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Janhäll S, Petersson M, Davidsson K, Öman T, Sommertune J, Kåredal M, Messing ME, Rissler J. Release of carbon nanotubes during combustion of polymer nanocomposites in a pilot-scale facility for waste incineration. NANOIMPACT 2021; 24:100357. [PMID: 35559816 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanocomposites, formed by incorporating nanoparticles into a matrix of standard materials, are increasing on the market. Little focus has been directed towards safe disposal and recycling of these new materials even though the disposal has been identified as a phase of the products' life cycle with a high risk of uncontrolled emissions of nanomaterials. In this study, we investigate if the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), when used as a filler in two types of polymers, are fully destructed in a pilot-scale combustion unit designed to mimic the combustion under waste incineration. The two polymer nanocomposites studied, polycarbonate (PC) with CNT and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with CNT, were incinerated at two temperatures where the lower temperature just about fulfilled the European waste incineration directive while the upper was chosen to be on the safe side of fulfilling the directive. Particles in the flue gas were sampled and analysed with online and offline instrumentation along with samples of the bottom ash. CNTs could be identified in the flue gas in all experiments, although present to a greater extent when the CNTs were introduced in PC as compared to in HDPE. In the case of using PC as polymer matrix, CNTs were identified in 3-10% of the analysed SEM images while for HDPE in only ~0.5% of the images. In the case of PC, the presence of CNTs decreased with increasing bed temperature (from 10% to 3% of the images). The CNTs identified were always in bundles, often coated with remnants of the polymer, forming particles of ~1-4 μm in diameter. No CNTs were identified in the bottom ash, likely explained by the difference in time when the bottom ash and fly ash are exposed to high temperatures (~hours compared to seconds) in the pilot facility. The results suggest that the residence time of the fly ash in the combustion zone is not long enough to allow full oxidation of the CNTs. Thus, the current regulation on waste incineration (requiring a residence time of the flue gas >850 °C during at least 2 s) may not be enough to obtain complete destruction of CNTs in polymer composites. Since several types of CNTs are known to be toxic, we stress the need for further investigation of the fate and toxicity of CNTs in waste treatment processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Janhäll
- RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden.
| | - Mikaela Petersson
- Solid State Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Kent Davidsson
- RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Tommy Öman
- RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Jens Sommertune
- RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Monica Kåredal
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria E Messing
- Solid State Physics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rissler
- RISE - Research Institutes of Sweden, Box 857, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; NanoLund, Lund University, Box 188, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
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2
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Ahamed A, Ge L, Zhao K, Veksha A, Bobacka J, Lisak G. Environmental footprint of voltammetric sensors based on screen-printed electrodes: An assessment towards "green" sensor manufacturing. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130462. [PMID: 33845436 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Voltammetric sensors based on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) await diverse applications in environmental monitoring, food, agricultural and biomedical analysis. However, due to the single-use and disposable characteristics of SPEs and the scale of measurements performed, their environmental impacts should be considered. A life cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental footprint of SPEs manufactured using various substrate materials (SMs: cotton textile, HDPE plastic, Kraft paper, graphic paper, glass, and ceramic) and electrode materials (EMs: platinum, gold, silver, copper, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)). The greatest environmental impact was observed when cotton textile was used as SM. HDPE plastic demonstrated the least impact (13 out of 19 categories), followed by ceramic, glass and paper. However, considering the end-of-life scenarios and release of microplastics into the environment, ceramic, glass or paper could be the most suitable options for SMs. Amongst the EMs, the replacement of metals, especially noble metals, by carbon-based EMs greatly reduces the environmental footprint of SPEs. Compared with other materials, carbon black was the least impactful on the environment. On the other hand, copper and waste-derived CNTs (WCNTs) showed low impacts except for terrestrial ecotoxicity and human toxicity (non-cancer) potentials. In comparison to commercial CNTs (CCNTs), WCNTs demonstrated lower environmental footprint and comparable voltammetric performance in heavy metal detections, justifying the substitution of CCNTs with WCNTs in commercial applications. In conclusion, a combination of carbon black or WCNTs EMs with ceramic, glass or paper SMs represents the most environmentally friendly SPE configurations for voltammetric sensor arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Ahamed
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore; Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Johan Gadolin Process Chemistry Centre, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20500, Turku/Åbo, Finland
| | - Liya Ge
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore
| | - Ke Zhao
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore
| | - Andrei Veksha
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore
| | - Johan Bobacka
- Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Johan Gadolin Process Chemistry Centre, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20500, Turku/Åbo, Finland
| | - Grzegorz Lisak
- Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre, Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Cleantech Loop, CleanTech One, Singapore, 637141, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
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Cypriyana P J J, S S, Angalene J LA, Samrot AV, Kumar S S, Ponniah P, Chakravarthi S. Overview on toxicity of nanoparticles, it's mechanism, models used in toxicity studies and disposal methods – A review. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hammer T, Bossa N, Persson M, Wichser A, Lehner K, Ruggiero E, Fonseca AS, Jovic M, Gaan S, Wohlleben W, Wang J. Importance of the number emission factor of combustion-generated aerosols from nano-enabled products. NANOIMPACT 2021; 22:100307. [PMID: 35559964 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2021.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accidental or open waste burning and incineration of nano-enabled products (NEPs) might lead to the release of incidental aerosols in the nano size range into the environment resulting in harmful effects on humans. We have investigated combustion-generated aerosol release during accidental burning for several real-life NEPs such as paints with silica (SiO2) and spruce wood panels containing SiO2 and Fe2O3 nanomaterials (NMs), paper with SiO2 and Fe2O3 NMs and polymeric composites with CuPhthtalocyanine NMs in poly lactic acid (PLA), polyamide 6 (PA6) and thermoplastic pol-urethane (TPU) matrices. Chemical compositions, aerosols number emission factors (nefs) and concentrations of the signature elements of the NMs of the combustion-generated aerosols were investigated. In addition, the residual ash was analyzed. The outcomes of this study shed light on how NM and matrix types influenced the properties of the released aerosols. Based on our results it was established that the combustion-generated aerosols were composed of transformed NMs with modified physical-chemical characteristics compared to the pristine NMs. In addition to aerosols with transformed NMs, there were also particles due to incomplete combustion of the matrix. Types of the pristine NMs and matrices affected the characteristics of the released aerosols. Since the effect of the aerosols is related to the inhaled aerosol number concentration, the nef is an important parameter. Our results showed that the nefs in the size range of 5.6 to 560 nm depended strongly on the type of combusted NEP, which indicated that the NEPs could be categorized according to their potential to release aerosols in this size range when they were burnt. The generated release data facilitate the assessment of human and environmental exposure and the associated risk assessment of combustion-generated aerosols from NEPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hammer
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Nathan Bossa
- Leitat Technological Center, 08225 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Adrian Wichser
- Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Ken Lehner
- Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Ana Sofia Fonseca
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NRCWE), Lerso Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Milijana Jovic
- Laboratory of Advanced Fibers, Empa, 9014 Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sabyasachi Gaan
- Laboratory of Advanced Fibers, Empa, 9014 Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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Hauser M, Nowack B. Probabilistic modelling of nanobiomaterial release from medical applications into the environment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106184. [PMID: 33137704 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nanobiomaterials (NBMs) are currently being tested in numerous biomedical applications, and their use is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Many different types of nanomaterials are employed for a wide variety of different applications. Silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) have been investigated for their antibacterial, antifungal, and osteoinductive properties to be used in catheters, wound healing, dental applications, and bone healing. Polymeric nanoparticles such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are mainly studied for their ability to deliver cancer drugs as the body metabolizes them into simple compounds. However, most of these applications are still in the development stage and unavailable on the market, meaning that information on possible consumption, material flows, and concentrations in the environment is lacking. We thus modeled a realistic scenario involving several nano-Ag and PLGA applications which are already in use or likely to reach the market soon. We assumed their full market penetration in Europe in order to explore the prospective flows of NBMs and their environmental concentrations. The potential flows of three application-specific composite materials were also examined for one precise application each: Fe3O4PEG-PLGA used in drug delivery, MgHA-collagen used for bone tissue engineering, and PLLA-Ag applied in wound healing. Mean annual consumption in Europe, considering all realistic and probable applications of the respective NBMs, was estimated to be 5,650 kg of nano-Ag and 48,000 kg of PLGA. Mean annual consumption of the three application-specific materials under the full market penetration scenario was estimated to be 4,000 kg of Fe3O4PEG-PLGA, 58 kg of MgHA-collagen, and 24,300 kg of PLLA-Ag. A probabilistic material-flow model was used to quantify flows of the NBMs studied from production, through use, and on to end-of-life in the environment. The highest possible worst-case predicted environmental concentration (wc-PEC) were found to occur in sewage sludge, with 0.2 µg/kg of nano-Ag, 400 µg/kg of PLGA, 33 µg/kg of Fe3O4PEG-PLGA, 0.007 µg/kg of MgHA-collagen, and 2.9 µg/kg of PLLA-Ag. PLGA exhibited the highest concentration in all environmental compartments except natural and urban soil, where nano-Ag showed the highest concentration. The results showed that the distribution of NBMs into different environmental and technical compartments is strongly dependent on their type of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Hauser
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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6
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Rajkovic S, Bornhöft NA, van der Weijden R, Nowack B, Adam V. Dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of engineered nanomaterials in European waste treatment systems. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 113:118-131. [PMID: 32531660 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the material flows of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is crucial for assessing their environmental risks. Waste management processes constitute important parts of material flow analyses as they affect large fractions of the ENMs. Accordingly, their detailed representation could substantially improve the models. Our goal was to consider the temporal variations of wastewater and solid waste management in the dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nano-Ag, -TiO2 and -ZnO in Europe from 2000 to 2020. New input parameters included wastewater and solid waste management rates for each year. The uncertainties associated with these data were assessed based on the type of consulted source, the geographical representativeness and temporal concordance. Results show modal values of 10-27% of ENMs going from sorting to reprocessing. Large shares of environmental releases of nano-Ag and nano-ZnO end in surface water (4.9 t and 1700 t respectively in 2020), while sludge-treated soil as environmental compartment is receiving most of nano-TiO2 (22,000 t in 2020) and CNTs (8.8 t in 2020). Discharges from wastewater management to the subsurface soil make this compartment the largest environmental sink of nano-Ag and nano-ZnO (30 t and 3860 t accumulated in 2020, respectively). Landfills represent significant stocks of ENMs, with 105 t, 2077 t, 69,000 t and 1042 t of nano-Ag, nano-ZnO, nano-TiO2 and CNTs. This model includes detailed descriptions of waste management and sources of ENMs released at the European scale. However, a better understanding of the behaviour, i.e. fate and potential transformations of ENMs in reprocessing systems, is needed to complete the full assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Rajkovic
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland; Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique Adam
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland
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Peng Z, Liu X, Zhang W, Zeng Z, Liu Z, Zhang C, Liu Y, Shao B, Liang Q, Tang W, Yuan X. Advances in the application, toxicity and degradation of carbon nanomaterials in environment: A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 134:105298. [PMID: 31765863 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are novel nanomaterials with excellent physicochemical properties, which are widely used in biomedicine, energy and sensing. Besides, CNMs also play an important role in environmental pollution control, which can absorb heavy metals, antibiotics and harmful gases. However, CNMs are inevitably entering the environment while they are rapidly developing. They are harmful to living organisms in the environment and are difficult to degrade under natural conditions. Here, we systematically describe the toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene (GRA) and C60 to cells, animals, humans, and microorganisms. According to the current research results, the toxicity mechanism is summarized, including oxidative stress response, mechanical damage and effects on biological enzymes. In addition, according to the latest research progress, we focus on the two major degradation methods of chemical degradation and biodegradation of CNTs, GRA and C60. Meanwhile, the reaction conditions and degradation mechanisms of degradation are respectively stated. Moreover, we have prospects for the limitations of CNM degradation under non-experimental conditions and their potential application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Peng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhifeng Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Binbin Shao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qinghua Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Wangwang Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xingzhong Yuan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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Oischinger J, Meiller M, Daschner R, Hornung A, Warnecke R. Fate of nano titanium dioxide during combustion of engineered nanomaterial-containing waste in a municipal solid waste incineration plant. