Adsorptive fractionation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by carbon nanotubes. (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Engel, Maya; Chefetz, Benny
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 197(2015)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Carbon nanomaterial -- Fraction -- Sorption -- Composition -- Characterization; 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.2014.11.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and carbon nanotubes are introduced into aquatic environments. Thus, it is important to elucidate whether their interaction affects DOM amount and composition. In this study, the composition of DOM, before and after interactions with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), was measured and the adsorption affinity of the individual structural fractions of DOM to SWCNTs was investigated. Adsorption of DOM to SWCNTs was dominated by the hydrophobic acid fraction, resulting in relative enhancement of the hydrophilic character of non-adsorbed DOM. The preferential adsorption of the HoA fraction was concentration-dependent, increasing with increasing concentration. Adsorption affinities of bulk DOM calculated as the normalized sum of affinities of the individual structural fractions were similar to the measured affinities, suggesting that the structural fractions of DOM act as independent adsorbates. The altered DOM composition may affect the nature and reactivity of DOM in aquatic environments polluted with carbon nanotubes. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Interaction with carbon nanotubes alters DOM amount and composition. Hydrophobic acid fraction governs DOM adsorption to carbon nanotubes. Adsorbed DOM composition is concentration-dependent. Adsorption affinity and capacity are dependent on hydrophobicity of DOM. Abstract : Dissolved organic matter (DOM)–single walled carbon nanotubes interactions result in the relative enrichment of the hydrophilic character of the DOM.