Metal Nanoparticles in Surface Waters – a Risk to Aquatic Organisms

• Main Authors: Ilona Tomczy-Wydrych, Anna Rabajczyk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection - National Research Institute 2019-12-01
• Series: Safety & Fire Technology
• Subjects: metal nanoparticles; emission; surface waters; living organisms
• Online Access: https://panel.sft.cnbop.pl/storage/0ca86c7c-b9b8-4f33-b9a8-5d94aa50e2bb

Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide information on the risks posed by metal nanoparticles released into surface waters. Introduction: Currently, the use of nanoparticles of metal and metal oxides (NPMOs) is extremely popular in various industries, and in medicine and households. Nanoparticles and nanocompounds have become significant contributors to technological progress due to their physicochemical properties such as the melting point, electrical and thermal conductivity, catalytic activity, light absorption and scattering, as well as biocompatible and bactericidal properties. These functions cause their increased performance compared to their macro counterparts. However, it should be noted that the properties of nanocomponents can create new risks to the environment and consumers. Based on existing literature, a conclusion can be drawn that metal nanoparticles are a potential threat to plant and animal organisms, and humans. It is, therefore, necessary to intensify efforts to understand the mobility, reactivity and durability of nanocomponents in various environmental components, especially in the aquatic environment, and their toxicity to organisms. Methodology: This paper is a literature review. Conclusions: The increasing use of nanosubstances, in both commercial and industrial products, has caused an increasing concentration and diversity of these substances in aquatic ecosystems. Based on the analysis of literature reports, it can be concluded that the size of nanoparticles, their structure and arrangement, as well as surface properties, are subject to constant changes in the environment as a result of their interactions with other components, and of the balances shaped by a variety of geochemical and biological factors. Numerous studies conducted in recent years in the field of nanoecotoxicology have demonstrated the existence of a risk to aquatic organisms, which could lead to their impaired development and even death. Unfortunately, the lack of a standard technique for assessing the toxicity of nanoparticles in various biological systems, such as the reproductive, respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems, and the developmental stages of aquatic organisms, makes it impossible to conduct such studies in a standardised fashion. Reports of the toxicity of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in relation to various forms of living organisms warrant in-depth investigations into how these particles function in aqueous solutions and interact with standard substances.