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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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by USEPA STAR Grant # R-83172101. Results, discussions, and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be interpret as endorsement of the funding agency. Sources of nanoparticles studied came from Degussa Corp. The authors have no direct financial interest in or relationship with any of the above companies.

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2014 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg