Construction nanoparticles imported into the environment in recent years in Iran

Journal of Nanoanalysis

دوره 9، شماره 3، آذر 2022، صفحه 244-250   

نوع مقاله: Original Research Paper

شناسه دیجیتال (DOI): 10.22034/jna.2022.1946948.1283

نویسندگان

Zahra Sadid^{* 1}؛ Mahsa Fakharpour²

¹Department of Project and Construction Management, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran

²Department of Physics, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran

چکیده

In this paper, the quantities of nanomaterials used in the construction industry in Iran in recent years have been estimated. Then the amounts of nanomaterials in different environments of water, air, soil, and municipal wastewater from 2015 to 2019 in Iran have been estimated. The results show that during these few years, the amount of imports of nanoparticles has been more than its production. This study shows that the highest concentrations of nanoparticles in different environments are SiO2, TiO2, Fe2O3, and carbon nanotube, respectively. While the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and Fe2O3 in different environments has increased with a gentle slope during five years. This could be due to the increasing use of these nanoparticles in the industry without control and the lack of appropriate filters to prevent nanoparticles from entering the environment. The results of this study show that during five years, the concentrations of SiO2, TiO2, carbon nanotube, Fe2O3 nanoparticles has increased by about 4%, 30%, 28%, and 45% in water and %11, 16%, 27% and 29% in air, respectively. Also, their concentrations in soil %23, 18%, 43% and 52% and in municipal wastewater %30, 27%, 37% and 61%, respectively.

کلیدواژه‌ها

Nanoparticles؛ Construction materials؛ Environment؛ Productions؛ Importations

اصل مقاله

INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology means understanding and controlling matter at the nanoscale, in dimensions approximately between 1 - 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena allow new applications [1]. The prefix “nano” means 10^{- 9} or one billionth. There is a wide range of production systems that can change the shape, morphology, size, composition, and crystal structure [2-4]. The two standard production approaches used are: “bottom-up” and “top-down”. In the bottom-up approach, complex structures are produced through the build-up of atoms or molecules [5-9]. While in the top-down approach, nanostructures are built from their macroscale counterparts without atomic-level control [10]. Today, nanotechnology offers the potential to create better materials with advanced properties for use in a variety of applications. When the dimensions of a substance are changed from macro to micro and then to nano, fundamental changes in the properties of the material occur [11, 12]. Nano products are used in various industries such as cosmetics, construction, electronics, and medicine [13]. The building and construction industry is one of the main consumers of nanoparticles in the world, which includes cement, concrete, glass, tiles, and so on. By combining nanoparticles and traditional building materials, exceptional properties can be achieved for the construction of long-span and super high-rise systems [11]. From an environmental point of view, climate change and the shortage of fossil fuels have led to increased interest and use of modern developments and new materials in various parts of the building with the aim of saving. In the meantime, the environmental and health hazards of these materials in the production, use, and recycling stages should be considered. Therefore, the need to study the life cycle of nanomaterials, especially in the construction sector, is increasingly felt. However, limited research is available on the long-term effects of nanomaterials on the environment and human health. Long-term adverse effects may be due to long-term exposure to nanoparticles, as well as the use of products containing nanoparticles [14]. The benefits of nanomaterials in construction materials have led to the elimination of their environmental hazards as environmental contaminants. This emphasizes the need for risk assessment and regulatory guidelines to ensure the safe use and disposal of nanoparticle-containing products [15].

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can dramatically improve mechanical durability by gluing concrete mixes, cementitious agents, and concrete aggregates to prevent crack propagation [16-18]. The Incorporation of carbon nanotubes as cracking bridges in ceramics can increase their mechanical strength and reduce their fragility, as well as improve their thermal properties [19-22].

SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) can be used as fillers to pack pores and reinforce concrete [17, 23]. Combining them with fly ash as an alternative to cement can also increase the mechanical properties of concrete [23]. Doping or coating with SiO₂ and TiO₂ NPs improves the performance of window glass, paving, walls, and roofs. The use of silica nanoparticles inside windows acts as an anti-reflective coating and leads to energy savings [24]. TiO₂-coated glass, walls, and roofs act as an antibacterial and self-cleaning agent to clean surfaces under solar irradiation [25,26]. In addition to its antibacterial properties by light, the super hydrophilic property of TiO₂ prevents the accumulation of dust on windows [27].

