Environmental Nanotechnology: Predicting the Interaction of Artificial Nanoparticles with Natural Environments

CSIRO scientist Dr Amanda Barnard has been awarded the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Environmental Research Award at the 21st annual Banksia Foundation Awards, held on Friday evening, 24 July 2009. Below is some information on her work on nanotechnology.

Dr. Amanda Barnard, CSIRO

Environmental Nanotechnology: Predicting the Interaction of Artificial Nanoparticles with Natural Environments

As we search for solutions to our future energy needs, carbon emissions, global warming, industrial toxins, and disease, it is clear that keeping the balance between technological development and environmental protection has never been harder.

Nanoscale materials, only millionths of a millimetre in size, may offer solutions to our biggest problems. However, care is needed as these new ‘nanoparticles’ are largely untested, are (literally) unique on an atomic scale, and we have little or no historical data to guide assumptions regarding the possible risks.

Using highly accurate supercomputer simulations, Dr Amanda Barnard's research focuses on predicting the environmental stability of nanoparticles, to understand how these tiny artificial pieces of matter interact with natural ecosystems.

Dr Amanda Barnard is an internationally renowned scientist, with many years experience in predicting the properties of dozens of different nanoparticles. Her ground-breaking theoretical models can see a path through the complexity of this problem, and investigate situations that experiments cannot.

As more and more nanoparticles are produced in laboratories, and introduced into everyday products, Dr Barnard’s predictive model will be in great demand, but priority number one is to understand what happens when nanoparticles are exposed to our most precious resources, air and water.

Source

** If you enjoyed this post please also check out:

What is nanotechnology?

History of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology - risks and benefits

Nanotechnology and Climate Change

UK and US attitudes to nanotechnology

Nanotechnology - more information

COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME !!

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So please, tell us what you think.

Some Australian Nanotechnology Information

Here is some great information on Australian nanotechnolgy from the Australian Government (Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research):

• Including a new report on Australian community attitudes on nanotechnology;
• Some great links to some background information on nanotechnology; and
• Details of how to contact the Gene and Nanotechnology Information Service (for all you nano-needs).

Community Awareness Survey

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On 4 August 2008, the Government released the "Australian Community Attitudes Held about Nanotechnology – Trends 2005-2008" report.

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This public awareness survey was commissioned to assess the Australian public's knowledge of and views about nanotechnology. This report compares changes of attitudes from 2005 and 2007 to 2008, and demonstrates that since then, the number of respondents who see the benefits of nanotechnology as outweighing the risks has increased from 39% to 53%, among other key findings.
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A summary of the key points in the public attitude study can be downloaded here.

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Background nanotechnology information

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Nanotechnology - working with the smallest things

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Measurement challenges in nanotechnology
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NICNAS Information Sheet on Nanomaterials
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Small Particles, Nanotechnology and Food
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CSIRO Nanoparticles Information Sheet
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Journey into the nano-world

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Nanotechnology (Freecall within Australia) Information Service

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The Gene and Nanotechnology Information Service provides a freecall information service for any enquiries about nanotechnology, or can be accessed by email. The Service, a partnership with the University of Melbourne, also provides outreach activities, such as expert speakers for schools and community groups and public displays. (Website under development).

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1800 631 276 or email gtis-australia@unimelb.edu.au

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Media Releases

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Also available is a list of the Australian Office of Nanotechnology's Nano related media releases

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**If you enjoyed this post please also check out:

What is nanotechnology?
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History of Nanotechnology
.
Nanotechnology - risks and benefits

Nanotechnology in New South Wales

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Public Participation in Environmental Assessment and Decision Making
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COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME !!
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So please, tell us what you think.

Nanotechnology in New South Wales

I was looking for some information on the state of play with regard to nanotechnology in Australia and I found this (although it has no link or date - the nanotechnology enquiry was established in December 2007) .

Nanotechnology Risks and Benefits to Come under Scrutiny by Parliamentary Inquiry in Australia by NSW State Government

As part of its continuing efforts to better understand the potential risks and benefits associated with nanotechnology, the NSW Government has initiated a parliamentary inquiry into this relatively new field of scientific endeavour – becoming the first Australian state or territory to do so.

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic or molecular level – lengths equivalent to 1/100,000th the diameter of a human hair.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Verity Firth said nanotechnology has the very real potential to transform many sectors of the NSW economy, leading to new products, new businesses, new jobs and even new industries.

“Nanotechnology offers the promise of breakthroughs that will revolutionise the way we detect and treat disease; monitor and protect the environment; and produce and store energy,” said Ms Firth.

“But before the technology’s full potential can be released, safety and ethical concerns need to be assessed by governments.”

Some groups have already raised anxieties about the technology’s possible negative implications for human health and the natural environment.

“That’s why I’ve written to the Legislative Council's Standing Committee for State Development asking it to investigate the potential environmental, health, safety, legal and ethical implications or uncertainties that may arise from the development and use of nano-material and products,” said Ms Firth.

“As the use of man-made nano-materials become more common, we want to make sure they will not have unexpected consequences for people or the environment.

“The inquiry will seek to reassure the community as well as make sure the Government’s regulatory arrangements are both adequate and appropriate.

“Ultimately we want a balanced and informed approach to nanotechnology.”

Source

Anyway, I thought I should see if the final report had been released yet. It has!! Here it is "Nanotechnology in New South Wales". It was released in October 2008. I am going to have a look at it tonight (should be good reading). Hopefully a few posts will follow - I will report back soon.

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Also check out:

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Some Australian Nanotechnology Information

**If you enjoyed this post please also check out:

What is nanotechnology?
.
History of Nanotechnology
.
Nanotechnology - risks and benefits

Nanotechnology and Climate Change

COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME !!
.
So please, tell us what you think.

Nanotechnology and Society

I just found this site NanoVic
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Nanotechnology Victoria Pty Ltd which they describe themselves as "the key organization for delivering nanotechnology research outcomes to Victorian industry".
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It contain some good stuff on the risks of nanotechnology, consumer issues, governance and the role of the Australian government in nanotechnology.
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http://www.nanovic.com.au/index.php?a=about_nanovic
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Please check out my environmental blog Random Man on Planet Earth