Environmental implications of nanomaterials: are we studying the right thing?

A fundamental lack of data on the potential impacts of carbon based nanomaterials on natural ecosystems currently exists. The gap between what we know about environmental impacts and new products that may contain nanomaterials continues to get wider especially related to knowledge about nanocomposites. In this paper we present ideas and concerns about the current state of knowledge on nanomaterials in the environment and present a number of points about what recent work has provided us about the novel materials.

► The fate of nanomaterials in soil is partially controlled by sorption to organic matter. ► Biological degradation of carbon nanomaterials may require abiotic surface activation. ► Solar radiation can alter the surface of C60. ► Nanocomposites will be an important source of nanomaterials in the environment. ► Degradation patterns of nanocomposites are unknown.