Water-extractable organic matter from tropical soils and biochar amendment tailors the colloidal behavior of nanoparticles and mitigates their toxicity through molecular eco-corona formation

Key Points

• This research examines how soil organic matter and biochar affect nanoparticle behavior and toxicity.
• Analyzed the molecular composition of soil organic matter.
• Examined the effects of biochar amendments and Amazonian dark earth water-extractable organic matter (WEOM).
• Investigated the formation of eco-coronas on copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONP).
• Enhanced aromatic diversity and binding sites were observed in amended soils.
• A stronger eco-corona formed around nanoparticles, leading to reduced toxicity.
• Biochar amendments effectively mitigated the negative effects of nanoparticles.