| Title: |
Nanotechnology and the environment: A European perspective
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| Resource Type: |
document --> technical publication --> journal article
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| Country: |
EU Projects
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| Year: |
2007 |
| Availability: |
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials 8(1-2): 19-24
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| Author 1/Producer: |
D.G. Rickerby
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| Other Authors/Producers: |
M. Morrison
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| Author / Producer Type: |
University research group / research institute
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EUGRIS Keyword(s): |
Contaminated land-->Contaminants-->Others
Contaminated land-->Risk assessment-->Risk assessment overview
Contaminated land-->Risk assessment-->Toxicological information
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| Short description: |
Nanotechnology, which involves materials and processes on an ultra-small scale, is currently an area of intense scientific research due to the wide
variety of potential applications in the biomedical, optical, and electronic fields. Nanotechnology can also provide solutions for certain environmental
problems. Nevertheless, little is known about the potential impacts of nanoparticles on the environment and human health, even though in some cases
chemical composition, shape and size have been shown to contribute to the toxicological effects. In Europe, some major research projects are
underway in this area1.
Recently, European researchers reviewed a number of relevant research activities, in particular, projects funded under the 6th Framework Programme
in order to determine both the potential positive and negative implications of nanotechnology and future research needs.
Current research shows that nanotechnology might be able to provide more sensitive detection systems for air and water quality monitoring, allowing
for the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters, a real time response capability, simplified operation and lower running costs compared to
conventional methods.
Furthermore, nanoparticles can be beneficial in catalytic and remediation application. For example, metal oxide nanocatalysts are being developed for
the prevention of pollution due to industrial emissions (e.g. DeNOx catalysts could be applied for the removal of nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel power
plant emission gases) and the photo-catalytic properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be exploited to create self-cleaning surfaces that
reduce existing pollution. The use of nanomaterials and nanoparticles can also lead to significant savings in resources and efficiency increases in
manufacturing and energy related applications. For example, energy related applications include nanostructured electrode materials for improving the
performance of lithium ion batteries and nanoporous silicon and titanium dioxide in advanced photovoltaic cells.
On the other hand, the authors recommend taking the following aspects into consideration:
*A major concern regarding nanoparticles is that they might not be detectable after release into the environment, which in turn can create difficulties if
remediation is needed. Therefore, analysis methods need to be developed to detect nanoparticles in the environment that accurately determine the
shape and surface area of the particles (two of the factors that define their toxic properties).
*More information is needed regarding the structure-function relationships and in relating surface area and chemistry to functionality and toxicity.
*Full risk assessments should be performed on new nanomaterials that present a real risk of exposure during manufacture or use. Such assessments
should take into consideration the toxicological hazard, the probability of exposure and the environmental and biological fate, transport, persistence,
transformation into the finished product and recycling.
*Life cycle analysis will be a useful tool for assessing the true environmental impacts.
*When the use of scarce material is inevitable for the elaboration of the nanoparticles, an effective strategy for recycling and recovery is necessary.
Overall, this paper shows that nanotechnology offers significant opportunities for improving the environment. Nevertheless, in order to achieve
sustainable and safe development, further research on the potential risks and exposure routes is required.
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Submitted By:
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Professor Paul Bardos WhoDoesWhat?
Last update: 27/07/2007
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