Removal and biosorption of C60 from water by an aquatic plant, Ceratophyllum sp.

The fate of fullerene water suspension (FWS) in an aquatic system of Ceratophyllum sp., a rootless submerged plant, under non-sterile sediment-free conditions was investigated. Fast removal of FWS from water by the plants was observed and irreversible adsorption of C60 onto plants and increasing C60 mass on the plant surface with prolonged exposure durations were confirmed. An intact plant extraction procedure was developed and the majority (>80%) of C60 removed from water was extracted from the plants. C60 remained aggregated after being associated with the plants, which was verified by 13C NMR spectroscopy. Light micrographs showed association of FWS on and in the cuticle layers.

► Ceratophyllum, an aquatic plant, was exposed to stable C60 water suspension (FWS). ► FWS irreversibly associated with the leaf surface, particularly, with cuticle layers. ► C60 remained aggregated after being adsorbed on the plant surface. ► Majority of C60 removed from the solution was recovered from the intact plants. ► C60 mass adsorbed on the plant increased with the exposure duration.