Assessing the interactions between micropollutants and nanoparticles in engineered and natural aquatic environments

Abstract

Increasing concerns about the occurrence and toxicity of micropollutants (MPOs) have triggered more research and the need for stringent environmental regulations. These pollutants pose a serious challenge due to their low-level occurrence in which human and ecological receptors can suffer adverse effects. The lack of sufficient data on their fate and transport in the environment has hampered realistic ecological and human health risk assessments. The partition and transformation of MPOs in the environment are further complicated by the identification of various nanoparticles. In this review, the interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and MPOs present in the environment are summarized. In particular, the review focused on the sorption of MPOs by NPs which are largely influenced by the surface area of NPs, the presence of Natural Organic Matter (NOM), pH and ionic strength etc. A dominating interaction mechanism has been proposed although it is recognized that more in-depth research is required to understand the influences of NPs in a complex environmental matrix. Understanding the fate of MPOs influenced by NPs is important for risk assessment, given that NPs can transport MPOs; alter their toxicity, mobility, transformation and bioavailability. The review provides a state of knowledge and gaps to promote future research initiatives.

Keywords:

• Micropollutants
• nanoparticles
• behavior
• fate
• transport
• mechanism

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Global Center for Environmental Remediation, University of Newcastle and CRC for Contamination Assessment & Remediation of the Environment for research facilities and funding support.