A Method for Preparing Silver Nanoparticle Suspensions in Bulk for Ecotoxicity Testing and Ecological Risk Assessment.
Methods are needed to prepare stable suspensions of engineered nanoparticles in aqueous matrixes for ecotoxicity testing and ecological risk assessments. We developed a novel method of preparing large volumes of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in suspension using a commercially available rotor-stator dispersion mill. AgNP in powder form (PVP capped, 30-50 nm) was suspended in deionized water and natural lake water at 1 g/L and the addition of 0.025% (w/v) gum arabic (GA) increased stability over 2 weeks after preparation. The concentrations of total and dissolved Ag in the suspensions did not change significantly over this period. Analysis of hydrodynamic diameters of the major peaks in suspension using dynamic light scattering showed that suspensions prepared with GA were stable, and this was confirmed by single-particle ICP-MS analysis. This method for dispersing AgNPs provides an inexpensive, yet reliable method for preparing suspensions for toxicity testing and ecosystem level studies of the fate and biological effects of AgNPs in aquatic ecosystems.
Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada.
Jonathan D
JD
Martin
Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada.
Lena
L
Telgmann
Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada. cmetcalfe@trentu.ca.
Chris D
CD
Metcalfe
D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry*; D013535:Suspensions / Q000737:chemistry*; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*
D013535:Suspensions; D012834:Silver
Nanoparticles; Silver; Stability; Toxicity