Nanomaterials down the drain: perception and reality

	Clean Technology 2008 Chapter 6: Green Chemistry & Sustainable Industry Practices
	Nanomaterials down the drain: perception and reality
Authors:	K. Sellers, L.L. Bergeson
Affilation:	AMEC, US
Pages:	400 - 403
Keywords:	life cycle analysis, wastewater, treatment, toxicological implications, regulatory restrictions
Abstract:	The fate of nanoparticles in commercial products at the end of product life is not entirely clear. This uncertainty, coupled with the unknowns regarding the potential for risks to human health and the environment, could inspire a backlash against specific nano-enabled products. Consider, for example, Samsung’s SilverCare™ option on several models of washing machine. Samsung marketed the antibacterial action of generating nano particles of silver as a benefit to customers, but initial efforts met with resistance in Germany and the washing machine was briefly taken off the market in Sweden due to concerns over the potential toxic effects of discharging silver nanoparticles from these machines to wastewater treatment plants. This paper will discuss wastewater discharges containing nanoscale materials and their potential risks, considering: 1. Mass balance approach. This paper will use a mass balance approach to synthesize the results of research related to the discharge and treatment of nanomaterials and estimate the magnitude of potential discharges. It will also discuss the toxicological implications of these discharges. 2. Regulatory restrictions on discharges. The paper will discuss the regulatory and policy approaches being considered in addressing effluent containing nanomaterials. Case studies will illustrate the differences between perception and reality.
ISBN:	1-4200-8502-0
Pages:	724
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit
Washington DC, Feb. 27-29, 2012

Cleantech 2012
(joint with TechConnect World)
Santa Clara CA, June 19-21, 2012

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2008

Chapter 6: Green Chemistry & Sustainable Industry Practices

Nanomaterials down the drain: perception and reality