Science Inventory

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Microplastics (MPs) (defined as plastic particles &lt; 5 mm in size) and microfibers are widely distributed in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp; The plastics are often combined in composites with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide that maximize desir...

The production and use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have dramatically increased over the past several decades. Nanometals, such as nano copper oxide (nanoCuO) and nano zinc oxide (nanoZnO), are of particular concern for ecosystems. NanoCuO and nanoZnO are frequently used in...

Microplastics (MP), plastic particles 5 mm - 1 nm in size are ubiquitous and increasing in abundance in the environment.&nbsp; Accurate identification and quantification of MPs are the first steps in understanding the fate, transport and effects of these particles. Their varied c...

Over the last decade the growth of “nano-enabled” products have exploded in both industrial and direct to consumer applications. One area of interest is surface coatings, including paints, stains and sealants. Large scale applications of the products raise questions about both sh...

Production of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has rapidly increased, yet uncertainty exists regarding the full extent of their environmental implications. This study investigates the fate, transformation, and speciation of nano copper oxide (nanoCuO) released into Lake Waccamaw, ...

Nanomaterials peculiar attributes are being explored for the benefits of the society; however, the widespread use of these materials are expected to contaminate the environment. For example, nanomaterials can reach the agricultural fields through the addition of sewage sludge (bi...

Access to clean water has been a global challenge since long-term exposure to heavy metal pollutants such as arsenic(As(III) and chromium (Cr(VI)) has detrimental health effects. Thus, developing a low-cost technology to provide clean drinking water is vital. A novel adsorbent wa...

The extensive use of the nano-polymer per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer and industrial manufacturing has resulted in their release into the environment at concentrations of concern. High-pressure membrane processes (i.e., reversed osmosis and nanofiltration),...

As concern about the impact of conventional, petroleum-based plastics grows, bioplastics (BPs) have emerged as potentially sustainable alternatives.&nbsp; The fate of BPs in the environment remains uncertain and some may breakdown into nano- and micro-plastics forms in a similar ...

The use and production of engineered nanomaterials have grown rapidly over the past few decades due to their unique properties and versatility.&nbsp; As a result of widespread industrial applications, nanomaterials have evolved into their own unique class of emerging contaminants...

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are polymer particles with a size of &lt; 5mm and &lt; 1000nm, respectively. They are potentially hazardous due to their high surface area to volume ratio that facilitates leaching of their inherent additives and allows them to be effici...

Research involving microplastics (polymer particles less than 5mm) is a quickly growing field and one of the newest aspects is the study of nanoplastics (less than 1 micron). Smaller size and increased surface area to volume ratio gives nanoplastics increased chance for uptake by...

This is the Federal Nanoplastics Community of Interest bi-monthly&nbsp; update to the NSTC Joint Subcommittee for Environment, Innovation, and Public Health (JEEP) Quarterly Meeting.&nbsp; The presentation will cover events at the last Federal Nanoplastics Community of Interest m...

Urine has a great potential for energy production and nutrient recovery, and a bioelectrochemical system (BES) can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable bioremediation option for recycling urine. In this study, a novel molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nano-carbon (NC) coated cathode...

Quantum dots (QDs) are engineered semiconductor nanocrystals with unique fluorescent, quantum confinement, and quantum yield properties, making them valuable in a range of commercial and consumer imaging, display, and lighting technologies. Production and usage of QDs are increas...

Biochars, when applied to contaminated solutions or soils, may sequester potentially toxic elements while releasing necessary plant nutrients. This purpose of this study focused on quantifying both phenomenon following wheat straw (Triticum aestivum L.) biochar application (0, 5,...

One of EPA's primary goals is to prevent pollution and reduce risk to ecosystems from pollution. Nano/microplastics, as emerging contaminants, are largely unregulated but have the potential to adversely affect organisms in virtually all environmental compartments. &nbsp;Tire wear...

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have a variety of commercial and biomedical applications ranging from UV filtration in sunscreen to anti-cancer, fungal and anti-microbial agents. Human oral exposure to zinc oxide NPs may occur following accidental or intentional ingestion, hand-to...

A nanomaterial (nano) determination framework is designed to guide the users (both product registrants and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluators) through a flow chart (decision tree) to determine whether or not a material would be considered a nanomaterial (NM) by...

Plastic waste is a growing concern due to potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Microplastics (MPs) are &lt; 5mm and are particularly hazardous due to their high surface area to volume ratio that facilitates leaching of their inherent additives and allows...

Natural biopolymers, polymeric organic molecules produced by living organisms and/or renewable resources, are considered greener, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials. Natural polysaccharides comprising cellulose, chitin/chitosan, starch, gum, alginate, and pectin produce sust...

Intentional or accidental release of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) from consumer products during manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management could pose health and ecological risks. This paper presents a detailed study on the role of water chemistry on the fate of uncoated and ...

Micronized copper (Cu) azole (MCA) wood preservative formulations include Cu in nano form, and relatively little is known about longer term effects of Cu leached from MCA into wetland ecosystems. We tested the hypothesis that changes in soil microbiomes within reconstructed fresh...

Sunlight has been shown to be an important determinant of risk associated with exposure to polymer residues present in aquatic environments.  Energy provided by absorption of solar photons can initiate a wide range of reactions, including direct and indirect photolysis that resul...

As concern about the impact of conventional, petroleum-based plastics grows, bioplastics (BP) and degradable plastics (DPs) have emerged as potential sustainable alternatives.&nbsp; But the fate of BPs and DPs in the environment it remains unclear and some may breakdown into nano...