Toxicity of nanomaterials in the environment: a critical review of current understanding and future directions

Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties, including high surface area, high reactivity, and quantum confinement effects, improving performance and new applications. This review article critically evaluates the current state of knowledge on the toxicity of NMs in the environment. It provides an overview of NMs and their sources and discusses the potential toxicity of different NMs in different environmental matrices. The review also explores the various factors that can influence the toxicity of NMs, including their size, shape, surface chemistry, concentration, dose, duration and frequency of exposure, and interaction with other pollutants. In addition, the article examines the mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity and their effects on biological systems, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing effective risk assessment and management strategies and policies for NMs in the environment. The review also discusses NMs’ current regulatory and policy implications and suggests future research directions to enhance our understanding of the risks associated with these materials. It highlights the need for continued research on the toxicity of NMs in the environment and the development of effective risk assessment and management strategies and policies. The potential risks associated with NMs in the environment warrant careful consideration, and it is important to continue to monitor their effects on human health and the environment.