Maghemite nanoparticles and ferrous sulfate for the stimulation of iron plaque formation and arsenic immobilization in Phragmites australis. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pardo, Tania; Martínez-Fernández, Domingo; de la Fuente, Carlos; Clemente, Rafael; Komárek, Michael; Bernal, M. Pilar
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 219(2016)
• Page Start: 296
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Common reed -- Iron (II) -- Nanomaghemite -- Nano-oxides -- Roots iron distribution -- SEM analysis; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Wetland plants are considered as suitable biofilters for the removal of metal(loid)s and other contaminants from waters and wastewaters, due to their ability to accumulate and retain the contaminants in their roots. The iron plaque (IP) on the root surface influences the metal(loid)s retention processes. The stimulation of the IP development on roots of Phragmites australis by the external supply of a novel synthetic nanomaterial (nanomaghemite, nFe2 O3 ) and FeSO4 (alone or in combination) was studied. An hydroponic experiment was carried out to evaluate the iron plaque formation after external iron addition, as well as their influence on arsenic immobilization capacity. Microscopic and spectroscopic techniques were utilized to assess the distribution of Fe and As in the roots. The addition of Fe stimulated the generation of the IP, especially when FeSO4 was involved. The nanoparticles alone were not efficient with regard to IP formation or As adsorption, even though they adhered to the root surface and did not enter into epithelial root cells. The combination of FeSO4 and nFe2 O3 was the most effective treatment for improving the As removal capacity, and it seems to be an effective way to enhance the rhizofiltration potential of P. australis in As contaminated (waste)waters. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Root iron plaque formation by Fe nanoparticles was studied for the first time. The distribution of iron plaque formed in P. australis roots was assessed by SEM-EDS. Combination of nFe2 O3 and Fe 2+ salts boosted iron plaque formation in plant roots. Increased iron plaque formation enhanced P. australis As immobilization capacity. Abstract : The combination of Fe2 O3 nanoparticles with FeSO4 enhances iron plaque formation on roots of P. australis and its As retention capacity.