In-Field 57Fe Mossbauer study of maghemite nanoparticles functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and their ecotoxicological properties in young Daphnia magna

Multiwall carbon nanotubes functionalized with 13.8(6) nm maghemite nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a modified co-precipitation chemical route and characterized using N-2 physisorption and in-field Fe-57 Mossbauer studies. Textural and hyperfine magnetic properties indicated that this nanohybrid has a strong potential to be applied in magnetic remediation process due to their unique surface features. Moreover, acute toxicity evaluations were performed before in situ applications, where we implemented our nanohybrid in an effluent containing young Daphnia magna biomarker having a mortality percentage not higher than 15% for the selected concentrations. Despite of it, the reproduction rate was affected after two weeks of previous 72 h exposure, but without apparent morphological changes according to optical and scanning electron microscopy. These findings are of crucial interest for long term applications of concentrated NPs in polluted effluents.

Automated summary

In this study, functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes were synthesized with maghemite nanoparticles and characterized using various methods. The results showed that this nanohybrid has unique surface features and great potential for applications in magnetic remediation processes. Acute toxicity evaluations demonstrated that the nanohybrid had minimal biological effects on Daphnia magna biomarkers. However, long-term applications may have some impact on reproductive rates.