Topic: Nanomaterials in the Aquatic Environment: Distribution, Interactions and Ecological Impacts

The presence of nanomaterials in the environment is not a recent development. Early applications included their use in ceramic reinforcement and dye production. However, their wide applications and multiple uses -nowadays- have generated an increase in engineered nanomaterials in environmental compartments. About 7% of global production is considered to find its way into the aquatic systems (Keller et al., 2013). Nanomaterials encompass a great number of compounds with different compositions, chemical structures, physicochemical characteristics, and toxicity. Consequently, there is a growing concern about how nanoparticles disperse, interact with aquatic species, and induce toxic effects. In response to these open questions and information gaps, nanotoxicology is focused on the toxic effects of nanomaterials, and various approaches and strategies have been employed. In this special issue, we are going to provide an overview of different techniques, case studies, and approaches aimed at assessing the environmental impact of nanomaterials.

 • Distribution and migration pathways of nanomaterials in aquatic environments;
 • Interactions between nanomaterials and other components in water (such as dissolved organic matter, heavy metals, etc.);
 • Ecological impacts and biotoxicity of nanomaterials on aquatic ecosystems;
 • Ecological risk assessment and management strategies of nanomaterials;
 • Applications and potential impacts of nanomaterials in water treatment and environmental remediation;
 • Methods and technologies for environmental monitoring of nanomaterials;
 • Long-term behavior and effects tracking studies of nanomaterials in aquatic environments;
 • Impacts of nanomaterials on microbial communities and ecological functions in water bodies;
 • Accumulation and bioaccumulation effects of nanomaterials in aquatic environments;
 • Effects of nanomaterials on ecological processes in aquatic ecosystems (such as nutrient cycling, biodiversity, etc.).