Detection of nanoparticles in Dutch surface waters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nano-enabled consumer products release nanoparticles into the environment.
• Environmental concentrations of nanoparticles are often predicted but lack real-world measurement data.
• Detecting engineered nanoparticles in environmental matrices is challenging due to low concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure engineered nanoparticles in surface water samples.
• To validate predicted environmental concentrations with real measurement data.
• To assess the presence and levels of nano-sized silver (Ag), cerium dioxide (CeO2), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in rivers.

Main Methods:

• Surface water samples were collected from the Meuse and IJssel rivers in the Netherlands.
• Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for nanoparticle detection.
• Analytical method validation ensured accurate quantification of nanoparticles at low concentrations.

Main Results:

• Nano-sized Ag and CeO2, along with micro-sized TiO2, were detected in all surface water samples.
• Measured concentrations for n-Ag (average 0.8 ng/L), n-CeO2 (average 2.7 ng/L), and μ-TiO2 (average 3.1 μg/L) confirmed predicted environmental levels.
• Detected particle sizes were consistent with those used in nanomaterial applications and consumer products.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence of engineered nanoparticles in surface waters.
• Measurement data validates previously predicted environmental concentrations for n-Ag, n-CeO2, and μ-TiO2.
• The findings support the need for continued monitoring of nanoparticles in aquatic environments.