Journal article
N-functionalized carbon nanotubes as a source and precursor of N-nitrosodimethylamine: implications for environmental fate, transport, and toxicity
Environmental science & technology, Vol.48(16), pp.9279-9287
08/19/2014
DOI: 10.1021/es501578u
PMID: 25073818
Abstract
Hazardous byproducts may be generated during the environmental processing of engineered nanomaterials. Here, we explore the ability of carbon nanotubes with nitrogen-containing surface groups (N-CNTs) to generate N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during chemical disinfection. Unexpectedly, we observed that commercial N-CNTs with amine, amide, or N-containing polymer (PABS) surface groups are a source of NDMA. As-received powders can leach up to 50 ng of NDMA per mg of N-CNT in aqueous suspension; presumably NDMA originates as a residue from N-CNT manufacturing. Furthermore, reaction of N-CNTs with free chlorine, monochloramine, and ozone generated byproduct NDMA at yields comparable to those reported for natural organic matter. Chlorination also altered N-CNT surface chemistry, with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicating addition of Cl, loss of N, and an increase in surface O. Although these changes can increase N-CNT suspension stability, they do not enhance their acute toxicity in E. coli bioassays above that observed for as-received powders. Notably, however, dechlorination of reacted N-CNTs with sulfite completely suppresses N-CNT toxicity. Collectively, our work demonstrates that N-CNTs are both a source and precursor of NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, while chemical disinfection can produce CNTs exhibiting surface chemistry and environmental behavior distinct from that of native (i.e., as-received) materials.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- N-functionalized carbon nanotubes as a source and precursor of N-nitrosodimethylamine: implications for environmental fate, transport, and toxicity
- Creators
- Edgard M Verdugo - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and ⊥Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United StatesCaitlin KrauseKelly GenskowYing HanJonas BaltrusaitisTimothy E MattesRichard L ValentineDavid M Cwiertny
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Environmental science & technology, Vol.48(16), pp.9279-9287
- Publisher
- United States
- DOI
- 10.1021/es501578u
- PMID
- 25073818
- ISSN
- 0013-936X
- eISSN
- 1520-5851
- Grant note
- DOI: 10.13039/100000165, name: Division of Chemistry, award: CHE 1062575; DOI: 10.13039/100000146, name: Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems, award: CBET 1233727, CBET 1243473, CBET 1301905; name: IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering, University of Iowa
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/19/2014
- Academic Unit
- Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Public Policy Center (Archive); Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9983991985302771
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