Ecological Drawbacks of Nanomaterials Produced on an Industrial Scale: Collateral Effect on Human and Environmental Health

Abstract

Graphical abstract Currently, hundreds of different nanomaterials with a broad application in products that make daily lives a little bit easier, in every aspect, are being produced on an industrial scale at thousands of tons per year. However, several scientists, researchers, politics, and ordinary citizens have stated their concern regarding the life cycle, collateral effects, and final disposal of these cutting-edge materials. This review summarizes, describes, and discusses all manuscripts published in the Journal Citation Reports during the last 10 years, which studied the toxicity or the effects of nanomaterials on human and environmental health. It was observed that 23.62% of the manuscripts analyzed found no ecological or human risks; 54.39% showed that several nanomaterials have toxicological effects on the ecosystems, human, or environmental health. In comparison, only 21.97% stated the nanomaterials had a beneficial impact on those. Although only 54.39% of the manuscripts reported unfavorable effects of nanomaterials on ecosystems, human, or environmental health, it is relevant because the potential damage is invaluable. Therefore, it is imperative to make toxicological studies of nanomaterials with holistic focus under strictly controlled real conditions before their commercialization, to deliver to the market only innocuous and environmentally friendly products.

Harmonization Risks and Rewards: Nano-QSAR for Agricultural Nanomaterials

“…For instance, apprehensions have been voiced regarding the accumulation of nanomaterials in soil or water, posing threats to ecosystems and human health. Additionally, questions have been raised about the nanotechnology to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities in agriculture, particularly in developing countries . To address these challenges, efforts are underway to engage with stakeholders and communities to better understand their concerns and perspectives on nanotechnology in agriculture.…”

Presentación

“…Durante las últimas décadas, la nanociencia y la nanotecnología se han desarrollado vertiginosamente participando e influenciando prácticamente en todas las áreas del conocimiento y todo tipo de desarrollos tecnológicos. Por lo anterior, especialistas de los sectores agrícola y ambiental han identificado el potencial de las nanotecnologías (NTE) y han sumado sus capacidades y habilidades en la búsqueda de nuevas aplicaciones o desarrollos tecnológicos, a través de la síntesis y evaluación de múltiples materiales de dimensiones nanométricas con propiedades y características diferentes a sus contrapartes de dimensión mayor (Pérez-Hernández et al, 2021). Sin embargo, diversos estudios reportan que el uso intensivo y sin regulación de la NTE está comprometiendo la salud y seguridad humana y ambiental (Halamoda-Kenzaoui et al, 2022).…”

Assessment of the Tolerance of a Chlorophyte Desmodesmus to CuO-NP for Evaluation of the Nanopollution Bioremediation Potential of This Microalga

“…Since nanoparticles (NP) are extensively applied for commercial, environmental, and healthcare benefits, they are currently produced at an industrial scale [ 1 , 2 ]. CuO nanoparticles (CuO-NP) have become widespread, and their global production is forecasted to reach 1600 tons/year by 2025 [ 3 ].…”