Environmental Science
3 years ago

ZnO nanoparticles in stormwater raise toxicity concerns for aquatic ecosystems.

Chemosphere
Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on Zn, Cu, and Pb dissolution in a green bioretention system for urban stormwater remediation
Cristina Caldelas, Rosa GurĂ­, J. L. Araus, Albert Sorolla

Paper Summary

Urban stormwater runoff can carry harmful pollutants into waterways, threatening aquatic life. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in stormwater can worsen toxicity and affect treatment systems. A new bioretention system was created to clean stormwater and trap ZnO-NPs, successfully removing 73% Zn, 66% Cu, and >99% Pb. However, Pb removal decreased with ZnO-NPs, possibly due to Pb phosphates being released. The impact of ZnO-NPs on stormwater toxicity and metal accumulation in wetland plants was also studied.

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