Why are currently nanomaterial quantities in the environment mostly calculated theoretically?

Currently, it is very difficult and tedious to directly detect engineered nanomaterials in the environment. There are still large knowledge gaps about the exposure, interactions and residence time of nanomaterials in the environment. Computer models can help to simulate such complex situation. However, this requires making certain assumptions and simplifications so that the theoretical values do not reflect the real quantities of nanomaterials in the environment. Such model calculations are a good tool for estimating risks and interactions of nanomaterials in the environment.

For more information on this topic, please refer to the article in our cross cutting section “Estimating the occurrence of nanomaterials in the environment”