Trends in the sample preparation and analysis of nanomaterials as environmental contaminants

Abstract

Much research on the use of nanomaterials in different applications is being conducted in areas such as water treatment, catalysis, oil processing, medicine, food, sensors, energy storage, building materials, constructions, and others. Nanoparticles are ultra-small particles with exceptional properties, but some nanoparticles and nanomaterials may exhibit harmful properties when leaked into the environment. Due to the lack of analytical methods for the detection and analysis of nanoparticles in complex matrices, not much is known about the potential risks associated with nanomaterials. Therefore, more knowledge is needed of the sampling and analysis of nanomaterials (NMs) as environmental contaminants. This review is undertaken to identify and assess key characteristics in potential sampling and analysis methods for identifying and quantifying the occurrence of NMs in numerous types of environmental media. To select suitable sampling and analysis methods, information on NM sources and transformation in environmental media is essential and thus is also discussed. This provides more information about the negative impacts of NMs on the environment. Challenges and future perspectives on the determination of NMs are also discussed.