Nanoparticles released from construction materials can create toxicological risks for microorganisms as well as higher organisms through various mechanisms. Carbon nanotubes pose risks such as pulmonary toxicity, inflammation, fibrosis, and cell wall damage [28-31]. TiO₂ irradiated with UV light or sunlight produces ROS, which causes inflammation, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage in mammalian cells [32, 33]. SiO₂ NPs have been reported to exert carcinogenic activity [34]. Exposure to nano-sized SiO₂ triggers lipid peroxidation and membrane damage in human lung cancer cells [34] and induces tumor necrosis genes in rats [35].

Undoubtedly, future research trends will lead to the production of greener, lighter, less hazardous, stronger, and cleaner building materials that, in addition to having such properties, have less adverse effects on the environment and are also effective in reducing energy consumption. In this paper, an attempt has been made to estimate the amounts of nanomaterials used in the construction industry in Iran in recent years. Then the amounts of nanomaterials imported in different environments of water, air, soil, and municipal wastewater from 2015 to 2019 in Iran are estimated.

 

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study used a quantitative survey method as the data collection procedure to achieve the objectives. The respondents were selected based on purposive sampling and generally, they represent the various social groups in the country. The statistical population of the present study consists of reputable companies and factories active in the field of nanomaterials in Iran and 45 companies and factories have been selected as the statistical population. Before the actual data collection, a pilot test was performed to ensure the observational categories themselves are appropriate, exhaustive, discrete, unambiguous, and effectively operationalize the purpose of the research. The nanomaterials studied include nano-silica, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and iron oxide nanoparticles. After determining the total values of each nanoparticle or nanomaterial in each year and determining the life cycle of each nanomaterial, the values entered into different environments of water, soil, air, and wastewater are determined.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This section provides information on each of the NPs used in the construction industry that has been used in Iran in recent years. This information is related to some of the most important manufacturing or import companies in the field of nano in Iran. From this evaluation, it can be found that large quantities of nanomaterials are produced and imported into Iran annually.

 

Nano silica

Fig. 1 shows the production and importation of nano-silica (SiO₂) by domestic companies between 2015 and 2019. In addition to importations, some of these companies and factories also consume these NPs. In addition to universities and research institutes that produce small amounts of nano-silica, the most important companies producing nano-silica are Isatis, Padideh Shams Iranian, Silica Hamedan, Persian Silica, Sanat Avaran Vista, and Fadak Technology Complex. It can be seen from Fig. 1 that the production of nano-silica NPs has increased annually, which may be due to its widespread use in various industries. Nanosilica importers are mainly tile, glass, and concrete factories. Also, the import of nano-silica has decreased during these years, and this is due to the expansion of manufacturing companies and knowledge enterprises in the field of nano in Iran. The total quantity of silica NPs produced in Iran was 975, 1120, 1335, 1565, and 1820 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 1625, 1470, 1280, 1090, and 884 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively.

 

TiO₂ nanoparticles

 The most important companies producing TiO2 NPs in Iran are Nano Vahed Sanat Persia,  Namago, and Pars Nanomaterials. Fig. 2 shows the production and importation of  TiO₂ NPs by domestic companies between 2015-2019. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the production of this nanoparticle did not change much between 2015 to 2017, but after 2017, the production of TiO₂NPs increased. Tile factories are the largest consumers and importers of  TiO₂ NPs and this is due to the high self-cleaning properties of these nanoparticles and their application in the tile industry. In addition, imports of these nanoparticles decreased between 2015-2019. The total quantity of  TiO₂ NPs produced in Iran was 240, 255, 280, 355, and 450 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 1725, 1455, 1280, 1100, and 915 from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The results show that during these few years, the amount of imports of NPs has been more than its production.

 

Carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are manufactured by a limited number of companies. The two major manufacturers are Pishro Structure Carbon Nanotechnology and Poya Nanopowder. Fig. 3 shows the total production of carbon nanotubes in Iran between 2015-2019. As can be seen in the Fig. 3, the production of carbon nanotubes increased between 2015-2019.

Carbon nanotubes are used to prepare self-healing and intelligent concretes as well as to increase the mechanical properties of concrete. Therefore, the two major importers of carbon nanotubes are Omran Soft and Fars Cement construction companies. Fig. 3 shows the amount of imports of carbon nanotubes by these two companies between 2015 to 2019. The increase in imports of carbon nanotubes shows that the consumption of nanotubes in the construction industry has increased rapidly in recent years. The total quantity of carbon nanotubes produced in Iran was 15, 25, 34, 35, and 46 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 90, 105, 125, 140, and 150 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The results show that during these few years, the amount of imports of nanoparticles has been more than its production.

 

Fe2O3 nanoparticles

Fig. 4 shows the productions and importations of iron oxide NPs by domestic companies, including Beton Plast Company, Dorostkar Trading Company, Zanjan Cement Company, and Kimia Company, Kimia Pajooh Afagh Kavir Company between 2015 and 2019. Unlike other nanomaterials, imports of iron oxide NPs have increased in recent years. The total quantity of Fe₂O₃ NPs produced in Iran was 190, 230, 320, 470, and 550 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 450, 550, 648, 720, and 849 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively.

 

The effect of nanomaterials on different environments

According to the production and importation of SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃   NPs, and carbon nanotubes in Iran, the amounts of nanomaterials imported into the water, air, soil, and municipal wastewater can be approximated annually. Therefore, by determining the concentration of nanomaterials in the environment, the amount of their biological pollution can be estimated. Sun et.al [36, 37] estimated the production distribution and production volume of nanoparticles in Europe approximately. Data were obtained based on NP market projections, nanotechnology patent analysis, and direct NP production. Sun e.al [36, 37] calculated the fraction of nanoparticles that enter the environment at the stage of production, release, use, and average lifetime based on the degree of belief (DOB). Therefore, based on the results collected in this paper from the volume of nanoparticles produced and Sum’s results, the percentage of nanoparticles entered into the environment is estimated.

Nanomaterials in suspension in water or other liquids can be discharged into the environment for domestic, urban, or industrial use. The nanomaterials are then transported towards wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The sludge from wastewater treatment in WWTPs is generally spread onto the soil. WWTPs, therefore, play an important part in controlling the dispersion of nanomaterials into the environment.

Fig 5 shows the concentration of different nanoparticles in water, air, soil, and municipal wastewater environments from 2015 to 2019 on a case-by-case basis. The highest amount entering the environment is related to water and the lowest is related to soil and wastewater. By installing special filters and recycling, the concentration of nanoparticles in the environment can be reduced; however, due to the small size of the particles, no filter has been made so far to remove all nanoparticles.

This study shows that the highest concentrations of nanoparticles in different environments are SiO₂, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, and carbon nanotube, respectively. Fig. 5 shows that the concentration of silica NPs in different environments has increased slightly during five years. The concentration of TiO₂ NPs, carbon nanotubes, and Fe₂O₃ NPs in different environments has increased with a gentle slope during five years. This could be due to the increasing use of these nanoparticles in the industry without control and the lack of appropriate filters to prevent nanoparticles from entering the environment. The results of this study show that during five years, the concentrations of SiO₂, TiO₂ NPs, carbon nanotube, and Fe₂O₃ NPs have increased by about 4%, 30%, 28%, and 45% in water and %11, 16%, 27% and 29% in air, respectively. Also, their concentrations in soil % were 23, 18%, 43%, and 52%; and in municipal wastewater %30, 27%, 37%, and 61%, respectively.

To conclude, nanoparticles are already being introduced into the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and the development of nanotechnologies will likely result in these additions growing, both in quantity and in diversity. Assessment of the future environmental consequences should take into consideration the nature and the scale of the sources, the transfer mechanisms and paths (atmosphere, runoff, direct discharge), the storage compartments (water, soil, sediment), the target species, and the effects on the different populations exposed. By burning waste containing nanomaterials, they can enter the atmosphere. By using nano filters, large amounts of them can be prevented from entering the atmosphere.

