PROSPEcT: Ecotoxicology test protocols for representative nanomaterials in support of the OECD sponsorship programme
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
The proposed research forms an integral part of the PROSPEcT LINK project, initiated through the 'Nanoscience through Engineering to Application' programme. The project aims to provide a direct contribution to the global safety assessment of nanomaterials described by the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN). The LINK project will develop essential and seminal test methods and data on two agreed nanomaterials that are of particular commercial relevance to the UK. The project will innovate the scientific foundations for adapting or creating test methods that enable the ecotoxicological hazard assessment of nanomaterials. Both particles (i.e. CeO2 and ZnO) are part of a list of 14 nanomaterials, identified as commercially relevant to the global economic impact of nanotechnology. Furthermore, the development of methods to characterize CeO2 and ZnO nanomaterials in concert with parallel and coordinated development for other nanomaterials across the OECD testing program will enablethe future establishment of QSARs (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships) for predictive safety evaluations of novel nanomaterials.The resulting scientific advancement will help to secure an economic future for the commercialisation of nanotechnologies in and by the UK and provide crucial UK leadership and information to the OECD's global programme on nanomaterials safety assessment.
Organisations
Publications
Dogra Y
(2016)
Cerium oxide nanoparticles induce oxidative stress in the sediment-dwelling amphipod Corophium volutator.
in Nanotoxicology
Fabrega J
(2011)
Silver nanoparticles: behaviour and effects in the aquatic environment.
in Environment international
Fabrega J
(2012)
Sequestration of zinc from zinc oxide nanoparticles and life cycle effects in the sediment dweller amphipod Corophium volutator.
in Environmental science & technology
Galloway T
(2010)
Sublethal toxicity of nano-titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes in a sediment dwelling marine polychaete
in Environmental Pollution
Goodhead RM
(2015)
Tracing engineered nanomaterials in biological tissues using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy - A critical review.
in Nanotoxicology
Description | This project has: 1. Provided a thorough review and evaluation o characterisation, toxicological and ecotoxicological data available on nano-CeO2 and ZnO, as well as methodologies that might be used to conduct tests that address the OECD endpoints. 2. Created a detailed Test Dossier for the OECD endpoints testing of nano-CeO2 and nano-ZnO (including assignment of characterisation, tests, and methodologies to be developed during the PROSPEcT LINK project) within which nano-specific properties may be described. 3. Provided detailed sampling, handling and testing protocols for nano-ZnO and nano-CeO2, with a view to sharing the protocols with the OECD Sponsorship Programme for alignment with other nanomaterials test protocols. 4. Established the proof-of-principle for new techniques to detect nanoparticles against the background, including the exploitation of established techniques through prototyping of instruments. 5. Comprehensively address the the OECD endpoints for ecotoxicology on nano- CeO2 and ZnO, laying the foundation for understanding nano-specific behaviour and the risk management context of subsequent OECD and UK data development efforts. |
Exploitation Route | This fundamental work could readily be taken forward into the further development of environmental risk assessment procedures for application to manufactured nanmaterials in environmental media: for example natural waters and sediments |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Construction Environment |
Description | This project picked up from the seminal work and recommendations of the UK Royal Society & Royal Academy of Engineering report on the opportunities and challenges posed by nanotechnologies and has provided a direct contribution to the global safety assessment of nanomaterials described by the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN). It has developed essential and seminal test methods and fundamental data on two agreed nanomaterials that are of particular commercial relevance to the UK. The project has innovated the scientific foundations for adapting or creating test methods that enable the ecotoxicological hazard assessment of nanomaterials. Both particles (CeO2 and ZnO) are part of a list of 14 nanomaterials, identified as commercially relevant to the global economic impact of nanotechnology. Furthermore, the development of methods to characterize CeO2 and ZnO nanomaterials in concert with parallel and coordinated development for other nanomaterials across the OECD testing program has set the foundations for the future establishment of QSARs (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships) for predictive safety evaluations of novel nanomaterials. The resulting scientific advancement will help to secure an economic future for the commercialisation of nanotechnologies in and by the UK and provide crucial UK leadership and information to the OECD's global programme on nanomaterials safety assessment. |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Construction,Environment |
Impact Types | Societal Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Gave evidence to a government review, POST note on Trends in the Environment |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Identifies marine microplastics as an internationally important emerging issue of environmental concern for policymakers, cites our papers as evidence |
URL | http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/POST-PN-0516 |
Description | citation as evidence in government POST note on microplastics 2016 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Impact | I contributed to the Government POST note on microplastics, both contributing as a reviewer and having our published work cited in the review. Papers cited include DOI: 10.1021/es400663f, DOI: 10.1021/es400663f, THis POST note provides detailed evidence for policymakers on how microplsatics may be impacting the marine environment and human health. |
URL | http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/POST-PN-0528 |
Description | Dept for Env Food & Rural Affairs DEFRA |
Amount | £23,250 (GBP) |
Funding ID | LK0852 |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2011 |
End | 12/2011 |
Description | Dept for Env Food & Rural Affairs DEFRA |
Amount | £23,250 (GBP) |
Funding ID | LK0852 |
Organisation | Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2011 |
End | 12/2011 |
Description | European Union EU Brussels |
Amount | € 530,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 310451 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2015 |
Description | European Union EU Brussels |
Amount | £220,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 262163 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | European Union EU Brussels |
Amount | £220,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 262163 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | European Union EU Brussels |
Amount | £530,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 310451 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2015 |
Description | NERC Grouped |
Amount | £24,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FENAC/2011/05/002 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 03/2012 |
Description | NERC Grouped |
Amount | £203,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EPA-G2008-STAR-R1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | NERC Grouped |
Amount | £24,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FENAC/2010 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2010 |
End | 03/2011 |
Description | NERC Grouped |
Amount | £24,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FENAC/2011/05/001 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 03/2012 |
Description | NERC Grouped |
Amount | £24,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | FENAC/2011/05/003 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2011 |
End | 03/2012 |
Description | I attended the Royal Society of Chemistry Environmental Nanoscience Initiative event on 10th December 2015 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I attended the Royal Society of Chemistry Environmental Nanoscience Initiative event on 10th December 2015. This was designed to showcase the grants funded under the scheme and engage with the nanoindustry community |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |