Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding field receiving extensive funding and development worldwide. A large number of novel processes occcur on the nanoscale, and the unique properties of nanoparticles offer potential benefits in a range of applications, from consumer products to medicine and environmental protection. However, there remains considerable uncertaintity with regard to the hazards and risks associated with nanoscience. An increased understanding of the environmental and human health impacts of engineered nanoparticles is essential for the responsible development of nanotechnology and appropriate evidence-based policy and guidelines for risk assessment. Presenting the latest advances in the field from a variety of scientific disciplines, this book offers a comprehensive overview of this challenging, inter-disciplinary research area. Topics covered include: * The properties, preparation and applications of nanomaterials * Characterization and analysis of manufactured nanoparticles * The fate and behaviour of nanomaterials in aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments * Ecotoxicology and human toxicology of manufactured nanoparticles * Occupational health and exposure of nanomaterials * Risk assessment and global regulatory and policy responses Understanding the behaviour and impacts of nanotechnology in the environment and in human health is a daunting task and many questions remain to be answered. Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanotechnology will serve as a valuable resource for academic researchers in nanoscience and nanotechnology, environmental science, materials science and biology, as well as for scientists in industry, regulators and policy makers.

Dr Jamie Lead is Reader in Aquatic Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. He is co-editor of the book Environmental Colloids and Particles (06) Wiley.

Preface Biographies Contributors Chapter 1 - Overview of Nanoscience in the Environment M. Baalousha and J.R. Lead 1.1 Introduction 1.2 History 1.3 Definitions 1.4 Investment and International Efforts 1.5 Development: Four Anticipated Generations 1.6 Applications of Nanotechnology 1.7 Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology 1.8 Potential Adverse Effects of Nanomaterials 1.9 Classification 1.10 Sources of Nanomaterials in the Environment 1.11 Properties of Nanomaterials 1.12 Nanomaterial Structure-Toxicity Relationship 1.13 Environmental Fate and Behaviour of Nanomaterials 1.14 Potential for Human Exposure 1.15 Detection and Characterization of Nanomaterials 1.16 Issues to be Addressed 1.17 Conclusion 1.18 References Chapter 2 - Nanomaterials: Properties, Preparation and Applications Paul Christian 2.1 Overview 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Nanoparticle Architecture 2.4 Particle Properties 2.5 Nanoparticle Preparation 2.6 Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanotechnology 2.7 Implication for Environmental Issues 2.8 Conclusions 2.9 References Chapter 3 - Size/Shape-Property Relationships of Non-Carbonaceous Inorganic Nanoparticles and Their Environmental Implications Deborah M. Aruguete, Juan Liu and Michael F. Hochella, Jr 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Inorganic Nanoparticle Anatomy 3.3 Redox Chemistry of Nanoparticles 3.4 Size Effects in Nanoparticle Sorption Processes 3.5 Nanoparticle Fate: Dissolution and Solid State Cation Movement 3.6 Effect of Nanoparticle Aggregation on Physical and Chemical Properties 3.7 Environmental Implications: General Discussion, Recommendations and Outlook 3.8 References Chapter 4 - Natural Colloids and Nanoparticles in Aquatic and Terrestrial Environments M. Baalousha, J.R. Lead and F.v.d. Kammer and Th. Hofmann 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Definition 4.3 Major Types of Environmental Colloids 4.4 Intrinsic Properties of Environmental Colloidal Particles 4.5 Interaction Forces Between Colloidal Particles 4.6 Fate and Behaviour of Colloids in Aquatic Systems 4.7 Fate and Behaviour of Colloids and Nanoparticles in Porous Media 4.8 Conclusion 4.9 References Chapter 5 - Atmospheric Nanoparticles Aurelie Charron and Roy M. Harrison 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Sources of Atmospheric Nanoparticles 5.3 Chemical Composition of Atmospheric Nanoparticles 5.4 Fate and Behaviour of Atmospheric Nanoparticles 5.5 Atmospheric Concentrations 5.6 Measurement Methods for Atmospheric Nanoparticles 5.7 Conclusions 5.8 References Chapter 6 - Analysis and Characterization of Manufactured Nanoparticles in Aquatic Environments Martin Hassellöv and Ralf Kaegi 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Nanoparticle Analysis and Characterization Methods 6.3 Analytical Test Strategy in NP Exposure Assessment 6.4 Conclusions 6.5 Acknowledgements 6.6 References 7. Ecotoxicology of Manufactured Nanoparticles Simon C. Apte, Nicola J. Rogers and Graeme E. Batley 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Physico-Chemical Transformation of Nanoparticles 7.3 Mechanisms of Nanoparticle Toxicity in the Environment 7.4 Development of Valid/Realistic Toxicity Testing Protocols 7.5 Review of Ecotoxicity Studies 7.6 General Conclusions and Future Directions 7.7 References 8. Exposure to Nanoparticles Robert J. Aitken, Karen S. Galea, C. Lang Tran and John W. Cherrie 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Physical Characteristics and Properties of Nanoparticles 8.3 Nan ...