Nanotechnology: Environmental Implications and Solutions

Nanotechnology: Environmental Implications and Solutions

Author: Louis Theodore, Robert G. Kunz
ISBN 978-0-471-69976-7 

Hardcover
448 pages

$173.00
An authoritative, in-depth exploration of the environmental consequences of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the chemical, telecom, biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, aerospace, and computer industries, among others, and many exciting new nanotech applications are envisioned for the near future. While the rapid pace of innovation has been truly inspiring, much remains to be learned about the potential environmental and health risks posed by this nascent technology and its byproducts. So important is this issue that the ultimate success or failure of nanotechnology may well depend on how effectively science and industry address these concerns in the years ahead.

Written by two highly accomplished environmental professionals, Nanotechnology: Environmental Implications and Solutions brings scientists, engineers, and policymakers up to speed on the current state of knowledge in this vitally important area. Professor Theodore and Dr. Kunz provide a concise review of nano-fundamentals and explore background issues surrounding nanotechnology and its environmental impact.

They then follow up with in-depth discussions of:
  • The control, monitoring, and reduction of nanotech byproducts and their impact on the air, water, and land
  • Health risks associated with nanotechnology, and methods to assess and control them
  •  Nanotech hazard risk assessment-including emergency response planning and personnel training
  • Multimedia approaches that are available for the analysis of the impact of nanotechnology in the chemical, manufacturing, and waste disposal industries
  • The future of nanotechnology and the "Industrial Revolution II"
  • The legal implications of nanotechnology
  • Societal and ethical implications of nanotechnology-based materials and processing method

Assuming only a basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, and mathematics on behalf of its readers, Nanotechnology: Environmental Implications and Solutions makes fascinating and useful reading for engineers, scientists, administrators, environmental regulatory officials, and public policymakers, as well as students in a range of science and engineering disciplines.


Preface.
Foreword by Rita D’Aquino.
1 NANOTECHNOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW.
1.1 Introduction.
1.2 Survey of Nanotechnology Applications.
1.3 Legal Considerations for Nanotechnology by A. Calderone.
1.4 Recent Patent Activity.
1.5 Environmental Implications.
1.6 Current Environmental Regulations.
1.7 Classification and Sources of Pollutants.
1.8 Effects of Pollutants.
1.9 Text Contents.
1.10 Summary.
References.
2 NANOTECHNOLOGY: TURNING BASIC SCIENCE INTO REALITY (Suzanne A. Shelley).
2.1 Introduction.
2.2 Basic Chemistry and Size-Related Properties.
2.3 Nanotechnology: Prime Materials and Manufacturing Methods.
2.4 Carbon Nanotubes and Buckyballs.
2.5 Current and Future Market Applications.
2.6 Analytical Methods.
2.7 Health and Safety Issues: Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications.
2.8 Funding Future Developmental Efforts.
2.9 Summary.
References.
3 AIR ISSUES.
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Air Pollution Control Equipment.
3.3 Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling.
3.4 Stack Design.
3.5 Indoor Air Quality.
3.6 Monitoring Methods.
3.7 Summary.
References.
4 WATER ISSUES.
4.1 Introduction.
4.2 Industrial Wastewater Management.
4.3 Municipal Wastewater Treatment.
4.4 Dispersion Modeling in Water Systems.
4.5 Monitoring Methods.
4.6 Summary.
References.
5 SOLID WASTE ISSUES.
5.1 Introduction.
5.2 Industrial Waste Management.
5.3 Municipal Solid Waste Management.
5.4 Hospital Waste Management.
5.5 Nuclear Waste Management.
5.6 Metals.
5.7 Superfund.
5.8 Monitoring Methods.
5.9 Summary.
References.
6 MULTIMEDIA ANALYSIS.
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Historical Perspective.
6.3 Multimedia Application: A Chemical Plant.
6.4 Multimedia Application: Products and Services.
6.5 Multimedia Application: A Hazardous Waste Incineration Facility.
6.6 Education and Training.
6.7 Summary.
References.
7 HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT.
7.1 Introduction.
7.2 Health Risk Assessment Evaluation Process.
7.3 Why Use Risk-Based Decision Making?
7.4 Risk-Based Corrective Action Approach.
7.5 Statutory Requirements Involving Environmental Communication.
7.6 Public Perception of Risk.
7.7 Risk Communication.
7.8 Seven Cardinal Rules of Risk Communication.
7.9 Summary.
References.
8 HAZARD RISK ASSESSMENT.
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization of Act of 1986.
8.3 Need For Emergency Response Planning.
8.4 Emergency Planning.
8.5 Hazards Survey.
8.6 Training of Personnel.
8.7 Hazard Risk Assessment Evaluation Process.
8.8 Summary.
References.
9 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
9.1 Introduction.
9.2 Air Pollution.
9.3 Water Pollution.
9.4 Solid Waste Pollution.
9.5 Health Concerns.
9.6 Hazard Concerns.
9.7 Summary.
References.
10 FUTURE TRENDS.
10.1 Introduction.
10.2 Air Issues.
10.3 Water Issues.
10.4 Solid Waste Issues.
10.5 Multimedia Concerns and Hazards.
10.6 Health and Hazard Risk Assessment.
10.7 Environmental Ethics.
10.8 Environmental Audits.
10.9 ISO 14000.
10.10 Summary.
References.
NAME INDEX.
SUBJECT INDEX.
LOUIS THEODORE, Ph.D., is Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department of Manhattan College, in New York City. He has received awards from the International Air and Waste Management Association and the American Society for Engineering Education.

ROBERT G. KUNZ, Ph.D., is an environmental consultant with three decades of experience in the petroleum and chemical industries. He is the recipient of the Water Pollution Control Federation's Harrison Prescott Eddy Medal.