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Nanomaterials
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Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment
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Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2016) | Viewed by 56153

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paul M. Bertsch

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Guest Editor
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Melbourne, Australia
Interests: environmental chemistry and toxicology; molecular environmental science; physicochemical factors and mechanisms controlling the transport and fate of inorganic and organic contaminants and manufactured nanomaterials within surface and subsurface environments; molecular-level controls on the bioavailability and toxicity of metals/nanomaterials; ecotoxicology and eco-genomics; biogeochemistry; critical zone science; climate science; nuclear waste management and disposal
Dr. Jonathan Judy

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Division of Land and Water, CSIRO, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
Interests: soil chemistry; soil microbiology; critical zone science; soil colloids; ecotoxicology and emerging contaminants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being incorporated into a rapidly increasing number of consumer products including sunscreens, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The ENMs in consumer products can be released into waste streams during use and will concentrate in sewage sludge during wastewater treatment. As a result, estimated concentrations of ENMs within sludge and the biosolids produced from them have increased dramatically over the past few years. In regions where biosolids are used as fertilizer, land application of biosolids is a significant pathway by which ENMs will be introduced into agroecosystems. Furthermore, the potential to develop ENM-based pesticides and fertilizers is currently being explored. These agricultural applications present the possibility of widespread, large volume discharge of ENMs into agroecosystems. As questions remain over the potential environmental impact of ENMs, scientific and community concerns persist over their human and environmental safety. In this Special Issue of Nanomaterials, we present recent research findings and ideas concerning our understanding of the fate, bioavailability, and potential toxicity of ENMs in the environment.

Prof. Dr. Paul Bertsch
Dr. Jonathan Judy
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanotoxicology
  • nanoparticles
  • nanomaterials
  • nanotechnology
  • nanopesticide
  • nanofertilizer
  • ecotoxicology

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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150 KiB  
Editorial
Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment
by Jonathan D. Judy and Paul Bertsch
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(6), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6060106 - 6 Jun 2016
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4038
Abstract
This Special Issue of Nanomaterials, “Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment”, is comprised of one communication and five research articles.[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

