Biodiversity change behind wide applications of nanomaterials?. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Ming; Qin, Xiaosheng; Zeng, Guangming
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 17(2017)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Biodiversity -- Nanomaterial -- Nanotoxicology -- Microbial community -- Acute-chronic toxicity; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2017.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Adverse biodiversity consequence induced by nanomaterials (single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), graphene, fullerene, metal nanoparticles and others). Biodiversity assessment can be performed under six essential biodiversity variable classes, including ecosystem structure, ecosystem function, genetic composition, species traits, species populations and community composition Turak et al. and Pereira et al.[2] . Highlights: Nanomaterials can induce reproductive and developmental toxicity to plants and animals, which may change biodiversity. Nanomaterials can cause microbial community variations in the environment. The adverse effects of nanomaterials on the biodiversity and environment are related to sensitivity and exposure time. Abstract: Nanomaterials, like carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, are increasingly applied in a wide range of areas with numerous benefits to economy and society. Large-scale production and applications of nanomaterials can increase the possibility of exposure to living organisms, pose risks to human health and ecosystems, and potentially lead to biodiversity losses. Previous environmental impact and safety studies that targeted nanomaterials typically focused on their toxicity, fate and behavior; little attention was paid on biodiversity consequences. Evidence for acute biodiversity change derived from nanomaterials is very limited. Several organizations and researchers have started to discern the relationship between biodiversity and nanotechnology. Nevertheless, more efforts are desired to explore the impacts of nanomaterials on biodiversity.