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Dear Colleagues,

The risk evaluation and characterisation of nanomaterials (NMs) is crucial if there is potential for human exposure, exposure to other species or the environment to nanomaterials. To assess and characterise the environmental risks associated with nanomaterials must be based on a relevant assessment of exposure and effects. The approach assuming chemical equilibrium between test organisms and the surrounding environment, traditionally used for dissolved chemicals, is not valid for NMs. Consequently, reliable risk assessment of NMs requires proper innovative chemical analytical and ecotoxicological methods. Based on these methodologies, developing new risk evaluation approaches is also necessary with nano-specific concerns. Life-cycle consideration in exposure and effect assessment is one of the major issues for a better understanding of the potential environmental health consequences of nanomaterials over the entire life cycle.

The present Special Issue in Nanomaterials aims to present the current state of the art in the environmental risk assessments and characterisation of nanomaterials. This Issue addresses the novel methodologies that may be used to assess the relevant and adequate risks to the environment. The problem-specific use of integrated testing strategies and the knowledge of modes or mechanisms of action will also be discussed.

In the present Special Issue, we will present contributions from leading research groups from various related research areas to give a balanced picture of the current state of the art in this discipline.

Dr. Mónika Molnár
Guest Editor

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Keywords

environmental health and safety
environmental risk assessments
predicted environmental concentration (PEC)
predicted no effect concentration (PNEC)
ecotoxicity assessment of nanomaterials
life-cycle consideration

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Benign pSOFC for Emissions-Free Energy: Assessment of Nickel Network Resistance in Anodic Ni/BCY15 Nanocatalyst

and

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(11), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13111781 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 668

Abstract

Yttrium-doped barium cerate (BCY15) was used as ceramic matrix to obtain Ni/BCY15 anode cermet for application in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (pSOFC). Ni/BCY15 cermets were prepared in two different types of medium, namely deionized water (W) and anhydrous ethylene glycol (EG) using wet chemical synthesis by hydrazine. An in-depth analysis of anodic nickel catalyst was made aiming to elucidate the effect of anode tablets’ preparation by high temperature treatment on the resistance of metallic Ni in Ni/BCY15-W and Ni/BCY15-EG anode catalysts. On purpose reoxidation upon high-temperature treatment (1100 °C for 1 h) in air ambience was accomplished. Detailed characterization of reoxidized Ni/BCY15-W-1100 and Ni/BCY15-EG-1100 anode catalysts by means of surface and bulk analysis was performed. XPS, HRTEM, TPR, and impedance spectroscopy measurements experimentally confirmed the presence of residual metallic Ni in the anode catalyst prepared in ethylene glycol medium. These findings were evidence of strong metal Ni network resistance to oxidation in anodic Ni/BCY15-EG. Enhanced resistance of the metal Ni phase contributed to a new microstructure of the Ni/BCY15-EG-1100 anode cermet getting more stable to changes that cause degradation during operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk Assessments and Characterization of Nanomaterials)

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Open AccessArticle

Copper(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes Based on Abietate Ligands from Pinus Resin: Synthesis, Characterization and Their Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2

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Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071202 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 913

Abstract

Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes were obtained by a low-cost and eco-friendly route. The synthesis process used Pinus elliottii resin and an aqueous solution of CuSO₄/CoSO₄ at a mild temperature (80 °C) without organic solvents. The obtained complexes are functional pigments for commercial architectural paints with antipathogenic activity. The pigments were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS), thermogravimetry (TG), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and colorimetric analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the antiviral tests followed an adaptation of the ISO 21702:2019 guideline. Finally, virus inactivation was measured using the RT-PCR protocol using 10% (w/w) of abietate complex in commercial white paint. The Co-abietate and Cu-abietate showed inactivation of >4 log against SARS-CoV-2 and a MIC value of 4.50 µg·mL⁻¹ against both bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results suggest that the obtained Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes could be applied as pigments in architectural paints for healthcare centers, homes, and public places. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk Assessments and Characterization of Nanomaterials)

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