Determination of multi-walled carbon nanotube bioaccumulation in earthworms measured by a microwave-based detection technique

Shibin Li, Fahmida Irin, Francis O. Atore, Micah J. Green, Jaclyn E. Cañas-Carrell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reliable quantification techniques for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are limited. In this study, a new procedure was developed for quantifying multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) based on freeze drying and microwave-induced heating. Specifically, earthworms were first processed into a powder by freeze drying. Then, samples were measured by utilizing 10. s exposure to 30. W microwave power. This method showed the potential to quantitatively measure MWNTs in earthworms at low concentrations (~0.1 μg in 20. mg of earthworm). Also, a simple MWNT bioaccumulation study in earthworms indicated a low bioaccumulation factor of 0.015 ± 0.004. With an appropriate sample processing method and instrumental parameters (power and exposure time), this technique has the potential to quantify MWNTs in a variety of sample types (plants, earthworms, human blood, etc.).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9-13
Number of pages5
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume445-446
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 5 2013

Keywords

  • Bioaccumulation
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Earthworm
  • Microwave

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