Detecting nanoparticulate silver using single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Denise M Mitrano1, Emily K Lesher, Anthony Bednar
1Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|October 21, 2011
Summary
A new method using single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) can detect and quantify engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in complex environmental samples. This technique differentiates between dissolved and particulate silver, crucial for risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Engineered nanomaterials, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNP), are increasingly prevalent in the environment.
- Assessing ecological risks of AgNP is challenging due to difficulties in detection, low concentrations, aggregation, and complex sample matrices.
- Accurate quantification of AgNP is essential for understanding their environmental fate and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) for detecting and quantifying AgNP.
- To differentiate between dissolved and particulate silver in environmental samples.
- To assess the applicability of SP-ICP-MS for AgNP analysis in real-world samples like wastewater.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SP-ICP-MS in particle counting mode to measure AgNP.
- Analyzed both a precisely manufactured AgNP and a commercial AgNP-containing product.
- Employed serial dilutions, filtration, and acidification to validate particle detection and differentiate silver forms.
Main Results:
- SP-ICP-MS successfully detected and quantified AgNP in various samples, including a commercial health food product.
- The method effectively distinguished between particulate AgNP and dissolved silver.
- AgNP were detected at 100-200 ng/L in wastewater samples, alongside 50-500 ng/L dissolved silver.
Conclusions:
- SP-ICP-MS offers a robust analytical capability for monitoring silver and other metal/metal oxide nanoparticles.
- This technique is valuable for environmental fate, transport, stability, and toxicity studies of engineered nanoparticles.
- SP-ICP-MS provides rapid throughput and element specificity, making it a practical tool for nanoparticle research.
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