Molecular modeling to elucidate the dynamic interaction process and aggregation mechanism between natural organic matters and nanoplastics

The interactions of nanoplastics (NPs) with natural organic matters (NOMs) dominate the environmental fate of both substances and the organic carbon cycle. Their binding and aggregation mechanisms at the molecular level remain elusive due to the high structural complexity of NOMs and aged NPs. Molecular modeling was used to understand the detailed dynamic interaction mechanism between NOMs and NPs. Advanced humic acid models were used, and three types of NPs, i.e., polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS), were investigated. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the geometrical change of the spontaneous formation of NOMs-NPs supramolecular assemblies. The results showed that pristine NPs initially tend to aggregate homogeneously due to their hydrophobic nature, and then NOM fragments are bound to the formed NP aggregates mainly by vdW interaction. Homo- and hetero-aggregation between NOMs and aged NPs occur simultaneously through various mechanisms, including intermolecular forces and Ca²⁺ bridging effect, eventually resulting in a mixture of supramolecular structures. Density functional theory calculations were employed to characterize the surface properties and reactivity of the NP monomers. The molecular polarity indices for unaged PE, PS, and PVC were 3.1, 8.5, and 22.2 kcal/mol, respectively, which increased to 43.2, 51.6, and 42.2 kcal/mol for aged NPs, respectively, indicating the increase in polarity after aging. The vdW and electrostatic potentials of NP monomers were visualized. These results clarified the fundamental aggregation processes, and mechanisms between NPs and NOMs, providing a complete molecular picture of the interactions of nanoparticles in the natural aquatic environment.