Where are nanomaterials going? The necessity of safe disposal of nanowastes

Abstract

Considering the growing development and wide application of nanomaterials, the necessity of safe disposal of them is increasing. Different studies have shown the accumulation of nanomaterials in ground and surface water sources, so that the ecosystem seems "to be an ultimate sink for a large portion of NPs”. Contamination of soil and water sources can result in contamination of food chain. However, we are not sure about the long-term effects on human and ecosystem health. Nanotoxicological assessments of biological consequences of wandering nanomaterials, and establishment of clear and restrict protocols for safe handling and safe disposal of nanowastes are urgent needs. It may also be necessary to specify the most efficient disposal or neutralizing method for each type of NMs among current strategies including incineration, oxidation filtration, incorporation into silica, and bioremediation by specific microorganisms. Other solution may be recovering and recycling of NMs for reuse rather than uncontrolled abandoning in the environment.

Keywords

• nanowaste
• nanotoxicity
• nanotoxicology
• nanosafety