Assessing the environmental effects related to quantum dot structure, function, synthesis and exposure

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) have unique properties, which make them valuable in some commercial technologies. This review discusses the major types and applications of QDs, their potential environmental exposures, fates, and adverse effects on organisms.

Carbon dots derived from natural sources and their biological and environmental impacts

“…Initial toxicity testing with CDs has suggested their less acute toxicity and cytotoxicity than cadmium and other metal-based quantum dots. 128 Therefore, such green, environmentally friendly and renewable CDs have shown great significance as the next generation of materials for practical applications.…”

New insights into the safety assessment of quantum dots: potential release pathways, environmental transformations, and health risks

“…The revised data show that 0.057-1.14 metric tons of QDs are released into the environment annually through synthesis and major manufacturing activities. [56][57][58] In addition, the biggest risk of QD release at this stage comes from accidental leakage related to the transportation of manufactured QDs from production facilities to other manufacturing sites, as in the case of package damage.…”

“…A total of about 0.0057-0.456 tons per year of QDs enter the sewage treatment plant globally, and the medical release accounts for more than 50%. 56 Soil is the largest environmental sink of QDs generated from the release of QDs, which is mainly caused by the arbitrary discarding of electronic products containing QDs, 61,62 and a total of estimates of global emissions of about 6.0715-30.89403 tons per year of QDs entered the soil in 2021. 56 However, the QDs discharged from the "intermediate sink" sewage treatment plant and stored in the sludge are much higher, and estimates of global emissions were about 55.29 tons per year in 2021.…”

“…56 Soil is the largest environmental sink of QDs generated from the release of QDs, which is mainly caused by the arbitrary discarding of electronic products containing QDs, 61,62 and a total of estimates of global emissions of about 6.0715-30.89403 tons per year of QDs entered the soil in 2021. 56 However, the QDs discharged from the "intermediate sink" sewage treatment plant and stored in the sludge are much higher, and estimates of global emissions were about 55.29 tons per year in 2021. 56 The landfill disposal and incineration of QD devices make the landfill another important environmental sink of QDs.…”

“…56 However, the QDs discharged from the "intermediate sink" sewage treatment plant and stored in the sludge are much higher, and estimates of global emissions were about 55.29 tons per year in 2021. 56 The landfill disposal and incineration of QD devices make the landfill another important environmental sink of QDs. During incineration, CdSe QDs are released in the form of particles, and some QDs remain in bottom ash or flue ash after incineration.…”