Impact of silver nanoparticles on composting processes in municipal solid waste
Scientist of the University of Cincinnati and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently published a study on the effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on composting processes in municipal solid waste.
Their study (The Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on the Composting of Municipal Solid Waste) is among the few studies on end-of-life impacts of nanomaterial-containing products.
The researchers found no significant influence of AgNP on aerobic composting processes in the organic fraction of the waste. Based on their results, similar behaviour could be expected in landfills. However, the researchers stress the need for further research on more vulnerable microbial communities and processes.
Cited publication: Gitipour, A., El Badawy, A., Arambewela, M., Miller, B., Scheckel, K. G., Thiel, S. W., ... & Tolaymat, T. (2013). The Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on the Composting of Municipal Solid Waste. Environmental science & technology.
Article on Nanowerk (external link).
Image source: Ramiro Barreiro (Wikimedia Commons).
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