In this thesis a prospective approach was developed to identify and to assess current as well as potentially upcoming product applications with focus on environmental releases and exposures of engineered nanomaterials. The developed product application scenarios were illustrated in case studies on iron oxide and silver nanoparticles. It was shown that despite of prevailing knowledge gaps, reasonable estimations for environmental releases and exposures can be made. This novel approach facilitates the identification of early indicators for precautionary risk management measures and among them benign by design concepts in technology and product development.

Over 80% of globally produced wastewater receives little or no treatment before it is disposed into the environment. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new wastewater treatment technologies that are sustainable in the broad sense of the word, i.e. not only produce high quality effluents, but also minimise energy expenses, recover energy and nutrients, and apply technology that is appropriate in relation to the availability of skilled personnel. This book compiles the main outcomes of recent efforts to improve the design of waste stabilisation ponds, and confirms the superior performance of high rate algal ponds as a result of process intensification. Anaerobic digestion devoted to biogas production continues to be the preferred strategy for the energy valorisation of the algal biomass, co-digestion with multiple high C/N ratio substrates gathering significant attention over the past years. The potential of algal biomass as a biosorbent for heavy metal removal (Cu, Ni, F) maintains its share in the research field of water bioremediation, while research on nutrient removal has focused on providing new insights on the mechanism of nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater in algal–bacterial systems. Finally, it is worth noticing that breakthroughs in complementary fields of research such as nanotechnology or lighting technology are gradually being implemented in algal biotechnology, with new products such as nanoparticles for water disinfection or photobioreactors illuminated by low intensity LED panels. In Focus – a book series that showcases the latest accomplishments in water research. Each book focuses on a specialist area with papers from top experts in the field. It aims to be a vehicle for in-depth understanding and inspire further conversations in the sector.

Antimicrobial Nanosystems: Fabrication and Development provides an in-depth review of nanotechnological advancements in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to counteract bacterial infections and related health issues. Functionalized nanomaterials and their processes are covered, along with the theory and fabrication of antimicrobial nanosystems. The potential applications of antimicrobial nanosystems are also discussed along with their challenges and commercialization. This book discusses the most frequent problems caused by resistant microorganisms and difficult-to-treat bacteria and highlights the impact of recently developed antimicrobial nanosystems. Various methodsto obtain efficient nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties are described, along with their advantages, challenges, and main applications. The design of targeting antimicrobial therapeutics, able to specifically detect pathogenic microorganisms and to act in a very specific manner, is thoroughly investigated. Discusses the most frequent problems caused by resistant microorganisms and difficult-to-treat bacteria Includes various methods to obtain efficient nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties that are described along with their advantages, challenges and main applications Covers the ability of microbes to adapt and select resistance, a major challenge in the design of alternative antimicrobial agents Provides various sections that illustrate the fabrication and development of antimicrobial nanosystems

Published as part of Elsevier’s series, Nanobiotechnology for Plant Protection, Nanotoxicology for Agricultural and Environmental Applications provides an introduction to nanotechnology and its applications in agriculture and the environment.Divided into five parts, this book addresses nanotechnology and regulations, nanotoxicity, nanotoxicity to agriculture and food, nanotoxicity to the environment, and risk management measures to avoid exposure.Students, practitioners, and researchers working in plant science, agricultural science, nanoscience, and environmental chemistry alike will benefit from this necessary reference. Highlights the factors contributing to toxic effects of nanoparticles, including shape, size, structure, surface charge, and dosage Explores the mode of action and entry of nanoparticles, methods of toxicity evaluation, and the associated challenges Describes recent developments in nanotoxicity to soil ecosystems, crop plants, and food systems Emphasizes the impact of nanoparticles and their detoxification by plants on the nutritional quality of food and plants Discusses the impact of toxicity of nanoparticles released in air, soil, and water and methods to reduce their effects

This text presents the most current knowledge on the environmental impact of materials and products developed using nanotechnology. Although nanomaterials are revolutionising electronics, medicine, transportation and many other industries, they pose risks to living beings and ecosystems that are barely understood. Leading researchers here consider the science of nanomaterials, their behaviour in the environment, risk assessment and toxicology, and the future of nanomaterials.

Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment provide a new, holistic framework for testing and evaluating the potential benefits and risks of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), including their potential socioeconomic impacts, ethical issues and consumers’ expectations and fears. The book covers nanomaterial presence in various environments, agroecosystems and other areas within the human sphere of actions. The book includes sections on (i) Chemical, physical and biological properties, (ii) Presence and diffusion of ENMs in human environments, agriculture, food and drug products, (iii) ENMs as a pillar in biological and medical research, and (iv) Social and regulatory issues emerging from years of application. The book is designed to increase awareness to key end-users and stakeholders, including food producers and processors, industry, representatives of society and consumers, and those looking to implement an accurate and effective risk analysis procedure that promotes the sustainable use of nanotechnology. Assesses both the positive and negative impacts of engineered nanomaterials in the environment Shows how engineered nanomaterials are used in agricultural environments, food products, drugs and cosmetics Discusses the unique properties of a range of engineered nanomaterials that lead to their environmental effects