Natural Organic Matter Stabilizes Pristine Nanoplastics but Destabilizes Photochemical Weathered Nanoplastics in Monovalent Electrolyte Solutions.

ABSTRACT: Photochemical weathering and eco-corona formation through natural organic matter (NOM) adsorption play vital roles in the aggregation tendencies of nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic environments. However, it remains unclear how photochemical weathering alters the adsorption patterns of NOM and the conformation of the eco-corona, subsequently affecting the aggregation tendencies of NPs. This study examined the effect of Suwannee River NOM adsorption on the aggregation kinetics of pristine and photoaged polystyrene (PS) NPs in monovalent electrolyte solutions. The results showed that photochemical weathering influenced the conformation of the eco-corona, which, in turn, determined NP stability in the presence of NOM. Hydrophobic components of NOM predominantly bound to pristine NPs through hydro

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11780734 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature