Molecular dynamics simulation of cationic complexation with natural organic matter

Abstract

SummaryMolecular computer modelling of natural organic matter (NOM) and its interactions with metal cations in aqueous solution is a highly effective tool for helping to understand and quantitatively predict the molecular mechanisms of metal‐NOM complexation. This paper presents the results of molecular dynamics (MD) computations of the interaction of NOM with dissolved Na+, Cs+, Mg2+ and Ca2+. They show that Na+ forms only very weak outer‐sphere complexes with NOM, whereas Cs+ interacts somewhat more strongly, but also mainly via outer‐sphere association. Mg2+ interacts little with NOM due to its strongly held hydration shell. Ca2+ has the strongest association with NOM and forms inner‐sphere complexes with NOM carboxylate groups. This last result supports the idea of supramolecular, Ca‐mediated NOM aggregation. Cation‐NOM binding occurs principally with carboxylate groups, and to a lesser extent with phenolic and other –R‐OH groups. The contributions of other NOM functional groups are minimal. The diffusional mobility of NOM‐bound cations is ∼20% (NOM‐Na+ outer‐sphere complex) to ∼95% (NOM‐Ca2+ inner‐sphere complex) less than in aqueous solutions without NOM. The MD simulation results are in good agreement with NMR spectroscopic measurements for Cs‐NOM solutions.