Recent advances in nanotechnology have shown numerous societal benefits of the use of nanotechnology through the development or improvement of smarter materials. These materials are more efficient, are able to increase production and to reduce waste. In 2016, there is estimated output of approximately 350,000 tons of nanomaterials, which in turn increases the nanotechnology's health and environmental impact. Therefore, it becomes relevant to evaluate the potential impact of this technology on the environment. Particularly, since engineered nanomaterials can interact with animals and complex matrices; thereby, modifying its fate and behavior. Recent studies have been conducted in this regard to show that many of these are still flawed in relation to mechanistic questions, methodological, toxicological and regulation. Thus, this Research Topic aims to bring to the scientific community the main "bottlenecks" related to the studies of nanotechnology, impacts on the environment, and present or possible directions to be followed in several areas within this Research Topic.
We welcome contributions with meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, opinion papers, as well as, original research papers related to the following subjects:
- Environmental impacts of nanoparticles in soil, water and plants
- Studies of transfer of nanomaterials through the trophic chain
- Mechanism of interaction between nanoparticles and organism and cells
- Models for studies of environmental toxicity
- Analytical methodologies for detection and quantification of nanomaterials in the environment
- Regulation, future needs and perspectives
Recent advances in nanotechnology have shown numerous societal benefits of the use of nanotechnology through the development or improvement of smarter materials. These materials are more efficient, are able to increase production and to reduce waste. In 2016, there is estimated output of approximately 350,000 tons of nanomaterials, which in turn increases the nanotechnology's health and environmental impact. Therefore, it becomes relevant to evaluate the potential impact of this technology on the environment. Particularly, since engineered nanomaterials can interact with animals and complex matrices; thereby, modifying its fate and behavior. Recent studies have been conducted in this regard to show that many of these are still flawed in relation to mechanistic questions, methodological, toxicological and regulation. Thus, this Research Topic aims to bring to the scientific community the main "bottlenecks" related to the studies of nanotechnology, impacts on the environment, and present or possible directions to be followed in several areas within this Research Topic.
We welcome contributions with meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, opinion papers, as well as, original research papers related to the following subjects:
- Environmental impacts of nanoparticles in soil, water and plants
- Studies of transfer of nanomaterials through the trophic chain
- Mechanism of interaction between nanoparticles and organism and cells
- Models for studies of environmental toxicity
- Analytical methodologies for detection and quantification of nanomaterials in the environment
- Regulation, future needs and perspectives