Fullerene Nanoparticles Affect the Fate and Uptake of Trichloroethylene in Phytoremediation Systems

Widespread applications in various industries will inevitably result in the release of a substantial amount of carbonaceous nanoparticles into the environment. Much research has been conducted to assess their health and environmental impacts. However, few studies have been carried out to examine the complex interactions of carbonaceous nanoparticles with co-existing environmental pollutants in complex environmental systems. Current work investigated the potential impacts of nC(60) fullerene nanoparticles on the fate and uptake of trichloroethylene by plants in phytoremediation systems. Addition of 2-15 mg/L fullerene nanoparticles did not result in any acute toxicity to plants in terms of phenotype, water transpiration, and plant biomass in batch hydroponic studies. Plant uptake of trichloroethylene was increased by similar to 26% and 82% by the addition of 2 and 15 mg/L of fullerene nanoparticles synthesized through solvent (toluene) exchange. This is the first time that fullerene nanoparticles were shown to significantly affect the fate and uptake of an organic contaminant in phytoremediation systems.