Chapter 2 - Source, fate and transport of ENMs in the environment, especially those that may eventually reach plant systems

Abstract

Wide application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has stimulated the rapid development of industries and technologies, including electronic and electrical products, consumer products (e.g., cosmetics, textiles), medical, agricultural, construction, transportation, energy, and petroleum, among others. However, ENMs are discharged into the environment during the production, manufacturing, employment, and disposal of various industrial and household products. The cumulative amount of ENMs in the environment is continuously increasing, which would induce ecotoxicological risks. Plant systems could be exposed to metallic ENMs via the water and soil environmental media, resulting in ecotoxicity. It is essential to thoroughly understand the source, fate, and transport of ENMs in the environment, especially those that may eventually reach plant systems. This chapter has provided a comprehensive review on sources (e.g., anthropogenic activities, agricultural application, industrial emission), pathways and transport (e.g., water, soil), fate and risks of ENMs to terrestrial plant systems.