Impact of carbon nanomaterials on the behaviour of 14C-phenanthrene and 14C-benzo-[a] pyrene in soil

The impact of fullerene soot (FS), single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes on the behaviour of two 14C-PAHs in sterile soil was investigated. Different concentrations of carbon nanomaterials (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5%) were added to soil, and 14C-phenanthrene and 14C-benzo[a]pyrene extractability assessed over 80 d through dichloromethane (DCM) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) shake extractions. Total 14C-PAH activity in soils was determined by combustion, and mineralisation of 14C-phenanthrene was monitored over 14 d, using a catabolically active pseudomonad inoculum. No significant loss of 14C-PAH-associated activity from CNM-amended soils was observed over the ‘aging’ period. CNMs had a significant impact on HPCD-extractability of 14C-PAHS; extractability decreased with increasing CNM concentration. Additionally, 14C-phenanthrene mineralisation was inhibited by the presence of CNMs at concentrations of ≥0.05%. Differences in overall extents of 14C-mineralisation were also apparent between CNM types. It is suggested the addition of CNMs to soil can reduce PAH extractability and bioaccessibility, with PAH sorption to CNMs influenced by CNM type and concentration.

Research highlights
► Carbon nanoparticles reduce the extractability of PAHs in soil.
► Carbon nanoparticles reduce the bioaccessibility of PAHs in soil.
► Nanoparticle type is important in controlling the behaviour of PAHs in soil.
► Nanoparticle concentration is important in controlling the behaviour of PAHs in soil