Issues addressed and research components in NanoFATE

ISSUE 1

Identify and address analytical and technical problems in undertaking environmental risk assessment for engineered nanoparticles (ENPs).

Research component

Particle Chemistry and Fate  

This component was centred on the development of production of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and the use of advanced analytical and image analysis techniques for tracking of these particles in different environmental compartments.

It included research within WP1 and WP2.

Component Leader: Alison Crossley, UOXF.DJ.

ISSUE 2

Address how best to perform realistic assessments of effects of ENPs on organisms in various environments (i.e. soil, freshwater and marine). Our data and research will help develop more realistic exposure protocols.

Research component

Ecotoxicology and Bioavailability

This component focused on assessing the ecotoxicity of selected ENPs including toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic aspects. It comprised research within WP3, WP4 and WP5.

Component Leader: Kees van Gestel, VUA

ISSUE 3

Identify ways to modify existing risk assessment techniques to address the unique challenge of ENPs.

Research component

Risk Assessment and Communication

This component focused on hazards characterisation risk assessment, life cycle assessment and risk communication of ENPs. It included work within WP6 and WP7.

Component Leader: Andrew Johnson, NERC

What NanoFATE did

  • Considered specific products or groups of products containing engineered nanoparticles.
  • Generated data on the possible human health and/or environmental impacts derived from the use, re-use, recycling and/or final treatment and disposal of nanotechnology-based products.
  • Focused on after-production stages and address the following issues for each product or group of products considered: hazard characterisation (toxicology and ecotoxicology), exposure, environmental and biological fate, transport, transformation, and destiny of nanoparticles.
  • Explored laboratory-scale technological solutions for recycling and final treatment that present clear advantages compared to the state-of-the-art.