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Abstract
The increasing use of engineered nanomaterials in commercial applications increases the potential for human and environmental exposure to these nanomaterials. The unknown health effects from this increased exposure indicate a risk assessment is necessary for responsible development of nanotechnology. To help quantify this risk, the scientific community has specified the development of detection methods as a research priority to obtain data on the environmental occurrence of nanomaterials.
This dissertation describes methods for extracting, characterizing, and quantifying nanomaterials in consumer products and environmental samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for identifying nanoscale titanium in consumer products, soil, and wastewater treatment biosolids and effluent. The potential release of (nano)silver from a variety of consumer products into domestic wastewater was quantified. Finally, liquid chromatography was coupled to mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to detect fullerenes (C60 and C70) in cosmetics, combustion soot, and air samples.
To produce results relevant to policy deliberations concerning nanotechnology, an effort was made to understand the nanotechnology policy climate, disseminate results to the public and industry through science-media outlets, and engage the public in discussions about consumer nanotechnology. One week was spent in Washington, DC talking with science-policy professionals about the application of scientific results towards policy development. An extensive interaction with the media and industry developed as a result of a first publication. Finally, a benchtop demonstration was developed to engage museum patrons in discussions about commercial nanotechnology.
The results of this dissertation can be useful to various individuals. Researchers can use the methods presented here to quantify and characterize nanomaterials in environmental matrices. To save cost and limit unnecessary environmental exposure, industry may want to use these methods to quantify the minimum concentration of nanomaterials in an application to obtain a desired effect. Individuals concerned with the potential regulation of nanomaterials may extend these methods to establish environmental monitoring protocols. Finally, the public should take from this research that nanomaterials are being used in consumer products and will be released into our surroundings.
