Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology

Transport and Transformations controlled laboratory experiments elucidate fundamental principles determining nanoparticle (NP) surface chemistry, transport and transformation. Work in Theme 1 provides the foundation for understanding nanomaterial bioavailability, organismal responses, trophic transfer and impacts on ecosystem functions (Themes 2 and 3). Indeed, environmental and physiological transformations must be considered to perform reproducible, meaningful experiments assessing potential exposure and impacts of nanomaterials on organisms and ecosystems. The primary tasks in Theme 1 are to: 1) connect the chemistry and size-effects of NPs to their aggregation state and movement in the environment and, 2) characterize biological and chemical transformations of such materials as a basis for understanding environmental persistence, transport and bioavailability.

Work in Theme 1 provides the foundation for understanding nanomaterial bioavailability, organismal responses, trophic transfer and impacts on ecosystem functions (Themes 2 and 3). Indeed, environmental and physiological transformations must be considered to perform reproducible, meaningful experiments assessing potential exposure and impacts of nanomaterials on organisms and ecosystems.