The Fate of Nanoparticles in the Environment: What Happens to Nanoparticles

After They Have Done Their Job?

Group 14: Brandon Dang, Josh Florida, Mae Anne Mangaoil, Sonja Nguyen

What are Nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are particles that measure approximately 1-100 nm in size, which
have a wide range of applications from pharmaceutics to clothing, and even
agriculture. Some occur naturally in the environment such as minerals, clays, and
products of bacteria. Some have been used for centuries for purposes such as
colorants while others have been synthesized in labs within the last couple of
decades for a wide array of purposes [4].

Uses of Nanoparticles
Through human ingenuity, we have been able to synthesize our own
nanoparticles for a wide array of applications. For uses in chemistry, these range
from catalysts, magnetic materials, and anti-corrosion agents. In biology, they
are used in treatment of many diseases such as cancer and drug delivery. Then
in technology, they are used in the fabrication of mechanical parts and as
materials in electronic devices [6].

Types of Nanoparticles

Organic Colloids

These include colloidal matter in natural waters. They have a size of about
1nm-1um and are essential for the abiotic, life-sustaining medium for
organisms. Their exact function and composition are still unclear; however,
human knowledge concerning their environmental impact has increased
in recent years [6].
Soot
These nanoparticles are a result of natural or artificial combustion of fossil
or renewable fuels. It is the result of re-condensation of the black carbon
that happens after combustion and spreads throughout the atmosphere
and is distributed into the soil and bodies of water. The industrial form of
soot is Carbon Black and its application ranges from filler in rubber to
automobile tires [6].
Engineered fullerenes and CNT
This classification has the widest array of practical applications. Fullerenes
were proposed to be combined with polymers for usage in thin films,
electro-optical devices, and biological applications. Buckminsterfullrene
 (C60) has been the most studied fullerene. CNTs are a current hot topic in
science and depending on the synthesis and extraction method, different
CNTs can be obtained with very different properties. Biological and
medical applications are currently being explored using CNTs [6].
Engineered inorganic nanoparticles
These include elemental metals, metal oxides, and metal salts. Many of these
have already breached the consumer market. Here is a list of examples and
their uses:
Elemental silver: bactericide
Elemetal gold: applications in catalytic activity
Zero-valent iron: groundwater remediation and degrading contaminants
such as chlorinated methanes, brominated methanes, trihalomethanes,
chlorinated ethanes, chlorinated benzenes and other polychlorinated
hydrocarbons, pesticides, and dyes.
ZnO: Sunscreens
TiO2: Photocatalysis, pigments, and cosmetic additives
Engineered polymeric nanoparticles
Nanoparticles synthesized from organic polymers have the possibility to
control size, surface charge, morphology, and composition. This makes
these particles perfect candidates as medicine carriers for drugs
especially across the blood brain barrier. These types of nanoparticles also
have the ability to help soil and ground water by removing hydrophobic
pollutants. Micelle like polyurethane particles have a hydrophilic outside
and hydrophobic inside, which makes the extraction possible [6].
Natural and unintentionally produced fullerenes and CNT
Though fullerenes and carbon nanotubes are usually produced in a lab,
there have been several theories as to how natural fullerenes and CNTs
are produced such as being derived from algae, being products of
combustion processes, and even brought to Earth by a comet or asteroid
[6].
Natural and unintentionally produced inorganic nanoparticles
These nanoparticles have atmospheric, geologic, or biologic origins. They
are present almost everywhere and are the precursors to the formation of
larger particles. These particles have a strong influence on the global
climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global emission of
pollutants. Examples of these are platinum and radium particles that are
produced in the catalytic converters of cars. Some of these particles are
attached to larger particles while a small percentage (17%) of them are
fine and found as aerosols that can affect the environment [6].

How do Nanoparticles get into the environment?

Just as any other chemical contaminant, facilities can unintentionally release
nanoparticles into the air during production and into nearby waters by their waste
systems. Nanoparticles in water will eventually enter a wastewater treatment facility,
but chances are that some slip through the treatment due to their small size and
because the treatment stages are not designed to remove nanoparticles. This causes
NPs to eventually be absorbed into the ecosystem through plants, water, and
organisms [3].

Other activities that contribute to the release of NPs are large scale mining (release of
metal oxide NPs), automobile traffic, and burning fossil fuels. The burning fossil fuels
produce carbon nanoparticles (nanotubes and fullerenes) that are released into the
air [3].

They are also intentionally used in many consumer products such as clothing, food,
and cosmetics to serve a variety of functions. In clothing, silver nanoparticles are as
antibacterial odor suppressors. In foods sold on the market, they are being used as
additives for visual appeal (coloring), thickening, and for antimicrobial functions. Zinc
oxide is also widely used in sunscreens to block UV rays and minimize white coating
on skin [1].

Movement through air, water, soil, and sediment:

• Air [5]
• Diffusion gradient zones of higher concentration to lower concentration
• Movement in atmosphere governed by random motion
• Nanoparticles tend to aggregate into larger structures but are still hard to
distinguish NP clusters from naturally occurring particles
• Can react due to photochemical processes and other species in the air
[8]
• Water [5]
• Nanoparticles generally behave like colloids (droplets or particles that
are finely distributed in a medium)
• Influenced by electrostatic attractive forces and gravity and bind to
natural materials
• Influenced by pH, salinity, and presence of organic material
• Naturally present organic material can prevent settling of NPs
• Soil and Sediment [8]
• Regardless of the way NPs released, they will ultimately end up in soil
• Settling from the air or from sewage treatment plants and waste handling
• Concern on the entry of NPs into agriculture

What Impact do Nanoparticles have on organisms/environment?

