Location-dependent occurrence and distribution of metal-based nanoparticles in bay environments

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2024-09, Vol.476, p.134972, Article 134972
• Main Authors: Ying, Siying, Liu, Ziyi, Hu, Yongrong, Peng, Rong, Zhu, Xiaoshan, Dong, Shuofei, Yan, Dong, Huang, Yuxiong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fate and transport; Marine environment; Single particle; Terrestrial emission; Water circulation
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134972

Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are increasingly being released into the marine environment, posing potential environmental risks. However, factors governing the environmental occurrence and distribution of MNPs in bays still lack a comprehensive understanding. Herein, we collected seawater and sediment samples from two adjacent bays (Daya Bay and Honghai Bay, which have similar water qualities), and determined the particle concentrations and sizes of multi-element MNPs (Ti-, Cu-, Zn-, Ag-, Mn-, Pb- and Cr-based NPs) via single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (spICP-MS). The internal circulation in Daya Bay has resulted in an even distribution of MNPs’ particle concentrations and sizes in both seawater and sediments, while the terrestrial discharge in Honghai Bay has led to a gradient-decreasing trend in MNPs’ concentrations from nearshore to offshore. Moreover, the relatively high abundance of MNPs in Honghai Bay has contributed to 2.35-fold higher environmental risks than Daya Bay. Overall, this study has provided solid evidence on the critical but overlooked factors that have shaped the occurrence and distribution of MNPs, providing new insights for risk management and emission regulation. [Display omitted] •Factors governed MNPs’ occurrence and distribution in bays revealed by field study.•Multi-element MNPs’ size and concentration quantified with spICP-MS.•Internal circulation resulted in MNPs’ homogeneous distributions in Daya Bay.•High concentration of MNPs in Honghai Bay attributed to terrestrial emission.•The abundance of MNPs in bay has led to 2.35-fold higher environmental risks.