Anthropogenic Sources of Nanoparticles

Abstract

This chapter deals with anthropogenic sources of nanoparticles in atmosphere. The stationary and diffuse sources are described first: mining and extraction of fossil fuels, ferrous and non-ferrous ores and other mineral resources. Brief references are then made to secondary stationary sources of particulate matter which originate in thermal energy and power generation, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical industry and construction materials (cement, lime) production technologies. A separate section is dedicated to particulate matter resulted from municipal, toxic and hazardous waste incineration and its effect on the environment and human health. The authors also speak about emissions from point sources of nanoparticles, such as the residential heating sector that makes a major contribution to the total amount of nanoparticles produced by anthropogenic activities. Mobile nanoparticle sources include engines that are most frequently used in the present: plane engines, rocket engines, engines for road and water transport. Particulate matter emissions can be reduced by using alternative fuels or other forms of propulsion energy.

Inhalation Exposure to Atmospheric Nanoparticles and Its Associated Impacts on Human Health: A Review

“…Furthermore, incomplete combustion and geological sources are the other significant sources of nanoparticles production in the atmosphere. Forest fires and volcanic sources are the major combustion-generated sources, whereas volcanic eruption along with earthquakes, glaciation, and dust storms are the significant geological sources (Strambeanu et al, 2015). Volcanic ash plays a crucial role in the global transport of toxic chemical species released with NPs (Ermolin et al, 2018).…”

“…Ash released during volcanic eruptions has a very complex structure and comprises both solid and liquid particulate matter. With time, its composition changes due to cooling and chemical reactions (Strambeanu et al, 2015). The concentrations of toxic elements (Ni, Zn, Cd, Ag, Sn, Se, Te, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in volcanic ash NPs are seemingly higher than the total content of these elements in any other samples (Ermolin et al, 2018).…”

“…The eruption of Krakatoa volcano on 27 August 1883 was a remarkable historic event where the smoke column reached 80 km in height and particles were thrown into the ionosphere. This caused strange optical effects and a decline in the global temperature by 1.5 • C for the next 2 years in North America and Europe (Strambeanu et al, 2015). Likewise, the Pinatubo eruption of 1991 (Luzon, Philippines) injected vast quantities of aerosol particles, SO 2 , and other sulphate particles into the atmosphere, causing a net effect of global cooling of ∼0.5 • C and significant ozone depletion (Buseck and Adachi, 2008).…”

Applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in drug and therapeutic delivery, and biotechnological advancements

“…We may not know it, but we come in contact with various types of micro- and nanoparticles every day ( Fig. 1 ), sometimes unwillingly, sometimes by choice [ 4 – 9 ].…”

“…However, after decades of utilization, their effects are becoming transparent, and many of them reveal a very dark side [3]. We may not know it, but we come in contact with various types of micro-and nanoparticles every day (Figure 1), sometimes unwillingly, sometimes by choice [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”