Particles as carriers of matter in the aquatic environment: Challenges and ways ahead for transdisciplinary research.

A diverse array of natural and anthropogenic particles found in the aquatic environment, can act as carriers of co-transported matter (CTM), such as nutrients, genetic material and contaminants. Thus, understanding carrier particle transport will increase our understanding of local and global fluxes of exogenous CTM (affiliated with the particle) and endogenous CTM (an inherent part of the particle). In the present contribution, researchers from multiple disciplines collaborated to provide perspectives on the interactions between carrier particles and CTM, and the fundamentals of transport of particles found in the aquatic environment and the generic spherical smooth particles, often used to make predictions about particle behavior in suspension.

Influence of Aging on Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Dissolved Copper in the Sediment-Dwelling Oligochaete : A Long-Term Study Using a Stable Copper Isotope.

For engineered metal nanoparticles (NPs), such as copper oxide (CuO) NPs, the sediment is recognized as a major compartment for NP accumulation. Sediment-dwelling organisms, such as the worm , will be at particular risk of metal and metal NP exposure. However, a range of complex transformation processes in the sediment affects NP bioavailability and toxicity as the contamination ages.

Comprehending the complexity of microplastic organismal exposures and effects, to improve testing frameworks.

Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as a threat to global ecosystems. Current projections indicate that the negative impacts of MPs will increase in the environment. Traditional toxicity testing does not account for the diversity of MP particles, the inherent diversity in potential exposure routes, and complex impacts in exposed organisms.