ion diffusivities in nanoconfined interfacial water films contribute to mineral carbonation thresholds
Mineral carbonation reactivity trends and thresholds in nanoconfined water films delineated with in situ X-ray diffraction and molecular simulations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 1068-1081
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01382B
Effects of pH and electrolytes on the sheet-to-sheet aggregation mode of graphene oxide in aqueous solutions
Aggregation mode mediated by protonation and metal cations.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 984-995
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01365B
Incorporation of Pb(II) into hematite during ferrihydrite transformation
Ferrihydrite is ubiquitous in natural environments, and its transformation significantly influences the fate of heavy metals.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 829-841
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN01355E
Tracing of iron nanoparticles using an elemental signatures approach: laboratory and field-scale verification
A new analytical approach for environmental tracing of iron nanoparticles used for nanoremediation has been developed. The methodology is based on ICP-MS analysis of the elemental signature of the nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2020,7, 623-633
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00799G
A model sensitivity analysis to determine the most important physicochemical properties driving environmental fate and exposure of engineered nanoparticles
Sensitivity analyses indicate attachment efficiency and transformation rate constant are most important in modeling environmental fate of engineered nanoparticles.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 2049-2060
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00117D
Transformation of cerium dioxide nanoparticles during sewage sludge incineration
The incineration of sewage sludge leads to the incorporation of Ce from CeO2 nanoparticles into mineral structures.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1765-1776
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00281B
“Switching on” iron in clay minerals
We discovered a new mechanism explaining why iron in its oxidized form Fe(III) in clay minerals is reactive only in the presence of trace amounts of its reduced form—Fe(II).
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1704-1715
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00228F
Heterogeneous conversion of SO2 on nano α-Fe2O3: the effects of morphology, light illumination and relative humidity
Hematite is one of the most important components in atmospheric mineral aerosols, which always presents different morphologies due to its different formation processes and various sources.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1838-1851
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00097F
Transformation of Ag ions into Ag nanoparticle-loaded AgCl microcubes in the plant root zone
Silver ions can be naturally transformed into silver nanoparticles due to the plant root exudate-mediated photoreduction of silver chloride microcubes.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1099-1110
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EN00088G
Nano zero-valent iron aging interacts with the soil microbial community: a microcosm study
This study is among the first to reveal nZVI aging in the soil ecosystem and its interactions with the soil microbial community.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 1189-1206
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01328D
Ferrihydrite transformation under the impact of humic acid and Pb: kinetics, nanoscale mechanisms, and implications for C and Pb dynamics
We, at nanoscale, demonstrated a visualized description of ferrihydrite transformation to crystalline Fe oxides under the impact of Pb and HA.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 747-762
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01327F
Comparative assessment of the phase transfer behaviour of InP/ZnS and CuInS/ZnS quantum dots and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots under varying environmental conditions
It is vital to assess the behavior of quantum dots in different environmental media to determine their environmental impacts and potential health risks.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 879-891
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01073K
Transformation of silver nanoparticle consumer products during simulated usage and disposal
Sequential exposure of silver nanoparticle suspensions to various media gives new insight to the environmental fate of nano-enabled consumer products.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 592-598
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00958A
Determination of the bioaccessible fraction of cupric oxide nanoparticles in soils using an in vitro human digestibility simulation
This study looks at the potential for ingested nanomaterials dosed in soil, to become bioaccessible for human intestinal absorption.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 432-443
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN00687C
Natural organic matter inhibits aggregation of few-layered black phosphorus in mono- and divalent electrolyte solutions
NOM coating enabled stabilization of BPs in CaCl2 solutions via steric repulsion and isolating Ca2+ ions from interaction with BPs.
Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2019,6, 599-609
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8EN01178H
About this collection
This web collection includes research articles published in Environmental Science: Nano featuring nanomaterial environmental fate studies.