Engineered nanomaterials in terrestrial systems: Interactions with co-existing contaminants and trophic transfer

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being introduced to soils and can interact with co-existing contaminants. The impacts of ENMs/co-contaminant exposure on plants are highly variable. Interactions of carbon- or metal-based ENMs with pollutants often result in a decreased co-contaminant toxicity, but are species- and exposure-scenario dependent. Moreover, current research suggests that it is possible for ENMs to be transferred through the food chain. This work presents an overview of the current efforts that have been made to understand the role of ENMs in the fate of other chemicals in terrestrial environments and the impacts on higher trophic levels.