Absolute environmental sustainability assessment of novel entities

Our planet is facing significant challenges due to human activities, and understanding the full extent of these impacts is crucial. One way scientists are tackling this is through the concept of planetary boundaries (PBs), which define the safe limits within which humanity can operate without causing severe environmental damage to our planet. These boundaries are, however, mainly based on estimates and uncertainties and thus more research is needed within the area.

A key area of concern is the PB for novel entities, which includes materials created by humans such as nanomaterials, plastics, and chemicals. These materials have revolutionised industries such as agriculture, medicine, and manufacturing, but their increasing use and release into the environment poses a threat to our environment and thus also us.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is one such material, which we do not know everything about. ENMs are tiny particles, less than 100 nanometres in size, that due to human activities are released into water, soil, and air. Despite their small size, they can travel long distances and accumulate in the environment, potentially causing harm to both ecosystems and human health. The full extent of their impact is not yet fully understood, and the pathways through which they spread are not well quantified.

This project aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by quantifying the pressure on the environment from ENMs and defining a safe operating space for ENMs. It also aims to help decision-makers with information needed to develop effective regulations for managing nanomaterial emissions, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for us all.