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2019; 37:1033-1042. [PMID: 31345141 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x19862603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The market for products containing engineered nanomaterial (ENM) is constantly expanding. At the end of their lifecycle, a significant fraction of the products will be disposed as ENM-containing waste in thermal treatment plants. Up to now there are still uncertainties on the fate and behaviour of ENM during waste incineration. In our investigations, nano titanium dioxide (nTiO2) was selected as an example for ENM, because of its high amount in consumer products and its relevance to the ENM-containing waste stream. Two test series were conducted at the municipal solid waste incineration plant "Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Schweinfurt". For each test series, background concentrations of titanium were measured first. Samples of bottom ash, bottom ash extractor water, fly ash (boiler ash, cyclone ash), flue gas cleaning products (spray absorber ash, fabric filter ash) and washing water from the wet scrubber were taken in order to determine the fate of nTiO2. The flue gas was sampled at three points: after boiler, after cyclone and before stack. The experiments showed that most of the used reference material was located in the solid residues (i.e. bottom ash) while a smaller part was detected in the products of the flue gas cleaning. In the purified flue gas before the stack, the concentration was negligible. The flue gas cleaning system at the Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Schweinfurt complies with the requirements of the best available techniques and the results cannot be transferred to plants with lower standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Oischinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, Germany
| | - Martin Meiller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, Germany
| | - Robert Daschner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, Germany
| | - Andreas Hornung
- Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology, Germany
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University, Germany
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK
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9
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Kotsilkov S, Ivanov E, Vitanov NK. Release of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes from Biodegradable Poly(Lactic Acid) Films during Degradation and Combustion: Risk Associated with the End-of-Life of Nanocomposite Food Packaging Materials. MATERIALS 2018; 11:ma11122346. [PMID: 30469480 PMCID: PMC6316115 DOI: 10.3390/ma11122346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nanoparticles of graphene and carbon nanotubes are attractive materials for the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties and for the functionality of biodegradable polymers for packaging applications. However, the increase of the manufacture and consumption increases the probability of exposure of humans and the environment to such nanomaterials; this brings up questions about the risks of nanomaterials, since they can be toxic. For a risk assessment, it is crucial to know whether airborne nanoparticles of graphene and carbon nanotubes can be released from nanocomposites into the environment at their end-life, or whether they remain embedded in the matrix. In this work, the release of graphene and carbon nanotubes from the poly(lactic) acid nanocomposite films were studied for the scenarios of: (i) biodegradation of the matrix polymer at the disposal of wastes; and (ii) combustion and fire of nanocomposite wastes. Thermogravimetric analysis in air atmosphere, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to verify the release of nanoparticles from nanocomposite films. The three factors model was applied for the quantitative and qualitative risk assessment of the release of graphene and carbon nanotubes from nanocomposite wastes for these scenarios. Safety concern is discussed in respect to the existing regulations for nanowaste stream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Kotsilkov
- Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Block 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Evgeni Ivanov
- Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Block 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
- Research and Development of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies (NanoTechLab Ltd.), Acad. G. Bonchev, Block 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Nikolay Kolev Vitanov
- Institute of Mechanics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, Block 4, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Kawecki D, Scheeder PRW, Nowack B. Probabilistic Material Flow Analysis of Seven Commodity Plastics in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:9874-9888. [PMID: 30004221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b01513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The omnipresence of plastics in our lives and their ever-increasing application range continuously raise the requirements for the monitoring of environmental and health impacts related to both plastics and their additives. We present a static probabilistic material flow analysis of seven polymers through the European and Swiss anthropospheres to provide a strong basis for exposure assessments of polymer-related impacts, which necessitates that the plastic flows from production to use and finally to waste management are well-understood. We consider seven different polymers, chosen for their popularity and application variety: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). We include synthetic textile products and consider trade flows at various stages of the life cycle, thus achieving a complete overview of the consumption for these polymers. In Europe, the order of consumption is PP > LDPE > PET > HDPE > PVC > PS > EPS. Textile products account for 42 ± 3% of the consumption of PET and 22 ± 4% of PP. Incineration is the major waste management method for HDPE, PS, and EPS. No significant difference between landfilling and incineration for the remaining polymers is found. The highest recycling share is found for PVC. These results can serve as a basis for a detailed assessment of exposure pathways of plastics or their additives in the environment or exposure of additives on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Kawecki
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , CH-9014 St. Gallen , Switzerland
| | - Paul R W Scheeder
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , CH-9014 St. Gallen , Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , CH-9014 St. Gallen , Switzerland
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11
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Part F, Berge N, Baran P, Stringfellow A, Sun W, Bartelt-Hunt S, Mitrano D, Li L, Hennebert P, Quicker P, Bolyard SC, Huber-Humer M. A review of the fate of engineered nanomaterials in municipal solid waste streams. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 75:427-449. [PMID: 29477652 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Significant knowledge and data gaps associated with the fate of product-embedded engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in waste management processes exist that limit our current ability to develop appropriate end-of-life management strategies. This review paper was developed as part of the activities of the IWWG ENMs in Waste Task Group. The specific objectives of this review paper are to assess the current knowledge associated with the fate of ENMs in commonly used waste management processes, including key processes and mechanisms associated with ENM fate and transport in each waste management process, and to use that information to identify the data gaps and research needs in this area. Literature associated with the fate of ENMs in wastes was reviewed and summarized. Overall, results from this literature review indicate a need for continued research in this area. No work has been conducted to quantify ENMs present in discarded materials and an understanding of ENM release from consumer products under conditions representative of those found in relevant waste management process is needed. Results also indicate that significant knowledge gaps associated with ENM behaviour exist for each waste management process investigated. There is a need for additional research investigating the fate of different types of ENMs at larger concentration ranges with different surface chemistries. Understanding how changes in treatment process operation may influence ENM fate is also needed. A series of specific research questions associated with the fate of ENMs during the management of ENM-containing wastes have been identified and used to direct future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Part
- Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Berge
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States.
