Transformation and toxicity of engineered metal and metal chalcogenide nanoparticles under simulated environmental conditions

ENVR 73

Kevin M. Metz, kmmetz@wisc.edu, Environmental Chemistry and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1555 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706, Paige N. Wiecinski, Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Wisconsin, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53706, Robert J. Hamers, rjhamers@wisc.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, and Joel A. Pedersen, joelpedersen@wisc.edu, Department of Soil Science and Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1525 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1299.
Understanding the behavior of nanomaterials in the environment is important in order to properly assess the potential for risks to human health and the environment. Once released into the environment, engineered nanoparticles may be transformed by redox processes resulting in an altered toxicity and fate. As an initial step toward understanding the environmental stability of engineered nanomaterials, we developed an in vitro biomimetic assay which simulates oxidative conditions produced by lignolytic fungi in soil environments. We subjected PEGylated CdSecore/ZnSshell quantum dots and Ag, Au and Pd nanoparticles to this assay and assessed their transformation. Initial results indicate that quantum dots were readily degraded, while the metal nanoparticles were degraded to a greater extent by a traditional Fenton's reaction. The degraded quantum dots showed increased developmental toxicity in the embryonic zebrafish assay relative to the as-synthesized nanoparticles.
 

Environmental Behavior and Fate of Manufactured Nanomaterials
1:30 PM-5:30 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 235, Oral

Division of Environmental Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008