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Updated: May 20, 2026
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In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Nanoparticles in the environment: assessment using the causal diagram approach
Suchi Smita1, Shailendra K Gupta, Alena Bartonova
1Amity University, Lucknow Campus, Viraj Khand 5, Lucknow-226010, UP, India.
Summary
The environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles (NPs), both naturally occurring (NNPs) and engineered (ENPs), are not fully understood. This review highlights knowledge gaps and proposes a causal diagram to visualize NP safety, exposure, and effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) pose health and safety concerns due to unknown environmental and human impacts.
- Limited research exists on the toxicological and environmental effects of naturally occurring NPs (NNPs) and engineered NPs (ENPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent knowledge (2000-2010) on NP sources, behavior, exposure, and effects.
- To identify knowledge gaps and environmental-health linkages for NNPs and ENPs.
- To develop an integrated framework and causal diagram for NP safety assessment.
Main Methods:
- An integrated, interdisciplinary approach to review existing scientific literature.
- Development of a causal diagram to map NP exposure pathways and effects.
- Analysis of environmental processes and biological interactions of NPs.
Main Results:
- NNPs can influence dust formation and sunlight intensity, impacting human health.
- Accumulation of NNPs and ENPs in biological systems may cause adverse effects.
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation by NPs is a significant factor in disease development.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive cause-effects diagram for both NNPs and ENPs has been proposed.
- This framework serves as a user-friendly tool for stakeholders to understand NP safety issues.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions and impacts of nanoparticles.
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