Abstract
An integrated simulation tool was developed for assessing the potential release and environmental distribution of nanomaterials (RedNano) based on a life cycle assessment approach and multimedia compartmental modeling coupled with mechanistic intermedia transport processes. The RedNano simulation tool and its web-based software implementation enables rapid “what-if?” scenario analysis, in order to assess the response of an environmental system to various release scenarios of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). It also allows for the investigation of the impact of geographical and meteorological parameters on ENM distribution in the environment, comparison of the impact of ENM production and potential releases on different regions, and estimation of source release rates based on monitored ENM concentrations. Moreover, the RedNano simulation tool is suitable for research, academic, and regulatory purposes. Specifically, it has been used in environmental multimedia impact assessment courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The RedNano simulation tool can also serve as a decision support tool to rapidly and critically assess the potential environmental implications of ENMs and thus ensure that nanotechnology is developed in a productive and environmentally responsible manner.
Highlights
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are reported to be utilized in more than 1,000 commercial products owing to their unique size-related beneficial properties [1,2,3,4]
Computational models have been proposed as support tools to estimate ENM release rates [7,8] and potential environmental exposure concentrations [9,10,11]
A multimedia environmental distribution of nanomaterials (MendNano) model was developed [9] based on a mechanistic description of various intermedia transport and reaction processes, which considers the complete particle size distribution (PSD) of ENMs and ambient particulates
Summary
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are reported to be utilized in more than 1,000 commercial products owing to their unique size-related beneficial properties [1,2,3,4]. A multimedia environmental distribution of nanomaterials (MendNano) model was developed [9] based on a mechanistic description of various intermedia transport and reaction (including dissolution) processes, which considers the complete PSD of ENMs and ambient particulates. Based on the designed scenario, MendNano computes the multimedia mass distribution of ENMs given a release rate and/ or initial concentration of the selected ENMs in one or more of the environmental compartments. The integrated RedNano simulation tool is suitable for a variety of assessments regarding the environmental distribution of ENMs and their fate and transport behavior These assessments can be classified into use cases that include, but are not limited to, the following: between 3.3–4.4 ng m−3 and 195–267 ng L−1, respectively, representing an ≈15% deviation (in both media) above and below the time-averaged concentration in the respective compartments. Estimation of source release rates, based on matching of model estimates and reported environmental concentrations
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