Effects of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, ferrihydrite coating, ionic strength and pH on the transport of TiO2 nanoparticles in quartz sand

Evaluating the fate and transport of nanoparticles (NPs) in the subsurface environment is critical for predicting the potential risks to both of the human health and environmental safety. It is believed that numerous environmental factors conspire to control the transport dynamics of nanoparticles, yet the effects of organic phosphates on nanoparticles transport remain largely unknown. In this work, we quantified the transport process of TiO2 nanoparticle (nTiO2) and their retention patterns in water-saturated sand columns under various myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP) or phosphate (Pi) concentrations (0–180 μM P), ferrihydrite coating fractions (λ, 0–30%), ionic strengths (1–50 mM KCl), and pH values (4–8). The transport of nTiO2 was enhanced at increased P concentration due to the enhanced colloidal stability. As compared with Pi at the equivalent P level, IHP showed stronger effect on the electrokinetic properties of nTiO2 particles due to its relatively more negative charge and higher adsorption affinity, thereby facilitating the nTiO2 transport (and thus reduced retention) in porous media. At the IHP concentration of 5 μM, the retention of nTiO2 increased with increasing λ and ionic strength, while decreased with pH. In addition, the retention profiles of nTiO2 showed a typical hyperexponential pattern for most scenarios mainly due to the unfavorable attachment, and can be well described by a hybrid mathematical model that coupled convection dispersion equations with a two-site kinetic model and DLVO theory. These quantitative estimations revealed the importance of IHP on affecting the transport of nTiO2 typically in phosphorus-enriched environments. It provides new insights into advanced understanding of the co-transport of nanoparticles and phosphorus in natural systems, essential for both nanoparticle exposure and water eutrophication.