3859 KiB  
Article
Separation of Bacteria, Protozoa and Carbon Nanotubes by Density Gradient Centrifugation
by Monika Mortimer, Elijah J. Petersen, Bruce A. Buchholz and Patricia A. Holden
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(10), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6100181 - 12 Oct 2016
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10374
Abstract
Sustainable production and use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled materials require efficient assessment of CNT environmental hazards, including the potential for CNT bioaccumulation and biomagnification in environmental receptors. Microbes, as abundant organisms responsible for nutrient cycling in soil and water, are important ecological receptors [...] Read more.
Sustainable production and use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled materials require efficient assessment of CNT environmental hazards, including the potential for CNT bioaccumulation and biomagnification in environmental receptors. Microbes, as abundant organisms responsible for nutrient cycling in soil and water, are important ecological receptors for studying the effects of CNTs. Quantification of CNT association with microbial cells requires efficient separation of CNT-associated cells from individually dispersed CNTs and CNT agglomerates. Here, we designed, optimized, and demonstrated procedures for separating bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) from unbound multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and MWCNT agglomerates using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. We demonstrate separation of protozoa (Tetrahymena thermophila) from MWCNTs, bacterial agglomerates, and protozoan fecal pellets by centrifugation in an iodixanol solution. The presence of MWCNTs in the density gradients after centrifugation was determined by quantification of 14C-labeled MWCNTs; the recovery of microbes from the density gradient media was confirmed by optical microscopy. Protozoan intracellular contents of MWCNTs and of bacteria were also unaffected by the designed separation process. The optimized methods contribute to improved efficiency and accuracy in quantifying MWCNT association with bacteria and MWCNT accumulation in protozoan cells, thus supporting improved assessment of CNT bioaccumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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3459 KiB  
Article
Aggregation and Colloidal Stability of Commercially Available Al2O3 Nanoparticles in Aqueous Environments
by Julie Mui, Jennifer Ngo and Bojeong Kim
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(5), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6050090 - 13 May 2016
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8433
Abstract
The aggregation and colloidal stability of three, commercially-available, gamma-aluminum oxide nanoparticles (γ-Al2O3 NPs) (nominally 5, 10, and 20–30 nm) were systematically examined as a function of pH, ionic strength, humic acid (HA) or clay minerals (e.g., montmorillonite) concentration using dynamic [...] Read more.
The aggregation and colloidal stability of three, commercially-available, gamma-aluminum oxide nanoparticles (γ-Al2O3 NPs) (nominally 5, 10, and 20–30 nm) were systematically examined as a function of pH, ionic strength, humic acid (HA) or clay minerals (e.g., montmorillonite) concentration using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques. NPs possess pH-dependent surface charges, with a point of zero charge (PZC) of pH 7.5 to 8. When pH < PZC, γ-Al2O3 NPs are colloidally stable up to 100 mM NaCl and 30 mM CaCl2. However, significant aggregation of NPs is pronounced in both electrolytes at high ionic strength. In mixed systems, both HA and montmorillonite enhance NP colloidal stability through electrostatic interactions and steric hindrance when pH ≤ PZC, whereas their surface interactions are quite limited when pH > PZC. Even when pH approximates PZC, NPs became stable at a HA concentration of 1 mg·L−1. The magnitude of interactions and dominant sites of interaction (basal planes versus edge sites) are significantly dependent on pH because both NPs and montmorillonite have pH-dependent (conditional) surface charges. Thus, solution pH, ionic strength, and the presence of natural colloids greatly modify the surface conditions of commercial γ-Al2O3 NPs, affecting aggregation and colloidal stability significantly in the aqueous environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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1390 KiB  
Communication
Gold Nanomaterial Uptake from Soil Is Not Increased by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization of Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato)
by Jonathan D. Judy, Jason K. Kirby, Mike J. McLaughlin, Timothy Cavagnaro and Paul M. Bertsch
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6040068 - 13 Apr 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4974
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) by plants has been demonstrated in numerous studies over the past 5–10 years. However, the overwhelming majority of these studies were conducted using hydroponic systems and the degree to which the addition of the biological and chemical components [...] Read more.
Bioaccumulation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) by plants has been demonstrated in numerous studies over the past 5–10 years. However, the overwhelming majority of these studies were conducted using hydroponic systems and the degree to which the addition of the biological and chemical components present in the soil might fundamentally alter the potential of plant bioaccumulation of ENMs is unclear. Here, we used two genotypes of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), reduced mycorrhizal colonization (rmc), a mutant which does not allow arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization, and its progenitor, 76R, to examine how colonization by AMF alters trends of gold ENM bioaccumulation from a natural soil. Gold was taken up and bioaccumulated by plants of both genotypes. Gold concentrations were significantly higher in the rmc treatment although this was likely attributable to the large differences in biomass between the 76R and rmc plants. Regardless, there was little evidence that AMF played a significant role in trafficking Au ENMs into the plants. Furthermore, despite very low NH4NO3 extractable Au concentrations, Au accumulated at the root-soil interface. Although this observation would seem to suggest that ENMs may have potential to influence this particularly biologically active and important soil compartment, we observed no evidence of this here, as the 76R plants developed a robust AMF symbiosis despite accumulation of Au ENMs at the rhizoplane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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2450 KiB  
Article
Nanoparticles Composed of Zn and ZnO Inhibit Peronospora tabacina Spore Germination in vitro and P. tabacina Infectivity on Tobacco Leaves
by George Wagner, Victor Korenkov, Jonathan D. Judy and Paul M. Bertsch
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6030050 - 16 Mar 2016
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 6244