| | - Paweł Baran
- Unit of Technologies of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Stringfellow
- Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, England, United Kingdom
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Methodist University, 3101 Dyer Street, Dallas, TX 75205, United States
| | - Shannon Bartelt-Hunt
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th St., Omaha, NE 68182-0178, United States
| | - Denise Mitrano
- Process Engineering, Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29208, United States
| | - Pierre Hennebert
- National Institute for Industrial and Environmental Risk Assessment (INERIS), BP 33, 13545 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 4, France
| | - Peter Quicker
- Unit of Technologies of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie C Bolyard
- Environmental Research & Education Foundation, 3301 Benson Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609, United States
| | - Marion Huber-Humer
- Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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12
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Suzuki S, Part F, Matsufuji Y, Huber-Humer M. Modeling the fate and end-of-life phase of engineered nanomaterials in the Japanese construction sector. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 72:389-398. [PMID: 29196056 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To date construction materials that contain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are available at the markets, but at the same time very little is known about their environmental fate. Therefore, this study aimed at modeling the potential fate of ENMs by using the example of the Japanese construction sector and by conducting a dynamic material flow analysis. Expert interviews and national reports revealed that about 3920-4660 tons of ENMs are annually used for construction materials in Japan. Nanoscale TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3 and carbon black have already been applied for decades to wall paints, road markings or concrete. The dynamic material flow model indicates that in 2016 about 95% of ENMs, which have been used since their year of market penetration, remained in buildings, whereas only 5% ended up in the Japanese waste management system or were diffusely released into the environment. Considering the current Japanese waste management system, ENMs were predicted to end up in recycled materials (40-47%) or in landfills (36-41%). It was estimated that only a small proportion was used in agriculture (5-7%, as ENM-containing sewage sludges) or was diffusely released into soils, surface waters or the atmosphere (5-19%). The results indicate that ENM release predominantly depend on their specific applications and characteristics. The model also highlights the importance of adequate collection and treatment of ENM-containing wastes. In future, similar dynamic flow models for other countries should consider, inasmuch as available, historical data on ENM production (e.g. like declaration reports that are annually published by relevant public authorities or associations), as such input data is very important regarding data reliability in order to decrease uncertainties and to continuously improve model accuracy. In addition, more environmental monitoring studies that aim at the quantification of ENM release and inadvertent transfer, particularly triggered by waste treatment processes, would be needed in order to validate such models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Suzuki
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1, Nanakuma, Johnan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Florian Part
- Department of Water - Atmosphere - Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, A-1190 Vienna, Austria; Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Yasushi Matsufuji
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1, Nanakuma, Johnan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Marion Huber-Humer
- Department of Water - Atmosphere - Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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13
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He X, Mitrano DM, Nowack B, Bahk YK, Figi R, Schreiner C, Bürki M, Wang J. Agglomeration potential of TiO 2 in synthetic leachates made from the fly ash of different incinerated wastes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 223:616-623. [PMID: 28159397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.01.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Material flow studies have shown that a large fraction of the engineered nanoparticles used in products end up in municipal waste. In many countries, this municipal waste is incinerated before landfilling. However, the behavior of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the leachates of incinerated wastes has not been investigated so far. In this study, TiO2 ENPs were spiked into synthetic landfill leachates made from different types of fly ash from three waste incineration plants. The synthetic leachates were prepared by standard protocols and two types of modified procedures with much higher dilution ratios that resulted in reduced ionic strength. The pH of the synthetic leachates was adjusted in a wide range (i.e. pH 3 to 11) to understand the effects of pH on agglomeration. The experimental results indicated that agglomeration of TiO2 in the synthetic landfill leachate simultaneously depend on ionic strength, ionic composition and pH. However, when the ionic strength was high, the effects of the other two factors were masked. The zeta potential of the particles was directly related to the size of the TiO2 agglomerates formed. The samples with an absolute zeta potential value < 10 mV were less stable, with the size of TiO2 agglomerates in excess of 1500 nm. It can be deduced from this study that TiO2 ENPs deposited in the landfill may be favored to form agglomerates and ultimately settle from the water percolating through the landfill and thus remain in the landfill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstrasse 6, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland; Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Denise M Mitrano
- Technology and Society Laboratory, EMPA, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, EMPA, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yeon Kyoung Bahk
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstrasse 6, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland; Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Renato Figi
- Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Schreiner
- Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Bürki
- Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstrasse 6, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland; Advanced Analytical Technologies Laboratory, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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14
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Wang J, Schlagenhauf L, Setyan A. Transformation of the released asbestos, carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes from composite materials and the changes of their potential health impacts. J Nanobiotechnology 2017; 15:15. [PMID: 28219381 PMCID: PMC5319145 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0248-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Composite materials with fibrous reinforcement often provide superior mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties than the matrix. Asbestos, carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in composites with profound impacts not only on technology and economy but also on human health and environment. A large number of studies have been dedicated to the release of fibrous particles from composites. Here we focus on the transformation of the fibrous fillers after their release, especially the change of the properties essential for the health impacts. Asbestos fibers exist in a large number of products and the end-of-the-life treatment of asbestos-containing materials poses potential risks. Thermal treatment can transform asbestos to non-hazardous phase which provides opportunities of safe disposal of asbestos-containing materials by incineration, but challenges still exist. Carbon fibers with diameters in the range of 5–10 μm are not considered to be respirable, however, during the release process from composites, the carbon fibers may be split along the fiber axis, generating smaller and respirable fibers. CNTs may be exposed on the surface of the composites or released as free standing fibers, which have lengths shorter than the original ones. CNTs have high thermal stability and may be exposed after thermal treatment of the composites and still keep their structural integrity. Due to the transformation of the fibrous fillers during the release process, their toxicity may be significantly different from the virgin fibers, which should be taken into account in the risk assessment of fiber-containing composites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Lukas Schlagenhauf
