Analysis of fullerenes in soils samples collected in The Netherlands

Fullerenes are carbon based nanoparticles that may enter the environment as a consequence of both natural processes and human activities. Although little is known about the presence of these chemicals in the environment, recent studies suggested that soil may act as a sink. The aim of the present work was to investigate the presence of fullerenes in soils collected in The Netherlands. Samples (n = 91) were taken from 6 locations and analyzed using a new developed LC-QTOF-MS method. The locations included highly trafficked and industrialized as well as urban and natural areas. In general, C₆₀ was the most abundant fullerene found in the environment, detected in almost a half of the samples and at concentrations in the range of ng/kg. Other fullerenes such as C₇₀ and an unknown structure containing a C₆₀ cage were detected to a lower extent. The highest concentrations were found in the proximity of combustion sites such as a coal power plant and an incinerator, suggesting that the nanoparticles were unintentionally produced during combustions processes and reached the soil through atmospheric deposition. Consistent with other recent studies, these results show that fullerenes are widely present in the environment and that the main route for their entrance may be due to human activities. These data will be helpful in the understanding of the distribution of fullerenes in the environment and for the study of their behavior and fate in soil. - Highlights: • An environmental monitoring was carried out for the detection of fullerenes in soil. • 91 soil samples were collected from 6 different locations in The Netherlands. • Fullerenes were found in 48% of the samples at concentrations in the range of ng/kg. • An unknown C₆₀-like species was detected in proximity of the incinerator. - Fullerenes were detected in soil samples and are likely resulting from unintentional human production.