Abstract
Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used for commercial purposes and certain NP types have been shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity. In contrast, their activities against fungi and fungi-like oomycetes are less studied. Here, we examined the potential of two types [...] Read more.
Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly being used for commercial purposes and certain NP types have been shown to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity. In contrast, their activities against fungi and fungi-like oomycetes are less studied. Here, we examined the potential of two types of commercially available Zn NPs (Zn NPs and ZnO NPs) to inhibit spore germination and infectivity on tobacco leaves resulting from exposure to the fungi-like oomycete pathogen Peronospora tabacina (P. tabacina). Both types of NPs, as well as ZnCl2 and bulk ZnO control treatments, inhibited spore germination compared to a blank control. ZnO ENMs were shown to be a much more powerful suppressor of spore germination and infectivity than bulk ZnO. ZnO and Zn NPs significantly inhibited leaf infection at 8 and 10 mg·L−1, respectively. Both types of NPs were found to provide substantially higher concentration dependent inhibition of spore germination and infectivity than could be readily explained by the presence of dissolved Zn. These results suggest that both NP types have potential for use as economic, low-dose, potentially non-persistent anti-microbial agents against the oomycete P. tabacina. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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2095 KiB  
Article
Toxicity Testing of Pristine and Aged Silver Nanoparticles in Real Wastewaters Using Bioluminescent Pseudomonas putida
by Florian Mallevre, Camille Alba, Craig Milne, Simon Gillespie, Teresa F. Fernandes and Thomas J. Aspray
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6030049 - 11 Mar 2016
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5530
Abstract
Impact of aging on nanoparticle toxicity in real matrices is scarcely investigated due to a lack of suitable methodologies. Herein, the toxicity of pristine and aged silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to a bioluminescent Pseudomonas putida bioreporter was measured in spiked crude and final [...] Read more.
Impact of aging on nanoparticle toxicity in real matrices is scarcely investigated due to a lack of suitable methodologies. Herein, the toxicity of pristine and aged silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to a bioluminescent Pseudomonas putida bioreporter was measured in spiked crude and final wastewater samples (CWs and FWs, respectively) collected from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Results showed lower toxicity of pristine Ag NPs in CWs than in FWs. The effect of the matrix on the eventual Ag NP toxicity was related to multiple physico-chemical parameters (biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) pH, ammonia, sulfide and chloride) based on a multivariate analysis. However, no collection site effect was concluded. Aged Ag NPs (up to eight weeks) were found less toxic than pristine Ag NPs in CWs; evident increased aggregation and decreased dissolution were associated with aging. However, Ag NPs exhibited consistent toxicity in FWs despite aging; comparable results were obtained in artificial wastewater (AW) simulating effluent. The study demonstrates the potency of performing nanoparticle acute toxicity testing in real and complex matrices such as wastewaters using relevant bacterial bioreporters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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551 KiB  
Article
EU Regulation of Nanobiocides: Challenges in Implementing the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR)
by Anna Brinch, Steffen Foss Hansen, Nanna B. Hartmann and Anders Baun
Nanomaterials 2016, 6(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano6020033 - 16 Feb 2016
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9428
Abstract
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) contains several provisions for nanomaterials (NMs) and is the first regulation in the European Union to require specific testing and risk assessment for the NM form of a biocidal substance as a part of the information requirements. Ecotoxicological [...] Read more.
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) contains several provisions for nanomaterials (NMs) and is the first regulation in the European Union to require specific testing and risk assessment for the NM form of a biocidal substance as a part of the information requirements. Ecotoxicological data are one of the pillars of the information requirements in the BPR, but there are currently no standard test guidelines for the ecotoxicity testing of NMs. The overall objective of this work was to investigate the implications of the introduction of nano-specific testing requirements in the BPR and to explore how these might be fulfilled in the case of copper oxide nanoparticles. While there is information and data available in the open literature that could be used to fulfill the BPR information requirements, most of the studies do not take the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s nanospecific test guidelines into consideration. This makes it difficult for companies as well as regulators to fulfill the BPR information requirements for nanomaterials. In order to enable a nanospecific risk assessment, best practices need to be developed regarding stock suspension preparation and characterization, exposure suspensions preparation, and for conducting ecotoxicological test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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1087 KiB  
Article
Organic Phase Change Nanoparticles for in-Product Labeling of Agrochemicals
by Miao Wang, Binh Duong and Ming Su
Nanomaterials 2015, 5(4), 1810-1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano5041810 - 28 Oct 2015
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6241
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop in-product covert barcodes for anti-counterfeiting of agrochemicals. This paper reports a new organic nanoparticle-based in-product barcode system, in which a panel of organic phase change nanoparticles is added as a barcode into in a variety of [...] Read more.
There is an urgent need to develop in-product covert barcodes for anti-counterfeiting of agrochemicals. This paper reports a new organic nanoparticle-based in-product barcode system, in which a panel of organic phase change nanoparticles is added as a barcode into in a variety of chemicals (herein agrochemicals). The barcode is readout by detecting melting peaks of organic nanoparticles using differential scanning calorimetry. This method has high labeling capacity due to small sizes of nanoparticles, sharp melting peaks, and large scan range of thermal analysis. The in-product barcode can be effectively used to protect agrochemical products from being counterfeited due to its large coding capacity, technical readiness, covertness, and robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment)
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