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Occurrence of Nanomaterials in the Environment
Book chapter

Occurrence of Nanomaterials in the Environment

Tori Z Forbes
Nanomaterials in the Environment, pp.179-218
2015
DOI: 10.1061/9780784414088.ch07

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Abstract

Manufactured or engineered nanoparticles (NPs) can be classified by different means, but most materials fall into four different categories based on their chemical compositions: carbon based, metal based, aluminosilicates, and nanoscale polymers. Additional details regarding the major NPs in each category are presented with emphasis on materials used in commercial products and manufacturing facilities. The chapter also provides a broad overview of the different classifications of naturally occurring NPs; their occurrence in atmospheric, geologic, and aqueous environments; and the important geochemical processes that nanoscale particles influence. Naturally occurring NPs can be classified into inorganic and organic components, and the inorganic component can be further classified into nanominerals, mineral NPs, and amorphous materials. The chapter also briefly touches upon the consequences of anthropogenic NPs that are unintentionally produced during human activities and highlights the knowledge gaps regarding occurrence of NPs in natural environments.

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