Journal of Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques
Open Access

Abstract

Changes and transformation in size distribution of nanoparticles has a tremendous impact on the evaluation of their potential effects, including environmental aspects such as their fate and exposure routes to aquatic organisms. Transformation of nanosilver (nAg) was evaluated in both Milli-Q water and natural river water samples. Ultrafiltration techniques were used for size fractionation of the studied nanoparticles where transformation products were divided from coarse colloids to permeable fraction (<1kDa). Agglomeration alterations were observed where most of the studied particles had a size greater than 0.45 um, which are considered as insoluble in natural waters. Aggregation of QDs was significantly enhanced by the natural organic matter. The fate of nAg was observed to be similar in natural waters where most material was also found in the large aggregate fraction, but with some (10?15 %) found as nano-sized particles. Naturally occurring dissolved organic matter (eg., humic material) likely influences the fate of this type of nanomaterial in maintaining it in colloidal forms and large aggregates. Bioavailability and bioaccumulation were evaluated following controlled exposure experiments using mussels. Nanoparticles were then detected in the biological tissues by techniques based on specific atomization energy levels. Further characterization (eg., spectroscopy techniques) and independent validations of the particle sizes of sample fractions were also performed.

Biography

Gagnon C has completed his Ph.D. from University of Québec and postdoctoral studies from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is a senior research scientist and head at Environment Canada. He has published more than 75 papers in reputed journals on topics related to the environmental fate of contaminants.