Fate of 2D Nanomaterials and Their Toxic Effects on the Environment and Human Health

Abstract

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are considered to have a great potential for applications in various fields such as electronics, energy, sensors and biotechnology. Many consumer products using 2D nanomaterials are already in the market. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the toxicity of these nanomaterials for human and environmental safety. Toxicity level of nanomaterials varies depending upon their shape, size, composition as well as their tendency to conjugate with other biological systems. Therefore, each nanomaterial should be studied in detail by considering all the aspects and parameters to determine their toxicity. However, this process is time consuming, and hence, very few literatures are available on toxicity of nanomaterials except the most common ones. Most of the 2D nanomaterials are observed to produce oxidative stress to generate cytotoxicity. Level of toxicity is also different with varying cell lines. They are also observed to impact on germination of seeds of various plant species as well as reproduction of aquatic organisms. This chapter summarizes the exposure, mechanism and level of toxicity of some popular 2D nanomaterials in the environment and human body. It further discusses different physicochemical properties that govern the toxicity of 2D nanomaterials.Keywords2D nanomaterialsNanotoxicityEnvironmental hazard