Sorry, I don't understand your search. ×
Back to Search Start Over

The era of nanomaterials: A safe solution or a risk for marine environmental pollution?

The era of nanomaterials: A safe solution or a risk for marine environmental pollution?

Authors :
Alessandra Gallo
Ilaria Corsi
Elisabetta Tosti
Gian Luigi Russo
Maria Consiglia Esposito
Carlo Punta
Source :
Biomolecules, Biomolecules 11 (2021): 1–25. doi:10.3390/biom11030441, info:cnr-pdr/source/autori:Esposito M.C.; Corsi I.; Russo G.L.; Punta C.; Tosti E.; Gallo A./titolo:The era of nanomaterials: A safe solution or a risk for marine environmental pollution?/doi:10.3390%2Fbiom11030441/rivista:Biomolecules/anno:2021/pagina_da:1/pagina_a:25/intervallo_pagine:1–25/volume:11, Biomolecules, Vol 11, Iss 441, p 441 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

In recent years, the application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in environmental remediation gained increasing attention. Due to their large surface area and high reactivity, ENMs offer the potential for the efficient removal of pollutants from environmental matrices with better performances compared to conventional techniques. However, their fate and safety upon environmental application, which can be associated with their release into the environment, are largely unknown. It is essential to develop systems that can predict ENM interactions with biological systems, their overall environmental and human health impact. Until now, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools have been employed to investigate ENMs potential environmental impact, from raw material production, design and to their final disposal. However, LCA studies focused on the environmental impact of the production phase lacking information on their environmental impact deriving from in situ employment. A recently developed eco-design framework aimed to fill this knowledge gap by using ecotoxicological tools that allow the assessment of potential hazards posed by ENMs to natural ecosystems and wildlife. In the present review, we illustrate the development of the eco-design framework and review the application of ecotoxicology as a valuable strategy to develop ecosafe ENMs for environmental remediation. Furthermore, we critically describe the currently available ENMs for marine environment remediation and discuss their pros and cons in safe environmental applications together with the need to balance benefits and risks promoting an environmentally safe nanoremediation (ecosafe) for the future.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Biomolecules, Biomolecules 11 (2021): 1–25. doi:10.3390/biom11030441, info:cnr-pdr/source/autori:Esposito M.C.; Corsi I.; Russo G.L.; Punta C.; Tosti E.; Gallo A./titolo:The era of nanomaterials: A safe solution or a risk for marine environmental pollution?/doi:10.3390%2Fbiom11030441/rivista:Biomolecules/anno:2021/pagina_da:1/pagina_a:25/intervallo_pagine:1–25/volume:11, Biomolecules, Vol 11, Iss 441, p 441 (2021)
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....4507d0e62ba1b159215254e548b34bdd
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11030441