Apart from the potential for aqueous C60 aggregates to accumulate on epithelial surfaces and perhaps cause occlusion of gills or gut lumen, research indicates that these NPs are of low toxicity in most aquatic organisms.  An emerging environmental implication and potential application is the association of co-contaminants with C60 aggregates.  By assessing changes in expression of genes developed as biomarkers of exposure to specific co-contaminants, we have investigated how associations between co-contaminants and C60 aggregates influence co-contaminant bioavailability in zebrafish Danio rerio and affect aggregate characteristics in the environmentally relevant aqueous phase.  Specific co-contaminants (e.g., 17a-ethinylestradiol) appear to associate strongly with C60 aggregates while others (e.g., Hg2+) are more weakly associated such that co-contaminant bioavailability is enhanced depending on exposure scenario.  Associations between co-contaminants and NPs can influence delivery of bioavailable co-contaminants to organisms and also may have implications for water treatment by enhancing removal of some co-contaminants.

Co-contaminant associations with aqueous C<sub>60</sub> fullerene aggregates and impacts on aggregate characteristics, transport, and bioavailability

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Co-contaminant associations with aqueous C60 fullerene aggregates and impacts on aggregate characteristics, transport, and bioavailability

Co-contaminant associations with aqueous C₆₀ fullerene aggregates and impacts on aggregate characteristics, transport, and bioavailability