Nanotechnology activities: environmental protection regulatory issues data.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Nanotechnology
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• Nanotechnology offers significant benefits but poses environmental risks due to nanoparticle toxicity.
• Research in nanotechnology and its economic impact has surged.
• Environmental protection studies involving nanotechnology require regulatory assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scientometric analysis of research on environmental protection and nanotechnology.
• To identify and describe regulatory studies concerning nanotechnology's environmental impact.
• To evaluate the focus of nanotoxicity research concerning human health versus environmental protection.

Main Methods:

• Scientometric study utilizing Scopus database (2003-2020).
• Analysis performed using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software.
• Keyword-based search yielding 106 publications.

Main Results:

• Identified 106 publications related to nanotechnology and environmental protection.
• VOSviewer analysis revealed a predominant focus on human health in nanotoxicity studies.
• Nanomaterial toxicity research is often framed within risk assessment and regulatory contexts.

Conclusions:

• Current nanotoxicity research prioritizes human health over environmental protection.
• Regulatory bodies are increasingly involved in assessing nanomaterial risks.
• Further research is needed to bridge the gap in environmental protection-focused nanotechnology studies.