ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8705-9229
Current Organisation
The University of Auckland
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Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-04-2014
DOI: 10.1021/JF500232F
Abstract: Nanopesticides or nano plant protection products represent an emerging technological development that, in relation to pesticide use, could offer a range of benefits including increased efficacy, durability, and a reduction in the amounts of active ingredients that need to be used. A number of formulation types have been suggested including emulsions (e.g., nanoemulsions), nanocapsules (e.g., with polymers), and products containing pristine engineered nanoparticles, such as metals, metal oxides, and nanoclays. The increasing interest in the use of nanopesticides raises questions as to how to assess the environmental risk of these materials for regulatory purposes. Here, the current approaches for environmental risk assessment of pesticides are reviewed and the question of whether these approaches are fit for purpose for use on nanopesticides is addressed. Potential adaptations to existing environmental risk assessment tests and procedures for use with nanopesticides are discussed, addressing aspects such as analysis and characterization, environmental fate and exposure assessment, uptake by biota, ecotoxicity, and risk assessment of nanopesticides in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Throughout, the main focus is on assessing whether the presence of the nanoformulation introduces potential differences relative to the conventional active ingredients. The proposed changes in the test methodology, research priorities, and recommendations would facilitate the development of regulatory approaches and a regulatory framework for nanopesticides.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1039/D1EN00213A
Abstract: Different Cu formulations and soil pre-incubation regime can significantly impact the short-term availability of Cu in soil.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/EN18279
Abstract: Environmental contextThere are great concerns around current wide usage of copper-based agrochemicals. We compare the fate of nano- and conventional forms of copper, in particular their resistance to wash-off by rain (rainfastness), following their application to citrus leaves. Results showing large differences between the formulations in the amount and forms of copper washed from the leaves provide essential information to optimise agrochemical efficacy while minimising the environmental impact. AbstractThis study compares the rainfastness of nine forms of Cu, including nano and conventional Cu-based fungicide formulations, as well as their salt or bulk equivalents. Rainfastness is the ability to resist wash-off it is a key property for improving pesticide formulations and for assessing the potential transfer of pesticides to the soil. A new protocol was developed to characterise losses of Cu from treated leaves. It consisted of dipping the leaves in rainwater and then in an acid/ethanol mixture followed by size fractionation. The proportion of Cu lost by wash-off from citrus leaves ranged from & % (Tribasic, nCuO or Cu(OH)2) up to 93% (CuSO4) of the initial amount of Cu applied. Intermediate Cu losses were observed for formulations with silica (nano)particles (9–14% of applied Cu), Kocide (22%), Ch DP (31%), and a formulation with graphene oxide (47%). Smaller particles generally resulted in less wash-off, possibly due to stronger attachment to the leaf surface, but other factors such as the particle shape and solubility also played an essential role. The retention of nCuO to the leaves was particularly high, and the exact mechanisms involved (e.g. foliar uptake) deserve further work. Most of the Cu was washed off in its ionic form (& %). Two Cu formulations (one commercial formulation and the formulation with graphene oxide) also showed wash off in significant proportions of Cu (~17%) in the nano-sized fraction. This study provides essential information on the amounts and forms of Cu that may reach the soil after the application of Cu-based agrochemicals. The great ersity in behaviour across the range of formulations considered highlights the need for more systematic research to fully exploit the potential improvements of current agrochemicals through (nano)formulation technologies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2019.124558
Abstract: Graphene-based nanomaterials (GNMs) have been touted as miracle materials due to their extraordinary properties that can benefit many industries, including in agriculture and for environmental remediation. While improvement in nutrient delivery and the ability to adsorb environmental contaminants have been demonstrated, what happens to GNMs in soil is a question that has not been addressed. The main aim of this study was to investigate their degradation in soil to have a better understanding of their environmental fate. Using radioisotope techniques, this study assessed the potential mineralisation and release of graphene oxide (GO), one of the most commonly used forms of graphene. Results revealed that the conversion of GO to carbon dioxide was negligible (<2%) in microbially-active soils. GO remaining in soil was also not readily released by water extractions. The lack of mineralisation and release is indicative of GO's high (bio)degradation stability which is likely due to its limited availability resulting from its rapid homo/hetero-aggregation. Over-all, the results provide new and important information on the environmental fate of graphene nanomaterials applied to soils.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 24-07-2019
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 16-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-05-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41565-018-0131-1
Abstract: Among a wide range of possible applications of nanotechnology in agriculture, there has been a particular interest in developing novel nanoagrochemicals. While some concerns have been expressed regarding altered risk profile of the new products, many foresee a great potential to support the necessary increase in global food production in a sustainable way. A critical evaluation of nanoagrochemicals against conventional analogues is essential to assess the associated benefits and risks. In this assessment, recent literature was critically analysed to determine the extent to which nanoagrochemicals differ from conventional products. Our analysis was based on 78 published papers and shows that median gain in efficacy relative to conventional products is about 20-30%. Environmental fate of agrochemicals can be altered by nanoformulations, but changes may not necessarily translate in a reduction of the environmental impact. Many studies lacked nano-specific quality assurance and adequate controls. Currently, there is no comprehensive study in the literature that evaluates efficacy and environmental impact of nanoagrochemicals under field conditions. This is a crucial knowledge gap and more work will thus be necessary for a sound evaluation of the benefits and new risks that nanoagrochemicals represent relative to existing products.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 23-12-2021
Abstract: People spend increasing amounts of time at home, yet the indoor home environment remains understudied in terms of potential exposure to toxic trace metals. We evaluated trace metal (and metalloid) concentrations (As, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and health risks in indoor dust from homes from 35 countries, along with a suite of potentially contributory residential characteristics. The objective was to determine trace metal source inputs and home environment conditions associated with increasing exposure risk across a range of international communities. For all countries, enrichments compared to global crustal values were Zn > Pb > Cu > As > Cr > Ni with the greatest health risk from Cr, followed by As > Pb > Mn > Cu > Ni > Zn. Three main indoor dust sources were identified, with a Pb-Zn-As factor related to legacy Pb sources, a Zn-Cu factor reflecting building materials, and a Mn factor indicative of natural soil sources. Increasing home age was associated with greater Pb and As concentrations (5.0 and 0.48 mg/kg per year of home age, respectively), as were peeling paint and garden access. Therefore, these factors form important considerations for the development of evidence-based management strategies to reduce potential risks posed by indoor house dust. Recent findings indicate neurocognitive effects from low concentrations of metal exposures hence, an understanding of the home exposome is vital.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0EN00271B
Abstract: A better recognition of the agronomic context and geographical differences, including economic, political and social constrains, are needed to support the development of viable and sustainable nano-innovations in agriculture.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: France
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Melanie Kah.