Zhang Y., Koeneman B.A., Chen Y., Westerhoff P., Capco D.G., Crittenden J.
Arizona State University, US
Keywords: drinking water treatment, removal, stability, toxicity
The objective of this research is to evaluate the potential risk of human exposure to nanomaterials in drinking water by examining three issues: 1) characteristics and stability of nanomaterials in the water environment; 2) removal of nanomaterials during conventional water treatment processes; and 3) the toxicity of nanomaterials on cells. Six commerical metal oxide nanoparticles, a lab-synthesized hematite nanoparticle and a water solule CdTe quantum dots were studied. The results showed that these nanomaterials had different stability in water and conventional water treatment could not remove these nanomaterials completely. In addition, toxicity studies showed that nanomaterials could flatten down the microvilli of cells and pass through the epithelial cells.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 678 - 680
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6