Efficiency and Environmental Properties of Nanomaterials / Microplastics

Nanotechnology is used systematically to endow products with defined features. From the beginning, we are involved in the nano safety research now since 20 years. We are specialized in investigating free nanomaterials, but also products with properties based on the application of nanomaterials.

Beyond that, substantial more types of material are in use, like hybrid materials or materials showing a broad size distribution including sizes beyond the nanoscale. This includes also microplastics, being produced in this size or emerge during the lifecycle in the environment. Hygiene or plant protection products, as well as degradation of plastic waste or the entry of fiber abrasion derived from the washing of textiles are examples.

In order to characterize the environmental properties of these objects and explore their potential effects on the environment we conduct experimental studies. The range of methods we employ, covers standard tests based on international guidelines (e.g. OECD) and extends through to comprehensive studies on very complex issues. Since meaningful simulation experiments, in particular, are often not standardized, we offer to design simulation experiments tailored to clients’ specific problems. All studies can be carried out under GLP conditions.

With our expertise we contribute to the development of guidelines and guidance documents. Due to committee work (see below) and involvement in many joint projects we are familiar with current developments in the context of research and standardization which we consider in our project work.

Selected Publications

Hund-Rinke, K., Baun, A., Cupi, D., Fernandes, T.F., Handy, R., Kinross, J.H., Navas, J.M., Peijnenburg, W., Schlich, K., Shaw, B.J., Scott-Fordsmand, J.J.:
Regulatory ecotoxicity testing of nanomaterials - proposed modifications of OECD test guidelines based on laboratory experience with silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Nanotoxicology (2016) Sep 20:1-6 (DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2016.1229517)

Hund‑Rinke, K., Herrchen, M., Schlich, K., Schwirn, K., Völker, D.:
Test strategy for assessing the risks of nanomaterials in the environment considering general regulatory procedures. Environ Sci Eur (2015) 27:24 (DOI 10.1186/s12302-015-0053-6)

Schlich, K., Hund-Rinke, K.:
Influence of soil properties on the effect of silver nanomaterials on microbial activity in five soils. Environmental Pollution 196 (2015) 321-330 (DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.10.021)

Voelker, D., Schlich, K., Hohndorf, L., Koch, W., Kuehnen, U., Polleichtner, C., Kussatz, C., Hund-Rinke, K.:
Approach on environmental risk assessment of nanosilver released from textiles. Environmental Research 140 (2015) 661-672 (DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.05.011)

Cornelis, G., Hund-Rinke, K., Kuhlbusch, T., Brink, N. van den, Nickel, C.:
Fate and bioavailability of engineered nanoparticles in soils: A review.
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 44 (2014) No. 24: 2720–2764 (DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2013.829767)

Hund-Rinke, K., Schlich, K.:
The potential benefits and limitations of different test procedures to determine the effects of Ag nanomaterials and AgNO3 on microbial nitrogen transformation in soil. Environmental Sciences Europe ESEU [online] 26 (2014) No. 1, Art.28, 12 pp.
(DOI: 10.1186/s12302-014-0028-z)

Meisterjahn, B., Neubauer, E., Kammer, F. von der, Hennecke, D., Hofmann, T.:
Asymmetrical flow-field-flow fractionation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the analysis of gold nanoparticles in the presence of natural nanoparticles. Journal of Chromatography A (2014) Vol. 1372: 204-211 (DOI:10.1016/j.chroma.2014.10.093)

Wacker, M.G., Hund-Rinke, K., Creutzenberg, O.:
Quo vadis Nano? Nanomaterialien in der pharmazeutischen Produktentwicklung. Die Pharmazeutische Industrie 76 (2014) No. 7: 1134–1140  

Wang, D., Oeser, M., Steinauer, B., Hüben, M.:
Umweltfreundlicher Straßenbelag mit photokatalytischem Stickstoffdioxidabbau. Bautechnik 91 (2014): 720-727 (DOI: 10.1002/bate.201400030)

Hund-Rinke, K., Klawonn, T.:
Investigation of widely used nanomaterials (TiO2, Ag) and gold nanoparticles in standardized ecotoxicological tests. Umweltbundesamt (Hrsg.) UBA-Texte 29/2013, 460 pp. (Download)

Muth-Köhne, E., Sonnack, L., Schlich, K., Hischen, F., Baumgartner, W., Hund-Rinke, K., Schäfers, C., Fenske, M.:
The toxicity of silver nanoparticles to zebrafish embryos increases through sewage treatment processes. Ecotoxicology 22 (2013) No. 8: 1264-1277 (DOI: 10.1007/s10646-013-1114-5)

Schäfers, C., Weil, M.:
Investigation of two widely used nanomaterials (TiO2, Ag) for ecotoxicological long-term effects – adaption of test guidelines. Umweltbundesamt (Hrsg.), UBA-Texte 6/2013, 95 S. (Download)

Schlich, K., Klawonn, T., Terytze, K., Hund-Rinke, K.:
Effects of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate in the earthworm reproduction test. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 32 (2013) No. 1: 181-188 (DOI: 10.1002/etc.2030)

Schlich, K., Klawonn, T., Terytze, K., Hund-Rinke, K.:
Hazard assessment of a silver nanoparticle in soil applied via sewage sludge. Environmental Sciences Europe 25 (2013) No. 17 (DOI: 10.1186/2190-4715-25-17)

Hund-Rinke, K., Schlich, K., Klawonn, T.:
Influence of application techniques on the ecotoxicological effects of nanomaterials in soil. Environmental Sciences Europe: ESEU 24 (2012) Art. 30: 12 pp. (DOI: 10.1186/2190-4715-24-30)

Klawonn, T., Rüdel, H., Knopf, B.:
Total dissolution and digestion methods for engineered metal nanoparticles. Mitt. Umweltchem. Ökotox. 18 (2012) No. 2: 32-34

Schlich, K., Terytze, K., Hund-Rinke, K.:
Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles in the earthworm reproduction test. Environmental Sciences Europe 24 (2012) Art. 5: 10 pp. (DOI: 10.1186/2190-4715-24-5)