TY - JOUR

T1 - Facing complexity through informed simplifications

T2 - a research agenda for aquatic exposure assessment of nanoparticles

AU - Praetorius, Antonia

AU - Arvidsson, Rickard

AU - Molander, Sverker

AU - Scheringer, Martin

PY - 2013/1/1

Y1 - 2013/1/1

N2 - Exposure assessment of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is a challenging task mainly due to the novel properties of these new materials and the complexity caused by a wide range of particle characteristics, ENP-containing products and possible environmental interactions. We here present a research agenda in which we propose to face the complexity associated with ENP exposure assessment through informed and systematic simplifications. Exposure modelling is presented as a method for addressing complexity by identifying processes dominant for the fate of ENPs in the environment and enabling an iterative learning process by studying different emission and fate scenarios. Furthermore, the use of models is important to highlight most pressing research needs. For this reason, we also strongly encourage improved communication and collaboration between modellers and experimental scientists. Feedback between modellers and experimental scientists is crucial in order to understand the big picture of ENP exposure assessment and to establish common research strategies. Through joint research efforts and projects, the field of ENP exposure assessment can greatly improve and significantly contribute to a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment of ENPs.

AB - Exposure assessment of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is a challenging task mainly due to the novel properties of these new materials and the complexity caused by a wide range of particle characteristics, ENP-containing products and possible environmental interactions. We here present a research agenda in which we propose to face the complexity associated with ENP exposure assessment through informed and systematic simplifications. Exposure modelling is presented as a method for addressing complexity by identifying processes dominant for the fate of ENPs in the environment and enabling an iterative learning process by studying different emission and fate scenarios. Furthermore, the use of models is important to highlight most pressing research needs. For this reason, we also strongly encourage improved communication and collaboration between modellers and experimental scientists. Feedback between modellers and experimental scientists is crucial in order to understand the big picture of ENP exposure assessment and to establish common research strategies. Through joint research efforts and projects, the field of ENP exposure assessment can greatly improve and significantly contribute to a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment of ENPs.

KW - Chemistry

KW - Animals

KW - Aquatic Organisms

KW - Environmental Exposure

KW - Environmental Monitoring

KW - Environmental Policy

KW - Nanoparticles

KW - Risk Assessment

KW - Water Pollutants, Chemical

U2 - 10.1039/C2EM30677H

DO - 10.1039/C2EM30677H

M3 - Journal articles

C2 - 24592434

VL - 15

SP - 161

EP - 168

JO - Environmental Sciences: Processes & Impacts

JF - Environmental Sciences: Processes & Impacts

SN - 2050-7887

IS - 1

ER -