Environmental Risk Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles in Aquatic Ecosystems Using Fuzzy Logic

The rapid development of nanotechnology has stimulated the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in various fields that leads to their presence in different ecosystem compartments, in particular aquatic ecosystems. Several studies have shown that a variety of living organisms are affected by AgNPs. Therefore, a methodology to assess the risk of AgNPs for aquatic ecosystems was developed. The methodology is based on fuzzy logic, a proven method for dealing with variables with an associated uncertainty, as is the case with many variables related to AgNPs. After a careful literature search, a selection of relevant variables was carried out and the fuzzy model was designed. From inputs such as AgNPs' size, shape, and coating, it is possible to determine their level of toxicity which, together with their level of concentration, are sufficient to create a risk assessment. Two case studies to assess this methodology are presented, one involving continuous effluent from a wastewater treatment plant and the second involving an accidental spill. The results showed that the accidental spills have a higher risk than WWTP release, with the combination of Plates-BPEI being the most toxic one. This approach can be adapted to different situations and types of nanoparticles, making it highly useful for both stakeholders and decision makers.

Automated summary

The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to the use of silver nanoparticles in various fields, resulting in their presence in different ecosystem compartments, particularly aquatic ecosystems. AgNPs have been found to affect a variety of living organisms. Therefore, researchers have developed a methodology for assessing the risk of AgNPs to aquatic ecosystems using fuzzy logic. By considering variables such as AgNPs' size, shape, and coating, their toxicity level can be determined along with their concentration level to create a risk assessment. This approach has been successfully applied to two case studies involving continuous effluent from a wastewater treatment plant and accidental spills, demonstrating its usefulness for stakeholders and decision makers.