Critical Review

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Nanomaterials in the environment: Behavior, fate, bioavailability, and effects†

  1. Stephen J. Klaine1,*,
  2. Pedro J. J. Alvarez2,
  3. Graeme E. Batley3,
  4. Teresa F. Fernandes4,
  5. Richard D. Handy5,
  6. Delina Y. Lyon2,
  7. Shaily Mahendra2,
  8. Michael J. McLaughlin6,
  9. Jamie R. Lead7

Article first published online: 9 DEC 2009

DOI: 10.1897/08-090.1

Issue

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Volume 27, Issue 9, pages 1825–1851, September 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Klaine, S. J., Alvarez, P. J. J., Batley, G. E., Fernandes, T. F., Handy, R. D., Lyon, D. Y., Mahendra, S., McLaughlin, M. J. and Lead, J. R. (2008), Nanomaterials in the environment: Behavior, fate, bioavailability, and effects. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 27: 1825–1851. doi: 10.1897/08-090.1

Author Information

  1. 1

    Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Biology, Clemson University, P.O. Box 709 Pendleton, South Carolina 29672, USA

  2. 2

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, MS317, Houston, Texas 77005, USA

  3. 3

    Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization, Land and Water, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, Private Mailbag 7, Bangor, New South Wales 2234, Australia

  4. 4

    School of Life Sciences, Napier University, 10 Colinton Road, EH10 5DT, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

  5. 5

    University of Plymouth, Room 406, Davy Building, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

  6. 6

    Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization, Land and Water, Private Mailbag 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia

  7. 7

    School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom

*Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Department of Biology, Clemson University, P.O. Box 709 Pendleton, South Carolina 29672, USA

  1. †

    Published on the Web 6/11/2008.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 9 DEC 2009
  2. Article first published online: 9 DEC 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 14 MAY 2008
  4. Manuscript Received: 28 FEB 2008

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Keywords:

  • Nanoparticles;
  • Ecotoxicity;
  • Colloids;
  • Plant uptake;
  • Ecological risk

Abstract

The recent advances in nanotechnology and the corresponding increase in the use of nanomaterials in products in every sector of society have resulted in uncertainties regarding environmental impacts. The objectives of this review are to introduce the key aspects pertaining to nanomaterials in the environment and to discuss what is known concerning their fate, behavior, disposition, and toxicity, with a particular focus on those that make up manufactured nanomaterials. This review critiques existing nanomaterial research in freshwater, marine, and soil environments. It illustrates the paucity of existing research and demonstrates the need for additional research. Environmental scientists are encouraged to base this research on existing studies on colloidal behavior and toxicology. The need for standard reference and testing materials as well as methodology for suspension preparation and testing is also discussed.

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