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.,Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Ari Setyan
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.,Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
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15
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Markus AA, Parsons JR, Roex EWM, de Voogt P, Laane RWPM. Modelling the Release, Transport and Fate of Engineered Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment - A Review. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 243:53-87. [PMID: 28028609 DOI: 10.1007/398_2016_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles, that is, particles of up to 100 nm in at least one dimension, are used in many consumer products. Their release into the environment as a consequence of their production and use has raised concern about the possible consequences. While they are made of ordinary substances, their size gives them properties that are not manifest in larger particles. It is precisely these properties that make them useful. For instance titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in transparent sunscreens, because they are large enough to scatter ultraviolet light but too small to scatter visible light.To investigate the occurrence of nanoparticles in the environment we require practical methods to detect their presence and to measure the concentrations as well as adequate modelling techniques. Modelling provides both a complement to the available detection and measurement methods and the means to understand and predict the release, transport and fate of nanoparticles. Many different modelling approaches have been developed, but it is not always clear for what questions regarding nanoparticles in the environment these approaches can be applied. No modelling technique can be used for every possible aspect of the release of nanoparticles into the environment. Hence it is important to understand which technique to apply in what situation. This article provides an overview of the techniques involved with their strengths and weaknesses. Two points need to be stressed here: the modelling of processes like dissolution and the surface activity of nanoparticles, possibly under influence of ultraviolet light, or chemical transformation has so far received relatively little attention. But also the uncertainties surrounding nanoparticles in general-the amount of nanoparticles used in consumer products, what constitutes the appropriate measure of concentration (mass or numbers) and what processes are relevant-should be explicitly considered as part of the modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan A Markus
- Deltares, 177, Delft, 2600 MH, The Netherlands.
- Earth Surface Science, IBED, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, The Netherlands.
| | - John R Parsons
- Earth Surface Science, IBED, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pim de Voogt
- Aquatic Environmental Ecology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, 1098 XH, The Netherlands
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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González-Gálvez D, Janer G, Vilar G, Vílchez A, Vázquez-Campos S. The Life Cycle of Engineered Nanoparticles. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 947:41-69. [PMID: 28168665 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47754-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The first years in the twenty-first century have meant the inclusion of nanotechnology in most industrial sectors, from very specific sensors to construction materials. The increasing use of nanomaterials in consumer products has raised concerns about their potential risks for workers, consumers and the environment. In a comprehensive risk assessment or life cycle assessment, a life cycle schema is the starting point necessary to build up the exposure scenarios and study the processes and mechanisms driving to safety concerns. This book chapter describes the processes that usually occur at all the stages of the life cycle of the nano-enabled product, from the nanomaterial synthesis to the end-of-life of the products. Furthermore, release studies reported in literature related to these processes are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Gálvez
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Gemma Janer
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Gemma Vilar
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Alejandro Vílchez
- LEITAT Technological Center, C/ de la Innovació 2, 08225, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
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17
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Synthetisch hergestellte Nanomaterialien in Konsumprodukten und deren Verbleib am Ende ihrer Nutzungsphase. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00506-016-0364-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Baran P, Quicker P. Verbleib und Verhalten von Nanopartikeln bei der Abfallverbrennung. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00506-016-0362-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Lefevre E, Bossa N, Wiesner MR, Gunsch CK. A review of the environmental implications of in situ remediation by nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI): Behavior, transport and impacts on microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 565:889-901. [PMID: 26897610 PMCID: PMC5217753 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of strategies incorporating nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) for soil and groundwater in situ remediation is raising some concerns regarding the potential adverse effects nZVI could have on indigenous microbial communities and ecosystem functioning. This review provides an overview of the current literature pertaining to the impacts of nZVI applications on microbial communities. Toxicity studies suggest that cell membrane disruption and oxidative stress through the generation of Fe(2+) and reactive oxygen species by nZVI are the main mechanisms contributing to nZVI cytotoxicity. In addition, nZVI has been shown to substantially alter the taxonomic and functional composition of indigenous microbial communities. However, because the physico-chemical conditions encountered in situ highly modulate nZVI toxicity, a better understanding of the environmental factors affecting nZVI toxicity and transport in the environment is of primary importance in evaluating the ecological consequences that could result from a more extensive use of nZVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lefevre
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan Bossa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark R Wiesner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Claudia K Gunsch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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20
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Part F, Zaba C, Bixner O, Zafiu C, Hann S, Sinner EK, Huber-Humer M. Traceability of fluorescent engineered nanomaterials and their fate in complex liquid waste matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 214:795-805. [PMID: 27155097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The number of products containing engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has increased due to their high industrial relevance as well as their use in diverse consumer products. At the end of their life cycle ENMs might be released to the environment and therefore concerns arise regarding their environmental impact. In order to track their fate upon disposal, it is crucial to establish methods to trace ENMs in complex environmental samples and to differentiate them from naturally-occurring nanoparticles. The goal of this study was to distinctively trace ENMs by (non-invasive) detection methods. For this, fluorescent ENMs, namely quantum dots (QDs), were distinctively traced in complex aqueous matrices, and were still detectable after a period of two months using fluorescence spectroscopy. In particular, two water-dispersible QD-species, namely CdTe/CdS QDs with N-acetyl-l-cysteine as capping agent (NAC-QDs) and surfactant-stabilized CdSe/ZnS QDs (Brij(®)58-QDs), were synthesized to examine their environmental fate during disposal as well as their potential interaction with naturally-occurring substances present in landfill leachates. When QDs were spiked into a leachate from an old landfill site, alteration processes, such as sorption, aggregation, agglomeration, and interactions with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), led to modifications of the optical properties of QDs. The spectral signatures of NAC-QDs deteriorated depending on residence time and storage temperature, while Brij(®)58-QDs retained their photoluminescence fingerprints, indicating their high colloidal stability. The observed change in photoluminescence intensity was mainly caused by DOC-interaction and association with complexing agents, such as fulvic or humic acids, typically present in mature landfill leachates. For both QD-species, the results also indicated that pH of the leachate had no significant impact on their optical properties. As a result, the unique spectroscopic fingerprints of QDs, specifically surfactant-stabilized QDs, allowed distinctive tracing in complex aqueous waste matrices in order to study their long-term behavior and ultimate fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Part
- Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria; Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Zaba
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Bixner
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Zafiu
- ICS-6 Structure Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Stephan Hann
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva-Kathrin Sinner
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Synthetic Bioarchitectures, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marion Huber-Humer
- Department of Water-Atmosphere-Environment, Institute of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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21
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Topuz E, van Gestel CAM. An approach for environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy inference rules. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:334-347. [PMID: 27131016 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The usage of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products is relatively new and there is a need to conduct environmental risk assessment (ERA) to evaluate their impacts on the environment. However, alternative approaches are required for ERA of ENPs because of the huge gap in data and knowledge compared to conventional pollutants and their unique properties that make it difficult to apply existing approaches. This study aims to propose an ERA approach for ENPs by integrating Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy inference models which provide a systematic evaluation of risk factors and reducing uncertainty about the data and information, respectively. Risk is assumed to be the combination of occurrence likelihood, exposure potential and toxic effects in the environment. A hierarchy was established to evaluate the sub factors of these components. Evaluation was made with fuzzy numbers to reduce uncertainty and incorporate the expert judgements. Overall score of each component was combined with fuzzy inference rules by using expert judgements. Proposed approach reports the risk class and its membership degree such as Minor (0.7). Therefore, results are precise and helpful to determine the risk management strategies. Moreover, priority weights calculated by comparing the risk factors based on their importance for the risk enable users to understand which factor is effective on the risk. Proposed approach was applied for Ag (two nanoparticles with different coating) and TiO2 nanoparticles for different case studies. Results verified the proposed benefits of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emel Topuz
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
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22
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23
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Mukherjee A, Majumdar S, Servin AD, Pagano L, Dhankher OP, White JC. Carbon Nanomaterials in Agriculture: A Critical Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:172. [PMID: 26941751 PMCID: PMC4762280 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
There has been great interest in the use of carbon nano-materials (CNMs) in agriculture. However, the existing literature reveals mixed effects from CNM exposure on plants, ranging from enhanced crop yield to acute cytotoxicity and genetic alteration. These seemingly inconsistent research-outcomes, taken with the current technological limitations for in situ CNM detection, present significant hurdles to the wide scale use of CNMs in agriculture. The objective of this review is to evaluate the current literature, including studies with both positive and negative effects of different CNMs (e.g., carbon nano-tubes, fullerenes, carbon nanoparticles, and carbon nano-horns, among others) on terrestrial plants and associated soil-dwelling microbes. The effects of CNMs on the uptake of various co-contaminants will also be discussed. Last, we highlight critical knowledge gaps, including the need for more soil-based investigations under environmentally relevant conditions. In addition, efforts need to be focused on better understanding of the underlying mechanism of CNM-plant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New HavenCT, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Majumdar
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New HavenCT, USA
| | - Alia D. Servin
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New HavenCT, USA
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New HavenCT, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, University of ParmaParma, Italy
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, AmherstMA, USA
| | - Om Parkash Dhankher
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, AmherstMA, USA
| | - Jason C. White
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New HavenCT, USA
- *Correspondence: Jason C. White,
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Harper S, Wohlleben W, Doa M, Nowack B, Clancy S, Canady R, Maynard A. Measuring Nanomaterial Release from Carbon Nanotube Composites: Review of the State of the Science. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/617/1/012026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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25
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Gottschalk F, Lassen C, Kjoelholt J, Christensen F, Nowack B. Modeling flows and concentrations of nine engineered nanomaterials in the Danish environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:5581-602. [PMID: 26006129 PMCID: PMC4454986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120505581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Predictions of environmental concentrations of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are needed for their environmental risk assessment. Because analytical data on ENM-concentrations in the environment are not yet available, exposure modeling represents the only source of information on ENM exposure in the environment. This work provides material flow data and environmental concentrations of nine ENM in Denmark. It represents the first study that distinguishes between photostable TiO2 (as used in sunscreens) and photocatalytic TiO2 (as used in self-cleaning surfaces). It also provides first exposure estimates for quantum dots, carbon black and CuCO3. Other ENM that are covered are ZnO, Ag, CNT and CeO2. The modeling is based for all ENM on probability distributions of production, use, environmental release and transfer between compartments, always considering the complete life-cycle of products containing the ENM. The magnitude of flows and concentrations of the various ENM depends on the one hand on the production volume but also on the type of products they are used in and the life-cycles of these products and their potential for release. The results reveal that in aquatic systems the highest concentrations are expected for carbon black and photostable TiO2, followed by CuCO3 (under the assumption that the use as wood preservative becomes important). In sludge-treated soil highest concentrations are expected for CeO2 and TiO2. Transformation during water treatments results in extremely low concentrations of ZnO and Ag in the environment. The results of this study provide valuable environmental exposure information for future risk assessments of these ENM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadri Gottschalk
- Environmental, technical and scientific services-ETSS, CH-7558 Strada, Switzerland.
| | - Carsten Lassen
- COWI A/S, Parallelvej 2, Kongens Lyngby, DK 2800, Denmark.
