Investigations into Aquatic Nanotoxicology

Steve Feist, David Sheahan, Brett Lyons and Ioanna Katsiadaki

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field attracting significant investment from industry and Governments across the world.  Nanomaterials (NMs) are very small. As a result of their very small size nanomaterials may have very different physicochemical properties from their larger parent materials. Hence their environmental fate and effects remain largely unknown.  Nanomaterials are used in sunscreens; self-cleaning windows; improved paints; diesel fuel additives; environmental remediation; and drug delivery. 

As a result of the rapid expansion of this technology there is considerable Government interest in ensuring that relevant regulatory controls are in place to avoid human health or environmental impacts. Current regulatory legislations (the UK Chemicals Regulation, or the European REACH proposals) do not cover these novel materials. Defra is currently working with others across government, through the Nanotechnology Research Coordination Group (NRCG). A programme of research that will inform Government thinking on controls to address potential risks is currently being formulated. This includes looking ahead to see what risks emerging nanotechnologies might pose in the coming years.

Cefas has initiated a nanotoxicology research portfolio to ensure that we reinforce our role as expert advisors to governments throughout the world.

Nanomaterials have the potential to impact a wide variety of species in the aquatic and terrestrial environment both as a result of the proposed range of applications and their highly reactive nature (NMs can penetrate through cellular barriers, and are more toxic than larger particles).  However, there are few toxicological studies conducted to date, to enable an informed assessment of risk to various environmental compartments and species.  The few published studies have attracted significant attention but can only be regarded as preliminary investigations, recognising that they relate to short-term exposure of nanomaterials whose behaviour in the aquatic medium is poorly understood.

Cefas in collaboration with the School of Chemistry at Manchester University is undertaking studies to examine the effects of nanomaterials on aquatic ecosystems for use in risk assessment.  The successful outcome of the project is expected to result in:

• New knowledge, methods and capabilities to assess environmental impacts of Nanomaterials.
• Development of in-house risk assessment expertise to tackle nanotechnology issues.

For further information contact Steve.Feist@cefas.co.uk.