Analysis of engineered nanomaterials in complex matrices (environment and biota): General considerations and conceptual case studies
Year: 2011
Type: review
Abstract: Advances in the study of the environmental fate, transport, and ecotoxicological effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been hampered by a lack of adequate techniques for the detection and quantification of ENMs at environmentally relevant concentrations in complex media. Analysis of ENMs differs from traditional chemical analysis because both chemical and physical forms must be considered. Because ENMs are present as colloidal systems, their physicochemical properties are dependent on their surroundings. Therefore, the simple act of trying to isolate, observe, and quantify ENMs may change their physicochemical properties, making analysis extremely susceptible to artifacts. Many analytical techniques applied in materials science and other chemical/biological/physical disciplines may be applied to ENM analysis as well; however, environmental and biological studies may require that methods be adapted to work at low concentrations in complex matrices. The most pressing research needs are the development of techniques for extraction, cleanup, separation, and sample storage that introduce minimal artifacts to increase the speed, sensitivity, and specificity of analytical techniques, as well as the development of techniques that can differentiate between abundant, naturally occurring particles, and manufactured nanoparticles.
DOI: 10.1002/etc.723
Institutions: University of Vienna, Duke University, University of California, Santa Barbara, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Centre de Recherche et d’Enseignement de Géosciences de l’Environnement, Environmental Protection Agency, Clemson University, Wageningen University & Research, University of California, Berkeley, University of Kentucky
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2137871949