Behaviour of TiO2 nanoparticles in different soil suspension

The emergence of nanotechnology can cause an exponentially and uncontrolled emission in the environment (air, water and soil ecosystems) of the nanomaterials that are produced and used. The effects of these products on the environment and on human health are unknown, and precautionary measures are warrented until possible risks have been elucidated. In particular, fate and behavior of nanomaterials in soils and groundwater must be investigated. We studied the behavior of nanoparticles in suspension in three different Italian soils. Aliquots of TiO2-nanoparticle suspensions with and without soil were collected periodically after their preparation, and monitored for aggregate size distribution and Ti concentration. Experimental results suggest that the soil properties affect the behavior of TiO2-NPs, as they are particularly influenced by the dissolved organic matter as well as the ionic strenght.