Engineered nanomaterials in rivers – Exposure scenarios for Switzerland at high spatial and temporal resolution

Probabilistic material flow analysis and graph theory were combined to calculate predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in Swiss rivers: 543 river sections were used to assess the geographical variability of nano-TiO2, nano-ZnO and nano-Ag, and flow measurements over a 20-year period at 21 locations served to evaluate temporal variation. A conservative scenario assuming no ENM removal and an optimistic scenario covering complete ENM transformation/deposition were considered. ENM concentrations varied by a factor 5 due to uncertain ENM emissions (15%–85% quantiles of ENM emissions) and up to a factor of 10 due to temporal river flow variations (15%–85% quantiles of flow). The results indicate highly variable local PECs and a location- and time-dependent risk evaluation. Nano-TiO2 median PECs ranged from 11 to 1′623 ng L−1 (conservative scenario) and from 2 to 1′618 ng L−1 (optimistic scenario). The equivalent values for nano-ZnO and nano-Ag were by factors of 14 and 240 smaller.

► We combine probabilistic material flow analysis and graph theory.
► First local concentrations for engineered nanomaterial in rivers are modeled.
► Geographical and temporal flow variation is the most influential parameter.
► Risks to aquatic organisms in urban river sections cannot be excluded.