 

CONCLUSIONS

The total quantity of silica NPs produced in Iran was 975, 1120, 1335, 1565, and 1820 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 1625, 1470, 1280, 1090, and 884 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The total quantity of TiO₂ NPs produced in Iran was 240, 255, 280, 355, and 450 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 1725, 1455, 1280, 1100, and 915 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The results show that during these few years, the importation of nanoparticles has been more than its production. The total quantity of carbon nanotubes produced in Iran was 15, 25, 34, 35, and 46 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 90, 105, 125, 140, and 150 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The total quantity of Fe₂O₃ NP produced in Iran was 190, 230, 320, 470, and 550 tons; and the total quantity imported into Iran was 450, 550, 648, 720, and 849 tons from 2015 to 2019, respectively. The results of this study show that during five years, the concentrations of SiO₂, TiO₂, carbon nanotube, and Fe₂O₃ NPs have increased by about 4%, 30%, 28%, and 45% in water and %11, 16%, 27% and 29% in air, respectively. Also, their concentrations in soil % were 23, 18%, 43%, and 52%; and in municipal wastewater %30, 27%, 37%, and 61%, respectively.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

مراجع

1. National Nanotechnology Initiative. What It Is and How It Works | Nano. Nano.gov. Published 2019. https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what.
2. US Environmental Protection Agency nanotechnology white paper.
3. Fakharpour M, Babaei F, Savaloni H. Engineering Mn as Tetragonal-Like Helical Sculptured Thin Film for Broadband Absorption. Plasmonics. 2016;11(6):1579-1587. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-016-0213-6
4. Fakharpour M. The effect of slope and number of arms on the structural properties of square tower-like manganese thin films. Journal of Nanoanalysis. 2021;8(1):7-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.22034/jna.2021.681544
5. Fakharpour M, Gholizadeh Arashti M, Musazade Meybodi MT. Electrical Characterization of zig-zag Aluminum Thin Films Using Experimental and Theoretical Methods. Journal of Optoelectronical Nanostructures. 2021;6(3):25-42. doi:https://doi.org/10.30495/JOPN.2021.27468.1218
6. Fakharpour M, Savaloni H. Fabrication of graded helical square tower-like Mn sculptured thin films and investigation of their electrical properties: comparison with perturbation theory. Iranian physical journal. 2017;11(2):109-117. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40094-017-0242-3
7. Gholizadeh Arashti M, Fakharpour M. Fabrication and characterization of Al/glass zig-zag thin film, comparing to the discrete dipole approximation results. The European Physical Journal B. 2020;93(5):78. doi:https://doi.org/10.1140/epjb/e2020-100581-0
8. Fakharpour Mahsa, Taheri Ghazal. Fabrication of Al zigzag thin films and evaluation of mechanical and hydrophobic properties. Applied Physics A. 2020;126(8):621. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-020-03773-2
9. Fakharpour M, Hadi M. Temperature and substrate effect on the electrical and structural properties of NiO columnar nanostructure. Applied Physics A. 2023;129(3):234. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-023-06454-y
10. Biscarini F, Taliani C, Chen J, Komanduri R. Nanomanufacturing and Processing-Research, Education, Infrastructure, Security, Resource. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering-transactions of The Asme. 2002;124(2):489-490. doi:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1471359
11. Sobolev K, Shah SP. Nanotechnology in Construction. Springer; 2015.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17088-6
12. Yang G, Park SJ. Conventional and Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis and Application of Functional Materials: A Review. Materials. 2019;12(7):1177. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12071177
13. Lee J, Mahendra S, Alvarez PJ. Nanomaterials in the Construction Industry: A Review of Their Applications and Environmental Health and Safety Considerations. ACS nano. 2010;4(7):3580-3590. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/nn100866w
14. Calle D la, Menta M, Séby F. Current trends and challenges in sample preparation for metallic nanoparticles analysis in daily products and environmental samples: A review. Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy. 2016;125:66-96. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2016.09.007
15. Lee J, Mahendra S, Alvarez PJJ. Potential Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nanomaterials Used in the Construction Industry. Nanotechnology in Construction 3. Published online 2009:1-14. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00980-8_1
16. Ge Z, Gao Z. Applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in construction. In: First Inter. Confer. Construc. Develop. Countries. ; 2008:235-240.
17. Sobolev K, Gutiérrez MF. How nanotechnology can change the concrete world. American Ceramic Society Bulletin. 2005;84(10):14.