Some things to take into account:

• Nanoparticle research is a rather young field, in terms of maturity, the industry is

still in infant stages
• In the past decade, there has been an exponential growth in the use of
nanoparticles for bio research as well as in industrial field
• Lack of Research on Nanoparticle Toxicity
 § There is not enough research on the toxicology of nanoparticles
because this field is still relatively new. Also, there are many
different kinds of nanoparticles, synthetic and natural. Since not all
nanoparticles have the same characteristics, then we can’t say all
nanoparticles should be regarded as a serious health concern.
Only a small portion of nanoparticles have been experimented
with [4]. They are best analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
§ In addition, we cannot rely on the toxicological profile of the bulk
material when that material is used in a nanoformulation. The
characteristics are not always the same.

• A big challenge in determining impact and effects of NPs via controlled

experiments is the disparity between experimental concentrations of NPs
introduced to the system vs. real world concentrations
• i.e) study in 2010 reported subchronic toxicity of Copper NP’s and
fatalities in earthworms around 65 mg/kg
Nanotoxicology
• A big complication of nanoparticle use is the problem of toxicity
• As shown in the chart, researchers must take into consideration an array of
nanoparticle characteristics that influence toxicity
• Because of this, potential ecological impacts must be observed from simplified
experiments
• In addition, only about 18% of nanoparticles remain in their original form once
they are released to the environment, creating new challenges for detection
and mapping of NPs in nature

• The following are nanoparticles of interest because of their common exposure

to human life:
• TiO2 NPs - one study showed a particular effect on crustaceans, which
are important to aquatic food chains. Nano-TiO2 hinders molting in these
species and the NP is twice as toxic as the larger form[10]
• Ag NPs - silver nanoparticles after contact with water are highly toxic to
bacteria, fungi and algae. While the nanoparticle induces negative
effects on smaller animals at low concentrations, it is only toxic to
mammals at very high concentrations. [10]
• Alpha-Al2O3 - accounts for 20% of nano-sized chemicals and exhibits
genotoxic effects[10]

[9]

•
 [9]
In Animals
An experiment showed that nanoparticles caused pulmonary inflammation in
the rat: Mice exposed to nickel hydroxide nanoparticles showed increased
mitochondrial DNA damage in the heart and had progression of Atherosclerosis
( fatty deposits that can clog arteries). Long-term exposure to inhaled nano-NH
can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, not only in the lung but also in the
cardiovascular system, and that this stress and inflammation can ultimately
contribute to progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice [2] .
Humans
Movement of nanoparticles in the respiratory tract after inhalation can move
from the lungs to the bloodstream and other organs such as the brain, liver,
spleen. They can translocate through the mucus membrane in the nose and into
the brain. High concentration is toxic for the BBB. They are also small enough to
penetrate our skin and cell membranes; therefore, interfere with normal cell
processes. They can cause DNA damage and in turn lead to cancer [7].

How can we as Chemical Engineers Affect this field?

We can create and implement ways to recover and recycle nanoparticles from
industrial processes. For example, we can possibly incorporate the separation of
nanoparticles in the production process for reuse.
We can also find ways to recover nanoparticles that are already in the
environment, such as those that have compiled in waterways [2].
 References
[1] Care, Annmarie Skin. “The Potential Dangers of Nanoparticles in Food and
Cosmetics.” Annmarie Skin Care, Annmarie Skin Care, 7 Mar. 2018,
www.annmariegianni.com/potential-dangers-nanoparticles-food- cosmetics/.

[2] Kang, G S, et al. “Long-Term Inhalation Exposure to Nickel Nanoparticles

Exacerbated Atherosclerosis in a Susceptible Mouse Model.” Environmental Health
Perspectives., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2011,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20864429/.

[3] Lohse, Sam. “Nano Contaminants: How Nanoparticles Get Into the Environment.”
Sustainable Nano, 11 Sept. 2015, sustainable- nano.com/2014/05/13/nano-
contaminants-how-nanoparticles-get-into- the-environment/.

[4] Maurer-Jones, Melissa A., et al. “Toxicity of Engineered Nanoparticles in the

Environment.” Analytical Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 19 Mar. 2013,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104669.

[5] “Nanotechnology and the Environment - Hazard Potentials and Risks.” Nanowerk
Nanotechnology Portal, 12 July 2012,
www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=25937.php.

[6]Nowack, Bernd, and Thomas D. Bucheli. “Occurrence, Behavior and Effects of

Nanoparticles in the Environment.” Environmental Pollution, vol. 150, no. 1, 2007, pp.
5–22., doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2007.06.006.

[7] “The Uses of Nanotechnology in Wastewater Treatment.” Nanotechnology in

Wastewater Treatment, 2018, nanowatertreatment.wikispaces.com/.

[8] Rosário, and Bastos. “Environmental Nanoparticles Interactions with Plants:

Morphological, Physiological, and Genotoxic Aspects.” Journal of Botany, Hindawi, 17
June 2012, www.hindawi.com/journals/jb/2012/751686/.

[9] Viswanath, Kim. “Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Volume

242.” Pim De Voogt | Springer, Springer International Publishing,
www.springer.com/us/book/9783319512426

[10] Ray, Paresh Chandra, et al. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C,
Environmental Carcinogenesis & Ecotoxicology Reviews, U.S. National Library of
Medicine, Jan. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2844666/#S9title.