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Nanosilver and Nano Zero-Valent Iron Exposure Affects Nutrient Exchange Across the Sediment–Water Interface

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Abstract

To examine how nanoparticles influence biogeochemical cycles in streams, we studied the acute impact of nanosilver (nAg) and nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) exposure on nutrient and oxygen exchange across the sediment–water interface of two streams (agricultural canal and wetland) that differed in their water quality and sediment characteristics. At the agricultural site, nAg increased oxygen consumption and decreased N2 flux rates from that observed in control incubations. nZVI caused sediment–water systems from both streams to go hypoxic within 1.5 h of exposure. N2 flux rates were at least an order of magnitude higher in nZVI treatments as compared to control. Water column nitrate and nitrite concentrations were not impacted by nZVI exposure but total dissolved phosphorus concentrations were higher in cores treated with nZVI. nAg and nZVI exposure to surface water ecosystems can disrupt ecological function across the sediment–water interface.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery grant to M.A.X. and an NSERC undergraduate student research award to R.W.B. Thank you to A.B. Scott for assistance in the field and lab.

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Author notes

  1. Robert W. Buchkowski

    Present address: Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

  2. Clayton J. Williams

    Present address: Department of Environmental Science and Biology, State University of New York - The College at Brockport, Brockport, NY, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada

    Robert W. Buchkowski, Clayton J. Williams & Marguerite A. Xenopoulos

  2. Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G2, Canada

    Joel Kelly & Jonathan G. C. Veinot

Authors
  1. Robert W. Buchkowski
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  2. Clayton J. Williams
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  3. Joel Kelly
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  4. Jonathan G. C. Veinot
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  5. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marguerite A. Xenopoulos.

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Buchkowski, R.W., Williams, C.J., Kelly, J. et al. Nanosilver and Nano Zero-Valent Iron Exposure Affects Nutrient Exchange Across the Sediment–Water Interface. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 96, 83–89 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1697-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-015-1697-z

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