The need for a life-cycle based aging paradigm for nanomaterials: importance of real-world test systems to identify realistic particle transformations

Abstract

Assessing the risks of manufactured nanomaterials (MNM) has been almost exclusively focused on the pristine, as-produced materials with far fewer studies delving into more complex, real world scenarios. However, when considering a life-cycle perspective, it is clear that MNM released from commercial products during manufacturing, use and disposal are far more relevant both in terms of more realistic environmental fate and transport as well as environmental risk. The quantity in which the particles are released and their (altered) physical and chemical form should be identified and it is these metrics that should be used to assess the exposure and hazard the materials pose. The goal of this review is to (1) provide a rationale for using a life-cycle based approach when dealing with MNM transformations, (2) to elucidate the different chemical and physical forces which age and transform MNM and (3) assess the pros and cons of current analytical techniques as they pertain to the measurement of aged and transformed MNM in these complex release scenarios. Specifically, we will describe the possible transformations common MNM may undergo during the use or disposal of nano-products based on how these products will be used by the consumer by taking stock of the current nano-enabled products on the market. Understanding the impact of these transformations may help forecast the benefits and/or risks associated with the use of products containing MNM.

Improvements in Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis To Measure Particle Aggregation and Mass Distribution: A Case Study on Engineered Nanomaterial Stability in Incineration Landfill Leachates

“…natural analogs) and also often coincide with molecules or macro sized counterparts of the same chemical composition. 1,2 Due to these difficulties, there are limited options to measure ENM size dispersions in natural samples. One of the most promising and prominent solutions which allows the user to measure individual particles at very low (ppt) concentrations in complex samples is spICP-MS.…”

Bio‐nano interface and environment: A critical review

“…Adverse biological effects on a model microalga were seen when zero‐valent iron NPs was destabilized (higher sizes), but not when it was forming a stable suspension. Altogether, agglomeration relies on a myriad of physicochemical interactions between the particles and water chemistry and this is why we show both of the ENM transformation factors (chemical and physical) together in Figure , instead of illustrating both parameters independently like Lowry et al and Mitrano et al did.…”

Nanocharacterization, Materials Modeling, and Research Integrity as Enablers of Sound Risk Assessment: Designing Responsible Nanotechnology

“…Other methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) for particle speciation are being adapted to detect and characterize MNMs in complex media. [ 24 ]…”