Semiconductor nanocrystals are utilized in several practical applications, with widespread usage inevitably to result in their release into the environment.  The small size of these materials, which is maintained by �capping� with different organic or inorganic species, may result in harmful interactions with environmental systems.  To examine the phytotoxicity of these materials, we have prepared zinc sulfide nanocrystals with three capping agents, sodium polyphosphate (SPP), polyvinylpyrrilodine (PVP), and L-histidine, and carried out growth studies with the aquatic plant Spirodela polyrhiza.  As concentrations of the nanocrystals were increased in the nutrient solution, the relative growth rate, green frond count, and chlorophyll a concentration decreased.  At the highest concentration (1000 mg/L), L-histidine was found to have the most detrimental effect on these parameters, followed by PVP and SPP.  From the results we will elucidate the role the structure capping agent plays in the environmental fate of these nanocrystals.

Effect of capping agent on interactions of zinc sulfide nanocrystals with an aquatic plant species

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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