Interactions between nano-TiO₂ particles and algal cells at moderate particle concentration

Abstract

Nano-sized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO₂) has wide industrial applications and therefore considerable chances of exposure are created for human beings and ecosystems. To better understand the interactions between nano-TiO₂ and aquatic organisms, we first studied TiO₂ uptake by algae exemplified by Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. P. subcapitata were exposed to nano-TiO₂ in a series of concentrations and at various pH. TiO₂ uptake was quantified using a sedimentation curve analysis technique. After exposure of algae to TiO₂, the variation of zeta potential was measured and the morphology of algae-TiO₂ aggregate was observed with scanning electron microscopy and the optical microscopy. The steady-state TiO₂ uptake was found to be pH-dependent and the isotherms can be described well by Freundlich model. TiO₂ deposited on algal surfaces causes the shift of pH_zpc of TiO₂-covered algae from that of algae toward that of TiO₂. The attraction between TiO₂-covered algal cells induces the agglomeration of algae and TiO₂ and thus the formation of algae-TiO₂ aggregates in the size of 12 to 50 µm. The 2-D fractal dimension of the aggregates is pH-dependent and ranges from 1.31 to 1.67. The theoretical analysis of the Gibbs energy of interaction indicates that both TiO₂ uptake by algae and the formation of algae-TiO₂ aggregate are influenced by the interaction between TiO₂ particles.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

nano-TiO₂ / Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata / algal cells / titanium dioxide uptake

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