Interaction between Persistent Organic Pollutants and ZnO NPs in Synthetic and Natural Waters

Abstract

The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDPEs) in different products and applications leads to the likelihood of their co-occurrence in the aquatic system, making it important to study the effect of PBDPEs on the fate and transport of ZnO NPs. In this study, we determine the influence of PBDPEs (BDPE-47 and BDPE-209) on the colloidal stability and physicochemical properties of ZnO NPs in different aqueous matrices. The results indicated the shift in ζ potential of ZnO NP from positive to negative in the presence of both PBDPEs in all tested waters; however, the effect on the NPs surface potential was specific to each water considered. The lower concentration of the PBDPEs (e.g., 0.5 mg/L) significantly reduced the ζ potential and hydrodynamic diameter (HDD) of ZnO NP, even in the presence of high content of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in both freshwater and industrial wastewater. Moreover, both BDPE-47 and BDPE-209 impede the agglomeration of ZnO NP in simple and natural media, even in the presence of monovalent and polyvalent cations. However, the effect of BDPE-47 on the ζ potential, HDD, and agglomeration of ZnO NP was more pronounced than that of BDPE-209 in all tested waters. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirm the adsorption of PBDPEs onto ZnO NP surface via aromatic ether groups and Br elements. The findings of this study will facilitate a better understanding of the interaction behavior between the ZnO NPs and PBDPEs, which can reduce the exposure risk of aquatic organisms to both pollutants.

Insights on the Dynamics and Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Environmental Matrices

“…Recent studies have reported the following: Adsorption of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles through aromatic ether groups and Br suppresses the agglomeration of nanoparticles in natural water resulting in enhanced transport and exposure of pollutants to aquatic organisms [ 227 , 228 ]. Sorption of certain antibiotics like levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin on graphene oxide (GO) enhances the mobility and transport of these antibiotics through porous media which may increase their risks to ecological receptors and could also cause groundwater contamination [ 229 ].…”

The Potential Role of Membrane Technology in the Removal of Microplastics from Wastewater

“…Studies have shown that they are capable of increasing mortality of aquatic lives [9], damage DNA and induce neurotoxicity in bivalves [10,11], which are strong indications why they must be removed from water systems [12]. Previous researches have shown that microplastics can adsorb other contaminants in water when they come in contact with some of these cocontaminants in water includes metals [13,14], pharmaceuticals and personal care products [15,16] and other organic pollutants [17]. Other studies have shown the presence of microplastics in air [18], food [19], surface waters [20], soils [21], drinking water [13] and sediments [22].…”

Membrane Processes for Microplastic Removal

“…The ingestion of microplastic, besides causing the obstruction of digestive tract, can facilitate the transfer of contaminants adsorbed by the plastic, with unclear consequences to the health of aquatic organisms and humans [5,6,7]. Indeed a major problem with microplastic is their ability to adsorb other common environmental contaminants, such as metals [8,9,10], pharmaceuticals [11,12], personal care products [12] and others [13,14]. Consequently, the microplastic can potentially cause diseases such as cancer, a malformation in animals and humans, impaired reproductive activity, and reduced immune response [15].…”