Research highlights: improved understanding of ecological impacts resulting from nanomaterial-based in situ remediation

Abstract

Nanomaterials are currently being used for in situ remediation of soils and groundwater. However, the continued use of currently implemented nanomaterials and the systematic development of more effective and ecologically benign materials require a more complete understanding of their ecological impact, which should include the transport through the subsurface, acute, chronic and long term effects of exposure, and the role of nanomaterial characteristics (e.g., composition, surface coating). In the current highlight, three articles that examine different aspects of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) transport, reactivity or exposure to model organisms are summarily reported, which advance the development of more sustainable remediation approaches. The first study examines the role of a model biofilm on the transport of different Pd-doped nZVI species through granulated media, and also the associated nanomaterial toxicity to the forming and sessile bacteria. The second study examines the multigenerational reproductive impacts of C. elegans resulting from nZVI exposure. Lastly, the resulting products of nZVI reactivity with U(VI) species at environmentally relevant molar ratios are examined, and a thorough analysis of the resulting products are reported, which provide valuable data for predicting the consequential role nZVI remediation will have on the ecosystem at and near contaminated sites.