Leveraging nanoparticle environmental health and safety research in the study of micro- and nano-plastics

Lessons learned, methodologies, and application of tools that have been developed within the context of research on the environmental impacts, health, and safety of nanomaterials (nano-EHS) provide a solid foundation for research on nano/microplastics. In this communication, we summarize key discoveries obtained through major research efforts over the last two decades in the area of nano-EHS that are applicable for the study of micro- and nano-plastics (referred to here more generally as particulate plastics). We focus on how non-equilibrium particle transport processes affect: 1) bio-physico-chemical mechanisms of particle toxicity and determining dose-response relationships; 2) the potential for biouptake, bioaccumulation, translocation, trophic transfer and intergenerational effects of particulate contaminants; 3) extrapolations from laboratory experiments to complex systems and the impact of environmental transformations; 4) the formulation of functional assays as a basis for predicting the impacts of particulate contaminants in complex environments; 5) the relative importance of incidental particles compared with engineered particles and, 6) experience with data platforms, curation, and experimental design.

Duke Scholars

Author Mark Wiesner Civil and Environmental Engineering