Nanotechnology and the Environment

Nanomaterials' unique properties offer revolutionary means to optimize a variety of products, including electronics, textiles, paintings and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. However, these same properties mean that nanoscale materials can behave differently in the human body and the environment than conventional materials.Nanotechnology and the Environment provides the fundamental basis needed to assess and understand the life cycle of nanomaterials. It begins with a general explanation of nanomaterials, their properties, and their uses and describes the processes used to manufacture nanoscale materials. Subsequent chapters furnish information on the analysis of nanomaterials in the environment and their fate and transport, including the effects of wastewater treatment on nanomaterials. The book discusses possible risks to human health and the environment and the environment, and describes developing regulations to manage those risks. Given the potential risks, the book explores the apparent paradox of using nanomaterials in environmental remediation. The final chapter discusses frameworks for evaluating the balance between risk and reward as nanomaterials are manufactured, used and released to the environment.

...an excellent starting point for the future development of this field ... Written in a clear and lively language ... It provides the right balance between scientific rigor and simplicity and general interests for a broad audience highlighting the key role of science and technology on solving global problems, and the social responsibility that we all share. Consequently, it is an excellent reference guide. --Materials Today, May 2010

Sellers, Kathleen; Mackay, Christopher; Bergeson, Lynn L.; Clough, Stephen R.; Hoyt, Marilyn; Chen, Julie; Henry, Kim; Hamblen, Jane