Nanoparticle Legacy: Impacts Beyond Their Design
The Unseen Journey: Where Do Nanoparticles Go When They're No Longer Needed? Nanoparticles are everywhere – from your sunscreen to your phone screen. These tiny particles, with their impressive properties, have revolutionized industries and continue to promise groundbreaking advancements. But what happens to these nanoparticles when their usefulness ends? Their journey after we discard them is a complex and largely unknown story. Understanding the long-term fate and persistence of nanoparticles is crucial for ensuring their safe and sustainable use. The Journey Begins: Release into the Environment Nanoparticles enter the environment through various pathways, including industrial emissions, wastewater discharge, and even everyday consumer products like cosmetics and cleaning agents. Once released, they face a diverse landscape – air, water, and soil...