PFAS – What is behind these ‘forever chemicals’
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals. They consist of long carbon chains to which fluorine […]
Do nanomaterials harm pollinating insects?
Pollinating insects may encounter nanomaterials via the pollen, which is contaminated via application of nanomaterial-containing pesticides or fertilizers brought out […]
Why are currently nanomaterial quantities in the environment mostly calculated theoretically?
Currently, it is very difficult and tedious to directly detect engineered nanomaterials in the environment. There are still large knowledge […]
How efficient are nanomaterials removed from wastewater in the wastewater treatment plant?
In the wastewater treatment plant, contaminants including nanomaterials are separated from the wastewater in several stages. According to laboratory tests, […]
Are nanoplastics dangerous for humans and the environment?
Due to their small size (1 nm – 1 µm), nanoplastic particles can overcome certain barriers and accumulate in organisms […]
Are nanomaterials a threat for our wastewater treatment plants?
No, studies to date cannot prove that nanomaterials pose a risk to our wastewater treatment plants. But a possible cause […]
How can you differentiate between natural and engineered nanoparticles in the environment?
This is indeed a big challenge, because size and shape of natural and engineered nanoparticles may be quite similar, and […]
How can you ascertain the release of nanomaterials from products into the environment?
Since only very small amounts of nanomaterials are found in the environment, the detection is very difficult and methodologically very […]
Do I need to dispose of my nanomaterial containing products in a specific way?
No, currently there are no provisions that demand a specific disposal of nanomaterial-containing products. Liquid as well as solid waste […]
What happens to nanomaterials after their usage for environmental remediation?
The nanomaterials will remain within the environment. What happens there in the long term cannot easily be answered with current […]