ENVR 79 |
| Widespread application of engineered nanomaterials in the near future will cause potential release of these materials to the environment. In this study we examined the toxicity of four popular oxide nanoparticles; i.e., alumina (Al2O3), silica (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) and compared it to that of regular (micro scale) material of the same composition. A decrease in the number of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescence) after 2 h contact with particles was used as the toxicity index. All nanoparticles but TiO2 showed toxicity to bacteria (at 20 mg/L) significantly more than their micro counterparts. TEM images confirmed attachment of nanoparticles to the bacteria. This study emphasizes that the response of organisms to engineered nanoparticles is different from regular materials with the same composition; hence, their environmental implications need to be studied more thoroughly. |
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Environmental Behavior and Fate of Manufactured Nanomaterials
1:30 PM-5:30 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. 235, Oral
Division of Environmental Chemistry |