Release of TiO2 nanoparticles from painted surfaces in cold climates: characterization using a high sensitivity single-particle ICP-MS

摘要: Paints and coatings represent one of the major applications TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). While it has been previously shown that NPs are released from painted surfaces, there is still a lack experimental data on their release rates under natural conditions size distributions following release. This study quantifies NP surfaces weathering identifies main seasonal factors contribute to increased First, an analytical methodology using highly sensitive single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (SP-ICP-MS) was developed improved detection limit (SDL) technique down <20 nm for NPs. Precipitation (rain, snow) collected after came into contact with panels were exposed weathering. paint, as well those pre-existing in precipitation thoroughly characterized respect distributions, number concentrations total metal content. During 10 week winter exposure, 3 × 1011 per m2 released, corresponding <0.001% load panels, most found 20–60 range. Significantly fewer during summer than winter, spite fact more summer. Controlled lab experiments revealed significantly enhanced wet particularly, when samples underwent freeze–thaw cycles. The results also indicated loss (i.e. through agglomeration, sedimentation or sorption, etc.) dynamic processes function physical chemical properties external medium. Although primary determinant environmental risk, subsequent behavior leading losses re-suspension can be equally critical.