Aggregation and deposition of engineered TiO2 nanoparticles in natural fresh and brackish waters

Abstract

The use and thus environmental release potential of metal-based nanoparticles have rapidly increased. Due to their size-dependent new properties, the fate and effect of nanomaterial may differ from those of the conventional form of corresponding material. The agglomeration and sedimentation were studied by spiking the TiO2-P25 particles in natural fresh and brackish water samples. The natural waters were determined for conductivity, pH, salinity, total organic carbon, turbidity, common nutrients and trace elements. The hydrodynamic diameter and concentration of TiO2-P25 particle dispersions were monitored by using a dynamic light scattering and a spectrophotometer, respectively. The experiments were performed at two particle concentrations 100 mg/l and 1 mg/l (10 mg/l for deposition studies). The aggregation rates in brackish waters were clearly higher in higher initial concentration and the sedimentation of aggregates decreased the TiO2 concentration down to 20% and 80% of initial higher and lower concentrations, respectively. One fresh water sample favoured the destabilisation of TiO 2-P25 particles whereas another fresh water sample stabilised the TiO2 particle dispersion. The aggregation had a strong dependence on the particle concentration. High ionic content of brackish water probably explains the formation of aggregates, whereas organic substances and pH may account for the different agglomeration behaviour in fresh waters.