Suggestion of Physicochemical Characteristics and Safety Management in the Waste Containing Nanomaterials from Engineered Nano-materials Manufacturing Plants and Waste Treatment Facilities
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) can be released to humans and the environment through the generation of waste containing engineered nanomaterials (WCNMs) and the use and disposal of nano-products. Nanoparticles can also be introduced intentionally or unintentionally into waste streams. This study examined WCNMs in domestic industries, and target nanomaterials, such as silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, nano silver, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), were selected. We tested 48 samples, such as dust, sludge, ash, and by-products from manufacturing facilities and waste treatment facilities. We analyzed leaching and content concentrations for heavy metals and hazardous constituents of the waste. Chemical compositions were also measured by XRD and XRF, and the unique properties of nano-waste were identified by using a particle size distribution analyzer and TEM. The dust and sludge generated from manufacturing facilities and the use of nanomaterials showed higher concentrations of metals such as lead, arsenic, chromium, barium, and zinc. Oiled cloths from facilities using nano silver revealed high concentrations of copper, and the leaching concentrations of copper and lead in fly ash were higher than those in bottom ash. In XRF measurements at the facilities, we detected compounds such as silicon dioxide, sulfur trioxide, calcium oxide, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. We found several chemicals such as calcium oxide and silicon dioxide in the bottom ash of waste incinerators.