| | | | | | - Bernd Nowack
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, EMPA, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Ounoughene G, Le Bihan O, Chivas-Joly C, Motzkus C, Longuet C, Debray B, Joubert A, Le Coq L, Lopez-Cuesta JM. Behavior and Fate of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) When Incinerating PA6/HNTs Nanocomposite. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5450-5457. [PMID: 25760854 DOI: 10.1021/es505674j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanoclay-based nanocomposites have been widely studied and produced since the late 1990s, and frequently end up in waste disposal plants. This work investigates the behavior of PA6/HNTs nanocomposites (nylon-6 incorporating halloysite nanotubes) during incineration. Incineration tests were performed at lab-scale using a specific tubular furnace modified in order to control the key incineration parameters within both the combustion and postcombustion zones. The combustion residues and combustion aerosol (particulate matter and gas phase) collected downstream of the incinerator furnace were characterized using various aerosol analysis techniques. Time tracking of the gas and particle-number concentrations revealed two-step char formation during combustion. HNTs transformed into other mineral structures which were found in both the aerosol and the residues. During combustion of the polymer, it appears that HNTs contribute to the formation of a cohesive char layer that protects the residual material.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ounoughene
- †LUNAM, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, GEPEA, CNRS, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
- ‡C2MA, Ecole des Mines d'Alès, 6 Avenue de Clavières, 30319 Alès Cedex, France
- §ADEME, 20 avenue du Grésillé, 49004 Angers Cedex 01, France
| | - O Le Bihan
- ∥INERIS, Parc Technologique Alata, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - C Chivas-Joly
- ⊥LNE, 29 Avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France
| | - C Motzkus
- ⊥LNE, 29 Avenue Roger Hennequin, 78197 Trappes Cedex, France
| | - C Longuet
- ‡C2MA, Ecole des Mines d'Alès, 6 Avenue de Clavières, 30319 Alès Cedex, France
| | - B Debray
- ∥INERIS, Parc Technologique Alata, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - A Joubert
- †LUNAM, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, GEPEA, CNRS, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - L Le Coq
- †LUNAM, Ecole des Mines de Nantes, GEPEA, CNRS, UMR 6144, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - J-M Lopez-Cuesta
- ‡C2MA, Ecole des Mines d'Alès, 6 Avenue de Clavières, 30319 Alès Cedex, France
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Czech B, Oleszczuk P, Wiącek A. Advanced oxidation (H₂O₂ and/or UV) of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT-OH and CNT-COOH) and its influence on the stabilization of CNTs in water and tannic acid solution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 200:161-167. [PMID: 25734505 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with -OH and -COOH groups during simulated water treatment with H2O2 and/or UV were tested. There following properties of CNTs were investigated: specific surface area, elemental composition (CHN), dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and changes in the CNTs structure were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Treatment of CNTs with H2O2 and/or UV affected their properties. This effect, however, was different depending on the functionalization of CNTs and also on the factor used (UV and/or H2O2). H2O2 plays a key role as a factor modifying the surface of CNT-OHs, whereas the properties of CNT-COOHs were most affected by UV rays. A shortening of the nanotubes, exfoliation, the opening of their ends, and changes in the surface charge were observed as a result of the action of UV and/or H2O2. The changes in observed parameters may influence the stability of the aqueous suspensions of CNTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Czech
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wiącek
- Department of Interfacial Phenomena, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
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Mitrano DM, Motellier S, Clavaguera S, Nowack B. Review of nanomaterial aging and transformations through the life cycle of nano-enhanced products. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 77:132-47. [PMID: 25705000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In the context of assessing potential risks of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs), life cycle thinking can represent a holistic view on the impacts of ENPs through the entire value chain of nano-enhanced products from production, through use, and finally to disposal. Exposure to ENPs in consumer or environmental settings may either be to the original, pristine ENPs, or more likely, to ENPs that have been incorporated into products, released, aged and transformed. Here, key product-use related aging and transformation processes affecting ENPs are reviewed. The focus is on processes resulting in ENP release and on the transformation(s) the released particles undergo in the use and disposal phases of its product life cycle for several nanomaterials (Ag, ZnO, TiO2, carbon nanotubes, CeO2, SiO2 etc.). These include photochemical transformations, oxidation and reduction, dissolution, precipitation, adsorption and desorption, combustion, abrasion and biotransformation, among other biogeochemical processes. To date, few studies have tried to establish what changes the ENPs undergo when they are incorporated into, and released from, products. As a result there is major uncertainty as to the state of many ENPs following their release because much of current testing on pristine ENPs may not be fully relevant for risk assessment purposes. The goal of this present review is therefore to use knowledge on the life cycle of nano-products to derive possible transformations common ENPs in nano-products may undergo based on how these products will be used by the consumer and eventually discarded. By determining specific gaps in knowledge of the ENP transformation process, this approach should prove useful in narrowing the number of physical experiments that need to be conducted and illuminate where more focused effort can be placed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Mitrano
- EMPA - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Sylvie Motellier
- CEA Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, 17, Rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Simon Clavaguera
- CEA Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, 17, Rue des Martyrs, 38054 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Bernd Nowack
- EMPA - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
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The Flows of Engineered Nanomaterials from Production, Use, and Disposal to the Environment. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2015_402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Massarsky A, Trudeau VL, Moon TW. Predicting the environmental impact of nanosilver. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 38:861-873. [PMID: 25461546 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into many consumer and medical products due to their antimicrobial properties; however, the potential environmental risks of AgNPs are yet to be fully understood. This mini-review aims to predict the environmental impact of AgNPs, thus supplementing previous reviews on this topic. To this end, the AgNP production, environmental release and fate, predicted environmental concentrations in surface water, sediment, and sludge-activated soil, as well as reported toxicity and proposed toxic mechanisms are discussed, focusing primarily on fish. Furthermore, knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Massarsky
- Department of Biology & Centre for Advanced, Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology & Centre for Advanced, Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas W Moon
