Properties of residual titanium dioxide nanoparticles after extended periods of mixing and settling in synthetic and natural waters

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO(2) NP) discharged into water bodies can affect ecosystems and human health adversely. We studied the properties of residual TiO(2) NPs with and without gentle mixing (to simulate a natural environment more closely) and after settling for 12-h periods. Surface complexation, dynamic particle size changes, and TiO(2) NP destabilization in synthetic and lake waters were investigated. The accumulation of inert ions (Na(+) and Cl(−)) in the diffuse layer which was not discussed in other studies was supposed to be the main reason that aggregation occurred slowly and continuously. PO(4) (3−) stabilized and destabilized TiO(2) NPs at 10 mM and 100 mM, respectively. Destabilization occurred because high ionic strength overwhelmed increased negative charges of TiO(2) NPs by complexation with PO(4) (3−). TiO(2) NP destabilization was achieved in approximately 12 h in synthetic and lake waters, and is attributed to the slow diffusion of ions into aggregates. Despite the presence of moderately high concentrations of natural organic matter, which tends to stabilize TiO(2) NPs, the addition of 20 mM PO(4) (3−) destabilized the TiO(2) NPs in lake water. Smaller aggregate sizes formed compared with those before destabilization, which indicates that stable residual TiO(2) NPs could exist in aquatic environments after extended periods.