Water droplets accelerate formation of mineral nanoparticles essential for life

Water microdroplets may play a role in the formation of soil. Experiments have revealed that microdroplets in electrosprayed aerosols can cause the disintegration of minerals into the nanoparticles found in soils, some of which are essential for life.

Nanomaterials have been found to confer a number of beneficial properties to soil. Nanoclays can improve soil permeability, stability and plasticity, while nano metal oxides and other materials can help by fertilising soils and enhancing the bioavailability of soil nutrients such as phosphorus. Previous work has suggested that nanomaterials are naturally present in soil due to weathering and mineral formation processes in the soil itself. This latest report suggests that aerosol microdroplets, which are naturally prevalent in the atmosphere may play an important role in expediting these natural weathering processes.