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Nanotechnology
EPA Goal 3: Cleaning up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development
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Introduction
The term nanotechnology is formally defined as “the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size at nanometer scale.” The properties and functions of these engineered nanomaterials are fundamentally and significantly different from larger materials of the same chemical composition. At the particle size (or nanometer scale), quantam mechanical effects often dominate. This results in materials that exhibit unique optical, mechanical, magnetic, conductive, and sorptive properties. To align with EPA’s nanotechnology strategy, initial research projects will center around four areas:
Source: The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering. (2004). “Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Opportunities and Uncertainties (PDF).” The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, London. July.
Life-cycle assessment is being applied to selected nanomaterials and products to yield a comprehensive understanding of the environmental footprint associated with this fast growing family of materials.
Green chemistry is being developed to reduce the use of energy and hazardous constituents in the production of materials and products. This research is intended to persuade the industrial sector to consider environmental implications in the earliest stages of material/product and manufacturing design.
Key sources and properties of nanomaterials, particularly titanium dioxide, zero-valent iron, nanosilver, carbon nanotubes, and cerium oxide, are being studied to gain an understanding of how they interact with multiple media and ecological receptors. This knowledge is essential to understanding transport and fate in the environment and to identifying possible intervention points. If we better understand the fundamental properties that drive behavior, it should be possible to better design environmentally compatible nanomaterials and estimate the likely risks associated with new materials entering the market daily. Source characterization and material properties findings will also be used to make life-cycle assessments of nanomaterials and products.
Beneficial environmental applications are being investigated. These applications include more effective control technologies and enhanced production processes that reduce emissions and releases of conventional pollutants. Nanoscale zero-valent iron and bimetallic systems are being studied for remediation of contaminated groundwater and sediments, respectively.
Environmental Issue or Problem
Nanotechnology offers the promise of major benefits but also raises the specter of potential adverse effects. The challenge for environmental protection is to identify, and then prevent or minimize, undesirable nanomaterial exposures and adverse consequences to humans and ecosystems. Research in this area is conducted within the framework of the life cycle of manufactured articles, from raw materials through production to consumer use and finally recycling or disposal. Each of these stages has the potential to cause adverse human or ecological exposure and, therefore, the opportunity for managing risk. The research is revealing techniques for applying nanotechnology in order to prevent, control, and clean up pollution.
Long-Term Goal and Annual Performance Goals Addressed
Land Research Program Multi-Year Plan: Fiscal Years 2007–2012 (PDF) (125 pp, 1.25 MB, About PDF) < is this correct? >
Contact
Trish Erickson
Assistant Laboratory Director, Land