- Department of Biology & Centre for Advanced, Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kim Y. Nanowastes treatment in environmental media. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 29:e2014015. [PMID: 25381912 PMCID: PMC4224314 DOI: 10.5620/eht.e2014015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper tried to review a recent research trend for the environmental exposure of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and its removal efficiency in the nanowaste treatment plants. METHODS The studies on the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) of ENMs obtained by exposure modeling and treatment (or removal) efficiency in nanowaste treatment facilities, such as wastewater treatment plant (WTP) and waste incineration plant (WIP) were investigated. The studies on the landfill of nanowastes also were investigated. RESULTS The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology group has led the way in developing methods for estimating ENM production and emissions. The PEC values are available for surface water, wastewater treatment plant effluents, biosolids, sediments, soils, and air. Based on the PEC modeling, the major routes for the environmental exposure of the ENMs were found as WTP effluents/sludge. The ENMs entered in the WTP were 90-99% removed and accumulated in the activated sludge and sludge cake. Additionally, the waste ash released from the WIP contain ENMs. Ultimately, landfills are the likely final destination of the disposed sludge or discarded ENMs products. CONCLUSIONS Although the removal efficiency of the ENMs using nanowaste treatment facilities is acceptable, the ENMs were accumulated on the sludge and then finally moved to the landfill. Therefore, the monitoring for the ENMs in the environment where the WTP effluent is discharged or biomass disposed is required to increase our knowledge on the fate and transport of the ENMs and to prevent the unintentional exposure (release) in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghun Kim
- Correspondence: Younghun Kim, PhD 20 Gwangun-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-701, Korea Tel: +82-2-940-5768 Fax: +82-2-941-5769
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Boldrin A, Hansen SF, Baun A, Hartmann NIB, Astrup TF. Environmental exposure assessment framework for nanoparticles in solid waste. JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUM FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2014; 16:2394. [PMID: 24944519 PMCID: PMC4053593 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Information related to the potential environmental exposure of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in the solid waste management phase is extremely scarce. In this paper, we define nanowaste as separately collected or collectable waste materials which are or contain ENMs, and we present a five-step framework for the systematic assessment of ENM exposure during nanowaste management. The framework includes deriving EOL nanoproducts and evaluating the physicochemical properties of the nanostructure, matrix properties and nanowaste treatment processes as well as transformation processes and environment releases, eventually leading to a final assessment of potential ENM exposure. The proposed framework was applied to three selected nanoproducts: nanosilver polyester textile, nanoTiO2 sunscreen lotion and carbon nanotube tennis racquets. We found that the potential global environmental exposure of ENMs associated with these three products was an estimated 0.5-143 Mg/year, which can also be characterised qualitatively as medium, medium, low, respectively. Specific challenges remain and should be subject to further research: (1) analytical techniques for the characterisation of nanowaste and its transformation during waste treatment processes, (2) mechanisms for the release of ENMs, (3) the quantification of nanowaste amounts at the regional scale, (4) a definition of acceptable limit values for exposure to ENMs from nanowaste and (5) the reporting of nanowaste generation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Boldrin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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34
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Sun TY, Gottschalk F, Hungerbühler K, Nowack B. Comprehensive probabilistic modelling of environmental emissions of engineered nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 185:69-76. [PMID: 24220022 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about the environmental risks of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) are growing, however, currently very little is known about their concentrations in the environment. Here, we calculate the concentrations of five ENM (nano-TiO2, nano-ZnO, nano-Ag, CNT and fullerenes) in environmental and technical compartments using probabilistic material-flow modelling. We apply the newest data on ENM production volumes, their allocation to and subsequent release from different product categories, and their flows into and within those compartments. Further, we compare newly predicted ENM concentrations to estimates from 2009 and to corresponding measured concentrations of their conventional materials, e.g. TiO2, Zn and Ag. We show that the production volume and the compounds' inertness are crucial factors determining final concentrations. ENM production estimates are generally higher than a few years ago. In most cases, the environmental concentrations of corresponding conventional materials are between one and seven orders of magnitude higher than those for ENM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yin Sun
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Fadri Gottschalk
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; ETSS, CH-7558 Strada, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Hungerbühler
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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35
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Boldrin A, Hansen SF, Baun A, Hartmann NIB, Astrup TF. Environmental exposure assessment framework for nanoparticles in solid waste. JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY FORUM FOR NANOSCALE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2014. [PMID: 24944519 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-013-2195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Information related to the potential environmental exposure of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in the solid waste management phase is extremely scarce. In this paper, we define nanowaste as separately collected or collectable waste materials which are or contain ENMs, and we present a five-step framework for the systematic assessment of ENM exposure during nanowaste management. The framework includes deriving EOL nanoproducts and evaluating the physicochemical properties of the nanostructure, matrix properties and nanowaste treatment processes as well as transformation processes and environment releases, eventually leading to a final assessment of potential ENM exposure. The proposed framework was applied to three selected nanoproducts: nanosilver polyester textile, nanoTiO2 sunscreen lotion and carbon nanotube tennis racquets. We found that the potential global environmental exposure of ENMs associated with these three products was an estimated 0.5-143 Mg/year, which can also be characterised qualitatively as medium, medium, low, respectively. Specific challenges remain and should be subject to further research: (1) analytical techniques for the characterisation of nanowaste and its transformation during waste treatment processes, (2) mechanisms for the release of ENMs, (3) the quantification of nanowaste amounts at the regional scale, (4) a definition of acceptable limit values for exposure to ENMs from nanowaste and (5) the reporting of nanowaste generation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Boldrin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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36
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Fissan H, Horn HG, Stahlmecke B, Wang J. From nanoobject release of (Bio)nanomaterials to exposure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1515/bnm-2013-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAn increasing variety of different nanostructured materials including bionanomaterials are used. During synthesis, but also during use of nanostructured materials along their life-cycle, nanostructured materials and engineered nano-objects (ENO) – may be released into the environment. They will follow different exposure pathways and create an exposure concentration at the point of different biological systems, especially human beings. The inhalation pathway is of greatest importance with regard to health issues. The exposure concentration together with the breathing conditions integrated over time leads to the dose of the deposited material, which is of greatest interest for different effect studies. We discuss in this paper the kind of nanostructured material released from bionanomaterials into the environment. A large part of existing exposure studies in the literature is critically considered. A strategy is proposed to investigate in a more effective way the ENO-release from nanostructured materials as the first step of the exposure pathway. The release – exposure relationship as well as exposure – dose relationship for the case of inhalation is described leading to the possibility of tracing and ideally a complete balancing from ENO-release to dose. In the end the still needed activities for ENO-control methods in the environment are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Burkhard Stahlmecke
- 1Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA) e. V., 47229 Duisburg, Germany
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