The potential for nanomaterials to generate hazardous byproducts during processing in natural or engineered aquatic systems remains poorly characterized. Here, we explore the ability of either carboxyalated carbon nanotubes (COOH-CNTs) or nitrogen-containing surface functionalities (N-CNTs) to generate disinfection byproducts during reaction with chemical disinfectants. Unexpectedly, we observe that commercial available N-CNTs with amine, amide, or N-containing polymer surface groups are a source of NDMA. Additionally, reaction of these N-CNTs with free chlorine, monochloramine and ozone generated NDMA as a byproduct. Ongoing work on the reactivity of as received (i.e., unfunctionalized) and COOH-CNTs with chemical disinfectants also suggest formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. Chlorination also alters the composition of the CNT surface, which has implications for environmental fate and toxicity, which is being explored using bioassays with E. coli.

Reaction of carbon nanotubes with chemical disinfectants: Byproduct formation and implications for nanotube environmental fate and toxicity

248th National Meeting (2014)

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