Dissolution and fate of silver nanoparticles in the presence of natural aquatic organic matter

Despite increasing interest in and use of nanoparticles (NP), the environmental consequences using NP are poorly understood because most relevant studies have not taken effects natural coatings on into consideration. The aim this study was to improve our understanding fates aquatic systems. silver (AgNP) capped with citrate polyethylene glycol dispersed ecotoxicological matrices presence environmentally components water (humic substances extracellular polymeric substances) were investigated. Interactions between AgNP organic matter evaluated by ultracentrifugation electrophoretic mobility measurements assess dissolution. Humic both decreased dissolution rate. provided conditions which medium stabilized NP. rate depended coating type (citrate or glycol), dissolved carbon concentration, particle concentration. algae Daphnia affected conversion, demonstrating value research that takes results factors affect bioavailabilities therefore ability evaluate toxicity. Studies other same strategy will nanomaterials environment biota.