Citation:

Radwan, I., Phillip M. Potter, D. Dionysiou, AND Souhail R. Al-Abed. Silver Nanoparticle Interactions with Surfactant-Based Household Surface Cleaners. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Larchmont, NY, 38(6):481-488, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1089/ees.2020.0160

Impact/Purpose:

The utilization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products has significantly increased in recent decades, primarily due to their antimicrobial properties. This increase in utilization raises ecological concerns about the consequences of the release of AgNPs into the environment. Once released into an aquatic environment, AgNPs undergo oxidative dissolution leading to the generation of Ag+, which may severely impact the environment. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the ecotoxicological potential of AgNPs and determine the physicochemical parameters that control their behavior in aquatic environments. In order to address this research need, we investigated the interaction of surface cleaning products with AgNPs (lab-synthesized & colloidal AgNPs in consumer product). This study shows that AgNPs readily interact with surface cleaning products depending on the charge of cleaning product and surface chemistry of the AgNPs. All cleaning agents affected the speciation and morphology of certain AgNPs. Ag+ was used to simulate Ag+ released from solid nano-enabled products. A visible color change and LSPR was detected after exposure of surface cleaning product to Ag+, therefore, it is highly likely that AgNPs formed during exposure to cleaning agents reach WWTPs and potentially accumulate in biosolids. AgNPs toxicity and bioavailability are potentially influenced by transport/transformation processes caused by substances present in the sewage treatment plant. Since there is an increased risk from the interaction between surface cleaning products and AgNPs, there is a need for investigating the changes in morphology and chemical composition during these interactions. The exposure of AgNPs to surface cleaning products has been shown to alter their morphology, speciation, and even form new AgNPs in the presence of Ag+. The implication of these changes could mean altered antimicrobial activity, increased risk of user exposure, and altered transportation in the environment.

Description:

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most widely used engineered nanomaterials in consumer products, primarily due to their antimicrobial properties. This widespread usage has resulted in concerns regarding potential adverse environmental impacts and increased probability of human exposure. As the number of AgNP consumer products grows, the likelihood of interactions with other household materials increases. AgNP products have the potential to interact with household cleaning products in laundry, dishwashers, or during general use of all-purpose surface cleaners.

URLs/Downloads:

Record Details: