The increasing manufacture of nanoproducts and plastics has resulted in a significant concern regarding unknown chronic effects upon exposure of nanomaterials and nanoplastic particles to humans. Indeed, nanoparticles and nano-sized plastic debris are found everywhere, in the environmental media via various sources including consumer products and transport pathways. Because of the heterogeneous properties of nanomaterials and nanoplastics, addressing toxicity becomes a challenging issue, particularly with regard to emerging contaminants of concern (e.g., superbugs) adsorbed on nanomaterials and nanoplastics. This presentation provides three objectives, namely (1) toxicity assessment of nanomaterials and nanoplastics (2) exploring toxicity mechanisms of antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorption on nano-sized particles, and (3) addressing environmental and public health risks of nanomaterials and plastic debris. Data from recent publications were used to address the aforementioned three objectives. A case study on antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorbed nanomaterials will be illustrated in this presentation. Given the review on antibiotic-resistant superbugs adsorbed nanomaterials, the development of green strategies and the application of biodegradable materials to the manufacture of consumer products are encouraged.
Joo is currently co-leading the Plastic-Free Specialized Graduate School at the University of Seoul. She was an Environmental Engineering Professor at the University of Miami, Florida USA, and is an affiliate of the Dr. John T. McDonald Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute. She has over 20 years of experience in Environmental Engineering and Science. She has expertise in the field of Environmental Nanotechnology, Toxicity Assessment of Nanomaterials, and Innovative Processes of Water/Wastewater Treatment. She is a recipient of multiple awards and has published research and review papers in prominent scientific journals and is the author of books.
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