How do nanoparticles interact with the environment?
The interaction of nanoparticles with the environment depends on their size, shape, composition, and surface chemistry. These properties influence how nanoparticles move through air, water, and soil, their bioavailability, and their potential to accumulate in living organisms. For example, metallic nanoparticles can undergo transformations such as oxidation or dissolution, affecting their reactivity and toxicity. Additionally, nanoparticles can interact with other contaminants, leading to synergistic or antagonistic effects on environmental toxicity.