Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly applied for composites, coatings and films, microelectronics, energy storage, environmental technology, and biotechnology [1]. However, little is known about the fates, and potential bioaccumulation of CNTs in food chains. Although quantum dot nanoparticles were transferred in simple microbial food chains through dietary uptake of protozoa [2], results of such studies cannot reflect trophic transfer of CNTs because of completely different nanomaterial characteristics. In addition, due to the presence of other carbon sources in environmental media and biological systems, quantitative studies relevant to bioaccumulation and biomagnification of CNTs in food chains are methodologically challenging [3]. Therefore, in the present study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) synthesized using radiolabeled carbon (14C) are used to solve the quantification problem and investigate trophic transfer of MWCNTs. The effects of MWCNTs on microbial growth are studied using labeled and unlabeled MWCNTs. To study trophic transfer of MWCNTs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa as prey are pre-exposed to MWCNTs, then Tetrahymena thermophilapredators are grown exclusively from bacterial prey. Radioactivity of MWCNTs is analyzed using a scintillation counter, and compartmentalization in the predators is traced by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). This project demonstrates the use of radiolabeled MWCNTs to determine bioaccumulation of MWCNTs in organisms and possible transfer to higher organisms in food chains.  References: 1. De Volder, M.F.L., et al., Carbon Nanotubes: Present and future commercial applications. Science, 2013. 339 (6119): p. 535-539.  2. Werlin, R., et al., Biomagnification of cadmium selenide quantum dots in a simple experimental microbial food chain. Nature Nanotechnology, 2011. 6 (1): p. 65-71.  3. Petersen, E.J., Q. Huang, and J.W.J. Weber, Bioaccumulation of radio-labeled carbon nanotubes by Eisenia foetida. Environmental Science & Technology, 2008. 42 (8): p. 3090-3095.

Assessing trophic transfer of <sup>?14</sup>?C-labeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes in microbial food chains

246th National Meeting (2013)

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Assessing trophic transfer of ?14?C-labeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes in microbial food chains

Assessing trophic transfer of ^?14?C-labeled multi-walled carbon nanotubes in microbial food chains