18. Sáez de Ibarra Y, Gaitero JJ, Erkizia E, Campillo I. Atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation of cement pastes with nanotube dispersions. Physica Status Solidi A-applications and Materials Science. 2006;203(6):1076-1081. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.200566166
19. Luo T, Liang T xiang, Li C sheng. Addition of carbon nanotubes during the preparation of zirconia nanoparticles: influence on structure and phase composition. Powder Technology. 2004;139(2):118-122. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2003.12.001
20. Fakharpour M, Karimi R. Electromagnetic wave absorption properties of MWCNTs-COOH/cement composites with different shapes of chiral, armchair and zigzag. Fullerenes, Nanotubes and Carbon Nanostructures. 2020;29(5):386-393. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2020.1849148
21. Fakharpour M, Gholizadeh Arashti M. Effect of three MWCNTs-COOH (chiral, zigzag and armchair) on the mechanical properties and water absorption of cement-based composites. Fullerenes, Nanotubes, and Carbon Nanostructures. 2023;31(5):404-411. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/1536383X.2023.2169274
22. Mohajeri Nav F, Fakharpour M, Gholizadeh Arashti M. Structural Performance of CNT-Reinforced Cementitious Materials Considering the Effect of Chirality of Nanotubes. Journal of Testing and Evaluation. 2021;50(1):20200474-20200474. doi: https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20200474
23. Li G. Properties of high-volume fly ash concrete incorporating nano-SiO2. Cement and Concrete Research. 2004;34(6):1043-1049. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.11.013
24. Rana AK, Rana SB, Kumari A, Kiran V. Significance of nanotechnology in construction engineering. International Journal of Recent Trends in Engineering. 2009;1(4):46.
25. Zhu W, Bartos PJM, Porro A. Application of nanotechnology in construction. Materials and Structures. 2004;37(9):649-658. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02483294
26. Irie H, Sunada K, Hashimoto K. Recent Developments in TiO2 Photocatalysis: Novel Applications to Interior Ecology Materials and Energy Saving Systems. Electrochemistry. 2004;72(12):807-812. doi: https://doi.org/10.5796/electrochemistry.72.807
27. Golshan V, Mirjalili F, Fakharpour M. Self-Cleaning Surfaces with Superhydrophobicity of Ag-TiO2 Nanofilms on the Floor Ceramic Tiles. Glass Physics and Chemistry. 2022;48(1):35-42. doi: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1087659622010059
28. Kang S, Mauter MS, Elimelech M. Microbial Cytotoxicity of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Implications for River Water and Wastewater Effluent. Environmental Science & Technology. 2009;43(7):2648-2653. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/es8031506
29. Kang S, Pinault M, Pfefferle LD, Elimelech M. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Exhibit Strong Antimicrobial Activity. Langmuir. 2007;23(17):8670-8673. doi: https://doi.org/10.1021/la701067r
30. Kang S, Herzberg M, Rodrigues DF, Elimelech M. Antibacterial Effects of Carbon Nanotubes: Size Does Matter! Langmuir. 2008;24(13):6409-6413. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/la800951v
31. Kang S, Mauter MS, Elimelech M. Physicochemical Determinants of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Bacterial Cytotoxicity. Environmental Science & Technology. 2008;42(19):7528-7534. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/es8010173
32. Sayes CM, Wahi R, Kurian PA, et al. Correlating Nanoscale Titania Structure with Toxicity: A Cytotoxicity and Inflammatory Response Study with Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Human Lung Epithelial Cells. Toxicological Sciences. 2006;92(1):174-185. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfj197
33. Zhu X, Zhu L, Duan Z, Qi R, Li Y, Lang Y. Comparative toxicity of several metal oxide nanoparticle aqueous suspensions to Zebrafish (Danio rerio) early developmental stage. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A. 2008;43(3):278-284. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10934520701792779
34. Cancer (IARC) IA for R on. Silica, some silicates, Coal dust, and para-Aramid Fibrils. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. 1997;68. Accessed January 14, 2024. https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1574231874305535744
35. Attik G, Brown RC, Jackson P, Creutzenberg O, Aboukhamis I, Rihn B. Internalization, Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression in Rat Alveolar Macrophages Exposed to Various Dusts Occurring in the Ceramics Industry. Inhalation Toxicology. 2008;20(12):1101-1112. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/08958370802136731
36. Sun TY, Bornhöft NA, Hungerbühler K, Nowack B. Dynamic Probabilistic Modeling of Environmental Emissions of Engineered Nanomaterials. Environmental Science & Technology. 2016;50(9):4701-4711. doi:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b05828
37. Sun TY, Gottschalk F, Hungerbühler K, Nowack B. Comprehensive probabilistic modelling of environmental emissions of engineered nanomaterials. Environmental Pollution. 2014;185:69-76. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2013.10.004