Nanoparticles: Environmental Effects

Abstract

Manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) possess novel physicochemical properties which may have unforeseen environmental effects. Accurately describing the ecotoxicity of NPs requires a more complete understanding of their properties and behavior in vitro . The metric chosen as the descriptor of dose can profoundly influence the interpretation of the dose‐response curve and derived ecotoxicity endpoints. Accurately determining the actual dose (or exposure) received by a test organism during ecotoxicity assays requires appropriate characterization of particles in situ in exposure media. Characterization should be conducted before and after exposure, as a minimum. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most common nanomaterial currently in commercial production and are predicted to have pervasive release to aquatic environments. Mechanisms of action for AgNPs are discussed and cytotoxic, genotoxic and whole‐organism endpoints are reviewed.