Investigation of fate and behavior of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in natural waters (e.g. freshwater, wastewater and wastewater effluent) is urgently needed to evaluate potential risks for the environment and to support environmental risk assessment and regulation. To address these knowledge gaps, reliable analytical techniques that are suitable for the detection, quantification and characterization of ENPs in complex environment samples have to be identified and protocols have to be developed.Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) mode analysis is a promising analytical technique for the characterization of ENPs in complex samples, mainly due to its potential to distinguish target ENPs from background matrix containing many other natural colloids. Additionally, significant information can be obtained from one single analysis, including ENP average size and size distribution, ENP concentration, and concentration of dissolved metal.The aim of this study was to develop and optimize protocols for SP-ICP-MS analysis of ENPs in complex samples. Target ENPs included titanium dioxide NPs (TiO2NPs) and gold NPs. We investigated the impact of instrument and sample parameters such as dwell time, settling time, ENP concentrations in suspension, and solution chemistry on ENP recovery, ENP size distribution and transport efficiency, by using standard gold NPs. Using this information, we optimized SP-ICP-MS measurements for TiO2NPs by performing experiments in simple synthetic media and carefully evaluating possible interferences caused by other elements. Finally, we characterized TiO2NPs in real wastewater effluents and we performed dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis measurements for comparison. Optimized protocols will be presented and discussed.

Optimization of single-particle mode ICP-MS analysis of engineered nanoparticles in complex environmental samples

248th National Meeting (2014)

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