This paper describes several possible interactions among the different types of organic and inorganic aquatic colloids, based on our present knowledge of their size, electric charge, and conformation. The physicochemical properties of the different groups of colloids are described. Emphasis is placed on the various types of organic components, including fulvic compounds. Subsequently, the role of each colloid class is discussed with respect to homoaggregation (aggregation within a given colloid class) and heteroaggregation (aggregation among different colloid types). On the basis of a synthesis of literature reports, microscopic observations of natural colloids, experimental results obtained with model systems, and numerical simulations, it is concluded that the formation of aggregates in aquatic systems can be understood by mainly considering the roles of three types of colloids:  (i) compact inorganic colloids; (ii) large, rigid biopolymers; and (iii) either the soil-derived fulvic compounds or their equivalent in pelagic waters, aquagenic refractory organic matter. In most natural aquatic systems, the small (few nanometers) fulvic compounds will stabilize the inorganic colloids whereas the rigid biopolymers (0.1−1 μm) will destabilize them. The concentration of stable colloids in a particular aquatic system will depend on the relative proportions of these three components.

Sizes of stabilized (24 h) nanoparticle suspensions were determined using several state-of-the-art analytical techniques (transmission electron microscopy; atomic force microscopy; dynamic light scattering; fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; nanoparticle tracking analysis; flow field flow fractionation). Theoretical and analytical considerations were evaluated, results were compared, and the advantages and limitations of the techniques were discussed. No "ideal" technique was found for characterizing manufactured nanoparticles in an environmental context as each technique had its own advantages and limitations.