Studies Graphene oxide removal/detox

The Role of Fulvic and Humic Acids in Mitigating Graphene Oxide Toxicity

Humic (HA) and fulvic (FA) acids have been shown to be effective in reducing graphene oxide (GO)-associated toxicity in the environment, especially in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These natural compounds not only decrease oxidative stress and GO accumulation, but also act as antioxidants and chelating agents, protecting aquatic organisms, plants, and the environment at large. Below is a summary of key research illustrating how these acids mitigate the adverse effects of GO and its derivatives.

1. Mitigation of Graphene Oxide Toxicity by Fulvic Acid

Title: Facilitated bioaccumulation of perfluorooctanesulfonate in common carp by graphene oxide and fulvic acid remission mechanism.
Conclusion: Fulvic acid (FA) significantly reduced the capacity of GO to transport contaminants, decreasing the bioaccumulation of PFOS in carp. This was achieved by flocculating GO in the intestine and accelerating its excretion.
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2. Reduction of Graphene Oxide Toxicity in Aquatic Organisms

Title: The effects of humic acid on the toxicity of graphene oxide to Scenedesmus obliquus and Daphnia magna.
Conclusion: Humic acid (HA) decreased the acute and chronic toxicity of GO to algae and aquatic crustaceans, mitigating adverse effects by 28.6% and 32.3%, respectively.
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3. Protection Against Modified Graphene Materials

Title: Humic acids alleviate the toxicity of nanosized palladium-modified reduced graphene oxide in microalgae.
Conclusion: HA reduced oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by Pd/rGO, improving the dispersion and decreasing the biological toxicity of these materials.
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4. Impact on Toxicity in Plants

Title: Humic acid acts as a natural antidote to graphene by regulating nanomaterial translocation and metabolic fluxes in vivo.
Conclusion: HA improved the compartmentalization of GO in plant cell vacuoles, significantly reducing its nanotoxicity in the environment.
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5. Mitigation of Toxic Effects in Fish

Title: Mitigation of multiple effects of graphene oxide toxicity on humic acid-driven zebrafish embryogenesis.
Conclusion: HA alleviated the toxic effects of GO in zebrafish embryos by reducing mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and intracellular aggregation of GO.
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6. Adhesion of Graphene Oxide to Coated Surfaces

Title: Interactions of graphene oxide nanomaterials with natural organic matter and metal oxide surfaces.
Conclusion: HA and FA coated surfaces showed higher GO deposition rates compared to metal oxide surfaces, helping to remove this toxic agent from the aquatic environment.
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7. Reduction of Toxicity in Algae

Title: Humic acid alleviates the ecotoxicity of graphene family materials in the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus obliquus.
Conclusion: HA decreased the contact between GFM and algae, reducing oxidative stress and promoting detoxification through antioxidant and physical mechanisms.
Link: Read more

General Summary

Humic and fulvic acids represent promising solutions to mitigate the toxicity of graphene oxide and its derivatives in aquatic and terrestrial environments. By acting as antioxidants, chelating agents, and flocculation facilitators, these natural compounds can protect wildlife, plants, and ecosystems against the adverse effects of modern nanomaterials.