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A comprehensive estimate of the aggregation and transport of nSiO 2 in static and dynamic aqueous systems
Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nSiO ) are extensively used in diverse fields and are inevitably released into the natural environment. Their overall aggregation behaviour in the environmental matrix can determine their fate and ecotoxicological effect on terrestrial and aquatic life. The current stu...
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Published in: | Environmental science--processes & impacts 2022-05, Vol.24 (5), p.675-688 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nSiO
) are extensively used in diverse fields and are inevitably released into the natural environment. Their overall aggregation behaviour in the environmental matrix can determine their fate and ecotoxicological effect on terrestrial and aquatic life. The current study systematically evaluates multiple parameters that can influence the stability of colloidal nSiO
(47 nm) in the natural aquatic environment. At first, the influence of several hydrochemical parameters such as pH (5, 7, and 9), ionic strength (IS) (10, 50, and 100 mM), and humic acid (HA) (0.1, 1, and 10 mg L
) was examined to understand the overall aggregation process of nSiO
. Furthermore, the synergistic and antagonistic effects of ionic strength and humic acid on the transport of nSiO
in the aqueous environment were examined. Our experimental findings indicate that pH, ionic strength, and humic acid all had a profound influence on the sedimentation process of nSiO
. The experimental observations were corroborated by calculating the DLVO interaction energy profile, which was shown to be congruent with the transport patterns. The present study also highlights the influence of high and low shear forces on the sedimentation process of nSiO
in the aqueous medium. The presence of shear force altered the collision efficiency and other interactive forces between the nanoparticles in the colloidal suspension. Under the experimental stirring conditions, a higher abundance of dispersed nSiO
in the upper layer of the aqueous medium was noted. Additionally, the transport behaviour of nSiO
was studied in a variety of natural water systems, including rivers, lakes, ground, and tap water. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of the different physical, chemical, and environmental aspects that can critically impact the sedimentation and spatial distribution of nSiO
in static and dynamic aquatic ecosystems. |
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ISSN: | 2050-7887 2050-7895 |
DOI: | 10.1039/D2EM00016D |