Concentration and composition of nanoparticles and colloidal particles in a mine-waste contaminated river

Environmental context. Metals in filtered stream water are assumed to primarily be ions or bound to organic matter, but likely also consist of submicron particles. We found that submicron particles were abundant in a mine-waste contaminated stream, containing iron and manganese with toxic elements including copper, lead and arsenic. Considering both metal ions and submicron particles is essential when examining the fate, transport and effects of metals in stream ecosystems.