New tracer nanoparticles allow scientists to track nanoplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems
New tracer nanoparticles allow scientists to track nanoplastic ... Nanowerk
sdgtalks
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Threat of Nanoplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems
Introduction
Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Of particular concern are nanoplastics, plastic particles less than 1,000 nanometers in size. Studies show nanoplastics can be toxic to aquatic organisms, causing physical damage, oxidative stress, and developmental issues. However, detecting and quantifying nanoplastics in the environment remains challenging.
New Tracer Nanoparticles for Tracking Nanoplastics
To help address this problem, researchers have developed a new type of nanoparticle tracer that allows nanoplastics to be tracked in freshwater ecosystems. As reported in the journal Analytical Chemistry, the tracer nanoparticles have a unique core-shell structure consisting of a gold nanoparticle core surrounded by a polystyrene plastic shell.
The gold core enables sensitive detection and quantification of the nanoparticles using a technique called single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS). The polystyrene shell gives the nanoparticles properties similar to environmental nanoplastics. By studying the behavior of the tracer nanoparticles, the researchers aim to gain insights into the fate of nanoplastics in nature.
“The excellent resistance and high recovery rates of the tracer nanoparticles make them ideal for investigating the distribution and accumulation of nanoplastics in complex freshwater systems,” says Dr. Xian-Zheng Yuan, an author of the study.
Tunable Tracer Nanoparticles
A key advantage of the new tracer nanoparticles is the ability to tune their size and surface charge during synthesis. This allows the researchers to mimic different types of nanoplastics found in the environment. The nanoparticles are synthesized using a simple three-step process, with gold nanoparticles first being coated with the polystyrene shell.
Evaluation and Conclusion
The researchers demonstrated the accuracy of the SP-ICP-MS technique for detecting the tracer nanoparticles by comparing calculated and measured concentrations in water samples. They also showed the nanoparticles have excellent stability in conditions mimicking natural aquatic environments.
To evaluate the suitability of the tracer nanoparticles for studies with living organisms, the researchers exposed cultures of duckweed and cyanobacteria to the particles. The experiments revealed differences in accumulation between positively and negatively charged nanoparticles for each species.
“This demonstrates how our tunable tracer nanoparticles can provide quantitative insights into the bioaccumulation behavior of nanoplastics with different surface properties,” explains Dr. Yuan.
The researchers conclude that the core-shell gold-polystyrene nanoparticles are a highly promising new tool for investigating the fate and impacts of nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems. By providing a reliable way to simulate and track plastic nanoparticles, the tracers will support critical environmental research.
“Our tunable tracer method overcomes previous limitations in studying nanoplastics in complex natural systems. The core-shell nanoparticles developed here should enable deeper insights into the distribution, accumulation, and toxicity of plastic nanoparticles in the aquatic environment,” remarks Dr. Yuan.
Future Studies and Implications
Going forward, the researchers plan additional studies to explore how factors like nanoparticle shape, corona formation, and biofilm interactions influence the behavior of nanoplastics in the environment. They are also working to adapt the tracer method for studying nanoplastics in other systems such as soil.
The threat posed by plastic pollution continues to grow globally, underscoring the need for improved ways to investigate nano-sized plastic particles in the environment. By providing an effective simulation and quantification method, this new tracer nanoparticle technology represents an important step toward better understanding and managing the risks of nanoplastics to freshwater ecosystems.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses the threat of plastic pollution to aquatic ecosystems.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights the need for improved ways to investigate and manage plastic pollution.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including plastic debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 14.1: Marine pollution from plastic debris can be measured by quantifying the presence and concentration of nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems using the developed tracer nanoparticles.
- Indicator for SDG 12.4: The release of plastic nanoparticles into aquatic environments can be monitored and assessed using the developed tracer nanoparticles.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including plastic debris and nutrient pollution. | Indicator: Presence and concentration of nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems measured using tracer nanoparticles. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator: Monitoring and assessment of the release of plastic nanoparticles into aquatic environments using tracer nanoparticles. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nanowerk.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
