Transport of copper as affected by titania nanoparticles in soil columns

The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on the transport of Cu through four different soil columns were studied. For two soils (HB and DX), TiO2 nanoparticles acted as a Cu carrier and facilitated the transport of Cu. For a third soil (BJ) TiO2 nanoparticles also facilitated Cu transport but to a much lesser degree, but for a fourth soil (HLJ) TiO2 nanoparticles retarded the transport of Cu. Linear correlation analysis indicated that soil properties rather than sorption capacities for Cu primary governed whether TiO2 nanoparticles-facilitated Cu transport. The TiO2-associated Cu of outflow in the Cu-contaminated soil columns was significantly positively correlated with soil pH and negatively correlated with CEC and DOC. During passage through the soil columns 46.6–99.9% of Cu initially adsorbed onto TiO2 could be “stripped” from nanoparticles depending on soil, where Cu desorption from TiO2 nanoparticles increased with decreasing flow velocity and soil pH.

► TiO2 nanoparticles could facilitate or retard the transport of Cu in soils.
► Soil properties primarily governed TiO2-facilitated Cu transport.
► Cu initially adsorbed onto TiO2 could be “stripped” duing transport.