Removal and biosorption of C₆₀ from water by an aquatic plant, Ceratophyllum sp.

The fate of fullerene water suspension (FWS) in an aquatic system of Ceratophyllum sp., a rootless submerged plant, under non-sterile sediment-free conditions was investigated. Fast removal of FWS from water by the plants was observed and irreversible adsorption of C(60) onto plants and increasing C(60) mass on the plant surface with prolonged exposure durations were confirmed. An intact plant extraction procedure was developed and the majority (>80%) of C(60) removed from water was extracted from the plants. C(60) remained aggregated after being associated with the plants, which was verified by (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Light micrographs showed association of FWS on and in the cuticle layers. Published by Elsevier Ltd.