Characterising nanoparticles in sub-oxic environments

Characterising nanoparticles in sub-oxic environments is important for understanding pollution transport and attenuation within a range of situations, e.g. in waste water treatment plants, hyporheic zones and within groundwater. It has been shown that multi-method approaches are essential in an environmental context for adequate characterisation [1]. In the last decade there has been a focus on the use of manufactured nanoparticles for contaminant attenuation and remediation of groundwater e.g. Elliot and Zhang [2], Reinsch et al. [3]. Obtaining a representative sample and maintaining the environmental redox status throughout the field and laboratory work is a real challenge when working in these environments. To date, very few studies have successfully sampled and characterised nanoparticles in sub-oxic environments, e.g. anaerobic groundwaters, using a range of state-of-the-art techniques.