Can We Mitigate the Toxicity of Common Silver Nanoparticles?

Sustainable Development Goals and the Environmental Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles

Introduction

Silver nanoparticles have been widely used in various products due to their antimicrobial properties and industrial applications. However, their environmental toxicity and potential mitigation strategies remain poorly understood.

Research Study

A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University aimed to address this knowledge gap. The study focused on the shape and surface chemistry of silver nanoparticles and their impact on aquatic ecosystems. The findings, published in Nanomaterials, suggest that silver nanoparticles can be produced in formats that retain their beneficial properties while minimizing negative environmental effects.

Methodology

The scientists evaluated the uptake and toxicity of spherical and triangular-shaped silver nanoparticles with different surface chemistries in a laboratory microcosm. The microcosm consisted of bacteria, algae, Daphnia (tiny crustaceans), and embryonic zebrafish. Zebrafish were chosen for their usefulness in studying vertebrate development and genetics.

Results

The study revealed that silver nanoparticles had varying effects on different species. While bacterial and Daphnia growth decreased, zebrafish were unaffected. Interestingly, nanoparticles coated in lipids exhibited the highest toxicity to Daphnia magna, the most sensitive species in the microcosm. Additionally, the study found that small, spherical nanoparticles were more toxic than triangles or cubes.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Understanding the toxicity of silver nanoparticles is crucial for protecting human health and the environment.
2. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Assessing the impact of silver nanoparticles on aquatic ecosystems helps ensure the availability and sustainable management of water resources.
3. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Developing strategies to mitigate the environmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles promotes sustainable industrial practices.
4. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Producing silver nanoparticles in formats that minimize negative environmental effects aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. Goal 14: Life Below Water – Understanding the effects of silver nanoparticles on aquatic organisms contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Conclusion

The study conducted by Oregon State University sheds light on the environmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles and highlights the importance of their shape and surface chemistry. By manipulating these factors, it is possible to achieve specific objectives in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with silver nanoparticles. This research contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3, Goal 6, Goal 9, Goal 12, and Goal 14.

Reference

• Harper BJ, Engstrom AM, Harper SL, Mackiewicz MR. Impacts of differentially shaped silver nanoparticles with increasingly complex hydrophobic thiol surface coatings in small-scale laboratory microcosms. Nanomaterials. 2024;14(8):654. doi: 10.3390/nano14080654

This article has been republished from Oregon State University. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, disaggregated by treatment type.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

Analysis

The article discusses the environmental toxicity of silver nanoparticles and how it can be mitigated. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article highlights the potential impact of silver nanoparticles on aquatic ecosystems, specifically in bodies of water. This connects to SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. The target and indicator relevant to this issue are:

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the production and use of silver nanoparticles in various products, highlighting the need for responsible consumption and production practices. This aligns with SDG 12, which focuses on sustainable consumption and production. The target and indicator relevant to this issue are:

• Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, disaggregated by treatment type.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

The article highlights the potential impact of silver nanoparticles on marine ecosystems, specifically in bodies of water. This relates to SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The target and indicator relevant to this issue are:

• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: technologynetworks.com

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