Exploring Nanogeochemical Environments: New Insights from Single Particle ICP-TOFMS and AF4-ICPMS

Manuel D Montaño, Chad W Cuss, Haley M Holliday, Muhammad B Javed, William Shotyk, Kathryn L Sobocinski, Thilo Hofmann, Frank von der Kammer (Corresponding author), James F Ranville

Publications: Contribution to journalArticlePeer Reviewed

Abstract

Nanogeochemistry is an emerging focus area recognizing the role of nanoparticles in Earth systems. Engineered nanotechnology has cultivated advanced analytical techniques that are also applicable to nanogeochemistry. Single particle inductively coupled plasma ICP-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (ICP-TOF-MS) promises a significant step forward, as time-of-flight mass analyzers enable simultaneous quantification of the entire atomic mass spectrum (∼7-250 m/z +). To demonstrate the utility of this approach, samples were collected and analyzed from a large, boreal river, and its surrounding tributaries. These samples provided us with a diversity of particle compositions and morphologies, while their interconnected nature allowed for an examination of the various nanogeochemical processes present in this system. To further expand on this effort, we combined this high-throughput technique with AF4-ICPMS, focusing on major carriers of trace elements. Using spICP-TOF-MS, Al, Si, and Fe were grouped into classes having all combinations of one or more of these elements. Particle-by-particle ICP-TOF-MS analysis found chemically heterogeneous populations, indicating the predominance of diverse mineralogy or heteroaggregates. The importance of suspended Fe and Mn for the speciation of Pb was observed by single particle ICP-TOF-MS and complemented by AF4-ICPMS analysis of dissolved organic matter and nanoparticulate Fe/Mn. Our study exploits the combination of spICP-TOF-MS and AF4-ICP-MS for studying isotopic and elemental ratios (mineralogy) of individual nanoparticles, which opens the door to further explore the mechanisms of colloid facilitated transport of trace elements.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)943-952
Number of pages10
JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Apr 2022

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 105105 Geochemistry
  • 104023 Environmental chemistry
  • 105906 Environmental geosciences
  • 210006 Nanotechnology

Keywords

  • Single particle ICP-MS
  • Field flow fractionation
  • nanoparticles
  • nanogeoscience
  • ICP-TOFMS
  • Colloidal particles
  • Elements
  • Metal oxide nanoparticles
  • FRACTIONATION
  • AQUATIC COLLOIDS
  • MS
  • NANOPARTICLES
  • METAL TRANSPORT

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