The effects of net surface charge (+ vs. -) on the environmental distribution of gold nanorods in estuarine mesocosms is reported. Positively charged gold nanorods (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide stabilized, 60nm x 15 nm) and negatively charged gold nanorods (polystyrene sulfonate stabilized, 48 nm x 10 nm) were added to a series of estuarine mesocosms (366 L). Initial particle loading for both types was approximately 1010 particles/L. Samples were withdrawn periodically over twelve days and analyzed by ICP-MS techniques. The kinetics of particle loss from the water column and the ultimate partitioning between the various phases in the systems is reported for both particle types. The mesocosms were charged with unfiltered seawater (Charleston Harbor, SC), and included sediment trays planted with Spartina alterniflora (seagrass) and stocked with Paleomonetes pugio (grass shrimp), Cyprinodon variegatus (sheepshead minnows), Mercenaria mercenaria (clams), Nannopus palustris (benthic copepods) and Nassarius obsoletus (snails).

Effects of surface charge on the partitioning of gold nanorods in saline estuarine mesocosms

240th National Meeting (2010)

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