PNNL

Abstract

This review article provides insights on some unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) that are present in soils. In addition, this review discusses the role of NPs in controlling or influencing single and/or coupled physical, chemical, biological and hydrological soil- and/or geo-processes, which directly or indirectly affect the mobility or may determine the ultimate fate of aqueous and sorbed (adsorbed or precipitated) chemical species of nutrients and contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems. The paper is composed of 5 review sections, followed by another section on future research directions, the acknowledgements and the list of the references. A brief introduction to nanotechnology, nanoscience and environmental soil nanoscience, and definitions of relevant terms and chapter objectives are provided in the first section. A discussion on size dependent properties and controls, focusing initially on the differences in nano vs. bulk scale properties, and later on the properties that change within the nano scale, is presented in the second section. The important topic of NP origin (natural or manufactured) and occurrence in soils is presented in the third section. The behavior of NPs in soils is discussed in the fourth section. Two subsections are included. In the first one, processes that may affect NPs behavior in soils, such as growth, stability (dissolution), solid phase transformation, aggregation and aging are discussed. In the second one, processes that may be affected by the presence of NPs in soils, such as contaminant and/or nutrient sorption, redox reactions and their advective or diffusive mobility, are discussed. A brief discussion on NPs toxicity is presented in the fifth and last review section of this chapter.