Environmental impacts of nanomaterials

Nanotechnology is currently one of the highest priority research fields in many countries due to its immense potentiality and economic impact. Nanotechnology involves the research, development, production, and processing of structures and materials on a nanometer scale in various fields of science, technology, health care, industries, and agriculture. As such, it has contributed to the gradual restructuring of many associated technologies. However, due to the uncertainties and irregularities in shape, size, and chemical compositions, the presence of certain nanomaterials may exert adverse impacts on the environment as well as human health. Concerns have thus been raised about the destiny, transport, and transformation of nanoparticles released into the environment. A critical evaluation of the current states of knowledge regarding the exposure…