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Studies examining nanoparticles (NPs) and hazardous elements (HEs) contained in suspended sediments (SSs) are vital for watershed administration and ecological impact evaluation. The biochemical consequence of titanium-nanoparticles (Ti-NPs) from SSs in Colombia's Magdalena River was examined utilizing an innovative approach involving nanogeochemistry in this study. In general, the toxicity and the human health risk assessment associated with the presence of some Ti-NPs + HEs in SSs from riverine systems need to be determined with a robust analytical procedure. The mode of occurrence of Ti-NPs, total Ti and other elements contained within SSs of the Magdalena River were evaluated through advanced electron microscopy (field emission scanning electron microscope-FE-SEM and high resolution transmission electron microscope-HR-TEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis system (EDS); X-Ray Diffractions (XRD); and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This work showed that enormous quantities of Ti-NPs were present in the river studied and that they displayed diverse geochemical properties and posed various possible ecological dangers. Ti-NP contamination indices must be established for measuring the environmental magnitudes of NP contamination and determining contamination rank among rivers. Finally, SS contamination guidelines must be recommended on an international level. This study contributes to the scientific understanding of the relationship of HE and Ti-NP dynamics from SSs in riverine systems around the world. [Display omitted] • Titanium nanoparticles frequently occur in natural media and may control key chemical growths • Titanium agglomerated particles was detected in suspended sediments samples • Fluvial suspended sediments contained hazardous elements • Environmental variation in sampled samples affects engineered titanium detectability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin and nanometric materials (minerals and amorphous phases) are detected in transitory deposits of potential hazardous elements (PHEs), especially in acidic coal mine drainages. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of PHEs in nanoparticles (NPs) in evaporative structures in coal mining areas with high concentrations of PHEs. The precipitates were sampled in several coal mining areas in Colombia, with the purpose of evaluating the geochemical and environmental structures. In the present work, to better diagnose areas affected by coal mining, an innovative analytical procedure is proposed to define the association between PHEs in mine drainage sediments. The procedure includes the analytical study with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and advanced electron microscopy, before and after a series of sequential extractions to separate amorphous, magnetic, and crystalline compounds. Of the three main types of precipitates identified, the yellowish precipitates had the highest amounts of PHEs while the white precipitates had only small amounts of PHEs and the greenish precipitates contained TiO 2 nanoparticles. The results from this study will be usable for more than fifty countries that have coal mine drainages. Unlabelled Image • Coal drainage effluorescences precipitates and associated hazards were studied in the Colombian coal areas. • Prevention techniques and integrated management minimize AMD risks. • Leaching of coal wastes are the principal reason for water contamination. • Iron and aluminum chemistry precipitates organizers toxical elements seasonal pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the diverse archeological relics of the past, the Cartagena de Indias Wall is one of the greatest representations of European cultural architecture in South America. To assess the implication of contamination on the depreciation of the culturally significant Wall of Cartagena de Indias - Colombia, a detailed, multi-analytical approach was conducted on components of the wall. Accumulated ultra-fine particles (UFPs) and superficial nano-particles (NPs) containing hazardous elements (HEs) on the wall were identified in an attempt to understand whether atmospheric pollution is hastening the depreciation of the structure itself. Mortar which at one point held the stones together is now weak and has fallen away in places. Irreparable damage is being done by salt spray, acid rain and the site's tropical humid climate. Several HEs and organic compounds found within the local environment are also contributing to the gradual deterioration of the construction. In this study, advanced microscopy analyses have been applied to understand the properties of UFPs and NPs deposited onto the wall's weathered external walls through exposure to atmospheric pollution. Several materials identified by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) can be detected using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The presence of anglesite, gypsum, hematite containing HEs, and several organic compounds modified due to moisture and contamination was found. Black crusts located on the structure could potentially serve as a source of HEs pollution and a probable hazard to not only to the ecosystem but also to human health. • Geochemical limestone characterization of Black Crusts as information source of emissions to the atmosphere. • Relationship of building materials and traffic pollution. • First wide work regarding the nanoparticles of ornamental structures contaminations. • UNESCO monument in Colombia. • Motor vehicle traffic contributed to air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]