title: Simulation tool for assessing the release and environmental distribution of nanomaterials.
abstract: An integrated simulation tool was developed for assessing the potential release and environmental distribution of nanomaterials (RedNano) based on a life cycle assessment approach and multimedia compartmental modeling coupled with mechanistic intermedia transport processes. The RedNano simulation tool and its web-based software implementation enables rapid "what-if?" scenario analysis, in order to assess the response of an environmental system to various release scenarios of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). It also allows for the investigation of the impact of geographical and meteorological parameters on ENM distribution in the environment, comparison of the impact of ENM production and potential releases on different regions, and estimation of source release rates based on monitored ENM concentrations. Moreover, the RedNano simulation tool is suitable for research, academic, and regulatory purposes. Specifically, it has been used in environmental multimedia impact assessment courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The RedNano simulation tool can also serve as a decision support tool to rapidly and critically assess the potential environmental implications of ENMs and thus ensure that nanotechnology is developed in a productive and environmentally responsible manner.
authors.affiliation: Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA ; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Haoyang Haven
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bilal
authors.affiliation: Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 91306, USA.
authors.forename: Anastasiya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lazareva
authors.affiliation: Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA ; Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 91306, USA.
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.affiliation: Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA ; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
authors.forename: Yoram
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cohen
keywords: engineered nanomaterials; environmental exposure assessment; life cycle assessment; nanoinformatics; web-based simulation tool