Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4425242 Environmental Pollution 2011 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

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.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Environmental Science Environmental Chemistry
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